Modular Power Source System with Assist Mode for Data Centers
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Solution Overview
Problem
In power source systems for data centers, the capacity of power source equipment is often oversized due to peak load requirements, leading to inefficient operation and high costs, with existing systems lacking effective power control mechanisms for batteries during peak loads, risking insufficient backup power and frequent full-load discharging that shortens battery life.
Innovation Solution
A power source system with a control mechanism that coordinates multiple power source units and a storage battery to operate in normal, backup, and assist modes, allowing for controlled power distribution without a complex common control apparatus or large-scale communication, using parallel connections and droop characteristics to balance current and voltage across units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power source equipment capacity is oversized to meet peak load requirements, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power source system is segmented into multiple modular power source units (first power source units and second power source units) that can operate independently or in combination. This segmentation allows the system to meet peak load requirements through coordinated operation of multiple smaller units rather than requiring a single oversized unit, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing overall system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The power source units are designed with multi-functionality to operate in different modes (normal operation, backup, and assist modes). Each unit can serve multiple purposes: primary power supply, backup power source, or auxiliary support during peak loads. This universality eliminates the need for separate dedicated backup systems and peak load handling equipment, reducing device complexity while ensuring reliability.
2Reliability
If battery capacity is increased to provide backup power during peak loads, then reliability is improved, but loss of substance increases due to frequent full-load discharging
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts battery discharge levels based on real-time operational conditions. During peak loads, the battery operates in assist mode providing only the necessary supplemental power rather than full-load discharge. The control system continuously monitors power source unit output and modulates battery contribution accordingly, maintaining backup power availability while minimizing discharge depth and frequency to extend battery life.
Solution Approach 2:
The control apparatus implements feedback mechanisms to monitor the operational state of power source units and battery status. Based on this feedback, the system intelligently determines when and how much power the battery should supply. This feedback control prevents unnecessary full-load discharging by coordinating battery output with actual power deficits, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing battery wear and extending service life.
3Productivity
If a common control apparatus is implemented to coordinate power distribution, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control function is segmented and distributed to individual control apparatuses associated with each power source unit rather than centralized in a single common control apparatus. Each control apparatus independently manages its associated power source unit, making localized decisions about operation mode and power output. This segmented control approach achieves efficient power distribution through decentralized coordination while significantly reducing overall control system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each power source unit operates with a degree of autonomy, where its associated control apparatus makes independent decisions about operation based on local conditions and system state information. The units self-coordinate through standardized communication protocols and droop characteristics rather than requiring complex centralized dispatch. This self-service capability maintains high power distribution efficiency while minimizing control system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Power source units (3-5) having an AC/DC conversion circuit (10-12) and a DC/DC conversion circuit (13-15), and a battery unit (6-8) having a battery (16-18) and a DC/DC conversion circuit (19-21), are connected in parallel to a common DC bus to which both are linked, and a load (2) is connected to the DC bus. In a normal mode, power is supplied to the load (2) by the power source units (3-5). When there is an outage of an AC power source (1), the system is transferred to a back-up mode and power is supplied by the battery unit (6-8). When the load (2) exceeds the rated total of the power source units (3-5), when an input voltage falls and sufficient power cannot be supplied even without reaching the power outage, or when a portion of the power source units (3-5) is halted due to a fault and/or maintenance, etc., the system is transferred to an assist mode, and when the power supplied from the power source units (3-5) is insufficient, the power equivalent to the shortage is supplied by the battery unit (6-8).