Shared Power Conversion Switching for Redundant Supply Backup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supply architectures for distributed data centers require multiple power modules to ensure high reliability, leading to increased footprint, costs, and maintenance expenses due to low voltage utilization and redundant configurations.
Innovation Solution
A power supply apparatus and system incorporating a switching circuit and a converting circuit that selectively connects and converts voltage from either of two power supplies to optimize energy utilization, reducing the need for redundant modules by switching between power sources and utilizing energy storage devices for backup power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two power supplies are separately configured with one power module each before reaching a load to implement mutual backup, then power supply reliability is improved, but footprint occupied by power supply apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate power supply configurations into a single shared power supply apparatus. The first and second power supplies connect to a switching circuit that can selectively route power from either source through a single converting circuit to the load, eliminating the need for separate power modules while maintaining backup capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching circuit serves multiple functions: it can connect the load to the first power supply, the second power supply, or switch between them. The single converting circuit also handles voltage conversion for both power supply sources, making the system more versatile and reducing overall footprint.
2Reliability
If two power supplies are separately configured with one power module each before reaching a load to implement mutual backup, then power supply reliability is improved, but system costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate power supply systems into one integrated apparatus, reducing the total number of components needed. By sharing the converting circuit and using a single switching mechanism, the system reduces hardware costs, manufacturing complexity, and maintenance expenses while preserving redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The single converting circuit is designed to handle voltage conversion from both the first and second power supplies, making it a universal component that serves multiple purposes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for duplicate components, thereby lowering system costs.
3Reliability
If two power supplies are separately configured with one power module each before reaching a load to implement mutual backup, then power supply reliability is improved, but system maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power conversion functionality into a single shared converting circuit, which reduces the total number of components that require maintenance. With fewer power modules to monitor and service, system maintenance costs are reduced while the switching mechanism ensures continued reliability through backup capability.
4Reliability
If voltage output by power supply is converted into supply voltage of load using separate power modules for each power supply, then power supply reliability is improved, but energy utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the voltage conversion functionality into a single shared converting circuit that serves both power supplies. This eliminates redundant conversion operations and reduces energy losses associated with having separate power modules, thereby improving overall energy utilization efficiency while maintaining reliability through the switching mechanism.
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 solution reduces the volume and cost of power supply apparatuses by optimizing energy utilization from a single active power source and providing reliable backup power, thereby enhancing power supply reliability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a switching circuit and a converting circuit, wherein the switching circuit includes a first input terminal configured to receive a first voltage output by a first power supply, a second input terminal configured to receive a second voltage output by a second power supply, and an output terminal
Implementation Method 2
the converting circuit is connected to the output terminal of the switching circuit, the output terminal of the converting circuit is configured to be connected to an electrical device, and the converting circuit is configured to convert the first voltage or the second voltage into a third voltage, and output the third voltage to supply power to the electrical device
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of this application disclose a power supply apparatus and a power supply system, to reduce a volume and costs of the power supply apparatus. The power supply apparatus includes a switching circuit, where the switching circuit includes a switcher, a first input terminal, a second input terminal, and an output terminal, the first input terminal of the switching circuit is configured to receive a first voltage provided by a first power supply, the second input terminal of the switching circuit is configured to receive a second voltage provided by a second power supply, and the switcher is configured to control the output terminal of the switching circuit to be connected to the first input terminal or control the output terminal of the switching circuit to be connected to the second input terminal; and a converting circuit, where the converting circuit includes an input terminal and an output terminal, the input terminal of the converting circuit is connected to the output terminal of the switching circuit, the output terminal of the converting circuit is connected to an electrical device, and the converting circuit is configured to receive the first voltage or the second voltage, convert the received first voltage or the received second voltage into a third voltage, and output the third voltage through the output terminal of the converting circuit.