Rack Power Distribution Unit With Modular Fault Managed Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fault managed power (FMP) technologies are primarily designed for long-distance power transmission and lack adaptability for localized distribution in industry-accepted form factors, such as in a rack environment.
Innovation Solution
A power distribution unit (PDU) with modular adaptability is introduced, capable of receiving AC and high voltage DC power, and generating single-phase or multi-phase fault managed power, with integrated fault detection and interruption capabilities, allowing for localized distribution within a rack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If FMP techniques are used for long-distance power transmission, then power can be transmitted over many meters, but the technology lacks adaptability for localized distribution in rack environments
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: a power transmitter module that converts AC/DC to FMP, and a power receiver module that converts FMP back to DC. These modular components can be independently deployed in rack environments, providing adaptability without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The power distribution unit is designed to accept multiple input power types (AC power and high voltage DC power) and generate single-phase or multi-phase FMP. This multi-functionality allows the same device to serve both long-distance transmission and localized rack distribution applications.
2Reliability
If high voltage DC power is distributed directly, then power can be delivered efficiently, but safety issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
Fault managed power serves as an intermediary power transmission medium. The system converts high voltage DC to FMP for transmission, then converts FMP back to DC at the destination. This intermediary form enables safe transmission while maintaining the ability to deliver high power when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The fault managed power system includes integrated fault detection and interruption capabilities that continuously monitor the power transmission and automatically interrupt power flow when faults are detected, providing real-time feedback control to maintain safety.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular adaptability is added to FMP functionality, then the system can be deployed in rack environments, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution unit is implemented as a modular device with distinct functional modules that can be independently configured and deployed. This segmentation allows the system to be adapted to different rack environments without requiring complete redesign of the entire system.
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
Enables safe and efficient power distribution to various devices within a rack, integrating FMP capabilities for local use, reducing safety issues associated with high voltage DC power and providing flexible power conversion options.
Implementation Method 1
a power transmitter configured to generate single-phase fault managed power or multi-phase fault managed power from the AC power, the high voltage DC power, the single-phase fault managed power or the multi-phase fault managed power
Data Source
AI summary
A power distribution unit (PDU) includes a housing configured to be mounted into or on a rack that has a plurality of shelf positions for a variety of computing equipment, networking equipment or data storage equipment. The PDU includes power inputs. The power inputs are configured to receive one or more of: alternating current (AC) power, high voltage direct current (DC) power, single-phase fault managed power, or multi-phase fault managed power. The PDU further includes at least one fault managed power module configured to be contained in the housing, the at least one fault managed power module including a power transmitter configured to generate single-phase or multi-phase fault managed power from the AC power and/or high voltage DC power. The PDU also includes a plurality of connectors on the housing and configured to provide cable connections to one or more of the plurality of shelf positions of the rack.