Dynamic Redundant Power Supply Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Redundant power supply systems in mission-critical applications face inefficiencies due to the continuous operation of multiple power supplies, even when the load demand is lower than maximum, leading to suboptimal energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a controller dynamically activates and deactivates power supplies based on load demand, using both primary and secondary power sources, to maintain efficient operation by ensuring only necessary supplies are continuously online, while monitoring for faults and failures to ensure redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all primary and secondary power supplies continuously operate to ensure redundancy, then system reliability is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power supply management where the controller continuously monitors load demand and adjusts the number of active power supplies accordingly. When load demand decreases, fewer power supplies remain active while sufficient redundancy is maintained, thereby reducing energy consumption while preserving system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational state parameter of power supplies from static (all continuously on) to dynamic (adjustable number of active supplies). The controller modifies the activation state of power supplies based on real-time load conditions, optimizing the balance between reliability and energy efficiency.
2Loss of energy
If the number of active power supplies is reduced to improve energy efficiency, then energy efficiency is improved, but system reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring both load demand and the operational status of power supplies. This feedback enables the system to dynamically adjust the number of active power supplies, ensuring that sufficient redundancy is maintained while minimizing energy consumption. The feedback loop prevents reliability degradation by activating additional supplies when needed.
3Loss of energy
If power supply load is increased to improve efficiency, then energy efficiency is improved, but fault tolerance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the distribution of load across active power supplies based on real-time conditions. When fewer power supplies are active, the load is redistributed to maintain optimal operating points for each unit, preventing overload while preserving fault tolerance through intelligent load management.
Data Source
AI summary
A redundant power supply method is provided. The method includes communicatively coupling a load to a first source via a plurality of first power supplies and to a second source via a plurality of second power supplies. The method further includes bi-directionally communicatively coupling a controller to the plurality of first power supplies and to the plurality of second power supplies. The method includes activating a first portion of the plurality of first power supplies to supply power to the load, wherein the controller determines the number (“N”) of first power supplies activated, and activating at least one of the plurality of second power supplies to supply power to the load. The method also includes monitoring for at least one fault condition in each of the active first power supplies and in each of the active second power supplies.