Server Power Distribution Cascading for Backup Without Redundant PSUs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional server power architectures face high backup costs and low power supply conversion efficiency due to the need for redundant power supplies, which results in a low load ratio and inefficient power usage.
Innovation Solution
A power distribution system with a cascading circuit configuration that allows for power backup using a single power module per power distribution equipment, enabling efficient switching between input sources and preventing faulty power supplies from affecting others through unidirectional conducting circuits, while maintaining high load ratios and conversion efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If N+N backup mode is used with two power supplies per power distribution equipment, then power supply reliability is improved, but backup costs increase and power supply conversion efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the power distribution into multiple independent power distribution equipments, each serving specific powered devices. When one power distribution equipment fails, its powered devices are automatically supplied by other power distribution equipments through cascading circuits, eliminating the need for redundant power supplies within each equipment while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple power distribution equipments are merged into a coordinated system where power modules from different equipments can jointly supply power to powered devices through cascading circuits. This merging allows load sharing and backup without requiring duplicate power supplies at each equipment, improving conversion efficiency while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If two power supplies are configured per power distribution equipment, then power supply backup is achieved, but device complexity and backup costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each power module is designed with universal functionality to supply power not only to its local powered devices but also to powered devices of other power distribution equipments through cascading circuits. This multi-functionality enables backup without duplicating power supplies at each equipment, reducing device complexity while maintaining backup capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Cascading circuits serve as intermediary components that enable power modules from different power distribution equipments to connect and share power. These intermediaries facilitate automatic failover and load balancing without requiring complex redundant power supply configurations at each equipment.
3Reliability
If power supply A and power supply B jointly supply power to the server, then power supply backup is achieved, but load ratio decreases and conversion efficiency drops
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts power distribution based on operational status. When one power distribution equipment fails, the system automatically reconfigures to have remaining power modules share the load dynamically through cascading circuits, ensuring powered devices receive adequate power while maintaining high load ratios and conversion efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The cascading circuit configuration ensures continuous power supply to powered devices regardless of failures. Power modules can continuously operate at optimal load ratios by sharing power dynamically, eliminating the need to operate at low load ratios for backup purposes, thus maintaining high conversion efficiency while ensuring uninterrupted power supply.
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 configuration reduces backup costs, increases load ratios, and enhances power supply conversion efficiency by allowing joint power supply from other modules when one fails, maintaining system stability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first power module configured to perform voltage conversion on input voltage to obtain output voltage, where the output voltage is a supply voltage of the first power distribution equipment
Implementation Method 2
a first cascading circuit configured to connect an output of the first power module to an output of a power module in power distribution equipment in the power distribution system other than the first power distribution equipment
Data Source
AI summary
A power distribution system is provided in this application, which includes a plurality of power distribution equipments, and the plurality of power distribution equipments are configured to supply power to a plurality of powered devices respectively. First power distribution equipment in the plurality of power distribution equipments includes: a first power module, configured to perform voltage conversion on an input voltage to obtain an output voltage, where the output voltage is a supply voltage of the first power distribution equipment; and a first cascading circuit, configured to connect an output of the first power module to an output of a power module in power distribution equipment in the power distribution system other than the first power distribution equipment, where the first power distribution equipment is any power distribution equipment in the power distribution system. A server system which includes the power distribution system is also disclosed in this application.