Radial Magnetic Coil Layout for Safer Wireless Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data centers face safety risks and inefficiencies due to high incident energy levels and personal protection equipment requirements for maintenance on energized equipment, largely because of traditional high voltage distribution systems, which can lead to costly outages and human safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A wireless power transfer system utilizing a coaxially aligned apparatus with overlapping radial arrays of magnetic material bodies and coils, enabling medium voltage conversion and low voltage rectification, thereby reducing the need for high voltage distribution and enhancing safety by moving medium voltage closer to server racks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If traditional high voltage distribution systems are used, then power can be distributed over long distances, but incident energy levels and personal protection equipment requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power distribution system into multiple stages: medium voltage distribution (e.g., 4160V) for long-distance transmission, followed by local transformation to lower voltages (480V, 415V, 230V, 48V) at distributed transformation nodes. This segmentation allows long distribution distances while keeping incident energy levels manageable at each stage by avoiding single-point high-voltage transformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new spatial dimension by distributing multiple transformation nodes throughout the data center rather than using a single centralized transformation point. This creates a multi-level hierarchical structure where medium voltage is transformed to various lower voltages at different locations, enabling long-distance power distribution while maintaining safe incident energy levels through localized voltage reduction.
2Quantity of substance
If medium voltage distribution is implemented, then cable sizes and costs are reduced, but the complexity of voltage conversion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage conversion process is segmented into discrete transformation stages (4160V→480V, 4160V→415V, 4160V→230V, 4160V→48V) with dedicated transformation nodes for each voltage level. This segmentation simplifies the overall system by breaking down the complex multi-voltage conversion into manageable, standardized stages, each handling a specific voltage transformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The transformation nodes are designed with multi-functionality, where single medium voltage input can be converted to multiple different output voltages (480V, 415V, 230V, 48V) to serve different rack types and equipment requirements. This universal approach reduces overall system complexity by using standardized transformation components rather than dedicated converters for each voltage level.
3Power
If high current capability distribution is used, then power delivery is sufficient, but personal protection equipment ratings must be very high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the high current distribution into multiple lower-voltage stages (4160V→480V→230V→48V), where each transformation node reduces voltage and increases current in a controlled manner. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high current capability at the final distribution stage while maintaining manageable incident energy levels at each transformation point, reducing protection equipment requirements compared to direct high-voltage high-current distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
Transformation nodes serve as intermediary devices between medium voltage distribution and low voltage rack power. These intermediaries perform controlled voltage reduction and current increase, enabling high current capability at the rack level while maintaining safe incident energy levels during maintenance operations by isolating the high current sections from personnel exposure.
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
This solution reduces the risk of accidents and outages by safely distributing power at lower voltages closer to server racks, improving efficiency and safety in data center operations while minimizing cable sizes and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a first coil, a second coil having a first side facing a first side of the first coil, a first radial array of magnetic material bodies disposed on a second side of the first coil, and a second radial array of magnetic material bodies disposed on a second side of the second coil
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a first coil, a second coil having a first side facing a first side of the first coil, a first radial array of magnetic material bodies disposed on a second side of the first coil, and a second radial array of magnetic material bodies disposed on a second side of the second coil such that respective magnetic material bodies of the second radial array overlap respective magnetic material bodies of the first radial array. The apparatus may be included in a wireless power transfer system.