Medium-Voltage UPS Layout for Uninterrupted Data Center Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power systems for data centers and similar critical facilities face inefficiencies and complexities in providing uninterrupted power due to uneven load balancing, underutilization of components, and space constraints, especially during power grid interruptions.
Innovation Solution
A power supply system comprising an energy storage device, a power distribution assembly, and a power generation device that transitions between configurations to ensure a substantially uninterrupted flow of electric power, with a medium voltage UPS and low voltage generators arranged to increase efficiency, modularity, and reliability, while reducing the system footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple low voltage UPSs and medium voltage generators are used to supply power to data centers, then power reliability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply system into multiple independent modular units, each comprising a medium voltage generator, transformer, and low voltage UPS. These modular units can be independently configured and deployed to match specific load requirements, simplifying system design while maintaining reliability through redundancy. Each module operates autonomously, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional low voltage power distribution to medium voltage power distribution as the primary dimension of power supply. This dimensional change in voltage level allows for more efficient power transmission and reduces the complexity of power distribution architecture, enabling reliable power supply with fewer components.
2Reliability
If multiple low voltage UPSs and medium voltage generators are deployed, then power reliability is improved, but space requirements within the facility increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the power system into compact modular units, the patent reduces the total facility space required. Each module is self-contained and can be efficiently spaced, eliminating the need for extensive distribution infrastructure and allowing better space utilization within the facility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter from low voltage to medium voltage for power distribution. This parameter change enables more efficient power transmission over longer distances within the facility, reducing the number of power distribution points and associated equipment, thereby reducing overall space requirements.
3Power
If traditional power distribution architecture is used with multiple UPSs, then power supply capacity is increased, but load balancing becomes uneven and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply capacity into multiple modular units that can be independently controlled and load-balanced. This segmentation enables even distribution of loads across multiple medium voltage generators and UPSs, preventing any single component from being overloaded or underutilized, thereby improving overall system efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
By implementing medium voltage power distribution as the primary architecture, the patent creates a more efficient power transmission dimension. This enables better load balancing across the system as medium voltage can efficiently handle higher power loads with reduced current, minimizing losses and improving productivity.
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 efficient, reliable, and continuous power to data centers and similar facilities by optimizing component utilization and load balancing, reducing space requirements, and ensuring uninterrupted operation during power grid irregularities.
Implementation Method 1
The energy storage device is associated with a first voltage range and is configured to be electrically connected to a power grid and a load
Implementation Method 2
The power distribution assembly is also configured to supply a flow of electric power having a voltage within a second voltage range less than the first voltage range to the load
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply system includes an energy storage device electrically connected to a power grid, a power distribution assembly electrically connected to a load, and a power generation device electrically connected to the power distribution assembly. The energy storage device and the power grid are configured to supply electric power having a first voltage range to the power distribution assembly, which in turn, is configured to supply electric power having a second voltage range less than the first voltage range to the load. The energy storage device and the power generation device each are configured to at least temporarily supply a flow of electric power to the power distribution assembly when electric power from the power grid is interrupted such that a substantially uninterrupted flow of electric power is supplied to the load.