Series Power Conversion Control for Equal Apparent Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current architecture of data centers is not suitable for increasing computing power due to excessively high installation costs and space requirements, primarily because transformers and electrical connections must handle significant electrical power, leading to increased manufacturing costs and size.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling an electrical distribution system where conversion modules are connected in series with a medium-voltage power supply, converting medium voltage to low voltage, and regulating DC voltage and phase shift to maintain equal apparent power across all modules, eliminating the need for intermediate low-voltage distribution networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If transformers and electrical connections are designed to handle significant electrical power, then power delivery capability is improved, but manufacturing cost and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power distribution system into multiple series-connected conversion modules, each handling a portion of the total power. This segmentation allows each module to be manufactured with lower power handling requirements, reducing individual module cost and size while maintaining overall system power capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter from low voltage to medium voltage for the distribution network. By operating at medium voltage (10-35 kV) in series configuration, the system delivers the same power with lower current, enabling the use of smaller, less expensive electrical connections and transformers while maintaining power delivery capability.
2Power
If transformers and electrical connections are designed to handle significant electrical power, then power delivery capability is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution system is segmented into multiple series-connected conversion modules distributed throughout the facility. This eliminates the need for a single large centralized transformer and reduces the overall footprint of electrical infrastructure by distributing power conversion functions across multiple smaller units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a low-voltage parallel distribution architecture to a medium-voltage series distribution architecture. This dimensional change in voltage level allows the same power to be delivered with reduced current, enabling compact electrical connections and reducing the physical space required for electrical infrastructure.
3Ease of operation
If intermediate low-voltage distribution network is used, then power delivery to loads is simplified, but material cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the intermediate low-voltage distribution network from the power delivery path. By converting power directly at medium voltage through series-connected conversion modules located near loads, the system removes the complex intermediate distribution layer while maintaining simple power delivery to individual loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces series-connected conversion modules as intermediary devices between the medium-voltage power source and the loads. These modules perform power conversion and regulation functions directly at the point of use, eliminating the need for intermediate low-voltage distribution infrastructure while maintaining operational simplicity.
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 approach reduces material costs, particularly copper requirements, and improves compactness by simplifying the electrical infrastructure, ensuring stable power delivery tailored to electrical loads while maintaining operational balance.
Implementation Method 1
each conversion module comprising a converter, connected to the output terminals of the conversion module and configured to deliver to the associated electrical load a DC voltage between 48 V and 400 V and a DC current, from the AC voltage at the input terminals of the conversion module and the AC current flowing between the input terminals of the conversion module
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for controlling an electrical distribution system comprising a power supply delivering a medium-voltage alternating current, electrical loads, and a load-conversion module. The input terminals of all modules are connected in series with each other and with the power supply. Each module includes a converter delivering a low-voltage direct current to its electrical load from the medium voltage. The method comprises, for each module, adjusting the active power delivered by the module according to the active operating power of its electrical load and maintaining a constant apparent power of the module by regulating the amplitude and phase shift of the voltage across its terminals, based on the active power delivered by the module to its electrical load, the voltage and current delivered by the power supply to the modules, and the number of modules.