Intelligent Power Coupler for Outlet Metering and Remote Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern data centers face challenges in efficiently managing and controlling power distribution to numerous electrically powered devices, as existing rack power distribution units (rPDU) often lack advanced metering and switching capabilities, particularly when they are non-intelligent or have limited intelligence.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent power appliance coupler is introduced, equipped with a microprocessor, infrared communication ports, voltage, and current sensors, which connects to a non-intelligent rPDU, providing flexible metering and switching capabilities, and enabling wireless communication, thus redistributing intelligence from the rPDU to the coupler.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a non-intelligent rPDU is used, then device complexity is reduced, but power management capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The intelligent power management capabilities (microprocessor, sensors, IR communication) are extracted from the rPDU and placed into separate coupler devices that connect to individual outlets. This allows the basic rPDU to remain simple while the couplers provide advanced metering and switching functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler acts as an intermediary device between the simple rPDU and the powered devices. It receives power from the rPDU and provides intelligent control, measurement, and communication functions to the connected devices, effectively bridging the gap between basic power distribution and advanced power management.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an intelligent rPDU with built-in controller is used, then power management capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system is segmented into multiple independent coupler units, each with its own microprocessor and sensors. This distributes the intelligence across multiple simple devices rather than requiring one complex centralized controller, making the system more modular and easier to implement on basic rPDUs.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler is designed as a universal device that can be connected to any standard power outlet on any rPDU (intelligent or basic). It provides multiple functions including power measurement, device control, and communication, making it adaptable to various rPDU types without requiring modification to the rPDU itself.
3Ease of manufacture
If basic rPDU without sensors is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement sensors (voltage and current sensors) are extracted from the rPDU and integrated into the coupler. This allows the basic rPDU to be manufactured without expensive sensor components, while the coupler provides precise power measurement capabilities through its integrated sensors and microprocessor.
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 allows for flexible, ad-hoc integration of custom outlet metering and switching, enhancing power management and communication in data centers, enabling remote power cycling and efficient energy monitoring, even with basic rPDU systems, thereby improving power distribution and management efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared (IR) receiver port configured to receive data via an IR signal
Implementation Method 2
an IR transmitter port configured to transmit output data from the microprocessor as an IR signal
Implementation Method 3
a voltage sensor operatively coupled to the microprocessor
Implementation Method 4
a current sensor operatively coupled to the microprocessor
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprising a power appliance coupler and a rack power distribution unit (rPDU) are provided. The power appliance coupler includes a plug connector configured to connect to a power outlet of the rPDU, a power outlet port; a microprocessor and a memory; an infrared (IR) receiver port configured to receive data via an IR signal and to communicate the received data to the microprocessor; an IR transmitter port configured to transmit output data from the microprocessor as an IR signal; a voltage sensor operatively coupled to the microprocessor; and a current sensor operatively coupled to the microprocessor. The rPDU includes an input power supply cord, an interchangeable monitoring device (IMD), a non-volatile memory, and a plurality of power outlets and is operatively coupled to the power appliance coupler via a wired connector.