DC Bus Power Aggregation for Stranded Data Center Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In data centers, unused power capacity from multiple independent electrical systems is often stranded due to asymmetrical power delivery capacities, preventing the aggregation and redistribution of excess power to new or existing loads.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a power system that includes converters with rectifiers and inverters to aggregate both AC and DC power from independent electrical systems, converting it to DC for distribution to loads, and a power controller to allocate power based on generation and consumption data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple independent electrical systems with asymmetrical power delivery capacities are used, then each system can operate independently with its own power block, but the unused power capacity from each system cannot be aggregated and redistributed to new loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent electrical systems through a common DC bus architecture. Converters from different power blocks (with asymmetrical AC capacities) are connected to the shared DC bus, enabling aggregation of unused power capacity. This allows the system to combine resources while maintaining independent operation of each electrical system, resolving the contradiction between independence and aggregatability.
Solution Approach 2:
The DC bus acts as an intermediary between independent electrical systems with asymmetrical power delivery capacities. By converting AC power to DC and interfacing through the common DC bus, the system enables power aggregation and redistribution without requiring direct connection between asymmetrical AC sources, thus maintaining independence while enabling versatility.
2Productivity
If power blocks are designed with discrete maximum power capacities, then each block can be sized appropriately for its connected load, but stranded power capacity cannot be leveraged to support additional loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines unused power capacity from multiple power blocks through a common DC bus. Individual blocks maintain their discrete maximum power capacities for appropriate sizing, but the DC bus aggregation enables the facility to leverage the sum of remaining consolidated excess capacity to support new loads, eliminating stranded power and reducing energy loss.
3Loss of energy
If converters aggregate AC power to DC at a rectifier, then unused AC power can be recaptured, but the system complexity increases with multiple converters and rectifiers
Solution Approach 1:
The DC bus serves multiple functions: it aggregates power from various sources (AC and DC), distributes power to loads, and enables energy storage integration. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing system complexity while enabling comprehensive power recapture and redistribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing converters (necessary for UPS and power conversion) to also perform the additional function of aggregating unused power to the DC bus. Rather than adding dedicated aggregation equipment, the existing conversion infrastructure is utilized for dual purposes, reducing additional complexity while enabling energy recapture.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for the recapture and redistribution of underutilized power, maximizing the utilization of power sources, reducing heat rejection, and enhancing system reliability, scalability, and adaptability to energy storage systems.
Implementation Method 1
a converter configured to aggregate the power output of each of the plurality of independent electrical systems and to output direct current (DC) power to the plurality of independent loads based on the aggregated power
Implementation Method 2
The converter may include one or more rectifiers or inverters to convert source power (DC and/or AC) to a direct current (DC) power for distribution
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply system includes a multitude of independent electrical systems each comprising one or more power blocks, wherein each power block is configured to provide a respective power output and a converter comprising a multitude of inputs coupled to the multitude independent electrical systems and comprising a multitude of outputs coupled to a multitude of independent loads, the converter configured to aggregate the power output of each of the multitude of independent electrical systems and to output direct current (DC) power to the multitude of independent loads through the multitude of outputs based on the aggregated power output. The power supply system includes a power controller coupled to the converter and configured to allocate power to each of the multitude of independent loads based on input power from each of the multitude of independent electrical systems and power consumption from each of the multitude of independent loads.