PDU Remaining Power Management via UPS Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power distribution units (PDUs) do not effectively manage the remaining power of a UPS, failing to prioritize its use for critical apparatus and lacking in proactive power management features.
Innovation Solution
A PDU equipped with a power input terminal, relays, a processor, and a network interface that receives and manages the remaining power parameter from a UPS, allowing for controlled outlet actions based on this parameter, enabling effective power management and preferential use of remaining power for important devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the PDU connects to UPS to obtain remaining power information, then the remaining power can be managed and prioritized for critical devices, but the device complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network interface as an intermediary component that mediates communication between the PDU and UPS systems. This allows the PDU to receive remaining power information from the UPS without requiring direct complex integration, thus improving power management efficiency while minimizing the increase in device complexity through a standardized communication interface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the PDU continuously monitors remaining power information from the UPS and automatically adjusts outlet configurations based on this feedback. The system processes the remaining power data and triggers appropriate outlet actions (such as shutting down non-critical outlets) without requiring manual intervention, thereby improving power management efficiency while keeping the control system relatively simple through automated decision-making algorithms
2Productivity
If the PDU automatically controls outlets based on remaining power parameters, then power usage is optimized for critical devices, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by allowing users to pre-configure outlet priorities and automation rules before power management is needed. Critical outlets are designated in advance, and automation thresholds are set beforehand. When remaining power drops below these pre-set thresholds, the system automatically executes the predetermined actions, optimizing power usage for critical devices without requiring real-time manual intervention while maintaining operational simplicity through advance configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control capabilities that allow the system to adapt outlet configurations based on real-time remaining power conditions. The automation level can be dynamically adjusted between fully manual, partially automated, and fully automatic modes. This dynamic approach enables the system to optimize power usage efficiency through automated controls when needed, while preserving manual control flexibility when users require direct intervention, thus balancing productivity improvement with ease of operation
Data Source
AI summary
A PDU (power distribution unit) having capability for remaining power management, the PDU has a plurality of first outlets, the PDU can electrically connect with a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply), the PDU and the UPS can be communicatively connected to a manager; wherein the PDU can receive a remaining power parameter which is transmitted from the UPS, the manager can use the user interface to display the remaining power parameter, and the manager can use the user interface to set up at least one outlet action, the PDU can control at least one the first outlet to execute the outlet action according to the remaining power parameter.