PDU Shutdown Control via Device Time Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power system shutdown methods, such as those using power strips and PDUs, require manual management of shutdown sequences and do not account for varying shutdown times of electric apparatuses, leading to potential unsafe shutdowns, especially when not all devices have the necessary software installed.
Innovation Solution
A method where a PDU communicates with connected electric apparatuses to determine their required shutdown periods and adjusts its preset shutdown periods to ensure each device has sufficient time to shut down safely, by cutting off AC power only if the preset period exceeds the required period, and canceling the shutdown command if not, thereby allowing for automatic and safe shutdowns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the PDU uses a fixed preset shutdown period for all outlets, then the shutdown sequence is simple to manage, but some electric apparatuses may not have sufficient time to shut down safely
Solution Approach 1:
The PDU dynamically adjusts the shutdown period for each outlet based on the specific requirements of the connected electric apparatus. Instead of using a fixed preset shutdown period for all outlets, the system determines the required shutdown period for each apparatus and adjusts the outlet's shutdown period accordingly, ensuring that each device receives adequate time for safe shutdown while maintaining automated management.
2Reliability
If the PDU communicates with each electric apparatus to determine required shutdown periods, then safe shutdown is ensured, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each electric apparatus determines its own required shutdown period and communicates this information to the PDU. The apparatus serves itself by providing the shutdown time requirement, eliminating the need for the PDU to complexly calculate or estimate these values. This self-service approach ensures reliable shutdown timing while keeping the PDU's controlling logic relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric apparatus provides feedback to the PDU about its required shutdown period. This feedback mechanism allows the PDU to adjust the outlet's shutdown period based on actual device requirements rather than using fixed presets, ensuring safe shutdown while maintaining a straightforward communication protocol.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual management of shutdown sequences is used, then the system is simple to implement, but it becomes inconvenient when managing many electric apparatuses
Solution Approach 1:
The PDU automatically determines the required shutdown period for each electric apparatus before executing the shutdown sequence. By performing this determination action in advance, the system eliminates the need for manual configuration of shutdown times for each device, making automated management convenient while keeping the implementation relatively simple.
4Speed
If the PDU cuts off power immediately after shutdown command, then the shutdown process is fast, but some devices may shut down unsafely without enough time
Solution Approach 1:
The PDU changes the time parameter for each outlet based on the specific shutdown requirements of the connected electric apparatus. Instead of using a fixed or uniform shutdown delay, the system adjusts the shutdown period parameter for each outlet individually, ensuring that devices requiring more time receive appropriate delays while maintaining fast shutdown for devices that need less time.
Data Source
AI summary
A shutdown controlling method is applied to a system that has a host computer, a PDU and multiple electric apparatus connected to the PDU. The PDU has multiple outlets and stores preset shutdown periods for the outlets respectively. The PDU communicates with the electric apparatus and obtains their required shutdown periods. When PDU is controlled to cut off an outlet, the PDU determines whether the preset shutdown period of the outlet is larger than the required shutdown period. If yes, the PDU cuts out the AC power of the outlet. If not, the PDU cancels the shutdown command and notifies the host computer. Therefore, a manager may update the preset shutdown period of the outlet to ensure that each electric apparatus has enough time to be safely shut down.