HVDC Power Generator for Data Center Server Racks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data centers face challenges in providing uninterrupted power to computer server racks, including the inefficiency and high maintenance costs of traditional AC power distribution systems, which require bulky power supply modules and battery backup units, and result in high power consumption and real estate usage.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a high voltage direct current (HVDC) power generator that converts AC power to HVDC power, eliminating the need for internal PFC circuitry in server racks and allowing for more efficient power distribution, with multiple redundant HVDC generators to ensure high reliability and reduce power replacement needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional AC power distribution with power supply modules and battery backup units is used, then power redundancy and uninterrupted power supply are achieved, but device complexity, real estate usage, and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power conversion function from individual server racks and consolidates it into a centralized HVDC power distribution system. The HVDC generator directly provides DC power to server racks, eliminating the need for AC-DC conversion modules and battery backup units in each rack, while maintaining uninterrupted power supply through the reliability of the centralized HVDC system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of power generation, power conversion, and power distribution into a single integrated HVDC power system. This consolidation replaces the separate AC power distribution infrastructure with a unified HVDC system that directly serves multiple server racks, reducing overall system complexity and real estate requirements
2Reliability
If multiple power supply modules and battery backup units are installed in server racks, then power redundancy is achieved, but real estate usage and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes power supply modules and battery backup units from server racks entirely, extracting these functions to a centralized HVDC power distribution system. This eliminates the space requirements for these components within individual racks while maintaining power redundancy through the centralized system's architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized HVDC power system serves multiple server racks simultaneously, providing universal power distribution to many racks from a single infrastructure. This multi-functional system replaces the need for dedicated power modules in each rack, significantly reducing total real estate usage across the data center
3Power
If AC power distribution with internal PFC circuitry in each server rack is used, then power conversion is achieved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power factor correction and AC-DC conversion functions from individual server racks and implements them centrally in the HVDC generator. This eliminates the need for complex PFC circuitry in each rack while ensuring efficient power conversion at the source through the dedicated HVDC generation system
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 HVDC power distribution system achieves high power conversion efficiency, reduces power replacement frequency, and optimizes power quality, while minimizing conductor losses and real estate usage, thereby enhancing the reliability and efficiency of data center operations.
Implementation Method 1
an HVDC power generator that converts AC power to HVDC power
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments include a high voltage direct current (HVDC) power generator system for information technology (IT) racks. The HVDC power generator system can include a three-phase alternating current (AC) transformer having a primary winding and a plurality of secondary windings. A plurality of three-phase bridge rectifier circuits can be electrically coupled respectively to the plurality of secondary windings. The HVDC power generator system can include output terminals for powering its load. A first string of bridge rectifier circuits can be in series with each other and a first inductor. A second string of bridge rectifier circuits can be in series with each other and a second inductor. The first and second strings can be electrically coupled in parallel to the output terminals.