Server Power-Fail Hold-Up Circuit for Surge Current Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power-fail hold-up circuits for servers face challenges in providing sufficient power-fail hold-up time while minimizing surge currents, which can affect server safety due to large voltage differences between internal server voltages and capacitor-released voltages.
Innovation Solution
A power-fail hold-up circuit comprising a first energy storage circuit with parallel capacitors, a second energy storage circuit with an inductor and a switching transistor for voltage boosting, and a third energy storage circuit with a switching transistor and an energy storage capacitor for reverse power supply, designed to smooth input bus voltage fluctuations and provide safe reverse power to the server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a large-capacitance electrolytic capacitor is connected in parallel to the input end of the power supply, then the power-fail hold-up time is extended, but the voltage difference between the capacitor voltage and server internal voltage causes large surge current
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single large-capacitance capacitor into multiple smaller capacitors connected in series. This segmentation reduces the voltage difference between the capacitor bank and server internal voltage during power failure, thereby reducing surge current while maintaining the required power-fail hold-up time. Each capacitor in the series string contributes to the total capacitance while distributing the voltage stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a voltage regulator circuit as an intermediary between the capacitor bank and the server. This intermediary device controls the discharge voltage of the capacitors to match the server's internal voltage requirements, preventing large voltage differences and the resulting surge currents while ensuring stable power delivery during hold-up period.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a large-capacitance electrolytic capacitor is used to supply power during voltage drop, then the power-fail hold-up time is extended, but the server safety is affected due to large voltage difference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large-capacitance capacitor into multiple series-connected capacitors, which reduces the voltage difference between the capacitor bank and server internal voltage during power failure. This segmentation approach maintains the required hold-up time while reducing stress on server components, thereby improving reliability and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage regulator circuit serves as a protective intermediary that controls the voltage output from the capacitor bank to match server requirements. This intermediary prevents excessive voltage differences that could damage server components, ensuring safe operation during the power-fail hold-up period.
3Reliability
If multiple energy storage circuits are used to smooth voltage fluctuations and provide reverse power, then the server safety is improved, but the circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power supply system into multiple functional energy storage circuits with distinct roles: input voltage stabilization circuit, voltage boosting circuit, and reverse power supply circuit. This segmentation improves server safety by isolating different functions and reducing interference, while the modular structure makes the overall complexity more manageable through clear functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs energy storage circuits that can perform multiple functions depending on operating conditions. For example, the capacitors and inductors serve both as energy storage elements and as voltage regulation components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in circuit complexity while maintaining improved server safety.
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
The proposed power-fail hold-up circuit effectively extends the power-fail hold-up time for servers, reduces surge currents, and ensures server safety by smoothly managing voltage fluctuations and utilizing multiple energy storage circuits for efficient power supply.
Implementation Method 1
an inductor and a first switching transistor, wherein the inductor and the first switching transistor are sequentially connected in series between a positive pole of the input bus and a negative pole of the input bus, and the inductor is used to store energy to boost the voltage to a target voltage
Implementation Method 2
a first energy storage circuit, including a plurality of capacitors connected in parallel, wherein the plurality of capacitors are used to store energy according to a voltage of an input bus of a server and to provide reverse power to the server
Implementation Method 3
a third energy storage circuit, including a second switching transistor and an energy storage capacitor, wherein the second switching transistor and the energy storage capacitor are sequentially connected in series between the inductor and the negative pole of the input bus, the inductor is used to charge the energy storage capacitor, and the energy storage capacitor provide reverse power to the server
Data Source
AI summary
A power-fail hold-up circuit includes: a first energy storage circuit, including multiple capacitors connected in parallel, the multiple capacitors being used to store energy and to provide reverse power to the server; a second energy storage circuit, including an inductor and a first switching transistor, wherein the inductor and the first switching transistor are sequentially connected in series between a positive pole of the input bus and a negative pole of the input bus, and the inductor is used to store energy to boost a voltage to a target voltage; and a third energy storage circuit, including a second switching transistor and an energy storage capacitor, wherein the second switching transistor and the energy storage capacitor are sequentially connected in series between the inductor and the negative pole, the inductor is used to charge the energy storage capacitor, and the energy storage capacitor provides reverse power to the server.