Concurrent Multi-Power Supply Control for Data Centers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data centers face challenges in efficiently managing power from multiple sources, including disruptions and high costs, due to traditional power management systems that lack granular control and redundancy, especially during primary power source failures or high demand periods.
Innovation Solution
A power system that concurrently powers equipment from multiple sources, allowing dynamic control of the power ratio between primary and secondary power sources, with automatic fallback protection, using a power system controller to adjust DC output voltages and manage power distribution based on cost, availability, and demand response programs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional power management systems are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but granular control over power ratio and redundancy capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the output voltages of multiple power supplies and dynamically adjusting their target voltages to maintain the desired power ratio. The controller receives feedback on actual power distribution and modifies power supply settings accordingly, enabling granular control while maintaining system stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic adjustment of power ratios by changing target output voltages of power supplies in real-time based on operational conditions, cost factors, and availability. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt power distribution without requiring complex manual reconfiguration, balancing control granularity with operational simplicity.
2Reliability
If multiple power supplies operate concurrently without control, then power availability is increased, but uncontrolled power distribution causes instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains power distribution stability by dynamically adjusting the target output voltage parameter of power supplies. By changing this critical parameter, the controller ensures that power supplies operate at optimal points and maintains a stable power ratio despite concurrent operation of multiple supplies, preventing instability while preserving high availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between multiple power supplies and the load, mediating their concurrent operation. It coordinates the power outputs of multiple supplies and distributes power in a controlled manner, enabling high availability through multiple sources while maintaining stability through centralized coordination.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic power ratio adjustment is implemented, then adaptability to cost and availability changes is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves adaptability through dynamic adjustment of power ratios based on real-time conditions such as power availability and cost factors. The controller automatically modifies target voltages and power distribution in response to changing conditions, providing versatility without requiring complex manual intervention or reconfiguration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system operates autonomously by monitoring power supply conditions and automatically adjusting power ratios in response to availability and cost changes. This self-service capability allows the system to adapt to varying conditions without external control, enhancing versatility while keeping the control mechanism relatively simple through automated decision-making.
4Reliability
If automatic fallback protection is implemented, then reliability against failures is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements preliminary action by pre-configuring fallback protection mechanisms and automatically activating them upon failure detection. The controller is prepared in advance to redistribute power loads to alternative supplies, ensuring continuous operation without requiring complex manual intervention during failure events, thus improving reliability with minimal added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Automatic fallback protection is achieved through feedback monitoring of power supply status. When a failure is detected, the system receives feedback on the degraded state and automatically adjusts power distribution to utilize available supplies, providing redundancy without requiring complex manual failover procedures. The feedback loop enables simple yet effective automatic protection.
Data Source
AI summary
Technology for concurrently powering equipment from multiple power sources, and the control thereof is disclosed. One example implementation of the technology includes a first power supply that powers equipment from a first power source and a second power supply that also powers the equipment from a second power source while the equipment is being powered by the first power supply. A target direct current (DC) output voltage of at least one of the power supplies is changed, thereby changing a ratio of the power being drawn from the first power supply to the power being drawn from the second power supply.