Wireless Sensor Network for RPDU Power Data Collection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Data centers face challenges in efficiently measuring and managing power consumption due to the large number of devices, heterogeneity of equipment, and the cost and complexity of connecting Rack Power Distribution Units (RPDUs) to IP networks, leading to significant power wastage.

Innovation Solution

A wireless sensor network is deployed using radio frequency devices that connect to RPDUs via Ethernet or serial connections, allowing for the collection and distribution of power usage data through a wireless mesh network, enabling remote management and optimization of power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If RPDUs are connected to IP network using conventional networking methods, then power usage data can be transferred, but cost and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower usage data transferVSAvoidnetworking complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A wireless communication module is introduced as an intermediary between the RPDU and the IP network. The RPDU communicates with the wireless module via simple serial or Ethernet connection, and the wireless module handles the complex IP network communication, including routing and data transmission to remote systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces physical wiring and conventional networking infrastructure with wireless communication technology. Instead of running Ethernet cables from each RPDU to network switches, the solution uses wireless transceivers to transmit power usage data over the air to wireless access points and gateways.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If RPDUs are connected to IP network using conventional methods, then data can be distributed, but installation cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata distribution capabilityVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless communication module serves multiple functions: it acts as a serial-to-wireless converter, a wireless access point, and a data gateway. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated devices for each function, thereby reducing overall system cost and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If wireless sensor network is used, then installation cost and complexity are reduced, but networking capability utilization is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidnetworking capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless network is segmented into multiple functional layers: RPDU-level serial communication, local wireless mesh network for data collection, wireless gateway for protocol translation, and IP network for remote access. Each segment handles specific tasks, allowing the system to maintain simple local installation while achieving full IP network connectivity and versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Loss of information

If conventional networking is used for all RPDUs, then comprehensive monitoring is achieved, but power waste in transmission occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring completenessVSAvoidtransmission power waste

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous real-time streaming of power usage data over the network, the system implements periodic data collection and transmission. The wireless modules can buffer data locally and transmit at intervals, reducing the frequency of network transmissions and associated energy consumption while maintaining complete monitoring capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS8600575B2Apparatus and method for collecting and distributing power usage data from rack power distribution units (RPDUs) using a wireless sensor network

Publication Date: 2013.12.03 VIGILENT CORP

AI summary

Various embodiments provide an apparatus and method for collecting and distributing power usage data from Rack Power Distribution Units (RPDUs) using a wireless sensor network. An example embodiment includes: establishing communication with a plurality of Rack Power Distribution Units (RPDUs) deployed at particular points in a facility, each RPDU of the plurality of RPDUs being configured to monitor power consumption of a plurality of electronic devices in the facility; periodically obtaining system data from each of the plurality of RPDUs, the system data including power consumption data corresponding to associated electronic devices, the system data being received from the plurality of RPDUs via a wired data connection; using a wireless bridge device to aggregate the system data from a plurality of associated RPDUs, the wireless bridge device transferring the aggregated system data to a gateway via a wireless sensor network; and using the system data to control operation of the plurality of electronic devices in the facility via the wireless bridge device and the plurality of associated RPDUs.