HVDC Data Center Power Supply Inverter Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for supplying solar power to data computing centers are inefficient due to the conversion of direct current (DC) voltage from solar panels to alternating current (AC) voltage, which leads to increased power costs and cooling demands.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a variable DC power source and a configurator to dynamically convert the DC voltage to a selected DC voltage, combining it with a substantially constant DC voltage from a power grid, using switches and a control unit to provide a selected voltage level, allowing for efficient power supply to data centers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If DC voltage from solar panels is converted to AC voltage and then supplied to power grid, then solar power can be integrated into existing AC infrastructure, but conversion efficiency is lost and power costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by supplying power directly in DC form from solar panels to DC-optimized equipment, eliminating the traditional DC-to-AC conversion step. This reverses the standard workflow where AC is the default and DC conversion is required, instead making DC the default and requiring AC only when interfacing with AC infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the unnecessary AC conversion step from the power delivery chain. By removing the inverter component that converts DC to AC, the system eliminates conversion losses and reduces complexity, keeping only the essential DC-to-DC voltage regulation needed for compatibility with different DC equipment requirements.
2Device complexity
If AC voltage is used to power servers and storage systems, then existing AC power infrastructure can be utilized, but additional conversion to DC is required which increases power costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional power delivery approach by providing DC power directly from solar panels to DC equipment, eliminating the need for AC-to-DC rectification. This reversal removes unnecessary conversion equipment and reduces energy consumption by avoiding double conversion (DC-to-AC and then AC-to-DC).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the AC-to-DC converter/rectifier from the power chain. By eliminating this conversion equipment, the system reduces both device complexity and energy consumption, as power flows directly from solar panels through minimal DC-DC regulation to DC equipment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If solar power is converted to AC voltage, then it can be supplied to the power grid, but conversion losses occur and cooling demands increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by maintaining power in DC form throughout the solar-to-load pathway, only converting to AC when interfacing with AC grid infrastructure. This reversal eliminates unnecessary DC-to-AC conversion losses and reduces the thermal load that would require additional cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the DC-to-AC inverter from the essential power delivery path. By removing this conversion component, the system eliminates conversion losses and the associated heat generation that would increase cooling demands, while still maintaining grid compatibility through selective AC interfacing when needed.
4Loss of energy
If DC-DC voltage conversion is implemented dynamically, then power efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic DC-DC voltage conversion that adapts in real-time to match the voltage requirements of different DC equipment. The system dynamically adjusts conversion parameters based on load conditions and solar input variations, optimizing power efficiency while managing complexity through intelligent control rather than fixed conversion architecture.
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
This solution reduces power costs and cooling demands by efficiently converting and managing solar energy as high-voltage direct current (HVDC), ensuring reliable and cost-effective power supply to data centers.
Implementation Method 1
a configurator configured to dynamically convert the variable DC voltage to a selected DC voltage
Implementation Method 2
a set of switches configured to combine the solar voltage and the substantially constant DC voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for providing power is disclosed. A variable direct current (DC) power source provides a variable DC voltage. A configurator dynamically converts the variable DC voltage to a selected DC voltage to provide the power. A set of switches combines the solar voltage with a substantially constant DC voltage. A control unit controls the set of switches and the configurator to provide the combined voltages at a selected voltage level.