Power Source Identification Over Power Links for Redundant Feed Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
In data storage centers, cabling errors can lead to equipment being mistakenly connected to a single power source instead of redundant power sources, increasing the risk of power loss due to a single point of failure.
Innovation Solution
A system that generates and transmits a unique power source identifier via a power connection, allowing power consumers to determine if they are connected to redundant power sources by comparing identifiers from multiple connections, and alerts administrators to any cabling mistakes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power consumers are connected to multiple power sources for redundancy, then reliability is improved, but the risk of cabling errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having power sources transmit their identifiers to power consumers through the power connection. The power consumer then compares received identifiers and provides feedback about redundant connections to administrators, enabling detection and correction of cabling errors while maintaining reliable redundant power supply
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses power source identifiers as intermediaries to enable verification of power connections. These identifiers are transmitted through the power connection itself, serving as a mediator that allows the system to detect whether redundant power sources are truly independent or incorrectly connected to the same source
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If power source identifiers are transmitted via power connections, then cabling error detection is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by using the existing power connection to serve dual purposes: delivering electrical power and transmitting identifier data. This eliminates the need for separate communication infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity while enabling comprehensive cabling error detection
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by having power sources automatically transmit their own identifiers and having power consumers automatically compare and verify connections. Administrators receive automated notifications without manual intervention, reducing operational complexity while improving detection capability
Data Source
AI summary
A system can comprise a processor and a memory that can store executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, facilitate performance of operations comprising generating data comprising a power source identifier to be transmitted as a data transmission; and transmitting, to a power consumer, the data transmission via a power connection from a power source. The data transmission can comprise other information related to the power source. The operations can further comprise receiving one or more consumption data transmissions from one or more power consumers, wherein the one or more power consumers are associated with the power source and comprise the power consumer, and wherein at least one of the one or more consumption data transmissions comprises a consumption indicator associated with the power consumer.