PDU Waveform Detection for Unauthorized Load Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to detect unauthorized electrical loads on power distribution units (PDUs) in datacenters, leading to potential disturbances and catastrophic cascading events due to abnormal behaviors and power outages.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that analyze the electrical cycle waveform of loads plugged into a PDU receptacle, comparing it to problem waveforms to identify unauthorized loads, and initiate actions such as disabling power or triggering alarms to prevent disturbances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If personnel plug equipment into available AC outlets or rack PDU receptacles, then equipment can be powered, but unauthorized loads can cause disturbances and power outages to other components
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors electrical waveforms from plugged-in equipment and provides feedback by comparing them against stored problem waveforms. When unauthorized loads are detected through this feedback mechanism, the system automatically triggers alarms or disconnects power to protect the PDU and other connected components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection system between the power source and the electrical loads. This intermediary monitors the electrical characteristics of plugged-in equipment and intermediates by preventing unauthorized loads from causing disturbances to other components through automatic disconnection or alarming.
2Reliability
If the system monitors and analyzes electrical waveforms to detect unauthorized loads, then power stability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-storing problem waveforms in memory before actual detection is needed. This preliminary preparation allows the detection system to quickly compare incoming waveforms against known problematic patterns without requiring complex real-time analysis, thereby reducing the computational complexity while maintaining high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a cost-effective detection approach by using simple waveform comparison against pre-stored problem waveforms rather than implementing complex real-time analysis algorithms. This disposable-like simplicity in the detection method achieves reliable unauthorized load detection without requiring expensive or highly complex system architecture.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the system automatically disconnects power upon detecting problem waveforms, then catastrophic events are prevented, but false disconnections may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary comparison of detected waveforms against a library of pre-stored problem waveforms before triggering disconnection actions. This preliminary verification step ensures that only truly unauthorized loads are disconnected, reducing false alarms while still preventing catastrophic events from genuine threats.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback by continuously monitoring and comparing waveforms, allowing it to distinguish between legitimate equipment and unauthorized loads. The feedback mechanism ensures that disconnection actions are taken only when problem waveforms are confirmed, thereby preventing false disconnections while maintaining protection against harmful unauthorized loads.
Data Source
AI summary
Electrical loads from an electrically powered unit plugged into a receptacle of a power distribution unit (PDU) can be detected, using a computer communicating with the PDU. The electrical load is analyzed by comparing an electrical cycle waveform of the electrical load to electrical cycle waveforms of problem waveforms accessible by the computer. When the electrical cycle waveform of the electrical load matches an electrical cycle waveform of one of the problem waveforms. In response to the electrical cycle waveform of the electrical load matching the electrical cycle waveform of one of the problem waveforms, the computer initiates an action to disable electrical power to the receptacle of the PDU.