Modular UPS Segmentation for Data Center Power Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data centers face high costs and complex maintenance due to the need for full redundancy in power systems, which can be costly and require special procedures to switch components, and may experience significant disruptions when utility power is interrupted, especially if backup systems are insufficient.
Innovation Solution
A modular uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system that includes rectifier and battery modules, configured to provide scalable and redundant power support by selectively routing power from utility or generator sources, with UPS modules that can be adjusted to meet changing power requirements, allowing for continuous operation even during utility power outages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If full redundancy of primary power systems is provided, then reliability is improved, but capital costs and operation maintenance costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution system is segmented into multiple independent zones, each with its own UPS and PDU. This segmentation allows redundancy to be implemented at the zone level rather than requiring full system-wide redundancy, reducing overall complexity and cost while maintaining reliability through localized backup capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic load sharing between primary and backup power sources through intelligent switching mechanisms. The backup system can dynamically activate based on detected failures, and the system can adaptively redistribute power loads across available pathways, providing reliability without requiring all components to be fully redundant simultaneously.
2Reliability
If full redundancy of primary power systems is provided, then reliability is improved, but costs of operation and maintenance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution system incorporates automatic failure detection and switching mechanisms that enable self-service operation. When a primary power component fails, the system automatically detects the failure and switches to backup pathways without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining reliability while significantly reducing maintenance complexity and operational burden.
3Device complexity
If no redundancy at PDU level is provided, then costs are reduced, but affected zone increases significantly when UPS or PDU failure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into segmented zones with dedicated UPS and PDU units for each zone. This segmentation ensures that a failure in one zone is isolated and does not propagate to other zones, thereby limiting the affected area while maintaining overall system simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
4Device complexity
If single threaded distribution is used, then device complexity is reduced, but maintenance requires shutdown and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution system implements dynamic load balancing and hot-swappable components that allow maintenance activities to proceed without shutting down the entire system. Power loads can be dynamically redistributed while components are being serviced, maintaining productivity while keeping distribution complexity manageable through intelligent control mechanisms.
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 modular UPS system reduces costs and maintenance complexity by providing flexible, scalable power support that ensures uninterrupted operation even during extended utility power outages, minimizing the impact of failures and allowing for dynamic adjustments to meet changing power demands.
Implementation Method 1
a battery module electrically coupled to the at least one rectifier module and configured to supply electrical power to the plurality of rack computer systems
Data Source
AI summary
A modular uninterruptible power supply (UPS) provides modular uninterruptible power support to multiple rack computer systems. The modular UPS can include one or more rectifier, battery, and inverter modules installed in one or more rack frames. The modules can be installed in a common rack frame and electrically coupled via a bus bar coupled to the frame. The modules can be installed in separate rack frames and electrically coupled via a bus bar extending between the separate rack frames. The modular UPS can include multiple sets of rectifier modules and battery modules which are electrically coupled to the rack computer systems in parallel and can provide uninterruptible power support subsequent to at least one module failure. The rectifier, battery, and inverter modules installed in the rack frames can be adjusted to provide scalable power support based at least in part upon the power support requirements of the rack computer systems.