Dual Grid Access Points for Data Center Power Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data centers face frequent downtime due to power unavailability, which is often addressed by expensive and carbon-emitting backup generators, necessitating a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for reliable power access.
Innovation Solution
Connecting data centers to a power grid at two separate access points with at least one power generation system between them, ensuring redundancy and eliminating the need for on-site generators by leveraging the power grid's redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If backup generators are coupled to the data center, then power availability is improved, but cost and carbon emissions worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the backup power function from the data center site by utilizing the existing power grid infrastructure instead of installing local generators. The redundant power connection is obtained by connecting to a second access point on the power grid, which provides backup power capability without requiring on-site generator equipment, thereby eliminating carbon emissions while maintaining power availability.
2Reliability
If backup generators are coupled to the data center, then power availability is improved, but implementation cost worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for expensive backup generator equipment by extracting the backup power capability from the data center premises and obtaining it through the power grid's existing infrastructure. This approach eliminates capital expenditure on generators, fuel storage facilities, and maintenance contracts while achieving the same reliability objective through grid redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the power grid's existing infrastructure for multiple purposes: the grid serves both as the primary power source and as the backup power source through a second access point. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated backup generation equipment, reducing implementation costs while maintaining power availability.
3Reliability
If multiple power grid access points are connected, then power availability is improved, but system complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the power grid as an intermediary system that manages the complexity of providing redundant power. Instead of the data center directly managing backup generators and switching logic, the power grid infrastructure with its multiple access points and control systems handles the redundancy management, simplifying the data center's power system while improving reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A data center is electrically coupled to a power grid at two separate access points, which may be located within geographic proximity to each other. Each access point is located between two power generation systems. The access points have one or more power generation systems located between them, allowing the data center to be coupled to three or more power generation systems simultaneously and have access to power in the event of multiple power generation system failure. The data center may comprise two separate data center power inputs, which may each be connected to a separate power grid access point. The power grid may provide a high voltage level to the data center, and the data center may comprise transformers which step the voltage down to a lower voltage level. The data center may comprise one such transformer coupled to each of the two data center power inputs. The outputs of such transformers may be coupled together.