Super Capacitor Server Power Ride-Through
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Solution Overview
Problem
Server systems relying on lead-acid batteries and uninterruptable power supplies face inefficiencies and environmental concerns due to toxic substances, limited cycle life, and narrow temperature operating ranges, especially in data centers with varying temperature environments.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a power system manager that engages super capacitor power modules to provide supplemental power, mitigating deficiencies and reducing demand on traditional power supplies, while utilizing super capacitors with wide temperature ranges and environmentally compliant designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If lead-acid batteries are used for power supply, then power storage capability is improved, but environmental harm increases due to toxic substances and hydrogen gas production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful lead-acid battery system from the server power supply architecture, replacing it with super capacitor modules that provide equivalent power storage capability without toxic substances or hydrogen gas production
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs super capacitor modules that, while having shorter total lifespan than batteries, provide sufficient cycle life for their intended application and can be replaced more easily and safely, eliminating the need for hazardous material handling and disposal infrastructure
2Quantity of substance
If lead-acid batteries are used for power supply, then power storage capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to limited cycle life and narrow temperature operating ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating temperature parameter range by selecting super capacitor technology that operates effectively in wide temperature ranges (−40°C to +85°C), eliminating the need for complex thermal management systems required by lead-acid batteries
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic power management system where the power system manager continuously monitors battery charge levels and dynamically engages or disengages super capacitor modules based on real-time power availability and demand conditions
3Adaptability or versatility
If uninterruptable power supplies are used, then power conversion capability is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to redundant power conversion and under-utilized reserve capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the redundant AC-DC-AC power conversion stages of traditional uninterruptable power supplies, replacing them with super capacitor modules that can directly interface with DC power buses, eliminating conversion losses
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-charges super capacitor modules during normal operation so they are ready to immediately provide supplemental power during disturbances, eliminating the need for real-time power conversion during critical ride-through events
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
Enables efficient ride-through of power disturbances and outages without relying on uninterruptable power supplies, simplifies electrical design, and maintains performance in high-temperature environments with reduced maintenance and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
one or more super capacitor power modules are engaged to provide supplemental power for the server system
Implementation Method 2
the charging circuit can recharge the energy storage device from the power bus
Data Source
AI summary
Super capacitor supplemented server power is described. In embodiments, a power system manager is implemented to monitor the capability of one or more power supplies to provide power for a server system. The power system manager can determine that the capability of the power supplies to provide the power is deficient, and then engage one or more super capacitor power modules to provide supplemental power for the server system to mitigate the power deficiency.