Server Cooling System Dual AC DC Power Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional cooling systems for servers rely on single AC or DC power sources, limiting flexibility and reliability, and are prone to shutdowns during power source abnormalities, leading to inefficiencies and reduced equipment lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A cooling system that alternates between AC and DC power sources using an AC input subsystem, a DC input subsystem, and a driving control subsystem to manage power distribution to high-voltage and low-voltage cooling apparatuses, ensuring continuous operation by switching between power sources based on availability and normalcy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single AC power source is used to supply power to the cooling system, then the system structure is simple, but the flexibility and reliability of power supply are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into multiple independent power sources (AC power source with rectifier circuit and DC power source) that can operate independently or in combination. Each power source has its own control circuit, allowing the system to select and switch between different power sources based on availability, thereby improving flexibility without requiring a completely complex integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system is designed with universal power input capability that accepts both AC and DC power sources. The system can adapt to different power supply environments by selecting the appropriate power source, making the equipment universally applicable in various scenarios (normal AC power, DC power only, or both available)
2Reliability
If a single DC power source is used to supply power to the cooling system, then the system structure is simple, but the flexibility and reliability of power supply are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a DC power source as a backup power supply in advance, along with control circuits that monitor the status of both AC and DC power sources. When the primary AC power source fails or is unavailable, the system can automatically switch to the DC power source without interruption, providing prior cushioning against power supply failures
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit acts as an intermediary that manages power distribution from both AC and DC power sources. It monitors the status of each power source and automatically selects the appropriate power source or combination, mediating between the multiple power sources and the cooling load to ensure reliable power supply
3Loss of energy
If traditional single-stage power converter is used to convert AC power source, then power conversion efficiency is improved, but the system cannot operate when AC power source is abnormal
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its power conversion configuration based on the available power sources. When AC power is available, it uses the efficient single-stage power converter. When DC power is available or AC is abnormal, it switches to DC input mode, eliminating the need for AC-to-DC conversion and maintaining operational flexibility without incurring conversion losses
4Temperature
If fixed-frequency air conditioner is used for cabinet cooling, then the cooling performance is stable, but the instantaneous current, vibration, and noise are significant causing large power consumption and reduced compressor lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The air conditioner uses periodic on-off control instead of continuous fixed-frequency operation. The controller periodically activates and deactivates the compressor based on the cabinet temperature requirements, reducing instantaneous current surges, minimizing vibration and noise during off periods, and lowering overall power consumption while maintaining stable temperature control
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
Enhances power supply flexibility, reliability, and safety by prioritizing AC power, ensuring continuous operation, and extending the lifespan of cooling apparatuses by selectively using AC or DC power sources based on environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The AC input subsystem receives the external AC power source to provide a first DC voltage and a second DC voltage
Implementation Method 2
the second DC voltage is provided by stepping down the first DC voltage
Implementation Method 3
The DC input subsystem receives the external DC power source to provide a third DC voltage and a fourth DC voltage, wherein the fourth DC voltage is provided by stepping up the third DC voltage
Implementation Method 4
exhaust superfluous heat inside the cabinet to the outside of the enclosed cabinet to maintain the operating temperature within the cabinet
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling system of a server with an AC power source and a DC power source includes an AC input subsystem, a DC input subsystem, and a driving control subsystem. The AC input subsystem receives an external AC power source and provides a first DC voltage and a second DC voltage. The DC input subsystem receives an external DC power source and provides a third DC voltage and a fourth DC voltage. When the external AC power source normally works, the driving control subsystem controls the first DC voltage and the second DC voltage to supply a high-voltage cooling apparatus and a low-voltage cooling apparatus, respectively. When the external DC power source normally works, the driving control subsystem controls the fourth DC voltage and the third DC voltage to supply the high-voltage cooling apparatus and the low-voltage cooling apparatus, respectively.