Redundant Power Switching for Flexible Data Center Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data centers face challenges in managing power requirements due to excess capacity and inflexible redundancy systems, leading to high operational costs and inefficient power utilization.
Innovation Solution
An adaptable redundant power (ARP) management system that dynamically reallocates power capacity and redundancy levels using switching devices like STS, solid-state circuit breakers, and electro-mechanical switches to optimize power distribution and maintain continuous power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed redundant power systems are used to ensure high service levels, then power supply reliability is improved, but excess capacity and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic redundancy allocation where the system automatically adjusts power distribution based on real-time failure detection. When a failure occurs, previously dormant redundant components are activated to maintain service levels, eliminating the need for permanently idle excess capacity while ensuring reliability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between different redundancy configurations based on system state. During normal operation, redundant components remain inactive to minimize energy consumption. Upon failure detection, the system transitions to an active redundancy mode, changing the operational parameters of power distribution to maintain service levels.
2Reliability
If fixed redundant power systems are used to ensure high service levels, then power supply reliability is improved, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically activates redundant power components only when failures occur, rather than maintaining them in a permanently active state. This dynamic approach ensures reliability when needed while minimizing operational energy consumption during normal operation, directly reducing operational costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects failures and activates redundant components without requiring continuous human intervention or monitoring. The self-service mechanism ensures that reliability is maintained through automatic failure response while minimizing the operational overhead and costs associated with manual power management.
3Device complexity
If traditional power systems are used, then power distribution is simple, but flexibility and adaptability to different redundancy needs are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic switching capabilities that allow the power distribution system to adapt its configuration based on failure conditions and service level requirements. This maintains relative simplicity during normal operation while providing flexible redundancy activation when needed, balancing complexity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system design allows the same power distribution infrastructure to serve multiple functions: normal power distribution during healthy operation and automatic redundancy activation during failures. This multi-functionality provides adaptability to different redundancy needs without requiring entirely separate systems for each scenario.
4Stability of the object's composition
If unused inherent power capacity is not utilized, then power distribution is stable, but power capacity efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures redundant power pathways and components during system design, keeping them dormant during normal operation to maintain stability. When failures occur, these pre-prepared redundant pathways are activated, allowing the system to efficiently utilize previously unused capacity without disrupting stable power distribution during normal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system effectively 'discards' unused redundant capacity during normal operation to maintain stability, then 'recovers' and activates this capacity when failures occur. This approach allows the system to maintain stable operation while efficiently utilizing available power capacity when needed, improving overall power capacity efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An a adaptable redundant power (ARP) platform for a distributed redundant infrastructure includes: a plurality of load centers, wherein each load center includes a pair of corresponding load center switches, and wherein each load center has a priority; a plurality of duty power modules (DPMs), each coupled to a first subset of load centers via a first set of switches using a preferred setting (PS) input and to a second subset of load centers via a second set of switches using an alternate setting (AS) input, wherein each switch includes a transfer mechanism configured to transfer power from the PS input to the AS input in response to a failure of a DPM coupled to the PS input; and a manager that, in response to a detected failure of a DPM, disables the transfer mechanism of a subset of switches whose AS input is powered by a failed DPM.