Dual-Input Rack Power Supply With Shared DC/DC Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supply systems for data centers require redundant configurations with two power supplies to ensure continuous operation, leading to increased costs, space requirements, and the need for human intervention for quick replacement.
Innovation Solution
A dual-input power supply design that shares certain components, such as a single dc/dc converter, to create a more compact and reliable system. This design includes two power-factor correction circuits that share a common dc/dc converter, which has a longer lifetime, and allows for hot-swappable first stages without the need for a mechanical transfer switch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two redundant power supplies are used to ensure continuous operation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate power supply units into a single integrated power supply that accepts two independent AC inputs. The power supply includes a first AC input terminal and a second AC input terminal, both connected to a common rectifier and filter circuit, eliminating the need for two separate power supply units while maintaining redundancy capability
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply is designed with multi-functionality to accept power from two different AC sources simultaneously or alternatively. The control circuit can selectively switch between the first AC input and the second AC input, or combine power from both sources, making the single power supply unit capable of performing multiple functions that previously required two separate units
2Reliability
If two redundant power supplies are used to ensure continuous operation, then reliability is improved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two power supply functions into one physical unit. The housing contains all components for both AC inputs including rectifiers, filters, and control circuits in a single integrated structure, reducing the space required from two separate power supply units to one consolidated unit
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply employs a nested structure where the second AC input circuitry is integrated within the same housing as the first AC input circuitry. The control circuit and switching components are nested within the power supply housing, allowing compact arrangement of all redundancy-related components in a space-efficient manner
3Reliability
If a mechanical transfer switch is used to switch between power sources, then power continuity is maintained, but device complexity and failure points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical transfer switch with an electronic switching system. The control circuit uses electronic switches (such as transistors or solid-state relays) controlled by voltage detection circuits to automatically switch between the first AC input and the second AC input based on which source is available, eliminating mechanical moving parts and associated failure points
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply incorporates self-service capability through its control circuit that automatically detects the availability of AC power at both inputs and autonomously switches between sources without requiring external control or mechanical intervention. The system monitors its own power sources and performs the switching function independently
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 supply system provides continuous power to data center loads by maintaining connections to both power sources, eliminating the need for a transfer switch and reducing complexity, costs, and space requirements, while ensuring high reliability and minimizing downtime.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the power paths includes a first stage, which has a power-factor correction circuit
Implementation Method 2
ac-dc power supply that receives ac power and converts it to de for consumption
Implementation Method 3
these power-factor correction circuits share a single dc/dc converter
Data Source
AI summary
A dual-input power supply has two power paths that connect a server to electrical Each power path has a first stage that comprises a power-factor correction circuit. The power paths share a common second stage that comprises a dc/dc converter. The first stages of the power paths collectively defining a pair of first stages that is disposed either within a package that is off the motherboard or without a package and on the motherboard. Similarly, the second stage is disposed either within a package that is off the motherboard or without a package and on the motherboard.