Solid-State Power Distribution Switching for AC/DC Data Center Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data center power distribution systems are not compatible with both AC and DC power sources, leading to inefficiencies in green energy utilization and reliability, especially during power outages, and require bulky and power-consuming transfer switches.
Innovation Solution
A power distribution device with solid-state switches that can seamlessly switch between AC and DC power sources, including photovoltaic devices and energy storage batteries, to ensure continuous and efficient power supply, eliminating the need for traditional transfer switches and optimizing green energy absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional transfer switches are used to switch between AC and DC power sources, then power source switching capability is achieved, but device volume and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical transfer switches with solid-state switching devices (MOSFETs or IGBTs) that use electronic field effects rather than mechanical movement to achieve power source switching. This substitution eliminates the mechanical components that occupy space while maintaining the switching functionality between AC and DC power sources
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the transfer switch component from the traditional power distribution system by implementing direct solid-state switching control. The control unit directly manages the solid-state switches to route power from either AC or DC sources without requiring a separate transfer switch mechanism, thereby reducing device volume
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional transfer switches are used to switch between AC and DC power sources, then power source switching capability is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical transfer switches with solid-state switching devices (MOSFETs or IGBTs) that use electronic field effects rather than mechanical movement to achieve power source switching. This substitution eliminates the mechanical components that occupy space while maintaining the switching functionality between AC and DC power sources
Solution Approach 2:
The solid-state switching devices inherently provide low-resistance current paths when activated, requiring minimal control power. The system uses the power sources themselves to drive the switching devices, with the control unit consuming negligible power compared to traditional mechanical transfer switches
3Adaptability or versatility
If rooftop photovoltaics with inverters are used for green energy access, then DC power sources can be utilized, but direct IT load supply is not achieved and green energy supply is interrupted when main power is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal power distribution interface that can accept both AC and DC power sources through the same distribution pathway. The solid-state switching system can route either AC power from the grid or DC power from photovoltaic sources directly to IT loads, eliminating the need for separate distribution paths and enabling continuous operation regardless of power source availability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control unit as an intermediary that monitors the status of both AC and DC power sources and automatically manages the solid-state switching to maintain continuous power supply. This control intermediary ensures that when one power source fails, the system seamlessly transitions to the other source without interrupting IT load operation
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing power distribution systems are used, then AC power supply is supported, but compatibility with DC power sources is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal power distribution interface that can accept both AC and DC power sources through the same distribution pathway. The solid-state switching system can route either AC power from the grid or DC power from photovoltaic sources directly to IT loads, eliminating the need for separate distribution paths and enabling continuous operation regardless of power source availability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic power distribution system where the control unit continuously monitors power source status and automatically adjusts the switching state of solid-state devices. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt to changing power source availability without requiring complex manual reconfiguration or multiple static distribution paths
Data Source
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AI summary
A power distribution device is disclosed. The power distribution device includes: a first power source input end for connecting a first power source; a second power source input end for connecting a second power source; a first power source switch for connecting a first power source input end with a bus and switching on and off the power supply of the first power source; a second power source switch for connecting a second power source input end with a bus and switching on and off the power supply of the second power source; the bus for connecting with a load device and supplying power for the load device; and a load device switch for switching on and off the power supply to a relevant load device. Furthermore, A power distribution system is also disclosed.