Modular Power Regulator and Distribution System for High Availability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional high-availability systems, such as servers, often rely on power supply redundancy but still fall short of achieving 100% availability due to insufficient power distribution and control mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A power conversion, control, and distribution system comprising multiple bulk power regulator subassemblies, a bulk power distribution subassembly with static circuit breakers, and a bulk power controller and hub subassembly that monitors and controls the system, providing regulated DC power and fault protection, along with Ethernet communication functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power supply redundancy is implemented, then system availability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is divided into modular components including multiple bulk power regulator subassemblies, a bulk power distribution subassembly with static circuit breakers, and a bulk power controller and hub subassembly. Each module can independently manage power conversion and distribution, allowing redundancy without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A bulk power controller and hub subassembly acts as an intermediary that monitors and controls multiple BPR subassemblies and the BPD subassembly. This centralized control mechanism coordinates the redundant power supplies, managing complexity by providing a single point of oversight rather than requiring independent management of each redundant component.
2Reliability
If bulk power distribution with static circuit breakers is implemented, then fault protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Static circuit breakers replace traditional mechanical circuit breakers and fuses in the power distribution system. These solid-state devices provide fault protection through electronic switching mechanisms, improving reliability by eliminating mechanical wear and tear while reducing overall system complexity through integration with the digital control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The bulk power controller and hub subassembly continuously monitors the bulk power distribution subassembly and provides feedback control. This allows the system to detect faults, isolate problematic sections, and maintain operation of healthy sections, providing robust fault protection while managing complexity through intelligent control algorithms.
3Reliability
If multiple BPR subassemblies are used to provide regulated DC power, then power availability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power conversion function is segmented into multiple independent bulk power regulator subassemblies, each capable of converting AC input power to regulated DC output power. This modular segmentation allows the system to maintain power availability even if one subassembly fails, while managing complexity by standardizing each module's design.
Solution Approach 2:
Each bulk power regulator subassembly is designed as a universal module that can independently perform the complete function of AC to regulated DC power conversion. This multi-functionality at the module level means that any single subassembly could theoretically support the entire load, providing redundancy without requiring complex interdependencies between modules.
Data Source
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AI summary
A power conversion, control, and distribution system includes multiple bulk power regulator (BPR) subassemblies, a bulk power distribution (BPD) subassembly, and a bulk power controller and hub (BPCH) subassembly. The BPR subassemblies are each configured to provide regulated DC power from both AC input power and DC input power. The BPD subassembly is configured to distribute the regulated DC power. The BPCH subassembly is coupled to the multiple BPR subassemblies and the BPD subassembly. The BPCH subassembly is configured to monitor and control the BPR assemblies and the BPD assembly.