N+1 Redundant Power Distribution System for Data Centers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data centers require uninterrupted electric power, but existing redundancy solutions are costly due to the need for capital-intensive, often unused, backup equipment.
Innovation Solution
A system providing N+1 redundancy at the generator and UPS levels with 2N redundancy over electrical distribution, utilizing multiple active power sources connected through automatic transfer switches and uninterruptible power supply units that do not rely on batteries for emergency power, allowing all power sources to be actively used during normal operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If redundant equipment is provided by doubling the equipment, then reliability is improved, but capital investment and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple power sources (utility power, generator, and UPS) into a single integrated power distribution system. Instead of maintaining separate redundant equipment, the system combines these power sources and uses intelligent switching to distribute power through shared infrastructure, reducing the total equipment quantity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal power distribution infrastructure that can handle multiple power sources simultaneously. The electrical distribution system is designed to universally accept power from any source (utility, generator, or UPS) and distribute it to loads, eliminating the need for dedicated redundant equipment for each power source.
2Reliability
If redundant equipment is provided by doubling the equipment, then reliability is improved, but capital investment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple power sources (utility power, generator, and UPS) into a single integrated power distribution system. Instead of maintaining separate redundant equipment, the system combines these power sources and uses intelligent switching to distribute power through shared infrastructure, reducing the total equipment quantity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous useful action by maintaining all power sources in active capability rather than standby. The system continuously monitors and switches between power sources as needed, ensuring that redundant capacity is available when required without requiring permanent duplication of all equipment.
3Productivity
If all power sources are actively used, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control through automatic transfer switches that continuously monitor the status of multiple power sources and automatically switch between them based on real-time conditions. This feedback mechanism enables all power sources to be actively utilized while the control system manages the complexity of coordinating multiple active sources through automated decision-making.
4Device complexity
If standby power equipment is minimized, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous useful action by maintaining all power sources in active capability rather than standby. The system continuously monitors and switches between power sources as needed, ensuring that redundant capacity is available when required without requiring permanent duplication of all equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic power distribution system where the configuration of active power paths can change in real-time based on system conditions. Instead of fixed redundant equipment, the system dynamically routes power through available sources, allowing redundancy to be activated only when and where needed rather than being permanently deployed throughout the system.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is described a circuit to supply electric power to N electrical panels. The circuit comprises N+1 blockbars, each one of the blockbars being for connection to an automatic transfer switch (ATS) of a power source, each one of the blockbars being connected to at least two other ones of the N+1 blockbars via a segregating switchgear. The circuit further comprises N+1 UPS units, each one of the UPS units being for connection to a dedicated one of the blockbars via a dedicated switchgear. The circuit further comprises 2N power outputs, each one of the N electrical panels being connected to 2 of the 2N power outputs, each one of the 2N power outputs being connected to 2 of the N+1 UPS units. This configuration allows for N+1 redundancy at the generator and UPS levels to feed the electrical distribution with 2N redundancy.