Power Sharing in Two-Stage Redundant Power Supplies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Redundant power supply systems in computer systems face inefficiencies when multiple power supplies operate in parallel, as they tend to work at lower efficiency points, leading to increased power losses and reduced reliability.
Innovation Solution
A method is implemented where a primary and secondary power supply share power based on system load, with the primary supply operating alone in lower power consumption ranges and both supplies operating together in higher ranges, using pulse width modulation control and voltage adjustment to optimize efficiency, and the secondary supply is placed in a reduced power mode to minimize losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple power supplies operate in parallel to share system load, then reliability is improved, but power efficiency deteriorates due to operation at lower efficiency points
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operating mode of redundant power supplies based on real-time load conditions. When load is high, both supplies operate in parallel for optimal efficiency. When load is low, one supply is shut down to operate alone at higher efficiency point, avoiding the inefficiency of parallel operation at low load. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by adapting the configuration to current operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the power supply system by switching between two distinct states: parallel operation mode and single-unit operation mode. This parameter change allows the system to optimize efficiency by ensuring the active power supply operates in its optimal efficiency range, regardless of whether one or two supplies are active, thereby resolving the efficiency loss from parallel operation.
2Loss of energy
If redundant power supplies are shut down or placed in standby mode to improve efficiency, then power efficiency is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to reduced redundancy
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between standby mode and active operation based on the health status of power supplies. When the primary supply is healthy, the redundant supply remains shut down or in standby to maximize efficiency. When the primary supply fails, the redundant supply is automatically activated to maintain system operation. This dynamic response resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliability only when necessary while maximizing efficiency during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply system incorporates automatic failover capability where the redundant power supply serves itself as a backup resource that activates only when needed. The system monitors the health of active supplies and automatically transitions the redundant supply from standby to active mode upon detecting failure, ensuring reliability is maintained through self-monitoring and self-activation without requiring manual intervention.
3Loss of energy
If single power supply operates alone in lower power consumption range, then efficiency is improved, but power capacity deteriorates due to reduced available power
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of active power supplies based on the power consumption range of the load. When power consumption is low, a single power supply operates alone to maximize efficiency. When power consumption increases beyond the capacity or optimal range of a single supply, the system automatically activates additional supplies to share the load. This dynamic scaling resolves the contradiction by matching the number of active supplies to the current power demand.
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 approach enhances the net efficiency of power supply systems by dynamically adjusting power sharing based on load conditions, reducing power losses and maintaining reliability by ensuring seamless transition in case of primary supply failure.
Implementation Method 1
Each power supply includes a pulse width modulation generator. A pulse width modulation waveform is generated to control the power output of each power supply.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the invention provides a method for optimizing the power consumption in a redundant power system. A pulse width modulation waveform is generated in each of a first and second power supply to control the power output of each power supply. In response to the system load reaching a power setpoint, the first and second power supplies supply power to the system load in parallel. In response to the system load being below the power setpoint, the pulse width modulation waveform is disabled or blocked in the second power supply, and the system load is powered substantially entirely with the first power supply.