Server Rack Bus Architecture for Uniform Current Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional server rack architecture requires oversized busses to manage maximum current density, leading to increased space and material costs, and lacks redundancy to prevent catastrophic failures.
Innovation Solution
The server rack design features vertically stacked power supply units with two vertical busses on the sides and multiple horizontal busses between them, allowing for uniform current distribution and smaller bus sizes, along with redundant power supply modules for improved component isolation and reduced failure impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional server rack architecture uses a single vertical bus to distribute current from PSUs to loads, then the current distribution path is simple, but the current density at the vertical bus location closest to the PSUs becomes maximum, requiring oversized busses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single vertical bus into multiple horizontal busses distributed across different shelves. Each horizontal bus connects to PSUs and loads on its respective shelf, segmenting the current distribution path. This segmentation prevents current concentration at a single location and allows for smaller bus sizes while maintaining the same power distribution capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional vertical bus arrangement to a two-dimensional grid-like structure with horizontal and vertical busses intersecting at multiple points. This dimensional change allows current to be distributed through multiple pathways, reducing current density at any single location and enabling the use of smaller, more cost-effective busses.
2Reliability
If oversized busses are used to support maximum current density, then the current capacity is sufficient, but the space requirement and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the current distribution into multiple horizontal busses across different shelves, the patent reduces the current density requirement for each individual bus. This allows the use of smaller, less space-consuming busses that collectively provide the necessary current capacity, thereby reducing the overall space requirement while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by optimizing the bus size according to the actual current requirements at each location. Instead of using uniformly oversized busses throughout, each horizontal bus is sized appropriately for its specific current load, reducing material usage and space requirements while maintaining sufficient current capacity where needed.
3Device complexity
If a single vertical bus is used for current distribution, then the device complexity is low, but redundancy is insufficient and catastrophic failures can affect the entire rack
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply architecture into multiple independent horizontal busses, each serving specific shelves and loads. This segmentation creates electrical isolation between different parts of the rack, so that a failure in one horizontal bus or PSU does not propagate to other sections. This maintains high reliability without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by providing redundant power supply capabilities at each shelf level through multiple horizontal busses. Each local section has its own power distribution path, enabling failure isolation at the local level. This approach enhances reliability without requiring a complete system redesign, maintaining acceptable complexity while achieving robust failure isolation.
Data Source
AI summary
A server rack with vertically stacked shelves is disclosed. The shelves are used for housing loads (e.g. servers) and power supply units. Thus, both the power supply units and the servers are vertically stacked in the rack. An array of vertical and horizontal busses is secured to the back side of the server rack to electrically couple the servers with the power supply units. The arrangement of the PSUs and the busses provides for uniform current density across the server rack. The devices placed on the shelves are accessible and serviceable from the front of the server rack. The server rack can be placed within or secured to a device, system or a server room in a vertical orientation, a horizontal orientation or at an angle.