Redundant Power System Using Segmented Supplies and Steering Network

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Solution Overview

Problem

Providing redundant power to computing devices is expensive and can lead to increased wear on uninterruptible power supplies, as existing methods require multiple full-sized power supplies to ensure continuous operation, which doubles the cost and may cause premature battery degradation.

Innovation Solution

Using a plurality of power supplies, each rated at less than the total power required, with at least one supply capable of receiving input power from multiple sources through a switching network, allowing for reliable power distribution and reducing costs by utilizing half-sized supplies, and incorporating a testing mechanism to detect latent failures in switching devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two or more full-sized power supplies are installed to provide redundant power, then reliability is improved, but cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply redundancyVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system is segmented into multiple smaller power supplies instead of using fewer large ones. The patent uses three half-sized power supplies (each capable of providing 50% of total power) instead of two full-sized supplies, achieving the same redundancy and reliability while reducing cost. Each power supply unit is independent and can operate autonomously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each power supply unit is designed with multi-functionality to serve different roles depending on configuration. The power supplies can be connected in parallel to share the load, and any single supply can provide full power if needed. The system universally handles both normal distributed operation and failover scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple full-sized power supplies are used, then continuous power operation is ensured, but the complexity of the power system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous power operationVSAvoidpower supply configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the total power requirement into segments handled by smaller individual supplies, the system achieves continuous operation capability. Each segment (power supply) is simpler in design and easier to manage, yet collectively they provide the same reliability as full-sized supplies through parallel operation and failover capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If power supplies are connected to separate incoming power circuits, then reliability is improved, but the cost of power distribution increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower circuit independenceVSAvoidpower distribution cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The power distribution system is segmented to connect each power supply to separate incoming power circuits. This segmentation ensures that a failure in one circuit does not affect the others, maintaining reliability while allowing for more efficient and cost-effective distribution architecture compared to using fewer, larger supplies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS7464292B2Redundant power system with no latent single failure point

Publication Date: 2008.12.09 NETAPP INC

AI summary

A redundant power supply system with several individual power supplies, each connected to one of several power inlets. At least one power supply can be connected to a selectable one of the several power inlets by means of a steering network.