Multi-source Power Supply Common Bus Rectifier Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing server power systems with single or redundant power supplies face challenges in accepting additional power sources due to space and performance constraints, and existing solutions for switching power upstream are costly and impractical.
Innovation Solution
A multi-source power supply system that combines DC power signals from multiple AC sources and DC sources onto a common bus, allowing for continuous power distribution to servers even if one or more sources fail, by using rectifiers to convert AC power signals to DC and distributing the combined DC power through a common bus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single power supply is used in existing servers, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to power interruption vulnerability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent power supply systems (first AC source with first rectifier, second AC source with second rectifier, and DC sources) into a unified power distribution architecture. These separate power paths are merged at the server level where they can independently or collectively power the server, achieving redundancy without requiring complex switching mechanisms within the server itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply system is segmented into independent modules: first AC source and first rectifier form one module, second AC source and second rectifier form another module, and DC sources form additional modules. Each module operates independently and can be added or removed without affecting others, allowing incremental reliability improvement while maintaining manageable complexity.
2Reliability
If redundant power supplies are added to existing servers, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to switching requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The server's power supply circuitry automatically manages multiple power sources without requiring manual intervention or complex switching logic. The system self-adjusts to utilize available power sources, and the transparent failure mechanism allows automatic failover when a power source becomes unavailable, eliminating the need for operators to manually switch between power supplies.
3Reliability
If switching mechanisms are implemented upstream of the server, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the switching and power management functionality from the server and relocates it to external power supply units. The server itself remains simple and unchanged, while the external power systems handle the complexity of managing multiple AC and DC sources. This extraction allows the server to benefit from redundant power without incorporating complex switching mechanisms internally.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple AC and DC power sources are combined, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The server power input is designed with universal compatibility to accept power from multiple types of sources: rectified DC from AC sources, direct DC from DC sources, or combinations thereof. The power distribution architecture implements multi-functionality by supporting various power source configurations (single AC, dual AC, AC plus DC, or DC only) without requiring different hardware designs, achieving adaptability through standardized interfaces and control logic.
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
This solution eliminates the need for redundant AC and DC power conversion on servers, allows for transparent failure of power sources, and enables efficient power distribution without interrupting server operations, reducing costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a first rectifier configured to convert a first AC power signal from a first source to a first DC power signal, a second rectifier configured to convert a second AC power signal from a second source to a second DC power signal
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-source power supply for supplying power that includes a first rectifier configured to convert a first AC power signal from a first source to a first DC power signal, a second rectifier configured to convert a second AC power signal from a second source to a second DC power signal and a common bus operatively connected to the first rectifier and the second rectifier and configured to combine a the DC power signals into a combined DC power signal, where the common bus distributes the combined DC power signal to at least one server.