Parallel Uninterruptable Power Module Control for Data Center Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for high-density IT loads in data centers and cloud computing applications requires efficient and flexible electrical power systems that can manage diverse power sources, such as fuel cells, solar arrays, and wind turbines, while ensuring optimal power distribution and redundancy to meet varying load demands.
Innovation Solution
The system employs multiple uninterruptable power modules (UPMs) connected in parallel, each equipped with controllers and inverters that convert DC voltage to AC voltage, allowing for parallel control and power sharing commands to distribute power equally or unequally across the bus, ensuring efficient use of multiple power sources and accounting for varying capacities and degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple power sources are combined in a single electrical power system to meet high-density IT load demands, then the power capacity and reliability are improved, but the system complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple independent uninterruptible power modules (UPMs), each handling a specific power source. Each UPM contains its own controller and inverter, allowing independent operation and simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high power capacity through parallel connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic power sharing control where each UPM's controller continuously monitors and adjusts power output based on real-time load demands and source capacities. Power sharing commands are dynamically updated to optimize power distribution across multiple sources, enabling the system to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple UPMs are connected in parallel to distribute power from multiple sources, then the power distribution flexibility and reliability are improved, but the control coordination difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each UPM controller receives feedback signals from the common AC bus and from other UPMs regarding their operating status and power output. Based on this feedback, controllers automatically adjust their power contribution and synchronize with other UPMs, enabling coordinated operation without complex centralized control while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed with universal power sharing commands that can be applied to any number of UPMs connected in parallel. The same control architecture and communication protocol work whether two UPMs or many UPMs are connected, providing scalability and simplifying control coordination across different system configurations.
3Productivity
If power sharing commands are used to distribute power equally or unequally among UPMs, then the optimization of power source utilization is improved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power sharing commands are dynamically adjusted based on real-time monitoring of each power source's capacity, efficiency, and operational status. The system can automatically transition between equal and unequal power distribution modes, optimizing utilization by directing more power to efficient sources or balancing load to equalize wear across sources, all through automated control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system modifies operational parameters such as power output levels, switching frequencies, and voltage regulation settings of each UPM based on power sharing commands. By changing these parameters dynamically, the system optimizes power source utilization without requiring complex hardware modifications, achieving high productivity through software-based parameter adjustment.
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 enables efficient and flexible power management, optimizing the use of diverse power sources to meet load demands, reducing costs, and enhancing reliability by allowing for equal or unequal power distribution based on source capacity and demand, thereby supporting high-density IT loads and cloud computing applications.
Implementation Method 1
a UPM may be comprised of at least one controller coupled to at least one inverter, and the UPM may be configured to convert the direct current (DC) voltage output from a DC source to an alternating current (AC) voltage
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and devices of the various embodiments enable parallel control of multiple uninterruptable power modules (“UPMs”) connecting multiple power sources to a bus in parallel. A UPM may be comprised of at least one controller coupled to at least one inverter, and the UPM may be configured to convert the DC voltage output from a DC source to an AC voltage, such as an AC voltage suitable for output to an AC bus. A UPM may receive a power sharing command and control its at least one inverter based at least in part on the received power sharing command to output a voltage to a bus.