Dual-Input Power Converter Using Reflected Hold-Up Capacitor Voltage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Data centers face challenges in maintaining continuous and reliable power supply due to the long startup time of fuel generators and the limitations of mechanical switches in achieving rapid switching between power delivery paths, leading to the need for large hold-up capacitors to sustain power during faults.
Innovation Solution
A dual-input power conversion system with a transformer-based configuration, featuring two primary side power networks with hold-up capacitors and power converters, and a secondary side network, where the system controller enables synchronous operation of switches to maintain voltage across hold-up capacitors by reflecting voltage from the secondary side, allowing for fast transition and extended hold-up time during faults.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If mechanical switches are used for switching between power delivery paths, then the system structure is simple and reliable, but the switching speed is slow and cannot achieve rapid transition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switches with solid-state power conversion systems and electronic switching devices. The power conversion system includes primary side power networks with power converters that can rapidly switch between power sources using electronic components instead of mechanical contacts, achieving fast transition while maintaining system reliability.
2Duration of action of moving object
If large hold-up capacitors are used to sustain power during faults, then the power supply continuity is improved, but the device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple hold-up capacitors from different primary side power networks into a unified energy storage system. The capacitors are connected in parallel through the transformer, effectively combining their energy storage capacity without increasing individual capacitor size, thus achieving extended hold-up time with reduced overall volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The hold-up capacitors serve multiple functions: they provide energy storage for fault coverage, maintain voltage during transitions, and support the reflected voltage mechanism. This multi-functionality allows smaller capacitors to achieve the same effective hold-up time that would otherwise require larger dedicated storage capacitors.
3Reliability
If redundant power supplies with independent power paths are used, then the reliability is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple primary side power networks with their respective hold-up capacitors and power converters into a single integrated power conversion system. The transformer couples these networks to a common secondary side, merging the redundant paths while sharing common components like the output rectifier and filter, thus reducing overall system complexity compared to completely independent power supplies.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the power conversion function into separate primary side power networks that can operate independently, each with its own power converter and hold-up capacitor. This segmentation allows for modular design and maintenance while achieving redundancy, as each segment can function autonomously if needed.
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 dual-input power conversion system enables rapid fault response and increased hold-up time by utilizing hold-up capacitors as energy storage elements, ensuring continuous power supply to data center loads without the need for large capacitors.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage across one of the first hold-up capacitor and the second hold-up capacitor is maintained by a voltage reflected from the secondary side to a corresponding primary side
Data Source
AI summary
A dual-input power conversion system includes a first primary side power network comprising a first hold-up capacitor, wherein the first primary side power network has inputs configured to be coupled to a first power source, and outputs coupled to a transformer, a second primary side power network comprising a second hold-up capacitor, wherein the second primary side power network has inputs configured to be coupled to a second power source, and outputs coupled to the transformer, and a secondary side power network having inputs coupled to a secondary side of the transformer, and outputs coupled to a load, wherein the first primary side power network and the second primary side power network are configured such that a voltage across one of the first hold-up capacitor and the second hold-up capacitor is maintained by a voltage reflected from the secondary side to a corresponding primary side.