Hot-Pluggable UPS Module Integrating Battery and AC-DC Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computer servers face power interruptions and inefficiencies due to external UPS systems, which require additional space, cause shutdowns during installation, and reduce energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A hot-pluggable uninterruptible power supply module with a control module and a second power supply device, including a battery, that supports redundancy by converting AC to DC power and allows hot swapping with an external AC power source, ensuring continuous power through charging and discharging modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an externally connected uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is used to avoid power supply interruption, then power continuity is improved, but additional external space is required for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the UPS functionality directly into the server system by incorporating a battery pack and power conversion circuitry within the server chassis. This merging of the external UPS and server into a single integrated unit eliminates the need for separate UPS equipment while maintaining power continuity protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery pack is designed to be installed within the server's existing structure, nesting the power supply protection mechanism inside the server housing. This allows the UPS components to occupy space already allocated for power supply units rather than requiring additional external space.
2Reliability
If an externally connected UPS is used to avoid power supply interruption, then power continuity is improved, but the computer server must be shut down during installation or maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is divided into modular components including removable battery packs and independent power conversion units. This segmentation allows individual components to be installed, removed, or maintained without shutting down the entire server system, enabling hot-swappable maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic power management where the battery pack can be hot-swapped while the server remains operational. The power conversion circuitry continuously monitors and switches between AC power and battery power seamlessly, allowing maintenance operations without system shutdown.
3Reliability
If an externally connected UPS is used to avoid power supply interruption, then power continuity is improved, but energy efficiency is reduced due to consumption of electrical power by the UPS and voltage conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power conversion functionality from the external UPS and integrates it directly into the server's power supply architecture. This eliminates the dual voltage conversion process (AC to DC in external UPS, then DC to required voltage in server) and reduces energy loss by performing a single conversion within the server.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated power conversion circuitry serves multiple functions: it converts AC to DC for battery charging, regulates voltage for server components, and provides seamless power switching between AC and battery sources. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate UPS power conversion equipment, reducing overall energy consumption.
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 solution maintains uninterrupted power to electronic systems, reduces energy consumption, and eliminates the need for external UPS systems, enabling efficient and space-saving power management.
Implementation Method 1
each of the first power supply devices converts an alternate-current voltage into a direct-current voltage to achieve a function of supplying electrical power to the electronic system
Implementation Method 2
a battery, the battery being electrically connected with the second power supply device
Data Source
AI summary
A hot-pluggable uninterruptible power supply module includes at least one first power supply device, each first power supply device having an end electrically connected with an electronic system and another end electrically connected with an external AC power source; at least one hot-swapping uninterruptible power supply module, each hot-swapping uninterruptible power supply module including a control module, a second power supply device, and a battery that is electrically connected with the second power supply device. The second power supply device is electrically connected with the control module. The control module of each hot-swapping uninterruptible power supply module is electrically connected with each first power supply device. The second power supply device of each hot-swapping uninterruptible power supply module is electrically connected with the electronic system and an end of each first power supply device.