Rack Power Center With Solid-State Transformer for Direct DC Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power distribution systems in data centers incur significant energy losses and heat generation due to multiple conversions between AC and DC power, and require extensive cabling, increasing design complexity and footprint.

Innovation Solution

A power system that directly converts AC voltage to DC voltage within a power center, distributing DC power directly to servers without intermediate conversions, using components like solid-state transformers and batteries to store and supply DC power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If multiple AC-DC conversion steps are used in the power distribution system, then power can be delivered from utility AC to server DC, but energy losses and heat generation increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy lossVSAvoidconversion steps

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the intermediate DC-AC conversion step from the traditional power distribution chain. By directly converting AC to DC at the point of use (server rack level) and removing the UPS battery conversion stage, the system reduces multiple conversion steps to a single AC-DC conversion, thereby minimizing energy losses and heat generation while maintaining power delivery capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Area of stationary object

If traditional power distribution with UPS and multiple conversions is used, then power can be stored and distributed, but the design footprint and cabling complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign footprintVSAvoidpower supply reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the power conversion and distribution functions into a single integrated system at the server rack level. By combining the AC-DC converter with the distribution infrastructure and eliminating separate UPS and battery components, the system reduces the design footprint and cabling complexity while maintaining reliable power supply through direct AC-to-DC conversion and distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 energy losses and heat generation, simplifies design complexity, and minimizes the need for extensive cabling by eliminating intermediate AC-DC conversions.

Implementation Method 1

an AC converter configured to receive the input AC voltage from the busway flange and convert the input AC voltage into an output DC voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAC to DC conversion:

Implementation Method 2

a battery configured to store DC power; and release the output DC voltage to a second busway

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBattery storage: Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentUS20250337340A1Medium and low voltage power center

Publication Date: 2025.10.30 VERTIV CORP

AI summary

A power system may include a power center. The power center may include a busway flange configured to receive the input AC voltage from a first busway. The power center may include an AC converter configured to receive the input AC voltage from the busway flange and convert the input AC voltage to at least one of a secondary AC voltage or the output DC voltage. The power center may include a battery configured to store the output DC voltage and release an output DC voltage to a second busway. The AC converter may include a solid-state transformer.