Switchless Power Source Redundancy for Computing Centers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large-scale computing centers face challenges in maintaining power redundancy due to the expense and unreliability of mechanical automatic transfer switches, which can result in shutdowns during power source transitions.
Innovation Solution
A power source transfer (PST) device with multiple power inputs and a power transfer monitoring (PTM) application that enables a switchless transition between two or more power inputs, using AC and DC power converters to maintain power supply through a common DC bus, with diodes and reactive elements to manage voltage and current, and a PTM application to monitor and control the power transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical automatic transfer switches are used to provide power input redundancy, then power source switching capability is achieved, but system expense and reliability deteriorate due to switching delays and transient effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the mechanical automatic transfer switch from the system entirely. Instead of using a switching device to transfer between power sources, the system directly connects multiple power inputs to the load through electronic circuitry, eliminating the problematic mechanical switching component while maintaining power redundancy capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical automatic transfer switch with an electronic-based power source transfer device. This substitution eliminates mechanical moving parts, contacts, and switching transients by using electronic circuitry to manage power source transitions, thereby improving reliability and reducing switching delays.
2Reliability
If mechanical automatic transfer switches are used for power source switching, then power redundancy is provided, but switching delays and transient effects cause shutdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary synchronization of the secondary power source before switching occurs. The system monitors and adjusts the secondary power source parameters in advance, ensuring it is ready to immediately assume the load without causing transient effects or shutdowns during the transition.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing the mechanical switch with an electronic system, the patent eliminates the inherent switching delays and transient effects associated with mechanical contact opening and closing. The electronic-based transfer device can switch power sources instantaneously without the mechanical inertia and contact bounce that cause shutdowns.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical automatic transfer switches are used, then power source switching is achieved, but expense and unreliability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the mechanical automatic transfer switch from the system, eliminating its reliability issues and high cost. The power source switching capability is maintained through a simpler, more reliable electronic-based system that does not require complex mechanical switching components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the expensive and unreliable mechanical switching system with a more economical and reliable electronic-based power transfer device. This substitution maintains full power source switching capability while eliminating the reliability problems and high expenses associated with mechanical automatic transfer switches.
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
Ensures seamless and reliable power redundancy for computing devices by eliminating switching delays and transient effects, reducing the need for expensive and unreliable mechanical switches, and providing efficient load balancing and fault tolerance.
Implementation Method 1
an AC power converter configured to convert AC power from a first power input to DC power at a first voltage level
Implementation Method 2
a DC power converter configured to convert DC power from a second power input to DC power at the first voltage level
Implementation Method 3
with diodes and reactive elements to manage voltage and current
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are various embodiments of switchless power source redundancy in a power source transfer device providing power to one or more computing device(s). The power source transfer device includes a plurality of AC power converters configured to receive power from corresponding power sources. A first AC power converter provides DC power to a common DC bus of the power source transfer device. A second AC power converter provides DC power to the common DC bus in response to a change in a monitored level provided by the first AC power converter.