Dual-Input Power Converter With Reflected-Voltage Hold-Up
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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 power switching, 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 magnetic coupling apparatus, including primary side power networks with hold-up capacitors and power converters, and a secondary side power network, which enables synchronized operation and voltage reflection to maintain capacitor voltage, 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 power switching, then the system structure is simple and reliable, but the switching speed is slow and cannot achieve rapid fault response
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switches with solid-state power electronic switches (such as IGBTs or MOSFETs) that can achieve rapid switching speeds in the microsecond range, eliminating the slow mechanical contact closure while maintaining system reliability through electronic control mechanisms
2Reliability
If fuel generators are used as backup power supply, then the power supply redundancy is improved, but the startup time is long causing power interruption delay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-charging hold-up capacitors during normal operation from the primary power source, so that when a fault occurs, the capacitors can immediately discharge to sustain power without waiting for fuel generator startup, effectively eliminating the time delay while maintaining redundancy
3Duration of action of moving object
If large hold-up capacitors are used to sustain power during faults, then the continuous power supply is improved, but the system cost and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hold-up capacitor functionality into the existing power factor correction (PFC) circuitry, where the PFC inductor and capacitor work together to provide both power factor correction and hold-up functions, eliminating the need for separate large hold-up capacitors and reducing overall system size and cost
4Reliability
If dual power supplies with independent AC sources are used, then the input redundancy is improved, but the switch complexity increases for selecting power delivery paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical relay switches with solid-state power electronic switching devices that can rapidly and reliably select between power sources through electronic control, reducing mechanical wear and contact failure while maintaining input redundancy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal power conversion platform that can handle multiple power sources (AC1, AC2, DC) and operating modes (normal, backup, island mode) through a single integrated system architecture, eliminating the need for separate switching mechanisms for each power path and simplifying the overall system
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 provides a reliable, cost-effective, and long-life power supply with rapid fault response and extended hold-up time by utilizing synchronized switches and hold-up capacitors, ensuring continuous power delivery to data center loads.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer-based magnetic coupling apparatus, including primary side power networks with hold-up capacitors and power converters, and a secondary side power network
Implementation Method 2
primary side power networks with hold-up capacitors and power converters
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes providing a power conversion system having a first input coupled to a first ac power source and a second input coupled to a second ac power source, wherein the power conversion system comprises a first primary side power network comprising a first power converter, a first hold-up capacitor and a first primary switch coupled between the first ac power source and a first primary winding of a transformer, and a second primary side power network comprising a second power converter, a second hold-up capacitor and a second primary switch coupled in cascade the second ac power source and a second primary winding of the transformer, disabling the second power converter, and configuring the first primary switch and the second primary switch to operate in a sync manner so that a voltage across the second hold-up capacitor is maintained by a reflected voltage.