Horizontal Busbar Rack Power Layout for Higher Capacity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional server racks face limitations in power capacity due to the centralized power supply arrangement, which is constrained by space occupied by connectors, busbars, and network cables, making it difficult to meet the demands of data centers.
Innovation Solution
A computing system design that separates power supply and load modules, utilizing horizontal busbars for power delivery, allowing for redundant power supply units and independent power distribution, enhancing reliability and scalability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If centralized power supply units are disposed at the top and/or bottom of the server rack with vertical busbars, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the total power capacity is limited due to space constraints from connectors, busbars, and network cables
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into multiple independent power supply units distributed along the vertical direction, each capable of operating autonomously. This segmentation allows parallel power distribution through multiple horizontal busbars, increasing total power capacity while maintaining modular simplicity for manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from vertical busbar configuration to horizontal busbar configuration. By changing the dimensional orientation of power distribution from vertical to horizontal, the system optimizes space utilization and increases the number of power supply units that can be accommodated within the same rack footprint
2Ease of operation
If connectors and vertical busbars are used for power distribution, then the assembly process is straightforward, but the space occupied by connectors and gaps between busbars limits the number of power supply units
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of connecting power supply units to a central vertical busbar, the patent inverts the connection topology by having horizontal busbars connect to multiple power supply units along their length. This reversal of connection direction eliminates the need for numerous connectors and reduces space requirements
3Device complexity
If multiple power supply units are connected through vertical busbars, then the power distribution is centralized, but the current density becomes concentrated and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution system is divided into multiple independent horizontal busbars, each serving as a separate power distribution path. This segmentation distributes current flow across multiple parallel paths, reducing current density on each individual busbar and enhancing system reliability through redundancy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the busbar configuration from vertical to horizontal orientation. This parameter change increases the surface area available for heat dissipation and distributes the current load more effectively, reducing current density and improving reliability
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 system reduces current density and increases total power capacity by using horizontal busbars for power distribution, ensuring reliable power delivery even in the event of failures, and enabling modular expansion of power supply units and racks.
Implementation Method 1
Each first horizontal busbar is extended along a horizontal direction. The first horizontal busbars are configured to electrically connect the power supply units with the load module.
Data Source
AI summary
A computing system is provided. The computing system includes a load module, a power supply module and first horizontal busbars. The power supply module is configured to supply power to the load module, and includes power supply units arranged along a vertical direction. Each of the power supply units includes power supply subunits, and the power supply units are electrically connected through at least one power distribution busbar. Each first horizontal busbar is extended along a horizontal direction. The first horizontal busbars are configured to electrically connect the power supply units with the load module. The horizontal direction is perpendicular to the vertical direction. When any of the power supply units fails, the load module receives power from another one of the power supply units through a corresponding first horizontal busbar and a corresponding power distribution busbar.