Solid-State DC Power Distribution for Lower Data Center Cabling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power distribution systems face challenges such as high cabling costs, limited distance between components, and increased footprint due to the use of AC components, which are exacerbated by the high power consumption of AI-enabled data centers.
Innovation Solution
A disaggregated solid state power distribution system using AC-to-DC converters and solid state DC transformers to convert high-voltage AC power to medium-voltage DC power, allowing initial conversion outside the IT space and final conversion near the load, reducing cabling cross-sectional area and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If AC components are used in conventional power distribution systems, then power can be distributed from electrical utility to load, but cabling cross-sectional area increases and cabling cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage parameter from low voltage AC to medium voltage DC (1000-30000V), which fundamentally alters the power transmission characteristics. This parameter change enables much smaller cabling cross-sectional areas while maintaining the same power distribution capability, directly resolving the contradiction between power distribution and cabling quantity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional AC power distribution mechanism with a DC power distribution mechanism using solid-state converters. This substitution eliminates the need for large AC cabling infrastructure and enables more efficient power transmission with reduced material quantity.
2Power
If AC components are used in conventional power distribution systems, then power can be distributed from electrical utility to load, but cabling cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the operating voltage parameter to medium voltage DC range (1000-30000V), the system reduces cabling material requirements, which directly lowers cabling cost while maintaining full power distribution capability to the load.
3Power
If cabling with relatively high cross-sectional area is used, then high current can be handled at low voltage, but physical separation distance between components is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage parameter from low voltage to medium voltage DC (1000-30000V), which inversely affects the current for the same power level. This parameter change enables much longer physical separation distances between components while maintaining the same current handling capability, as higher voltage allows lower current transmission over longer distances.
4Power
If AC components are used in conventional power distribution systems, then power distribution can be performed, but footprint of the power distribution system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional AC power distribution system with a DC power distribution system using solid-state converters. This substitution eliminates the need for large electrical buildings housing AC components, significantly reducing the footprint while maintaining full power distribution functionality.
5Ease of operation
If disaggregation of components is performed, then initial power conversion can be done outside IT space and final conversion near load, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power conversion function into two distinct stages: initial AC-to-DC conversion performed outside the IT space, and final DC voltage transformation performed near the load. This segmentation provides operational flexibility while managing system complexity through functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a medium voltage DC bus as an intermediary between the initial power conversion stage and the final conversion stage. This intermediary enables flexible system architecture by providing a standardized interface that decouples the two conversion stages, allowing independent optimization of each stage.
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 approach increases power density, reduces cabling costs, and enables higher density IT hardware installation while avoiding congestion, with the potential for incorporating energy storage and long duration power generation.
Implementation Method 1
an alternating-current-to-direct-current converter to convert an alternating-current voltage to an intermediate direct-current voltage
Implementation Method 2
a solid state direct-current transformer to transform the intermediate direct-current voltage to a transformed direct-current voltage
Data Source
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AI summary
Techniques are described herein for distributing power using a disaggregated solid state power distribution system. The disaggregated solid state power distribution system includes an alternating-current-to-direct-current (AC-to-DC) converter and a solid state direct-current (DC) transformer. The AC-to-DC converter converts an alternating-current (AC) voltage, which is included in an incoming AC power signal having a power of at least one megawatt from an electrical source, to an intermediate DC voltage. The AC voltage is greater than or equal to 1000 volts root-mean-square (RMS). The intermediate DC voltage is greater than or equal to 1000 volts. The solid state DC transformer provides a DC power signal to information technology (IT) hardware by transforming the intermediate DC voltage to a transformed DC voltage that is included in the DC power signal. The transformed DC voltage is less than 1000 volts.