PDU Impedance Measurement Using Solid-State Phase-Angle Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing AC power distribution systems face challenges in automating the measurement of reactive impedance, as manual maintenance is labor-intensive and disruptive, particularly in IT environments, and can lead to electrical hazards and equipment damage due to loose, contaminated, or corroded connections.

Innovation Solution

The integration of solid-state relays and solid-state current-flow control devices within power distribution units to automatically determine and analyze inductive impedance values by controlling AC current flow based on phase angle trigger values, minimizing mechanical relay issues and resonance effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual maintenance is performed to check electrical connections, then potential hazards can be identified, but the process is labor-intensive and disruptive to IT environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection safetyVSAvoidsystem uptime

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-diagnosis by automatically measuring impedance values of electrical connections without requiring manual intervention. The PDU autonomously identifies potential hazards through continuous monitoring, eliminating the need for disruptive manual maintenance while maintaining high reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with automated electrical measurement using solid-state relays and impedance sensing circuitry. This substitution enables continuous monitoring without physical contact, eliminating downtime associated with manual maintenance while accurately detecting connection issues

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Extent of automation

If automated impedance measurement is implemented, then maintenance requirements can be identified without manual intervention, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement automationVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The PDU is designed with multi-functionality, integrating both power distribution and impedance measurement capabilities into a single device. The solid-state relays serve dual purposes: controlling power delivery to outlets and enabling impedance measurements, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite increased automation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Solid-state relays act as intermediaries between the power distribution circuitry and the measurement system. These relays enable the measurement of impedance values by controlling current flow through electrical connections without requiring complex direct measurement circuitry, simplifying the automated measurement approach

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If solid-state relays are used for AC current control, then measurement precision is improved, but the cost of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpedance measurement precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system measures impedance across multiple frequency parameters (including harmonics beyond the fundamental frequency) to accurately characterize inductive loads. By varying measurement frequencies and analyzing impedance values at different points, the system achieves high precision measurements that account for the complex electrical characteristics of modern electronic equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 automated, in-situ impedance measurement, improving system reliability, reducing unnecessary manual maintenance, and minimizing exposure to electrical hazards while providing real-world maintenance correlations.

Implementation Method 1

dictating a phase angle trigger value to activate a solid-state current-flow control device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase angle triggering:

Data Source

PatentUS11347193B2Automating reactive impedance measurements

Publication Date: 2022.05.31 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

A system and a method for automatically determining and analyzing electrical responses related to a group of elements. In an embodiment, the method includes one or more computer processors determining a group of elements electrically connected to a power distribution unit that supplies AC power to an AC load of the group of elements. The method further includes determining a resistance corresponding to the group of elements utilizing a solid-state relay. The method further includes dictating a phase angle trigger value to activate a solid-state current-flow control device. The method further includes determining a set of inductive impedance values corresponding to the group of elements utilizing the solid-state current-flow control device to control AC current flow to the group of elements based on the dictated phase angle trigger value. The method further includes generating an analysis of the determined set of inductive impedance values corresponding to the group of elements.