Integrated Switchboard for Modular Data Center Power Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modular data centers face challenges in efficiently and safely managing high-capacity power distribution, requiring innovative solutions to integrate and protect high-voltage power feeds while allowing for flexible configuration and easy deployment.
Innovation Solution
A high-capacity integrated switchboard is designed for modular data centers, integrating a dead-front switchboard with a digital programmable logic controller (PLC) to manage and protect high-capacity power feeds, providing multiple switched and protected power feeds, and enabling integration with existing power systems without the need for additional switching and protection equipment at the deployment site.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate dead-front switchboard is used for high-voltage power distribution, then power protection and switching capability are improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the dead-front switchboard, PLC controller, power feeds, and protection equipment into a single integrated switchboard assembly. This merging of previously separate components reduces overall system complexity while maintaining all necessary power distribution and protection functions within one unified device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate switching and protection equipment are deployed at the site, then power distribution flexibility is improved, but ease of deployment and installation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The switchboard is configured with pre-integrated power feeds, switching mechanisms, and protection equipment that are already connected and configured before deployment. The PLC controller is pre-programmed with power distribution logic, allowing the entire assembly to be installed as a single unit without requiring complex on-site configuration or connection of multiple separate equipment pieces.
3Reliability
If additional switching and protection equipment is added at the deployment site, then power management capability is improved, but manufacturing and installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating all switching and protection equipment into the switchboard assembly during manufacturing, the patent eliminates the need for additional separate equipment purchases and installations. The unified design reduces both material costs and installation labor costs while maintaining comprehensive power management capability.
4Loss of time
If a modular data center is designed for quick setup, then deployment time is reduced, but power distribution integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switchboard is manufactured and configured with all power distribution components pre-integrated and tested before being delivered to the deployment site. This preliminary preparation allows the modular data center to be quickly assembled without requiring complex on-site power integration work, thus reducing deployment time while managing integration complexity through advance preparation.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular data center includes a first module that provides a first function of the mobile data center, a second module operable that provides a second function of the mobile data center, and an integrated switchboard having first and second protection devices and a switch. The integrated switchboard receives a high-capacity power feed, protects the high-capacity power feed from a first over-current condition with the first protection device to provide a load feed to a load associated with the first module, provides the high-capacity power feed to an input of the switch, and protects an output of the switch from a second over-current condition with the second protection device to provide a load feed to a load associated with the second module.