Peak Power Control System for Data Center UPS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern data centers face challenges in providing uninterrupted power to compute server farms, as traditional power supply systems are inefficient and costly, requiring peak power demands to be directly supported by primary power sources, which can lead to voltage drops and reliability issues during peak loading.
Innovation Solution
A peak power control system that uses a secondary power source to supplement power to protected load devices during peak demands, while recharging during non-peak periods, allowing the primary power source to only support a predetermined load level, thereby reducing overall costs and improving reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the primary power source directly supports peak power demands, then the power supply can meet maximum loading requirements, but the system cost increases and voltage drops occur during peak loading
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into two distinct sources: a primary power source (PPS) configured to support only a predetermined load level (PLL), and a secondary battery power source (SPS) that supplements power during peak demands above PLL. This segmentation allows each power source to be optimized for its specific operating range, with the PPS handling baseline loads and the SPS handling peak loads, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and peak power capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A power supply controller acts as an intermediary between the PPS, SPS, and the protected load device. The controller monitors power demands and dynamically switches between or combines power from the PPS and SPS based on whether the load exceeds the PLL. This intermediary coordination ensures seamless power delivery during peak demands without requiring the PPS to be oversized, maintaining reliability while avoiding voltage drops.
2Reliability
If the primary power source is configured for peak power demands, then uninterrupted power is ensured, but the cost of the primary power source increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into two distinct sources: a primary power source (PPS) configured to support only a predetermined load level (PLL), and a secondary battery power source (SPS) that supplements power during peak demands above PLL. This segmentation allows each power source to be optimized for its specific operating range, with the PPS handling baseline loads and the SPS handling peak loads, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and peak power capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary battery power source (SPS) is charged during non-peak periods when the PPS has excess capacity, recovering energy that would otherwise be wasted. This recovered energy is then utilized during peak demands, eliminating the need to permanently oversize the PPS and reducing overall system cost while maintaining uninterrupted power supply.
3Ease of manufacture
If the primary power source supports only predetermined load level, then system cost is reduced, but voltage drops occur during peak loading
Solution Approach 1:
A power supply controller acts as an intermediary between the PPS, SPS, and the protected load device. The controller monitors power demands and dynamically switches between or combines power from the PPS and SPS based on whether the load exceeds the PLL. This intermediary coordination ensures seamless power delivery during peak demands without requiring the PPS to be oversized, maintaining reliability while avoiding voltage drops.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary battery power source (SPS) is pre-charged during non-peak periods when power demand is below the PLL, preparing energy in advance for upcoming peak demands. This preliminary action ensures that when peak loads occur, the SPS can immediately supplement power from the PPS, maintaining voltage stability without requiring the PPS to be oversized.
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
The system ensures uninterrupted power to data centers by dynamically managing power supply, reducing the need for costly peak power support from primary sources and optimizing battery usage, leading to increased server density and reduced infrastructure requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a secondary battery power source (SPS) that supplements power to the PSU during peak loading demands
Data Source
AI summary
A peak power control (PPC) system/method providing a uninterruptable power supply (UPS) to one or more protected load devices (PLD) supplied by power supply units (PSU) serviced by a primary power source (PPS) and a secondary power source (SPS) is disclosed. The PPS is configured to provide only a portion of peak power demand (PPD) required by the PSU to support the PLD power demand. During periods where power supplied by the PPS is insufficient to support the PLD power demand, the SPS augments the power supplied to the PSU to meet the PLD power demand. During periods where power supplied by the PPS is sufficient to meet the PLD power demand, the SPS is recharged by any excess power available from the PPS. Power provisioning controls (PPC) generate state control information (SCI) instructing the PLD to modulate computing clock speeds and/or prioritize PLD computing tasks in real-time.