Superconducting Power Plane Reconfiguration for Data Center Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current datacenter power distribution systems face inefficiencies due to unidirectional power flow, leading to uneven current density, underutilization of conducting materials, and potential downtime from upstream equipment malfunctions, requiring complex and costly infrastructure for redundancy and balancing server racks.
Innovation Solution
A network of superconducting cables configured in a dynamically configurable power plane that receives power from multiple sides of a building, allowing bidirectional and multidirectional current flow, with switch controllers to manage power distribution and enable maintenance without disrupting the entire system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If power is provided from only one side of the building via unidirectional distribution, then the infrastructure is simpler, but the current density becomes much higher at the first side than at the second side, leading to underutilization of conducting material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional unidirectional power distribution by implementing bidirectional power flow where power can be supplied from both ends of the busway system. This allows current to flow in both directions simultaneously, balancing the current density distribution along the busway length and eliminating the underutilization of conducting material at distant locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic reconfigurability to the power distribution system through switchable connections that can change the power flow direction and distribution pattern based on load requirements. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to varying power density needs across different locations and times.
2Ease of operation
If unidirectional power distribution is used, then the system is easier to control, but malfunctioning upstream equipment results in downtime for downstream equipment, requiring redundant busways and additional infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
By enabling bidirectional power flow, the patent eliminates the concept of upstream and downstream equipment. Any section of the busway can serve as a power source for any other section, so a malfunction in one location does not propagate to other locations. This fundamentally improves reliability without requiring redundant infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the power distribution system into independently controllable sections with switchable connections. Each section can be isolated or reconfigured independently, allowing maintenance or repair of one section without affecting the entire system. This modular approach maintains control simplicity while dramatically improving reliability.
3Quantity of substance
If each aisle is designed to receive the same amount of electrical power, then the power distribution is balanced, but high power density servers must be distributed throughout the datacenter and careful advance planning is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power distribution that can adapt to varying power density requirements in real-time. Switch controllers can reconfigure the network to concentrate power delivery to specific locations or aisles based on current server placement and power needs, eliminating the need for advance planning and uniform power distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic changes in power distribution parameters (voltage, current, power density) across different locations and time periods. This enables the infrastructure to support high power density servers in concentrated locations without requiring balanced distribution across all aisles, providing maximum flexibility for server placement and configuration.
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 achieves uniform current density throughout the datacenter, reduces the need for complex infrastructure, and allows for high power density to be directed to specific locations, enabling efficient operation and maintenance without disrupting other sections.
Implementation Method 1
A network of superconducting cables configured in a dynamically configurable power plane for powering a large scale system such as a datacenter
Data Source
AI summary
A system including a network of superconducting electrical cables configured to supply power to a plurality of server racks arranged within a space of a building, a first power source connection configured to connect a first power source to the network of superconducting electrical cables from a first side of the building and configured to supply power to a first section of the network of superconducting electrical cables, a second power source connection configured to connect a second power source to the network of superconducting electrical cables from a second side of the building different from the first side and configured to supply power to a second section of the network of superconducting electrical cables, and a plurality of bus ducts, each bus duct configured to connect the network of superconducting electrical cables to one or more of the plurality of server racks.