Removable Supplemental Power Module for Peak Excursion Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing power requirements of information handling systems (IHS) due to growing processor cores and other computing elements lead to inefficiencies and costliness in traditional power systems, which struggle to manage dynamic and peak power excursions effectively.
Innovation Solution
A supplemental power system that includes a parallel power conversion stage with a storage device and a selector device, allowing power to be stored and dynamically allocated during peak demands, using a removable module interface to provide additional power through a second power supply path when the main power system is overwhelmed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional power systems are used with standard power supply units, then the system is simpler and more cost-effective, but the system cannot handle dynamic and peak power excursions effectively, leading to over-current protection mode activation
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is segmented into multiple independent power supply units (PSUs) that can operate in parallel. Each PSU handles a portion of the total power load, and during peak excursions, additional PSUs can be activated to meet the increased demand without requiring a single oversized power supply unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of power excursions using sensors that monitor current and power demand in real-time. When a peak demand is anticipated or detected, the control system pre-activates additional power supply units or redirects power from standby sources, ensuring power availability before the excursion fully manifests.
2Power
If power system capacity is increased to handle peak excursions, then power availability during excursions is improved, but the system becomes more costly and less efficient during normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The power system dynamically adjusts its configuration based on real-time power demand. During normal operation, fewer power supply units are active to minimize energy loss. When peak excursions are detected, the system dynamically activates additional power supply units or reconfigures the power distribution network to meet the increased demand, then deactivates them when demand returns to normal.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of power supply units based on demand conditions. Power supply units can operate at different output levels, and the system adjusts their operating points to optimize efficiency. During normal operation, units operate at lower power levels; during peak excursions, they increase output to meet demand while maintaining efficient operation throughout the range.
3Speed
If conventional monitoring and throttling mechanisms are used, then the system is simpler to implement, but the response time is too slow to handle processor core activations that occur on the nanosecond scale
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements real-time feedback loops with sensors that continuously monitor power consumption, current draw, and system state. This feedback is processed by control logic that can detect power excursions and activate additional power supply units or redirect power flow within microseconds, providing rapid response to nanosecond-scale processor activations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces conventional mechanical or software-based throttling mechanisms with electronic control and switching mechanisms. Solid-state switches and electronic control circuits can respond to power excursions much faster than mechanical components or software polling, enabling the system to handle nanosecond-scale processor core activations without the delays inherent in traditional monitoring and throttling approaches.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables efficient and cost-effective management of dynamic and peak power excursions, preventing the main power system from entering over-current protection mode and ensuring continuous operation by providing supplemental power during transient peaks, thus enhancing power system efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a storage device that stores power from the power system at a second voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A supplemental power system includes a powered component, a removable module interface with a plurality of pins, and a plurality of system connections. A system controller detects a first type removable module coupled to the removable module interface and allows signals from the system connections to be transmitted to the first type removable module through the plurality of pins. The system controller detects a second type removable module coupled to the removable module interface and allows power from the second type removable module that is received through the plurality of pins to be transmitted to the powered component while not allowing signals from the system connections to be transmitted to the second type removable module through the plurality of pins. Power that is stored in the second type removable module may be provided to the powered component in response to a detected power excursion by the powered component.