DC Power Supply Pool for Server Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current server systems with dual AC power supplies for backup increase power consumption, weight, and cost without improving AC-to-DC conversion efficiency, and result in unnecessary complexity and volume due to the heavier and more complex AC power supplies.
Innovation Solution
A server system with mutually connected DC power supplies, where each server includes an AC power supply and a DC power supply, with a power controller that distributes power from healthy servers to those with failed AC power supplies through a cable, reducing construction cost and weight while enhancing AC-to-DC conversion efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dual AC power supplies are used for backup, then power supply reliability is improved, but power consumption and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple DC power supplies from different servers are merged into a single shared power pool through the power circulation network, allowing any server to draw power from any other server's DC supply, thereby achieving backup functionality without duplicating AC power supplies
Solution Approach 2:
Each DC power supply is designed to serve multiple functions: it can power its own server, provide backup power to other servers, and participate in power circulation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated backup AC power supplies
2Reliability
If dual AC power supplies are used for backup, then power supply reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The DC power supplies operate in a continuous circulation mode where power is constantly exchanged and shared among servers, ensuring that backup power is always available without the need for idle AC power supplies that consume energy without providing active backup
Solution Approach 2:
The power system serves itself through automatic power circulation and dynamic allocation, where DC power supplies automatically detect and respond to power failures without requiring additional AC power supply infrastructure or manual intervention
3Power
If AC power supplies are used instead of DC power supplies, then power supply capability is sufficient, but weight and volume increase due to circuit complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical AC power supply system with a DC power supply system, eliminating the need for complex AC-to-DC conversion circuits, rectifiers, and associated heavy components while maintaining adequate power supply capability through direct DC distribution
4Reliability
If dual AC power supplies are used for each server, then power supply redundancy is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into individual DC power supply modules that can operate independently or in combination, with each module managing its own power conversion and distribution while participating in the overall power circulation network, thereby reducing system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A server system, a server device, and a power supply recovery method therefor are provided. The server system includes a plurality of servers and a power controller. Each of the servers includes an AC power supply and a DC power supply. The DC power supplies of the servers are mutually connected through a cable. The power controller communicates with the servers. When a specific server detects that the AC power supply belonging thereto does not operate normally, the power controller informs other servers of a power required by the specific server, and the specific server controls the DC power supply belonging thereto to obtain powers provided from other servers through the cable, so as to maintain the operation of the specific server.