Predictive PDU Load Switching for Three-Phase Balance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Unbalanced input phases in power distribution units (PDUs) lead to power wastage, excessive heating, and potential failures in product safety standards due to uneven power distribution across phases.

Innovation Solution

Implement predictive three-phase PDU output load switching by measuring output port power values, performing pattern recognition, and creating switching rules to balance input phases, including predicted power values for periodic intervals or based on measured values.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If output ports are connected to fixed input phases without switching, then device complexity is reduced, but input phase balance deteriorates leading to power wastage and excessive heating

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePDU switching control mechanismVSAvoidPower wastage due to unbalanced phases

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The PDU system automatically monitors its own output port power values and performs self-adjustment by switching input phases based on detected power patterns, eliminating the need for external manual intervention while maintaining input phase balance and reducing power wastage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously measures output port power values and uses this feedback information to dynamically adjust input phase assignments through switching rules, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes power distribution while managing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If predictive switching rules are implemented based on pattern recognition, then input phase balance is improved, but device complexity increases due to monitoring and control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveInput phase balance stabilityVSAvoidPattern recognition and switching control system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs pattern recognition on power values in advance to predict future power distribution patterns, and proactively switches input phases before imbalances occur, thereby maintaining reliability while managing complexity through preventive rather than reactive control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The switching rules are dynamically adjusted based on recognized power patterns, allowing the system to adapt to changing load conditions while maintaining a manageable level of complexity through rule-based rather than fully algorithmic control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of energy

If manual monitoring and switching of output ports is performed, then input phase balance can be achieved, but loss of time occurs due to manual intervention requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePower wastage from unbalanced phasesVSAvoidTime for manual monitoring and switching operations

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The PDU system autonomously monitors power values and performs switching operations without human intervention, eliminating the time loss associated with manual operations while reducing power wastage through continuous optimization of input phase assignments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously measures power values and maintains optimal input phase assignments through automated switching, ensuring uninterrupted power distribution and eliminating the downtime associated with manual monitoring and adjustment operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Reliability

If output port power values are measured and analyzed continuously, then input phase balancing is improved, but use of energy increases due to monitoring operations

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveInput phase balance accuracyVSAvoidEnergy consumed by monitoring and switching operations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system measures power values continuously but only triggers switching actions when recognized patterns indicate actual imbalances, avoiding unnecessary switching operations and reducing the energy consumed by the monitoring and control system while maintaining accurate input phase balance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20250158403A1Predictive power distribution unit output load switching for input phase balancing

Publication Date: 2025.05.15 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

Disclosed embodiments provide methods, systems, and computer program products for implementing predictive three-phase power distribution unit (PDU) output load switching for input phase balancing. Disclosed embodiments measure PDU output port power values for powering a plurality of loads over time, perform pattern recognition on the PDU output port power values over time to produce recognized power patterns; and create switching rules based on the recognized power patterns to provide input phase load balancing, wherein the switching rules include at least one of (i) predicted output port power values for a periodic time interval, or (ii) predicted output port power values based on the measured PDU output port power values associated with the loads. Disclosed embodiments switch input phase connection to one or more PDU outputs based on the switching rules.