In-Rack AC Voltage Generator for Grid Outage Backup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current rack-based backup power solutions for IT environments are expensive, consume valuable space, and are often electrically inefficient, making them unsuitable for providing reliable AC power during grid outages.

Innovation Solution

A compact, efficient power generation system designed for installation within standard IT racks, utilizing a high-voltage DC battery backup unit and a power inverter to provide AC power backup, with a chassis configuration that minimizes space usage and includes features like solid-state Automatic Transfer Switch circuitry for rapid transition to battery power during outages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional rack-based backup power gears are installed in each IT rack, then backup power is provided during grid outages, but the solution becomes expensive, consumes valuable space, and reduces electrical efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackup power availabilityVSAvoidsystem cost and space consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the backup power function into two segments: a centralized UPS system that provides main backup power capacity, and a compact in-rack AC voltage generator that provides supplementary power. This segmentation allows the expensive conventional rack-based backup power gears to be replaced with a more efficient hybrid architecture, reducing overall system cost and space while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The in-rack AC voltage generator is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a standalone backup power source during grid outages, work in conjunction with centralized UPS systems, and provide power to various IT equipment configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized equipment in each rack, lowering overall system complexity and cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If conventional rack-based backup power gears are installed in each IT rack, then backup power is provided during grid outages, but valuable rack space is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackup power availabilityVSAvoidrack space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The in-rack AC voltage generator is designed as a compact unit that can be nested within standard IT rack configurations without displacing other equipment. The generator fits into available spaces within the rack structure, utilizing otherwise wasted volume while providing backup power functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from horizontal rack space consumption to vertical integration, designing the generator to utilize the vertical dimension within the rack structure. This allows backup power functionality to be added without increasing the rack's footprint, preserving valuable horizontal space for other equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If conventional rack-based backup power gears are installed in each IT rack, then backup power is provided during grid outages, but electrical efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackup power availabilityVSAvoidelectrical efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The in-rack AC voltage generator includes a battery component that is pre-charged during normal grid operation. This preliminary charging action ensures that when a power outage occurs, the generator can immediately provide backup power without energy loss from charging during the outage, maintaining high electrical efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces conventional mechanical backup power gears with a solid-state in-rack AC voltage generator that uses electronic switching and battery technology. This substitution eliminates mechanical losses and improves electrical efficiency while maintaining backup power availability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical 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 system provides reliable, efficient, and cost-effective AC power backup within IT racks, maintaining service continuity during outages with high efficiency and minimal space consumption, supporting up to 15 KW loads for extended durations without modifying existing IT rack designs.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing a high-voltage DC battery backup unit and a power inverter to provide AC power backup

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 2

a power inverter to provide AC power backup

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11342788B1System and method for in-rack generation of alternating current voltage during power grid outages

Publication Date: 2022.05.24 WASABI TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

A system and apparatus for generating alternating current voltage during power grid outages and methods for making and using the same. In various embodiments, the system can provide backup power within IT environments and other mission-critical facilities among other things.