Server Power Supply Load Sharing in Backup Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supply systems with two power supplies connected in parallel are limited in operation modes, as each supply must bear equal load and output power, lacking flexibility to adapt to different usage conditions.
Innovation Solution
A server system with a master power supply and a slave power supply that can adjust their output power ratios dynamically based on the total load and a power setting value, allowing for multiple operating modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two power supply devices are connected in parallel with equal load sharing, then the system provides redundancy and reliability, but the operation modes are limited and adaptability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by allowing unequal load sharing between the two power supply devices. One power supply can be configured as a master supply bearing a larger portion of the load (e.g., 80-90%), while the other acts as a slave or backup supply bearing a smaller portion (e.g., 10-20%). This asymmetric configuration breaks the conventional equal load-sharing constraint, enabling flexible operation modes including normal dual-supply mode, backup mode, and single-supply mode, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining reliability through the backup capability.
2Device complexity
If two power supply devices must output the same power, then the system maintains simplicity in control, but the application scope is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling dynamic adjustment of power output ratios between the two power supply devices. The system can dynamically switch between different operation modes (normal mode with equal sharing, backup mode with unequal sharing, and single-supply mode) based on load requirements and power supply status. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to various application scenarios while maintaining relatively simple control through centralized management of the power distribution.
3Reliability
If the master power supply bears all the load, then the slave power supply can remain inactive for backup, but the system loses the benefit of parallel operation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different power supply devices to have different levels of activity and power contribution based on local conditions. In backup mode, the master power supply bears the primary load while the slave power supply remains in a low-power or inactive state, ready to take over if needed. This localized differentiation optimizes energy efficiency by keeping the backup supply dormant while maintaining reliability through the available backup capability, avoiding the energy waste of keeping both supplies fully active.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are a server system and a power management method thereof. The power management method includes: in a backup mode, making a first power supply that is a master power supply to receive a power setting value and limiting a first output power value of the master power supply to be no greater than a power setting value; and in the backup mode, making a second power supply that is a slave power supply to be activated, and controlling an output power of the slave power supply to be a second output power value, wherein the second output power value is set according to a difference between a total load of the power supply device and the first output power value.