Fuse State Monitoring Circuit for Safe Server Power Delivery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Large-scale server networks in datacenters face complex and error-prone electric power distribution, with liquid cooling technologies introducing additional risks such as electrolysis due to shortcut currents, necessitating safe and reliable power delivery systems.
Innovation Solution
A monitoring circuit that receives power from a power source, uses standby power to operate fuse state indicators, and generates signals to disconnect the device in case of fuse failure, ensuring safe power distribution by actively monitoring fuse states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If liquid cooling technology is used to cool electric equipment, then cooling efficiency is improved, but the risk of electrolysis due to shortcut currents increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an isolating component (insulating barrier) between the liquid cooling system and electrical components. This intermediary element prevents direct electrical contact between the conductive cooling liquid and electrical circuits, thereby eliminating the electrolysis risk while preserving the efficient cooling function. The isolating component acts as a mediator that allows thermal transfer while blocking electrical current paths.
2Reliability
If fuse state monitoring is implemented, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring circuit is designed to automatically detect fuse states and trigger protective actions without requiring external intervention or complex control systems. The circuit self-monitors its own operational status, automatically identifying fuse failures and initiating disconnection protocols. This self-service approach maintains high reliability while minimizing added complexity by eliminating the need for manual monitoring or complex external control infrastructure.
3Measurement precision
If standby power is provided to fuse state indicators, then measurement precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic or conditional power supply to the fuse state indicators rather than continuous power. The standby power is activated only when monitoring is required or when specific conditions are detected, allowing precise fuse state measurement while minimizing overall energy consumption. This periodic action enables the system to achieve high measurement precision during monitoring intervals while reducing power consumption during non-monitoring periods.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
System and method for providing electric power to an electronic device. The method includes receiving electric power at a corresponding voltage, receiving a first standby electric power at a first standby voltage, directing the electric power to the electronic device through a corresponding fuse state indicator selectively connecting a corresponding power input of a monitoring circuit to the electronic device and relying on the first standby electric power to operate, combining the fuse state signal with a signal indicative of a presence of the electric power at the power input of the monitoring circuit to form a main state signal that can be selectively an alive state or a failure state; and, in response to the main state signal being in a failure state, disconnecting the electronic device from the power source.