Power Supply Module Merging AC and DC Inputs

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing power supply systems in data centers require a large number of power modules due to the redundancy needed for reliable alternating current power distribution, leading to increased costs and equipment size.

Innovation Solution

The system employs two voltages, a second alternating current and a third high voltage direct current, which back up each other, allowing fewer power modules to be used by eliminating the need for expensive UPS equipment and using a battery group for power backup only in the high voltage direct current branch, thereby reducing costs and improving efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two sets of power supply systems are used in redundant backup mode, then power supply reliability is improved, but the number of power modules increases and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of power modules
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple power supply inputs (first AC, second AC, and DC power supply) into a single power module that can accept any of these inputs. The power module includes a selecting unit that chooses the appropriate input power source, merging the functionality of multiple separate power supply systems into one integrated unit, thereby reducing the total number of power modules needed while maintaining redundancy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power module is designed with multi-functionality to accept different types of power inputs (AC and DC) and automatically adapt to the available power source. The selecting unit enables the power module to function with any combination of power supplies, making it a universal power conversion unit that eliminates the need for dedicated power modules for each input type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If two sets of power supply systems are used in redundant backup mode, then power supply reliability is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple power supply inputs (first AC, second AC, and DC power supply) into a single power module that can accept any of these inputs. The power module includes a selecting unit that chooses the appropriate input power source, merging the functionality of multiple separate power supply systems into one integrated unit, thereby reducing the total number of power modules needed while maintaining redundancy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power module is designed with multi-functionality to accept different types of power inputs (AC and DC) and automatically adapt to the available power source. The selecting unit enables the power module to function with any combination of power supplies, making it a universal power conversion unit that eliminates the need for dedicated power modules for each input type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If each power module receives only one alternating current, then device complexity is reduced, but the number of power modules required increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower module configurationVSAvoidnumber of power modules
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple power supply inputs (first AC, second AC, and DC power supply) into a single power module that can accept any of these inputs. The power module includes a selecting unit that chooses the appropriate input power source, merging the functionality of multiple separate power supply systems into one integrated unit, thereby reducing the total number of power modules needed while maintaining redundancy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power module is designed with multi-functionality to accept different types of power inputs (AC and DC) and automatically adapt to the available power source. The selecting unit enables the power module to function with any combination of power supplies, making it a universal power conversion unit that eliminates the need for dedicated power modules for each input type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 configuration reduces the number of power modules required, decreases costs, and enhances power supply efficiency by eliminating redundant power backup systems and minimizing the use of expensive UPS equipment.

Implementation Method 1

a rectifier module, configured to rectify an input second alternating current, and convert the second alternating current into a second high voltage direct current for outputting

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRectification:

Implementation Method 2

a battery group, configured to output a standby high voltage direct current when the first high voltage direct current output by the first AC/DC module is abnormal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentEP3141983B1Power supply method and apparatus
Publication Date: 2021.12.15 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3141983B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3141983B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3141983B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention disclose a power supply method, including: rectifying a second alternating current, and converting the second alternating current into a second high voltage direct current; when the second high voltage direct current is abnormal, inputting a third high voltage direct current to a DC/DC module; when the second high voltage direct current is normal, inputting the second high voltage direct current to the DC/DC module; and converting, by the DC/DC module, the second high voltage direct current or the third high voltage direct current into a low voltage direct current for outputting.