Redundant Power Supply Pool for Server Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supply solutions for computer systems require redundant power setups that are either expensive or inefficient, especially in high-density environments, and do not scale well for smaller deployments, leading to high deployment and maintenance costs and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A redundant power supply apparatus using multiple bus bars, power switches, and a power supply management controller to selectively connect and manage power supplies, allowing for efficient allocation and re-allocation of power based on status data to ensure continuous operation while utilizing common off-the-shelf components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two power supplies are used for redundancy in each computer system, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple power supplies into a shared pool that serves multiple computer systems. Instead of each system having dedicated redundant power supplies, the invention merges power supply resources at the system level, allowing dynamic allocation and sharing among multiple computers while maintaining redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supplies in the invention serve multiple functions and multiple systems simultaneously. A single power supply can back up different computer systems at different times, and the same infrastructure supports both primary and backup power functions across the network, maximizing resource utilization.
2Reliability
If two AC power feeds are used for each power supply, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and deployment cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the power distribution into modular components: individual power supplies, switching mechanisms, and control systems that can be independently managed. This segmentation allows for simplified deployment where each component can be configured and tested separately before integration into the redundant power network.
3Volume of moving object
If smaller power supplies are used to reduce volume, then device volume is reduced, but efficiency deteriorates and cooling requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple smaller power supplies into a coordinated pool, the system achieves the volume reduction benefits of smaller units while maintaining overall high efficiency through intelligent load distribution and optimization algorithms that prevent the efficiency losses associated with oversized individual supplies.
4Adaptability or versatility
If Telco-style centralized infrastructure is used for power conversion, then scalability is improved for large deployments, but deployment cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements dynamic power allocation where the system can adapt its configuration based on real-time needs. Power supplies can be dynamically assigned to different computer systems, and the control system adjusts power distribution automatically, providing scalability without requiring expensive fixed infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses standard, commercially available power supplies rather than custom-engineered equipment, reducing deployment costs. The modular design allows individual components to be replaced or upgraded independently, extending system life and reducing overall deployment expenses.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment disclosed relates to an apparatus for supplying redundant power to a plurality of computer systems. The apparatus includes at least one bus bar, a plurality of power supplies each supplying power at a same voltage level, a plurality of power switches, and a power supply management controller. Power inputs of the computer systems are connected to the at least one bus bar. The power supplies are selectively connected to the at least one bus bar using the power switches. The power supply management controller controls the power switches such that the power is supplied redundantly to the computer systems.