Pulsed DC Power Distribution with Synchronized Fault Interruption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Datacenters face inefficiencies in power distribution and fault management due to reliance on alternating current (AC) voltage, which can lead to arcing issues during power interruptions and inefficient energy use.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a pulsed DC voltage distribution system that includes circuit breakers to interrupt power during fault conditions during the off phase of the cyclical voltage, reducing energy waste and preventing arcing by synchronizing power cutoffs with the voltage's low phase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If AC voltage is used for power distribution, then power can be transmitted continuously, but arcing occurs during power interruptions and energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using pulsed DC voltage that cycles between on-phase (high voltage) and off-phase (low voltage) states. This periodic waveform allows circuit breakers to interrupt power during the off-phase when voltage is minimal, preventing arcing while maintaining continuous power delivery capability. The pulsed nature resolves the contradiction by enabling clean interruptions without the arcing problems of AC voltage.
2Reliability
If power is interrupted during fault conditions in AC systems, then faults can be isolated, but arcing occurs during interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-synchronizing circuit breaker operation with the pulsed DC waveform's off-phase. Before attempting to interrupt fault current, the system waits for the natural low-voltage period in the pulsed waveform. This preliminary timing alignment ensures that when the breaker opens, voltage is already at its minimum, preventing arcing while achieving fault isolation.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If continuous DC voltage is used for power distribution, then equipment can operate continuously, but energy efficiency decreases and fault management becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic pulsed DC voltage instead of continuous DC, creating cycles of high-voltage (on-phase) and low-voltage (off-phase) states. Equipment operates during the on-phase when power is delivered, while the off-phase provides natural interruption points for fault management and energy efficiency improvements. This periodic approach maintains continuous operation capability while reducing overall energy consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A power distribution system in a datacenter generates and distributes a pulsed direct current (DC) voltage, instead of alternating current (AC) power or DC power. The system includes an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and a breaker and may include multiple UPS's and multiple breakers. The UPS is configured to receive an AC voltage. The UPS includes a rechargeable battery and a pulsed DC circuit that generates the pulsed DC output voltage to drive a load external to the UPS. The pulsed DC output voltage comprises a periodic waveform including an on phase and an off phase. The UPS generates a timing signal indicative of occurrence of the off phase of the pulsed DC output voltage. The breaker provides the pulsed DC output voltage from the UPS to the load and decouples the pulsed DC output voltage from the load during an off phase upon detection of a fault condition.