DC UPS for Modular Data Centers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data centers face inefficiencies due to double-conversion AC UPS systems and server power supplies with AC inputs, leading to high power usage effectiveness (PUE) and increased capital and operational expenditures, despite growing demand for data storage driven by Web 2.0 businesses.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a modular system with a DC uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and server power supply using DC input voltage, featuring an AC-DC converter, energy storage, and high-frequency DC-DC converters with zero-voltage switching, eliminating the need for double-conversion AC-DC/DC-AC processes and reducing electrical losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If double-conversion AC UPS systems and server power supplies with AC inputs are used, then power supply reliability is maintained, but power usage effectiveness (PUE) increases and energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage type parameter from AC to DC throughout the power distribution system. By using DC UPS systems and DC-input server power supplies instead of conventional AC systems, the patent eliminates double-conversion processes and reduces energy losses while maintaining power supply reliability. This parameter change fundamentally alters the power conversion architecture to improve PUE.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the AC-DC conversion stage from the power supply chain by directly using DC voltage from the UPS system. By removing the intermediate AC conversion step that exists in conventional double-conversion systems, the patent reduces the number of conversion stages and associated energy losses, thereby improving power usage effectiveness.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional AC UPS systems with double conversion are used, then power supply stability is ensured, but capital expenditure and operational expenditure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage type parameter from AC to DC, which simplifies the overall system architecture. By using DC-input server power supplies directly connected to DC UPS systems, the patent eliminates complex double-conversion AC-DC/DC-AC processes, reducing both capital costs of equipment and operational costs of energy consumption while maintaining power supply stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous DC power delivery from the UPS system to the server power supplies without interruption through AC conversion. This continuous useful action eliminates the energy losses and complexity associated with double conversion, reducing both CAPEX and OPEX while ensuring uninterrupted power supply to IT loads.
3Loss of time
If modular data centers are deployed quickly, then deployment time is reduced, but energy efficiency and cooling effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the data center into modular units with standardized DC power distribution systems. Each module can be independently deployed with pre-configured DC UPS systems and DC-input power supplies, enabling rapid deployment while maintaining energy efficiency through the consistent application of DC architecture across all modules.
Solution Approach 2:
By standardizing on DC voltage parameters across all modular units, the patent enables rapid deployment of energy-efficient systems. The DC parameter standardization allows for plug-and-play modular deployment without compromising energy efficiency, as each module inherently uses the efficient DC architecture from installation.
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 solution enhances data center efficiency, reduces capital and operational costs, and improves power supply efficiency by utilizing single-stage conversion and low-voltage lithium-ion batteries, while allowing for scalable and compact designs suitable for Tier 2, 3, and 4 systems.
Implementation Method 1
an AC-DC converter and an energy storage device electrically coupled to the output of the AC-DC converter
Implementation Method 2
a DC-DC converter directly connected to the output of the AC-DC converter of the DC UPS and configured to supply DC power to the at least one server
Implementation Method 3
an energy storage device electrically coupled to the output of the AC-DC converter
Data Source
AI summary
An efficient, modular, direct current (DC) uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for at least one server of a data center is disclosed. The single-conversion DC UPS includes an AC-DC converter, an energy storage device electrically coupled to the output of the AC-DC converter, and a single conversion server supply DC-DC converter electrically coupled to the AC-DC converter and the energy storage device, which may be a low-voltage lithium-ion battery or combined with an ultra capacitor. The DC UPS may be incorporated into a UPS system for a data center including a plurality of server rack assemblies and a plurality of cooling distribution units (CDUs). The UPS system includes an electric generator, an AC UPS electrically coupled between the electric generator and the plurality of CDUs, and a plurality of DC UPSs coupled between the electric generator and the plurality of server rack assemblies.