Integrated Server PSU With Battery Backup for AC Power Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing server systems lack an efficient and uninterrupted power supply solution that can maintain operation during AC power disruptions, particularly in scenarios where the power supply unit (PSU) is unplugged or disconnected from the AC source.
Innovation Solution
A server chassis with an integrated power supply unit (PSU) that includes a hot-pluggable rectifier, a charge control management module, and a battery pack, where the battery pack stores energy to maintain power to the server motherboard via capacitors and voltage regulators, ensuring continuous operation even when the AC source is disconnected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional power supply unit is used without battery integration, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of power supply during AC disruptions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the battery pack, charge control management module, and rectifier into an integrated power supply unit that is built into the server chassis. This merging of components resolves the contradiction by providing uninterrupted power supply capability (improving reliability) while consolidating multiple functions into a single integrated unit (managing complexity through integration rather than separate components).
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated power supply unit serves multiple functions: it acts as both a standard power supply and an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system. The battery pack can charge from AC power and switch to provide power during disruptions, while the hot-pluggable rectifier allows flexible configuration. This multi-functionality improves reliability without requiring entirely separate systems, thereby managing complexity.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a battery pack is integrated into the PSU, then the duration of power supply during AC disruption is improved, but the volume of the power supply unit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is nested within the integrated power supply unit structure, with the charge control management module and other components arranged in a compact configuration. This nesting approach allows the battery pack to be integrated without proportionally increasing the overall volume, as components share space and structural elements within the PSU enclosure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides adjustable power duration through the battery pack capacity selection and charge control management module, which can be configured to provide different levels of backup power. This parameter adjustability allows optimization between duration and volume based on specific application requirements, rather than a fixed design.
3Ease of operation
If the rectifier is made hot-pluggable, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of power connection may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The rectifier is designed as a hot-pluggable component that can be dynamically inserted and removed while the system is operating. This dynamic capability improves ease of operation for maintenance and replacement, while the system includes control logic that manages the transition states to maintain overall power supply reliability through seamless switching between AC and battery power.
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 integrated PSU provides an uninterruptible power supply by switching to battery power when the AC source is unavailable, ensuring the server motherboard remains operational for a short period until AC input is restored or the PSU is reconnected.
Implementation Method 1
a battery pack positioned within a second enclosure of the server chassis, the battery pack coupled to the charge control management module, wherein, when the hot-pluggable rectifier is de-coupled from the control board and/or the AC source is de-coupled from the hot-pluggable rectifier, the battery pack provides power to the server motherboard via the charge control management module
Implementation Method 2
when the hot-pluggable rectifier is coupled to the control board and an AC source is coupled to the hot-pluggable rectifier, i) the hot-pluggable rectifier provides power to the server motherboard through the control board
Implementation Method 3
stores energy, via the charge control management module, at the battery pack
Data Source
AI summary
A server chassis, including: a server motherboard; a PSU positioned within a first enclosure of the server chassis, the PSU including: a control board coupled to the server motherboard; a hot-pluggable rectifier; a charge control management module coupled to the control board; a battery pack positioned within a second enclosure of the server chassis, the battery pack coupled to the charge control management module, wherein, when the hot-pluggable rectifier is coupled to the control board and an AC source is coupled to the hot-pluggable rectifier, i) the hot-pluggable rectifier provides power to the server motherboard through the control board and ii) stores energy, via the charge control management module, at the battery pack, wherein, when the hot-pluggable rectifier is de-coupled from the control board and/or the AC source is de-coupled from the hot-pluggable rectifier, the battery pack provides power to the server motherboard via the charge control management module.