DC Datacenter Power Distribution Architecture for Zero Net Energy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing zero net energy (ZNE) DC datacenter power distribution systems face challenges in effectively regulating power from multiple sources to reduce utility grid consumption, enhance reliability, and maintain power quality, while also minimizing energy costs and preventing power loss.
Innovation Solution
A datacenter power supply system that integrates AC and DC power sources, including a utility grid, generators, photovoltaic units, and energy storage, with a control system to manage power distribution and storage, allowing for selective use of AC and DC power sources and energy storage to optimize power delivery and consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If multiple power sources (utility grid, generators, photovoltaic units) are integrated to reduce energy costs and achieve zero net energy, then energy cost and utility grid consumption are reduced, but power regulation complexity and system reliability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a power conversion system with DC-DC converters and control circuits as intermediary devices between multiple power sources and the datacenter load. These converters regulate voltage and current from photovoltaic units and generators, converting them to compatible DC voltages while maintaining power quality. The control circuits actively manage power flow distribution, preventing direct connection complexities and enabling seamless integration of diverse power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control mechanisms where control circuits continuously monitor power output from photovoltaic units and generators, and adjust operating parameters accordingly. The system uses feedback to regulate power conversion, balance load distribution, and maintain voltage stability. This closed-loop control simplifies the integration of multiple power sources by automatically adapting to varying power conditions without requiring complex manual regulation.
2Loss of energy
If multiple power sources are integrated to reduce utility grid consumption, then energy cost is reduced, but power quality and reliability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The power conversion system acts as an intermediary buffer between intermittent renewable power sources and the datacenter load. The DC-DC converters regulate and stabilize power output, filtering out fluctuations and maintaining consistent voltage levels. This intermediary layer protects the datacenter from power quality issues while enabling high utilization of renewable energy, thereby reducing utility grid consumption without compromising reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates energy storage systems (batteries, capacitors) that provide beforehand cushioning for power interruptions and fluctuations. These storage devices are charged in advance during periods of excess renewable generation and discharge during periods of insufficient generation or grid failure, ensuring continuous reliable power supply to the datacenter while maximizing renewable energy utilization.
3Use of energy by moving object
If DC power distribution is implemented with multiple power sources, then energy efficiency is improved, but system complexity and difficulty of operation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal DC power distribution system where a single DC bus and DC-DC converters can handle multiple power source types (photovoltaic, generators, utility grid through rectification). The same infrastructure and control logic manage all power sources, eliminating the need for separate AC distribution systems and complex source-specific infrastructure. This multi-functional approach simplifies operation despite handling diverse power sources, as the system uniformly processes all inputs through standardized DC conversion pathways.
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
The system effectively reduces energy costs, enhances power reliability and quality, and achieves near-zero energy consumption from the utility grid by efficiently managing power from various sources and utilizing energy storage to mitigate disruptions and optimize energy usage.
Implementation Method 1
DC power generation system includes DC power source which includes a plurality of photovoltaic generation units
Data Source
AI summary
Unique systems, methods, techniques, and apparatuses of datacenter power supply systems are disclosed. One exemplary embodiment is a datacenter power supply system comprising an AC power bus structured to selectably receive AC power from an AC power grid and a AC generator and structured to provide AC power to one or more AC datacenter loads and an AC/DC converter, a DC power generation system structured to provide DC power to a DC/DC converter, a DC power bus structured to selectably receive power from the AC/DC converter and the DC/DC converter and to provide DC power to a plurality of DC datacenter loads, and an electronic control system structured to selectably control the datacenter power supply system to operate in plurality of modes.