Sequential Power Supply Startup to Limit Input Bus Surge Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
In crypto mining farms, the simultaneous startup of multiple power supplies results in excessive surge currents, potentially damaging equipment and disrupting nearby electrical systems due to the additive effect of startup currents from hold-up capacitors.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling multiple power supplies to start in a sequential manner, reducing surge currents by coordinating their startup times and frequencies, using a system controller to manage the power-up sequence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If multiple power supplies are started simultaneously to provide power to loads, then the power supply system can quickly establish output voltage, but excessive surge currents are generated that may damage equipment and disturb nearby electrical equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the simultaneous startup process into sequential startup stages. Each power supply unit is assigned a different startup time delay, causing them to initialize one after another rather than all at once. This temporal segmentation reduces the peak surge current by distributing the inrush current demand across multiple time intervals, while still achieving relatively quick overall system startup.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and setting different startup time delays for each power supply unit before the actual startup sequence begins. This preliminary configuration ensures that when startup is initiated, each unit automatically activates at its predetermined time, preventing excessive surge current without requiring real-time adjustment during the startup process.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If hold-up capacitors are increased to extend the period after loss of input power source, then the time period after power loss is extended, but surge currents during startup become very large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the total capacitance requirement across multiple power supply units, each with smaller individual hold-up capacitors. By staggering the startup times of these units, the system achieves the same overall power hold-up duration without requiring any single unit to have a large capacitor that would generate excessive surge current during its charging phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device implements periodic action by establishing a rhythmic startup sequence where power supply units are activated at regular time intervals. This periodic activation pattern allows each unit's hold-up capacitor to charge with manageable surge current, while the cumulative effect of multiple units provides the desired extended operation duration after power loss.
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 sequential startup of power supplies significantly reduces surge currents, protecting equipment and maintaining system stability by distributing the startup load over time.
Implementation Method 1
During the time period, the energy for supporting the output power is obtained from the hold-up capacitors
Implementation Method 2
The power supply is configured to convert the ac voltage of the electric grid into a voltage suitable for driving the crypto miner
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling multiple power supplies includes configuring a plurality of power supplies to provide power to respective loads coupled to the plurality of power supplies, wherein inputs of the plurality of power supplies are coupled to an input voltage bus, and during a startup process, coordinating the plurality of power supplies such that the plurality of power supplies is powered up in a controllable manner, wherein as a result of coordinating the plurality of power supplies, a surge current flowing through the input voltage bus is reduced.