Modular Power Infrastructure for Rack Space Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power infrastructure for server systems is often mounted within racks, occupying valuable space and making it difficult to scale power distribution in response to changes in server configurations, leading to extended downtime during reconfiguration.
Innovation Solution
A modular and scalable power infrastructure system that mounts outside the rack, using a chassis with a power cable interface box to receive AC power, power supply units to output DC power to a busbar, and a battery backup unit to charge and discharge, allowing for flexible and efficient power management without occupying server space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If power infrastructure is mounted within racks, then power can be provided to servers, but valuable rack space is occupied and computing capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The power infrastructure is extracted from the rack interior and relocated to an external mounting position. The power distribution unit includes a chassis configured to mount on the exterior of the rack, with power supply units and battery backup units disposed within the chassis outside the rack space, thereby providing power to servers without occupying valuable computing space within the rack.
2Adaptability or versatility
If power systems are tailored to server configurations, then power can be optimized for specific server types, but changing server configurations requires total reworking of the power system causing extended downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution unit is divided into modular components including multiple power supply units that can be independently installed, removed, or replaced in slots within the chassis. Each power supply unit can be configured for specific server power requirements, and individual units can be swapped without affecting other components or requiring system shutdown, enabling rapid adaptation to changing server configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The power infrastructure is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable through the modular power supply units that can be easily added or removed from slots. This dynamic design allows the power system to adapt to varying server configurations and power demands without requiring complete reworking of the entire power system, minimizing downtime during changes.
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
Enables increased computing capacity, flexible power modification, and reduced downtime by allowing power infrastructure to be scaled and modified using commodity components without reworking the entire system, thus improving power efficiency and reducing the need for external uninterruptible power supplies.
Implementation Method 1
a battery back-up unit (BBU) element disposed within the chassis. The BBU element may charge from and discharge to the busbar
Implementation Method 2
the at least one power supply unit receiving AC power from the PCIB and outputting direct current (DC) power to a busbar
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with the present disclosure, a system and method for providing scalable and modular power infrastructure outside of usable rack space is described. The system may include a chassis configured to mount on the side of a rack. A power cable interface box (PCIB) may be disposed within the chassis, and the PCIB may receive alternating current (AC) power. The system may further include at least one power supply unit disposed within a slot of the chassis, with the at least one power supply unit receiving AC power from the PCIB and outputting direct current (DC) power to a busbar. The system may also include a battery back-up unit (BBU) element disposed within the chassis. The BBU element may charge from and discharge to the busbar.