Remote Power Supply Unit Functional Check via Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual functional checks of power supply units in datacentres often fail to detect faulty units promptly, as they require on-site personnel and are not remotely controllable, leading to potential undetected failures.
Innovation Solution
A method and datacentre management tool that allow for remotely controlled functional checks of power supply units by establishing a switching status and querying responsiveness through a networked system, enabling automated or manual checks from a remote computer station, using signals to isolate and test each power supply unit's functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual functional checks are performed on power supply units, then the check can be executed with simple equipment, but the detection timeliness is poor and requires on-site personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a management tool as an intermediary system between the power supply units and operators. This tool communicates with power supply units through existing data centre networks (SNMP, SSH, or direct API connections) to remotely execute functional checks, obtain status information, and detect defective units without requiring on-site personnel. The intermediary resolves the contradiction by enabling reliable detection through automated remote monitoring while maintaining operational convenience through centralized management interfaces.
2Reliability
If power supply units operate in parallel for redundancy, then the reliability of energy supply is improved, but the ability to detect faulty units deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by isolating power supply units for individual testing. The management tool sequentially switches each power supply unit into an isolated testing mode where it operates independently from the redundant parallel configuration. During this isolated state, the tool performs functional checks by sending test signals and monitoring responses. This segmentation allows defective units to be detected even when multiple units operate in parallel for redundancy, resolving the contradiction between supply reliability and fault detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The management tool implements periodic functional checks by systematically cycling through each power supply unit in the redundant system. At scheduled intervals, the tool isolates and tests individual units while others continue to supply power, maintaining overall system reliability. This periodic testing regime enables progressive detection of faulty units without requiring complete system shutdown, resolving the contradiction between maintaining redundant operation and detecting failures.
3Measurement precision
If functional checks are performed by isolating power supply units, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the operational disruption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The management tool performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring isolated testing modes for power supply units before actual functional checks are executed. The tool establishes communication channels, prepares test signal sequences, and configures monitoring parameters in advance. This preliminary preparation enables rapid execution of isolation and testing procedures, minimizing the time power supply units are taken offline while maintaining accurate functional assessment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements rapid isolation and testing procedures that minimize the duration of service disruption. The management tool executes functional checks in condensed time sequences by quickly switching units into isolated testing mode, performing essential functional assessments, and rapidly returning units to operational status. Critical measurements are captured efficiently during the brief isolation period, achieving accurate detection with minimal loss of service time.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method of executing a functional check on a power supply unit of an electronic device, the electronic device comprising at least one power supply unit obtaining electric energy from at least one power source, wherein the electronic device and the at least one power source are assigned to a system, and datacentre management tool for managing a plurality of power sources for power consuming electronic devices of a datacentre, the electronic devices comprising at least one power supply unit for obtaining electric energy from the power sources and for supplying the respective electronic device with the electric energy, the power sources and the electronic devices being assigned to a system, wherein the datacentre management tool is adapted to execute a functional check of at least one of the power supply units.