Rack-Level SST Power Distribution to Cut Data Center Line Loss
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supply and distribution systems for data centers are plagued by excessive devices, complex links, large occupied space, lengthy low-voltage buses, high line losses, and high costs, primarily due to the use of low frequency transformers and centralized voltage reduction.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a solid state transformer (SST) power supply system that performs voltage reduction and rectification directly at each IT load location, eliminating the need for low frequency transformers and centralized low-voltage distribution cabinets, and converting alternating-current mains electricity into direct current for stable power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a low frequency transformer and centralized low-voltage power distribution cabinet are used, then voltage reduction can be achieved, but the occupied space increases and the system becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional low frequency transformer (electromagnetic system) with a solid state transformer based on power electronic devices (electronic system). This substitution eliminates the need for large magnetic cores and windings, significantly reducing device size and complexity while maintaining voltage reduction functionality. The solid state transformer uses semiconductor switches and control circuits to achieve efficient power conversion without the mechanical and electromagnetic bulk of traditional transformers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the centralized power distribution system into distributed modular units. Instead of one centralized low-voltage distribution cabinet serving the entire data center, multiple solid state transformers are distributed throughout the facility, each serving a specific rack or zone. This segmentation reduces the need for extensive low-voltage bus wiring and simplifies the overall system architecture by eliminating the single point of complexity.
2Power
If voltage is reduced through a centralized low frequency transformer, then power distribution can be achieved, but the low-voltage bus becomes lengthy and line losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local voltage reduction at each distribution point using solid state transformers positioned near or within server racks. This local quality approach ensures that voltage is converted close to the load, minimizing the distance over which low-voltage power must be transmitted. Consequently, the low-voltage bus length is dramatically reduced, and line losses are minimized because the majority of power conversion occurs locally rather than requiring long-distance low-voltage transmission from a centralized source.
3Reliability
If a conventional UPS-based power supply system is used, then continuous power supply can be ensured, but the number of devices increases and occupied space expands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the solid state transformer and the uninterruptible power supply into a single integrated device. The solid state transformer incorporates energy storage capacitors and control circuits that provide UPS functionality directly at the point of power conversion. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate UPS cabinets and their associated batteries, inverters, and control systems, thereby maintaining continuous power supply capability while dramatically reducing the total occupied space.
Solution Approach 2:
The solid state transformer is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously performs voltage reduction, power conversion, energy storage, and uninterrupted power supply functions. By integrating these multiple functions into a single universal device, the system eliminates the need for multiple specialized components (transformer, UPS cabinet, batteries), reducing device count and occupied space while maintaining all necessary functions for reliable continuous power supply to IT equipment.
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
Reduces occupied space, shortens low-voltage bus length, decreases losses, and lowers costs by deploying SST power supply systems near IT loads, simplifying the system architecture and reducing device count while ensuring stable power distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a rectifier module performs voltage reduction and rectification on mains electricity by using an SST
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply and distribution system for a data center. The power supply and distribution system for a data center includes a plurality of SST power supply systems. Each of the plurality of SST power supply systems includes a rectifier module that performs voltage reduction and rectification by using an SST and an energy storage apparatus connected to the rectifier module. The plurality of SST power supply systems are in a one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of cabinet units, and each of the plurality of cabinet units is configured to deploy an SST power supply system corresponding to the cabinet unit. The rectifier module in each of the plurality of SST power supply systems receives electric energy through a medium-voltage bus.