U.S. patent application number 15/656948 was filed with the patent office on 2017-11-09 for multimode distribution systems and methods for providing power from power sources to power consuming devices.
The applicant listed for this patent is Excalibur IP, LLC. Invention is credited to Barry C. Bianculli, Norman Holt, Bob Lytle, Jesus Lalo Suarez, Mozan Totani, Thomas Trevino.
Application Number | 20170324242 15/656948 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50432147 |
Filed Date | 2017-11-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170324242 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Totani; Mozan ; et
al. |
November 9, 2017 |
Multimode Distribution Systems and Methods for Providing Power From
Power Sources to Power Consuming Devices
Abstract
Multimode distribution systems and methods are described. A
multimode distribution system includes a first source interface for
coupling to a first power source, a second source interface for
coupling to a second power source, and a first selection device to
be coupled via a first connection matrix and the first source
interface with the first power source to provide main power to one
or more power consumption devices. The multimode distribution
system includes a second selection device to be coupled via a
second connection matrix and the first source interface with the
first power source to provide main power to one or more additional
power consumption devices. The second selection device is to be
coupled via the second connection matrix and the second source
interface with the second power source to provide alternative power
to the additional power consumption devices.
Inventors: |
Totani; Mozan; (San Jose,
CA) ; Suarez; Jesus Lalo; (Fremont, CA) ;
Bianculli; Barry C.; (Los Banos, CA) ; Trevino;
Thomas; (San Jose, CA) ; Lytle; Bob;
(Saratoga, CA) ; Holt; Norman; (Oakley,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Excalibur IP, LLC |
New York |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50432147 |
Appl. No.: |
15/656948 |
Filed: |
July 21, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14839819 |
Aug 28, 2015 |
9728960 |
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15656948 |
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|
13648179 |
Oct 9, 2012 |
9136707 |
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14839819 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02J 3/005 20130101;
Y10T 307/391 20150401; H02J 2310/16 20200101; H02J 9/062 20130101;
H02J 3/381 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H02J 3/00 20060101
H02J003/00; H02J 3/38 20060101 H02J003/38 |
Claims
1. A system for distributing power to a plurality of power sources,
comprising: a first power source configured to generate power; a
second power source configured to generate power; a first selection
device; a first connection matrix that couples the first selection
device to the first power source; a second selection device; a
second connection matrix configured to couple the second selection
device to the second power source, wherein the first connection
matrix is configured to couple the first power source to a first
power consumption device via the first selection device and cannot
be configured to couple the second power source to the first power
consumption device, wherein the second connection matrix is
configured to couple the first power source to a second power
consumption device via the second selection device and is
configured to couple the second power source to the second power
consumption device via the second selection device.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the first power source
and the second power source is an uninterruptible power supply
(UPS), a main power supply, a utility power supply, or a
generator.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the first selection
device and the second selection device is a multiplexer.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the first connection matrix
includes a set of connection lines coupled to the first and second
power sources and includes a connection line coupled to the first
selection device, wherein the connection line coupled to the first
selection device is coupled to one of the connection lines of the
set for transferring the power generated by the first power source
to the first power consumption device, wherein the first connection
matrix lacks a connection line coupling the second power source to
the first selection device for not allowing a transfer of the power
generated by the second power source to the first power consumption
device.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the second connection matrix
includes a set of connection lines coupled to the first and second
power sources, a first connection line coupled to the second
selection device, and a second connection line coupled to the
second selection device, wherein the first connection line is
coupled to one of the connection lines of the set for transferring
the power generated by the first power source to the second power
consumption device, wherein the second connection line is coupled
to another one of the connection lines of the set for transferring
the power generated by the second power source to the second power
consumption device.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the second connection matrix is
configured to couple the second power source to the second power
consumption device at a time the first power source is not coupled
to the second power consumption device.
7. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a bypass connection
line configured to be coupled to the first and second power
consumption devices, wherein the bypass connection is connected to
a bypass power source, wherein the first selection device is
decoupled from the first power consumption device for coupling the
bypass power source via the bypass connection line to the first
power consumption device, wherein the second selection device is
decoupled from the second power consumption device for coupling the
bypass power source via the bypass connection line to the second
power consumption device.
8. A method for distributing power to a plurality of power sources,
comprising: generating power from a first power source; generating
power from a second power source; transferring the power generated
by the first power source via a first connection matrix and a first
selection device to a first power consumption device; preventing a
transfer of the power generated by the second power source via the
first connection matrix to the first power consumption device; and
transferring the power generated by the first power source via a
second connection matrix and a second selection device to a second
power consumption device.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein each of the first power source
and the second power source is an uninterruptible power supply
(UPS), a main power supply, a utility power supply, or a
generator.
10. The method of claim 8, further comprising multiplexing between
the transfer of the power from the first power source via the
second connection matrix and the second selection device to the
second power consumption device and a transfer of the power from
the second power source via the second connection matrix and the
second selection device to the second power consumption device.
11. The method of claim 8, wherein transferring the power generated
by the first power source via the first connection matrix and the
first selection device to the first power consumption device
comprises: transferring the power generated by the first power
source via a connection line coupled to the first power source to a
connection point within the first connection matrix; transferring
the power from the connection point to a connection line coupled to
the first selection device; and transferring the power from the
connection line coupled to the first selection device via the first
selection device to the first power consumption device, wherein the
first connection matrix lacks a connection line coupling the second
power source to the first selection device for not allowing a
transfer of the power generated by the second power source to the
first power consumption device.
12. The method of claim 8, wherein transferring the power generated
by the first power source via the second connection matrix and the
second selection device to the second power consumption device
comprises: transferring the power generated by the first power
source via a connection line coupled to the first power source to a
connection point within the second connection matrix; transferring
the power from the connection point to a connection line coupled to
the second selection device; and transferring the power from the
connection line coupled to the second selection device via the
second selection device to the second power consumption device.
13. The method of claim 8, further comprising transferring the
power generated by the second power source via the second
connection matrix and the second selection device to the second
power consumption device at a time the power generated by the first
power source is not being transferred via the second connection
matrix and the second selection device to the second power
consumption device.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein said transferring the power
generated by the second power source via the second connection
matrix and the second selection device to the second power
consumption device comprises: transferring the power generated by
the second power source via a connection line coupled to the second
power source to a connection point within the second connection
matrix; transferring the power from the connection point to a
connection line coupled to the second selection device; and
transferring the power from the connection line coupled to the
second selection device via the second selection device to the
second power consumption device.
15. A system for distributing power to a plurality of power
sources, comprising: a first power source configured to generate
power; a first source interface coupled to the first power source;
a second power source configured to generate power; a second source
interface coupled to the second power source; a first selection
device; a first connection matrix that couples the first selection
device to the first source interface; a second selection device; a
second connection matrix configured to couple the second selection
device to the second source interface, wherein the first connection
matrix is configured to couple the first source interface to a
first power consumption device and cannot be configured to couple
the second source interface to the first power consumption device,
wherein the second connection matrix is configured to couple the
first source interface and the second source interface to a second
power consumption device.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein each of the first power source
and the second power source is an uninterruptible power supply
(UPS), a main power supply, a utility power supply, or a
generator.
17. The system of claim 15, wherein each of the first selection
device and the second selection device is a multiplexer.
18. The system of claim 15, wherein the first connection matrix
includes a set of connection lines coupled to the first and second
source interfaces, and a connection line coupled to the first
selection device, wherein the connection line coupled to the first
selection device is coupled to one of the connection lines of the
set for transferring the power from the first source interface to
the first power consumption device, wherein the first connection
matrix lacks a connection line coupling the second source interface
to the first selection device for not allowing a transfer of the
power from the second source interface to the first power
consumption device.
19. The system of claim 15, wherein the second connection matrix
includes a set of connection lines coupled to the first and second
source interfaces, a first connection line coupled to the first
selection device, and a second connection line coupled to the
second selection device, wherein the first connection line is
coupled to one of the connection lines of the set for transferring
the power from the first source interface to the second power
consumption device, wherein the second connection line is coupled
to another one of the connection lines of the set for transferring
the power from the second source interface to the second power
consumption device.
20. The system of claim 15, wherein the second connection matrix is
configured to couple the second source interface to the second
power consumption device at a time the first source interface is
not coupled to the second power consumption device.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] This patent application is a continuation of and claims
priority to and the benefit, under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.120, of
co-pending patent application Ser. No. 14/839,819, filed on Aug.
28, 2015, titled "MULTIMODE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR
PROVIDING POWER FROM POWER SOURCES TO POWER CONSUMING DEVICES",
which is a continuation of and claims priority to and the benefit,
under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.120, of co-pending patent application Ser.
No. 13/648,179, filed on Oct. 9, 2012, titled "MULTIMODE
DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING POWER FROM POWER
SOURCES TO POWER CONSUMING DEVICES", all of which are incorporated
by reference herein in their entirety for all purposes.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a multimode
distribution systems and methods for providing power from power
sources to power consuming devices.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A data center is a facility that holds telecommunication
equipment, e.g., computers, servers, telecommunication devices,
storage systems, security devices, and power supplies. A data
center can occupy a room, a floor, or even an entire building.
Usually, most of the equipment in a data center includes servers
that are placed in racks. People can access the servers between the
racks. In the data center, there is a supply of power from various
power sources to the telecommunication equipment. However, it is
costly to obtain the power sources to support the data center.
[0004] It is in this context that various embodiments of the
present invention arise.
SUMMARY
[0005] The following detailed description together with the
accompanying drawings will provide a better understanding of the
nature and advantages of various embodiments of the present
invention.
[0006] In an embodiment, a multimode distribution system in which a
matrix allows coupling of one or more power sources to a power
consumption device system and another matrix that allows coupling
of different one or more power sources with another power
consumption device system is described. By using different or same
matrices to allow different power consumption device systems to
couple with different power sources within a multimode distribution
system provides flexibility of coupling a variety of power
consumption device systems with a variety of power sources. For
example, when a first power source and a first power consumption
device system are obtained, the first power source is coupled to
the first power consumption device system via a first matrix of a
multimode distribution box. In this example, when a second power
source and a second power consumption device system are obtained,
the second power consumption device system is coupled to the first
power source or the second power source via a second matrix of the
multimode distribution box. Further, in this example, the second
power consumption device system is coupled to the second power
source when there is a failure in the first power source, e.g., the
first power source malfunctions or is unoperational.
[0007] In one embodiment, a multimode distribution system includes
a first source interface for coupling to a first power source, a
second source interface for coupling to a second power source, and
a first selection device to be coupled via a first connection
matrix and the first source interface with the first power source
to provide main power to one or more power consumption devices. The
power consumption devices are operable to receive the main power
from the first power source. The multimode distribution system
includes a second selection device to be coupled via a second
connection matrix and the first source interface with the first
power source to provide main power to one or more additional power
consumption devices. The second selection device is to be coupled
via the second connection matrix and the second source interface
with the second power source to provide alternative power to the
additional power consumption devices. The additional power
consumption devices are operable to receive the main power from the
first power source or the alternative power from the second power
source.
[0008] In some embodiments, the additional power consumption
devices are operable to receive the alternative power from the
second power source while the power consumption devices are
operable to receive the main power from the first power source.
[0009] In an embodiment, a system for providing power from a
plurality of power sources to a plurality of power consuming
devices is described. The system includes a first power source, a
second power source being an alternative to the first power source,
and a plurality of power consumption devices for receiving power
from the first power source or the second power source. The system
further includes a housing enclosing a first source interface, a
second source interface, a first connection matrix, a second
connection matrix, a first selection device, and a second selection
device. The first selection device is to be coupled via the first
connection matrix and the first source interface with the first
power source to provide power to one or more power consumption
devices. The power consumption devices are operable to receive
power from the first power source. The second selection device is
to be coupled via the second connection matrix and the first source
interface with the first power source to provide power to one or
more additional power consumption devices. The second selection
device is also to be coupled via the second connection matrix and
the second source interface with the second power source to provide
alternative power to the additional power consumption devices. The
additional power consumption devices are operable to receive the
power from the first power source or the alternative power from the
second power source.
[0010] In one embodiment, a method for providing power from a
plurality of power sources to a plurality of power consuming
devices is described. The method includes receiving main power via
a first source interface from a first power source, receiving
alternative power via a second source interface from a second power
source, and receiving a selection to couple the first power source
via the first source interface to one or more power consumption
devices. The method further includes providing the main power
received via the first source interface to the power consumption
devices in response to receiving the selection. The power
consumption devices are operable to receive the main power from the
first power source. The method includes receiving a selection to
couple the first power source via the first source interface to one
or more additional power consumption devices or a selection to
couple the second power source via the second source interface to
the additional power consumption devices. The additional power
consumption devices are operable to receive the main power from the
first power source or alternative power from the second power
source. The method includes providing the power received via the
first source interface to the additional power consumption devices
in response to receiving the selection to couple the first power
source via the first source interface to the additional power
consumption devices. The method includes providing the power
received via the second source interface to the additional power
consumption devices in response to receiving the selection to
couple the second power source via the second source interface to
the additional power consumption devices.
[0011] In an embodiment, a method is described. The method includes
providing a multimode distribution system. The multimode
distribution system includes a first connection matrix coupled to a
first selection device and a second connection matrix coupled to a
second selection device. The method further includes coupling the
first connection matrix via a first source interface to a main
power source, coupling the first selection device via a power
distribution unit to a first power consumption device, and coupling
the second selection device via a power distribution unit to a
second power consumption device. The method includes coupling the
second connection matrix via the first source interface with the
main power source or coupling the second connection matrix via a
second source interface with an alternative power source. The first
connection matrix lacks a connection to couple the alternative
power source to the first power consumption device.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for providing power
from power source systems to power consumption device systems
(PCDSs), in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a system for illustrating various
modes of a multimode distribution box (MMDB), in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a system to illustrate a bypass
mode of the MMDB, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a diagram of a truth table to illustrate use of
various modes of the MMDB, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0016] FIG. 5A is a diagram of a system for using five modes of
operation of an MMDB to provide power to PCDSs, in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 5B is a diagram of a system in which selection devices
are housed in a housing in addition to being housed within a
housing of an MMDB, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0018] FIG. 5C is a diagram of a system for providing power from
one or more power Sources to corresponding PCDS and that uses
lesser real estate than that used by the system of FIG. 5A, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 5D is a diagram of a system in which selection devices
are housed in a housing in addition to being housed within a
housing of an MMDB and that uses lesser real estate than that used
by the system of FIG. 5A, in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0020] FIG. 6A is a diagram of a system for providing power from a
power source without using an MMDB, in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 6B is a diagram of a system for providing power from a
power source without using an MMDB and in which selection devices
are housed in a housing in addition to being housed within the
housing of the MMDB, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0022] FIG. 6C is a diagram of a system for providing power from a
power source without using an MMDB and in which lesser real estate
is used than that used in the MMDB of FIG. 6A, in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 6D is a diagram of an embodiment of a system for
providing power from a power source without using an MMDB, in which
lesser real estate is used than that used in the MMDB of FIG. 6A,
and in which selection devices are housed in a separate housing
than that of an MMDB, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0024] FIG. 7A is a diagram of a select as used within the MMDB of
FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0025] FIG. 7B is a diagram of a multiplexer that is used as a
select within the MMDB of FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B, in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 7C is a diagram of multiple interchangeable hardwired
selects used within the MMDB of FIGS. 5C, 5D, 6C, and 6D, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 7D is a diagram of multiple interchangeable hardwired
selects used within the MMDB of FIGS. 5A and 5B, in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 8 shows various graphs to illustrate a comparison
between use of various modes that are described above and lack of
use of various modes, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0029] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a power source
system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] The following example embodiments and their aspects are
described and illustrated in conjunction with apparatuses, methods,
and systems which are meant to be illustrative examples, not
limiting in scope.
[0031] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a system 100
for providing power from power source systems (PSSs) 1 thru Y to
power consumption device systems (PCDSs) 1 thru Y, where Y is an
integer greater than zero. A PSS includes one or more power
sources. Examples of a power source include an uninterruptible
power supply (UPS), a main power supply, any number of utility
power supplies, and a generator. A PSS may be a generator farm or
an UPS farm. An example of a UPS farm includes battery or rotary
power storage.
[0032] Each PCDS includes one more power consumption devices
(PCDs). For example, a PCDS includes a rack of servers and/or
networking equipment. Examples of a power consumption device
include a server (e.g., an email server, a proxy server, a domain
name system (DNS) server, a file server, an application server, a
firewall, a virtual private network (VPN) gateway, an intrusion
detection system), a networking equipment (e.g., a router, a
repeater, a switch, a hub), a mainframe computer, and a storage
device. A storage device includes a random access memory (RAM), a
read-only memory (ROM), or a combination thereof. Examples of a
storage device include a flash memory, a redundant array of
independent disks, a hard disk, or a combination thereof.
[0033] In an embodiment, each PCDS includes 200 kilowatts of load.
In one embodiment, each PCDS includes a load ranging between 5
kilowatts and 5 megawatts.
[0034] A PSS is coupled to a source interface (SI) via a connection
link. For example, the PSS Y is connected to a source interface Y
via a connection link Y. In one embodiment, a connection link
includes three phase lines for supplying three signals at three
different phases, a ground line for conducting a ground signal, and
a neutral line for receiving a signal in case of the three phase
lines supply the three signals to an unbalanced load. In an
embodiment in which the three phase lines supply the three signals
to a balanced load, a connection link includes three phase lines
for supplying three signals at three different phases and includes
a ground line.
[0035] The source interface Y includes one or more electric circuit
components to facilitate transfer of a signal via a connection
matrix (CM) Y to provide compatibility with the PCDS Y that is
coupled with the source interface Y. For example, the source
interface Y includes one or more transformers, one or more electric
switches, one or more circuit breakers, one or more inverters, or a
combination thereof, to facilitate a conversion of power. As an
example, power received via the connection link 1 is converted from
a first voltage level to a second voltage level. The second voltage
level is compatible with PCDS 1.
[0036] In an embodiment, a voltage level is compatible with a PCDS
when the voltage level does not exceed that mentioned on each PCD
of the PCDS. In one embodiment, a voltage level is compatible with
a PCDS when the voltage is an alternating current (AC) voltage and
each PCD of the PCDS operates based on the AC voltage. In one
embodiment, a voltage level is compatible with a PCDS when the
voltage is a DC voltage and each PCD of the PCDS operates based on
the DC voltage. In this embodiment, the PCDs of the PCDS cannot
operate based on an AC voltage.
[0037] In an embodiment, each PCD of a PCDS is designed to operate
on a level of power that is different than a level of power that is
used to operate each PCD of another PCDS. For example, each PCD of
the PCDS 1 is designed or labeled to operate on a higher level of
power than a level of power of operation for which each PCD of PCDS
2 is designed or labeled to operate. It should be noted that a
voltage labeled on a PCD is a peak-to-peak voltage, a maximum
voltage, an average voltage, a root mean square (RMS) voltage, etc.
As another example, each PCD of a PCDS is designed to operate on a
type, e.g. AC or DC, of power that is different than a type of
power that is used to operate each PCD of another PCDS. For
example, each PCD of the PCDS 1 is designed to operate on an AC
power and each PCD of the PCDS 2 is designed to operate on a DC
power.
[0038] In one embodiment, each source interface has a different
function and/or structure compared to another source interface. For
example, when the source interface 1 is coupled to a main power
supply and the PCDS 1 is compatible with an AC voltage, the source
interface 1 lacks an inverter that converts AC voltage to a DC
voltage. As another example, when the source interface 4 is coupled
to an UPS (e.g., a battery) and the PCDS 4 is compatible with an AC
voltage, the source interface 1 includes an inverter that converts
a DC voltage to an AC voltage. As yet another example, when the
PCDS 1 is compatible with a higher voltage than PCDS 2, the source
interface 1 includes a transformer that converts a voltage provided
by the power supply 1 to the higher voltage and the source
interface 2 includes a transformer that converts a voltage provided
by the power supply 2 to the lower voltage that is compatible with
each PCD of the PCDS 2.
[0039] A source interface is coupled with a connection matrix. For
example, the source interface Y is coupled with the connection
matrix Y. A connection matrix includes multiple connection lines
and multiple connections. One connection line of a connection
matrix may be coupled with another connection line of the
connection matrix via a connection. For example, a vertical
connection line of the connection matrix Y is coupled with a
horizontal connection line of the connection matrix Y at a
connection. As another example, a first phase line of a first
connection line is coupled to a first phase line of a second
connection line at a point of connection, a second phase line of
the first connection line is coupled with a second phase line of
the second connection line at a point of connection, a third phase
line of the first connection line is coupled with a third phase
line of the second connection line at a point of connection, a
ground line of the first connection line is coupled with a ground
line of the second connection line at a point of connection, and a
neutral line of the first connection line is coupled with a neutral
line of the second connection line at a point of connection.
[0040] Each connection line of the connection matrix Y has the same
structure as that of the connection link Y that is coupled with the
connection matrix Y via the source interface Y. For example, a
connection line includes three phase lines, a ground line, and a
neutral line. In an embodiment in which the three phase lines
supply the three signals to a balanced load, a connection line
includes three phase lines and a ground line.
[0041] In one embodiment, each connection line of the connection
matrix Y has a different structure as that of the connection link Y
that is coupled with the connection matrix Y via the source
interface Y. For example, each connection line of the connection
matrix Y includes three phase lines, a ground line, and a neutral
line and the connection link Y includes three phase lines and a
ground line.
[0042] A selection device Y is coupled with the connection matrix
Y. Examples of a selection device include a multiplexer, multiple
conductive lines coupled to a conductive line via multiple
hardwired connections, and multiple conductive lines coupled to a
conductive line via multiple switches or multiple circuit breakers.
In one embodiment, the selection device Y includes one or more
electric circuit components to couple the connection matrix Y with
a select of the selection device Y. The selection device Y is
coupled via a power distribution unit (PDU) to the PCDS Y.
[0043] It should be noted that a communication matrix is coupled to
one or more PSSs via one or more corresponding source interfaces
and one or more corresponding connection links. For example, the
connection matrix 1 is coupled to the PSS 1 via the connection link
1 and the source interface 1. The connection matrix 1 lacks
connection with any of the remaining PSSs 2 thru Y. As another
example, the connection matrix 2 is coupled to the PSS 1 via the
connection link 1 and the source interface 1 and is coupled to the
PSS 2 via the connection link 2 and the source interface 2. The
connection matrix 2 lacks connection with the PSSs 3 thru Y. As yet
another example, the connection matrix 4 is coupled to the PSS 1
via the connection link 1 and the source interface 1, is coupled to
the PSS 2 via the connection link 2 and the source interface 2, and
is coupled to the PSS 4 via the connection link 4 and the source
interface 4. The connection matrix 4 lacks connection with the PSS
3 and PSSs 5 thru Y.
[0044] It should be noted that in one embodiment, none of the
connection matrices 1 thru Y are coupled with all the PSSs 1 thru
Y. For example, the connection matrix 1 lacks connection with the
PSSs 2 thru Y and the connection matrix 2 lacks connection with the
PSSs 3 thru Y.
[0045] The PSS 1 supplies power, e.g., main power, via a connection
link 1 to the source interface 1. The source interface 1 converts
the power received from the PSS 1 to power that is compatible with
the PCDS 1 and provides power to the connection matrix 1. The
connection matrix 1 routes power received via the source interface
1 to the selection device 1. The selection device 1 facilitates
communication of power received via the connection matrix 1 to the
PCDS1.
[0046] Examples of main power include power that is generated and
supplied by an utility power source, which may be an AC or a DC
electric power supply. Other examples of main power include power
supplied by a power line, city power, street power, and grid
power.
[0047] Moreover, the PSS 1 supplies main power via the connection
link 1 and the source interface 1 to the connection matrix 2. The
connection matrix 2 routes main power received via the source
interface 1 to the selection device 2. The selection device 2
selects main power received via the connection matrix 2 to provide
to the PCDS 2. When main power received via the selection device 2
is disrupted, the power source 2 is turned on, e.g., operated to
generate alternative power.
[0048] Examples of alternative power include power that is supplied
when main power is disrupted. The main power may be disrupted as a
result of a fault, e.g., malfunction, lack of function, etc., in a
main power supply, a power line that is coupled with the main power
supply, and/or a source interface that is coupled with the main
power supply. In one embodiment, the alternative power is provided
by a battery, a generator, or another main power supply.
[0049] The connection matrix 2 receives alternative power via the
connection link 2 from the power source 2 and routes the
alternative power to the selection device 2. The selection device 2
selects alternative power received via the connection matrix 2 to
send to the PCDS 2.
[0050] Also, the PSS 1 supplies main power via the connection link
1 and the source interface 1 to the connection matrix 4. The
connection matrix 4 routes main power received via the source
interface 1 to the selection device 4. The selection device 4
selects main power received via the connection matrix 4 to provide
to the PCDS 4. When main power received via the selection device 4
is disrupted, the power source 2 or power source 4 is turned on,
e.g., operated to generate alternative power. The connection matrix
4 receives alternative power via the connection link 2 from the
power source 2 or receives alternative power via the connection
link 4 from the power source 4 and routes the alternative power to
the selection device 4. The selection device 4 selects alternative
power received via the connection matrix 2 to send to the PCDS
4.
[0051] In one embodiment, the power source 4 is an alternative
power source for the power source 2. For example, when there is a
disruption in alternative power provided by the power source 2 to
the PCDS 4, the power source 4 is turned on to generate alternative
power to provide to the PCDS 4.
[0052] The source interfaces 1 thru Y, the connection matrices 1
thru Y, and the selection devices 1 thru Y are located within a
multimode distribution box (MMDB) 112. In one embodiment, a portion
of each the source interfaces 1 thru Y are located within the MMDB
112 and the remaining portion of the each of the source interfaces
1 thru Y extends outside the MMDB 112. In an embodiment, the MMDB
112 is located within a data center.
[0053] In an embodiment, the MMDB 112 includes any number of
selection devices Y that are coupled to the same number of PCDSs Y.
For example, the MMDB 112 includes two selection devices 1, one of
which is coupled to the PCDS 1 and another one of which is coupled
to another PCDS 1. In this example, the MMDB 112 includes three
selection devices 3, one of which is coupled to the PCDS 3, another
one of which is coupled to another PCDS 3, and yet another one of
which is coupled to yet another PCDS 3.
[0054] In one embodiment, the selection device Y is replaced with
any of the remaining selection devices 1 thru Y-1 and the remaining
selection device, which is the replacement, is coupled to a
corresponding PCDS. For example, the selection device 1 is replaced
with the selection device 3 and the selection device 3, which is
the replacement device, is coupled with a PCDS 3. In this example,
after the replacement, the MMDB 112 includes two selection devices
3, one of which is coupled with a PCDS 3 and another one of which
is coupled with another PCDS 3.
[0055] FIG. 2 is a diagram of an embodiment of a system 110 for
illustrating various modes of the MMDB 112. The PCDS 1 is coupled
with a utility power supply 1 via the MMDB 12 to receive main power
from the utility power supply 1. The coupling of the PCDS 1 to
receive main power from the utility power supply 1 via the MMDB 12
is sometimes referred to herein as mode 1 operation of the MMDB
112. In mode 1 operation, the PCDS 1 cannot be coupled with any of
the remaining power supplies, e.g., utility power supply 2, a
generator farm, and a UPS farm via the MMDB 12 to receive
alternative power from one of the remaining power supplies.
[0056] Moreover, the PCDS 2 is coupled with the utility power
supply 1 via the MMDB 12 to receive main power from the utility
power supply 1. When the main power to the PCDS 2 is disrupted, the
UPS farm is activated, e.g., turned on, and the PCDS 2 is coupled
with the UPS farm to receive alternative power from the UPS farm
via the MMDB 112. The coupling of the PCDS 2 to receive main power
from the utility power supply 1 via the MMDB 12 or the coupling of
the PCDS 2 to receive alternative power from the UPS farm is
sometimes referred to herein as mode 2 operation of the MMDB 112.
In mode 2 operation, the PCDS 2 cannot be coupled with any of the
remaining power supplies, e.g., utility power supply 2 and a
generator farm via the MMDB 12 to receive alternative power from
one of the remaining power supplies.
[0057] Also, the PCDS 3 is coupled with the utility power supply 1
via the MMDB 12 to receive main power from the utility power supply
1. When the main power to the PCDS 3 is disrupted, the generator
farm is activated and the PCDS 3 is coupled with the generator farm
to receive alternative power from the generator farm via the MMDB
112. The coupling of the PCDS 3 to receive main power from the
utility power supply 1 via the MMDB 12 or the coupling of the PCDS
3 to receive alternative power from the generator farm is sometimes
referred to herein as mode 3 operation of the MMDB 112. In mode 3
operation, the PCDS 3 cannot be coupled with any of the remaining
power supplies, e.g., utility power supply 2 and the UPS farm via
the MMDB 12 to receive alternative power from one of the remaining
power supplies.
[0058] Furthermore, the PCDS 4 is coupled with the utility power
supply 1 via the MMDB 12 to receive main power from the utility
power supply 1. When the main power to the PCDS 4 is disrupted, the
UPS or generator farm is activated and the PCDS 4 is coupled with
the UPS or generator farm to receive alternative power from the UPS
or generator farm via the MMDB 112. The coupling of the PCDS 4 to
receive main power from the utility power supply 1 via the MMDB 12
or the coupling of the PCDS 4 to receive alternative power from the
UPS or generator farm is sometimes referred to herein as mode 4
operation of the MMDB 112. In mode 4 operation, the PCDS 4 cannot
be coupled with any of the remaining power supplies, e.g., utility
power supply 2, to receive alternative power from one of the
remaining power supplies.
[0059] Moreover, the PCDS 5 is coupled with the utility power
supply 1 via the MMDB 12 to receive main power from the utility
power supply 1. When the main power to the PCDS 5 is disrupted, the
utility power supply 2 is activated and the PCDS 5 is coupled with
the utility power supply 2 to receive alternative power from the
utility power supply 2 via the MMDB 112. The coupling of the PCDS 5
to receive main power from the utility power supply 1 via the MMDB
12 or the coupling of the PCDS 5 to receive alternative power from
the utility power supply 2 is sometimes referred to herein as mode
5 operation of the MMDB 112. In mode 5 operation, the PCDS 5 cannot
be coupled with any of the remaining power supplies, e.g., the
generator farm and the UPS farm, to receive alternative power from
one of the remaining power supplies.
[0060] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a system 116
to illustrate a bypass mode of the MMDB 112. The MMDB 112 is
coupled with a distribution unit 2, e.g., PDU, which distributes
power received via the connection matrix 2 and the selection device
2 to one or more PCDs of PCDS 2. Similarly, the MMDB 112 is coupled
with distribution units 1 and 3 thru 5, which distribute power
received via the corresponding connection matrices 1 and 3 thru 5
and corresponding selection devices 1 and 3 thru 5 to one or more
PCDs of corresponding PCDSs 1 and 3 thru 5.
[0061] A bypass mode of the MMDB 112 is used when a selection
device is replaced with another selection device to change modes.
For example, when the selection device 2 is replaced with the same
type of selection device or another one of selection devices 1 and
3 thru 5 to change from mode 2 to the same type or mode or another
mode, a circuit breaker (CB) 12 opens and another circuit breaker
22 closes. The circuit breaker 12, when closed, facilitates
communication of power to the PCDS 2. The circuit breaker 22 is
closed when the circuit breaker 12 is open. When the circuit
breaker 22 is closed, the PCDS 2 receives power from a bypass
source, e.g., a generator farm, a utility power supply, an UPS,
etc. Bypass mode is used to reduce chances of an interruption in
power that is supplied to a PCDS. When the selection device 2 is
finished replacing with the same type of selection device or
another one of selection devices 2 thru 5, the circuit breaker 22
is opened and the circuit breaker 12 is closed. When the circuit
breaker 12 is closed after being opened, the PCDS 2 receives power
via the connection matrix 2 from any of selection devices 1 thru 5,
which is the replacement of the selection device 2. The switching
between the main power source, the bypass source, and the
alternative power source is done to reduce chances of interruption
in power supplied to the PCDS 2.
[0062] FIG. 4 is a diagram of an embodiment of a truth table 120 to
illustrate use of various modes of the MMDB 112 (FIG. 3). As shown
in the truth table 120, during mode 1, the utility power supply 1
is turned on to provide power to the PCDS 1 (FIG. 2). Moreover,
during mode 2, the PCDS 2 (FIG. 2) receives power from the utility
power supply 1 or the UPS farm. During mode 3, the PCDS 3 (FIG. 2)
receives power from the utility power supply 1 or the generator
farm. During another mode 4, the PCDS 4 (FIG. 2) receives power
from the utility power supply 1, the UPS farm, or the generator
farm. During mode 5, the PCDS 5 (FIG. 2) receives power from the
utility power supply 1 or the utility power supply 2. It should be
noted that the truth table can be extended to include any number of
power supplies and any number of modes of operation of the MMDB
112.
[0063] FIG. 5A is a diagram of an embodiment of a system 124 for
using five modes of operation of an MMDB 126 to provide power to
PCDSs 1 thru 5. The MMDB 126 is an example of the MMDB 112 (FIG.
1). The MMDB 126 has a housing 130. In one embodiment, a housing of
an MMDB is made of a solid material, e.g., a metal, a sheet metal,
an alloy of metals, a plastic, etc. Examples of a metal include
steel, iron, aluminum, copper, silver, etc. The housing 130
encloses connection matrices 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 and multiple
selection devices SD 1, SD2, SD3, SD4, and SD5. The housing 130
encloses the source interfaces 1 thru 4. In one embodiment, the
housing 130 encloses a portion of each of the source interfaces 1
thru 4.
[0064] Within the MMDB 126, a connection 106.sub.1 couples a
connection line L1 with a connection line CL1. Moreover, a
connection 106.sub.2 couples a connection line L2 with a connection
line CL2, a connection 106.sub.3 couples a connection line L3 with
a connection line CL3, and a connection 106.sub.4 couples a
connection line L4 with a connection line CL4. The connection line
L1 is not coupled with the connection line CL2, CL3, or CL4.
Moreover, the connection line L2 is not coupled with the connection
line CL1, CL3, and CL4. Also, the connection line L3 is not coupled
with the connection line CL1, CL2, and CL4. The connection line L4
is not coupled with the connection line CL1, CL2, and CL3. The
connections 106 are within the connection matrix CM 1.
[0065] Each connection matrix CM 2 thru CM5 has similar connections
to that of the connection matrix CM 1. For example, within the
connection matrix CM 2, the connection line L1 is coupled with a
connection line CL5 via a connection, the connection line L2 is
coupled with a connection line CL6 via a connection, the connection
line L3 is coupled with the connection line CL7 via a connection,
and the connection line L4 is coupled with the connection line CL8
via a connection. Similarly, the connection lines CL9 thru CL 20
are coupled with the corresponding lines L1 thru L4 as shown.
[0066] The connection line CL1 is coupled to a select interface
A11, which is further coupled to a select SL1. The select SL1 is
coupled via a PDU 1 to the PCDS 1. Similarly, the connection line
CL2 is coupled to a select interface B11, which is further coupled
to the select SL1, the connection line CL3 is coupled to a select
interface C11, which is further coupled to the select SL1, and the
connection line CL4 is coupled to a select interface D11, which is
further coupled to the select SL1.
[0067] Similarly, the connection lines CL5 thru CL20 are coupled
with corresponding select interfaces E11 thru T11 as shown in FIG.
5A. For example, the connection line CL5 is coupled with the select
interface E11. Moreover, the select interfaces E11 thru T11 are
coupled with corresponding selects SL2 thru SL5 as shown. For
example, the select interfaces E11, F11, G11, and H11 are coupled
with the select SL2. Also, the selects SL2 thru SL5 are coupled via
corresponding PDUs 2 thru 5 with the corresponding PCDSs 2 thru 5.
For example, the select SL2 is coupled via the PDU 2 to the PCDS
2.
[0068] A select interface includes one or more electric circuit
components to facilitate transfer of a power signal via a
corresponding select to provide compatibility with a PCDS that is
coupled with the select interface. For example, the select
interface A11 includes one or more electric circuit components to
facilitate transfer of a power signal via the select SL1 to provide
compatibility with the PCDS 1 that is coupled with the select
interface A11. As another example, the select interface A11
includes one or more transformers, one or more electric switches,
one or more circuit breakers, one or more inverters, or a
combination thereof, to facilitate a conversion of power. As an
example, power received via the connection line CL1 is converted
from a first voltage level to a second voltage level within the
select interface A11. The second voltage level is compatible with
PCDS 1.
[0069] In one embodiment, each select interface that is coupled
with a select has a different function and/or structure compared to
another select interface that is coupled with the select. For
example, when the select interface E11 is coupled to a main power
supply and the PCDS 2 is compatible with an AC voltage, the select
interface E11 lacks an inverter that converts AC voltage to a DC
voltage. In this example, when the select interface H11 is coupled
to the UPS and the PCDS 2 is compatible with an AC voltage and the
source interface 4 lacks a DC to AC inverter, the select interface
H11 includes an inverter that converts a DC voltage to an AC
voltage.
[0070] As shown, the connection lines L1 thru L4 are vertical lines
and the connection lines CL1 thru CL4 are horizontal lines. In
several embodiments, the connection lines L1 thru L4 extend in any
direction and the connection lines CL1 thru CL4 extend in any
direction.
[0071] During mode 1 of the MMDB 126, main power is supplied by the
utility power source 1 to the source interface 1. The source
interface 1 converts the main power received from the utility power
source 1 into main power that is compatible with the PCDS 1. Main
power received from the source interface 1 is communicated via the
connection line L1, the connection 106.sub.1, and the connection
line CL1 to the select interface A11. The select interface A11
converts main power received via the connection line CL1 into main
power that is compatible with the PCDS 1. Main power received from
the select interface A11 is communicated to the PDU 1, which
distributes main power to PCDs of PCDS 1.
[0072] During mode 2 of the MMDB 126, main power is supplied by the
utility power source 1 to the source interface 1. Main power
received from the source interface 1 is communicated via the
connection line L1, a connection coupling the connection line L1
with the connection line CL5, and the connection line CL5 to the
select interface E11. The select interface E11 converts the main
power received via the connection line CL5 into main power that is
compatible with the PCDS 2. Main power received from the select
interface E11 is communicated to the select SL2, which routes the
main power to PDU 2. The PDU 2 distributes the main power received
from the select SL2 to PCDs of PCDS 2.
[0073] Moreover, during mode 2, when main power received from the
utility power supply 1 is disrupted, the UPS farm is activated. In
one embodiment, the main power received from the utility power
supply 1 by the PCDS 2 is disrupted as a result of a fault in the
utility power source 1, a connection link coupling the source
interface 1 with the utility power source 1, the source interface
1, the line L1, the connection line CL5, the source interface E11,
the select SL2, a link between the select SL2 and the PDU 2, or a
combination thereof.
[0074] During mode 2, when the UPS farm is turned on, alternative
power is supplied by the UPS farm to the source interface 4.
Alternative power received from the source interface 4 is
communicated via the connection line L4, a connection coupling the
connection line L4 with the connection line CL8, and the connection
line CL8 to the select interface H11. The select interface H11
converts the alternative power received via the connection line CL8
into alternative power that is compatible with the PCDS 2.
Alternative power received from the select interface H11 is
communicated to the select SL2, which routes the alternative power
to PDU 2. The PDU 2 distributes the alternative power received from
the select SL2 to PCDs of PCDS 2.
[0075] During mode 3, main power received from the utility power
supply 1 is supplied to the PCDS 3 via the source interface 1, the
connection line L1, a connection between the connection line L1 and
the connection line CL9, the connection line CL9, the select
interface I11, the select SL3, and the PDU 3 to the PCDS 3. Also,
during mode 3, when there is a disruption in main power supplied by
the utility power supply 1, the generator farm is activated to
supply alternative power.
[0076] Alternative power is supplied by the generator farm to the
source interface 3. Alternative power received from the source
interface 3 is communicated via the connection line L3, a
connection coupling the connection line L3 with the connection line
CL11, and the connection line CL11 to the select interface K11. The
select interface K11 converts the alternative power received via
the connection line CL11 into alternative power that is compatible
with the PCDS 3. Alternative power received from the select
interface Ki i is communicated to the select SL3, which routes the
alternative power to PDU 3. The PDU 3 distributes the alternative
power received from the select SL3 to PCDs of PCDS 3.
[0077] During mode 4, main power received from the utility power
supply 1 is supplied to the PCDS 4 via the source interface 1, the
connection line L1, a connection between the connection line L1 and
the connection line CL13, the connection line CL13, the select
interface M11, the select SL4, and the PDU 4 to the PCDS 4. Also,
during mode 4, when there is a disruption in main power supplied by
the utility power supply 1, the generator farm or the UPS farm is
activated to supply alternative power.
[0078] Furthermore, during mode 4, alternative power is supplied
from the generator farm to the PCDS 4 via the source interface 3,
the connection line L3, a connection between the connection line L3
and the connection line CL15, the connection line CL 15, the select
interface O11, the select SL4, and the PDU 4. As an alternative to
supplying power from the generator farm, alternative power is
supplied from the UPS farm to the PCDS 4 via the source interface
4, the connection line L4, a connection between the connection line
L4 and the connection line CL16, the connection line CL16, the
select interface P11, the select SL4, and the PDU 4.
[0079] During mode 5, main power received from the utility power
supply 1 is supplied to the PCDS 5 via the source interface 1, the
connection line L1, a connection between the connection line L1 and
the connection line CL17, the connection line CL17, the select
interface Q11, the select SL5, and the PDU 5 to the PCDS 5.
Moreover, during mode 5, alternative power is supplied by the
utility power supply 2 to the source interface 2. Alternative power
received from the source interface 2 is communicated via the
connection line L2, a connection coupling the connection line L2
with the connection line CL18, and the connection line CL18 to the
select interface R11. The select interface R11 converts the
alternative power received via the connection line CL18 into
alternative power that is compatible with the PCDS 4. Alternative
power received from the select interface R11 is communicated to the
select SL5, which routes the alternative power to PDU 5. The PDU 5
distributes the alternative power received from the select SL5 to
PCDs of PCDS 5.
[0080] It should be noted that in one embodiment, the system 124
excludes the select interfaces A11 thru T11. In this embodiment,
the connections lines CL1 thru CL 20 are coupled to the
corresponding selects SL1 thru SL5 without being coupled with the
select interfaces A11 thru T11.
[0081] It should further be noted that in an embodiment, any output
of the MMDB 126, e.g., output of the select SL1, SL2, SL3, SL4, or
SL5, can be configured or reconfigured to operate in the mode 1, 2,
3, 4, or 5. For example, when instead of the PCDS 1, another PCDS
(not shown), which is the same as the PCDS 3, is coupled to the
connection matrix 1 via the selection device SD 1, the connection
matrix 1 is configured to operate in mode 3. In this example, main
power received from the utility power supply 1 is supplied to the
other PCDS or alternative power is supplied from the generator farm
to the other PCDS. The main power received from the utility power
supply 1 is supplied to the other PCDS via the source interface 1,
the connection line L1, the connection 106.sub.1, the connection
line CL1, the select interface A11, the select SL1, and the PDU 1
to the PCDS 3. Also, during mode 3, when there is a disruption in
main power supplied by the utility power supply 1, alternative
power is supplied by the generator farm to the source interface 3.
Alternative power received from the source interface 3 is
communicated via the connection line L3, a connection coupling the
connection line L3 to the connection line CL3, and the connection
line CL3 to the select interface C11. The select interface C11
converts the alternative power received via the connection line CL3
into alternative power that is compatible with the other PCDS.
Alternative power received from the select interface C11 is
communicated to the select SL1, which routes the alternative power
to PDU 1. The PDU 1 distributes the alternative power received from
the select SL1 to PCDs of the other PCDS.
[0082] FIG. 5B is a diagram of an embodiment of a system 140 in
which selection devices SD 6 thru 10 are housed in a housing in
addition to being housed within a housing 142 of an MMDB 144, which
is an example of the MMDB 112 (FIG. 1). For example, the selection
device SD 6 is enclosed in a housing HS1, the selection device SD 7
is enclosed within a housing HS2, the selection device SD 8 is
enclosed within a housing HS3, the selection device SD 9 is
enclosed within a housing HS4, and the selection device SD 10 is
enclosed within a housing HS5.
[0083] In one embodiment, each housing of a selection device is
supported on a platform within the housing 142. For example, a
platform PL1 supports the housing HS1, another platform PL2
supports the housing HS2, yet another platform PL3 supports the
housing HS3, another platform PL4 supports the housing HS4, and a
platform PL5 supports the housing HS5. Each platform is attached,
e.g., bolted, glued, etc., to a wall W of the housing 142.
[0084] Each housing HS1 thru HS5 is inserted within a slot of the
housing 142 to couple a corresponding selection device SD6 thru
SD10 to a corresponding set of connection lines CL1 thru CL 20. For
example, the housing HS1 is inserted within a slot of the housing
142 to couple the selection device SD6 to the connection lines CL1
thru CL4. As another example, the housing HS2 is inserted within a
slot of the housing 142 to couple the selection device SD7 to the
connection lines CL5 thru CL8, the housing HS3 is inserted within a
slot of the housing 142 to couple the selection device SD8 to the
connection lines CL9 thru CL12, the housing HS4 is inserted within
a slot of the housing 142 to couple the selection device SD 9 to
the connection lines CL13 thru CL16, and the housing HS5 is
inserted within a slot of the housing 142 to couple the selection
device SD 10 to the connection lines CL17 thru CL20. Similarly,
each housing HS1 thru HS5 can be removed from the corresponding
slots.
[0085] The housing HS1 includes the select SL1 and multiple select
interfaces A21 thru D21. Moreover, the housing HS2 includes the
select SL2 and multiple select interfaces E21 thru H21, the housing
HS3 includes the select SL3 and multiple select interfaces 121 thru
L21, the housing HS4 includes the select SL4 and multiple select
interfaces M21 thru P21, and the housing HS5 includes the select
SL5 and multiple select interfaces Q21 thru T21.
[0086] In one embodiment, each select interface A21 thru T21
extends through a back wall of a corresponding housing HS1 thru
HS5. For example the select interfaces A21 thru D21 extend through
a back wall BW1 of the housing HS1.
[0087] Each select interface A21 thru T21 is the same as that of
the corresponding select interfaces A11 thru T11 (FIG. 5A) except
that the select interfaces A21 thru T21 include connectors to
couple with the corresponding connection lines CL1 thru CL20. For
example, the select interface A21 is the same as that of the select
interface A11 except that the select interface A21 includes a
connector that couples with the connection line CL1 when the
housing HS1 is inserted into the housing 142.
[0088] It should be noted that in one embodiment, the system 140
excludes the select interfaces A21 thru T21 and selects SL1 thru
SL5 are coupled to corresponding connection lines CL1 thru CL20 via
corresponding connectors. For example, multiple connectors couple
the select SL1 to the connection lines CL1 thru CL4.
[0089] FIG. 5C is a diagram of an embodiment of a system 148 for
providing power from one or more of the utility power supply 1, the
utility power supply 2, the UPS farm, and the generator farm to
corresponding PCDSs 1 thru 5. The system 150 is the same as the
system 124 of FIG. 5A except that the system 148 includes an MMDB
150 that uses lesser real estate, e.g., conductors, select
interfaces, etc., than the MMDB 126 of FIG. 5A. For example, the
MMDB 150 excludes the connection lines CL2 thru CL4, CL6, CL7,
CL10, CL12, CL14, CL19, and CL 20, and excludes the select
interfaces B11 thru D11, F11, G11, J11, L11, N11, 511, and T11. The
lack of the connection line CL2 does not allow the PCDS 1 to
receive alternative power from the utility power source 2.
Moreover, the lack of the connection line CL 3 does not allow the
PCDS 1 to receive alternative power from the generator farm and the
lack of the connection line CL 4 does not allow the PCDS 1 to
receive alternative power from the UPS farm. Similarly, the lack of
the connection lines CL 6 and CL 7 reduces, e.g., eliminates,
chances of the PCDS 2 from receiving alternative power from the
utility power supply 2 and the generator farm. Also, the lack of
the connection lines CL 10 and CL 12 reduces, e.g., eliminates,
chances of the PCDS 3 from receiving alternative power from the
utility power supply 2 and the UPS farm. The lack of the connection
line CL 14 reduces, e.g., eliminates, etc., chances of the PCDS 4
from receiving alternative power from the utility power supply 2.
The lack of the connection lines CL 19 and CL 20 reduces, e.g.,
eliminates, chances of the PCDS 5 from receiving alternative power
from the UPS farm and the generator farm.
[0090] The MMDB 150 is an example of the MMDB 112 (FIG. 1).
Moreover, selects SL6 thru SL10 are different than the selects SL1
thru SL5 of system 124 of FIG. 5A.
[0091] A connection matrix 6 includes a portion of the connection
line CL1 and portions of the connection lines L1 thru L4. Moreover,
a connection matrix 7 includes portions of the connection lines CL5
and CL8 and portions of the connection lines L1 thru L4, a
connection matrix 8 includes portions of the connection lines CL9
and CL11 and portions of the connection lines L1 thru L4, a
connection matrix 9 includes portions of the connection lines CL13,
CL15, and CL16 and portions of the connection lines L1 thru L4, and
a connection matrix 10 includes portions of the connection lines
CL17 and CL18 and portions of the connection lines L1 thru L4.
[0092] Moreover, a selection device SD 11 includes the select
interface A11 and the select SL6. Also, a selection device SD 12
includes the select interfaces E11 and H11 and the select SL7, a
selection device SD 13 includes the select interfaces I11 and K11
and the select SL8, a selection device SD 14 includes the select
interfaces M11, O11 and P11 and the select SL9, and a selection
device SD 15 includes the select interfaces Q11 and R11 and the
select SL10.
[0093] In one embodiment, the selects SL6 thru SL10 are the same as
the selects SL1 thru SL5. For example, the select SL6 is the same
as the select SL1, the select SL7 is the same as the select SL2,
the select SL8 is the same as the select SL3, the select SL9 is the
same as the select SL4, and the select SL10 is the same as the
select SL5. It should be noted that in an embodiment, the system
148 excludes the select interfaces A11, E11, H11,I11, K11, M11,
P11, Q11, and R11.
[0094] FIG. 5D is a diagram of an embodiment of a system 160 in
which selection devices SD 16 thru 20 are housed in a housing in
addition to being housed within the housing 142 of an MMDB 162. The
MMDB 162 is an example of the MMDB 112 (FIG. 1). The system 160 is
the same as the system 140 of FIG. 5B except that the system 160
uses lesser real estate compared to the system 140. For example,
the system 160 excludes the connection lines CL2 thru CL4, CL6,
CL7, CL10, CL12, CL14, CL19, and CL 20, and excludes the select
interfaces B21 thru D21, F21, G21, J21, L21, N21, S21, and T21. It
should be noted that in an embodiment, the system 160 excludes the
select interfaces A21, E21, H21, 121, K21, M21, P21, Q21, and R21
and selects SL6 thru SL10 are coupled to corresponding connection
lines CL1, CLS, CL8, CL9, CL11, CL13, CL15, CL16, CL17, and CL18
via corresponding connectors. For example, a connector couples the
select SL6 to the connection line CL1.
[0095] In an embodiment, a main electrical switchboard is located
between a power source and a source interface that is coupled with
the power source. For example, an electrical switchboard is located
between a first group including the utility power supply 1, the
utility power supply 2, the UPS farm, and the generator farm and a
second group including the source interfaces 1 thru 4. As another
example, one or more switchboards are located between the first and
second groups. The electrical switchboard includes electrical
devices, e.g., switches, buses, circuit breakers, etc., to split
current received from one power source into multiple smaller
currents for further distribution. For example, an electrical
switchboard located between the utility power supply 1 and the
source interface 1 distributes power received from the utility
power supply 1 into smaller power levels, e.g., smaller currents,
etc., which are sent to the source interface 1.
[0096] FIG. 6A is a diagram of an embodiment of a system 170 for
providing power from one or more of the utility power supplies 1
and 2, and the generator farm to corresponding PCDS 1 thru 5. The
system 170 is the same as the system 124 of FIG. 5A except that
UPSs are coupled with corresponding PCDS 2 and 4 without being
coupled via an MMDB 180. For example, a UPS 1 is coupled with PCDS
2 without being coupled to the PCDS 2 via the source interface 4,
the connection line L4, the connection line CL8, the select
interface H11, the select SL12, and the PDU 2. The MMDB 180 is an
example of the MMDB 112 (FIG. 1). In case of a disruption in main
power, the UPS 1 is activated and the UPS 1 provides alternative
power to the PCDS 2.
[0097] As another example, a UPS 2 is coupled with PCDS 4 without
being coupled to the PCDS 4 via the source interface 4, the
connection line L4, the connection line CL16, the select interface
P11, the select SL14, and the PDU 4. In case of a disruption in
main power, the UPS 2 is activated and the UPS 2 provides
alternative power to the PCDS 4.
[0098] The system 170 is the same as the system 124 of FIG. 5A
except that the system 170 uses lesser real estate within the MMDB
180 compared to that within the MMDB 124. For example, the MMDB 180
excludes the source interface 4, the connection line L4, the
connection lines CL4, CL8, CL12, CL16, and CL 20, and the select
interfaces D11, H11, L11, P11, and T11.
[0099] Also, the system 170 is the same as the system 124 except
that the system 170 uses selects SL11 thru SL15 instead of the
selects SL1 thru SL5 (FIG. 5A). Each select SL11 thru SL15 selects
among power signals received via three connection lines instead of
four connection lines. Selection between power signals received via
four connection lines is made by the selects SL1 thru SL5.
[0100] Moreover, a selection device SD 21 includes the select
interfaces A11, B11 and C11 and the select SL11. Also, a selection
device SD 22 includes the select interfaces E11, F11 and G11 and
the select SL12, a selection device SD 23 includes the select
interfaces I11, J11 and K11 and the select SL13, a selection device
SD 24 includes the select interfaces M11, N11 and O11 and the
select SL14, and a selection device SD 25 includes the select
interfaces Q11, R11 and S11 and the select SL15.
[0101] In several embodiments, instead of an UPS coupled with a
PCDS as shown in FIG. 6A, a generator is coupled with the PCDS in
the same manner as that of UPS. For example, a generator 1 is
coupled with the PCDS 3 and a generator 2 is coupled with the PCDS
4. Moreover, in this example, the MMDB 180 excludes the connection
line L3, the source interface 3, the connection lines CL3, CL7,
CL11, CL15, and CL19, the select interfaces C11, G11, K11, O11, and
S11. Also, in this example, the MMDB 180 includes the source
interface 4, the connection line L4, the connection lines CL4, CL8,
CL12, CL16, and CL 20, and the select interfaces D11, H11, L11,
P11, and T11. Furthermore, in this example, in case of a disruption
in main power, the generator 1 is activated and the generator 1
provides alternative power to the PCDS 2 and the generator 2 is
activated and the generator 2 provides alternative power to the
PCDS 4.
[0102] In a number of embodiments, instead of each UPS 1 and UPS 2,
a number of UPSs are used to provide alternative power. Moreover,
in various embodiments, instead of each generator 1 and generator
2, a number of generators are used to provide alternative power. It
should be noted that in an embodiment, the system 170 excludes the
select interfaces A11 thru C11, E11 thru G11, I11 thru K11, M11
thru P11, and Q11 thru S11.
[0103] FIG. 6B is a diagram of an embodiment of a system 188 in
which selection devices SD 26 thru 30 are housed in a housing in
addition to being housed within the housing 142 of an MMDB 181. For
example, the selection device SD 26 is enclosed in the housing HS1,
the selection device SD 27 is enclosed within the housing HS2, the
selection device SD 28 is enclosed within the housing HS3, the
selection device SD 29 is enclosed within the housing HS4, and the
selection device SD 30 is enclosed within the housing HS5. The MMDB
181 is an example of the MMDB 112 (FIG. 1).
[0104] Each housing HS1 thru HS5 is inserted within a slot of the
housing 142 to couple a corresponding selection device SD 26 thru
SD 30 to a corresponding set of connection lines CL1 thru C3, CL5,
thru CL7, CL9 thru CL11, CL13 thru CL15, and CL17 thru CL19. For
example, the housing HS1 is inserted within a slot of the housing
142 to couple the selection device SD 26 to the connection lines
CL1 thru CL3. As another example, the housing HS2 is inserted
within a slot of the housing 142 to couple the selection device SD
27 to the connection lines CL5 thru CL7, the housing HS3 is
inserted within a slot of the housing 142 to couple the selection
device SD 28 to the connection lines CL9 thru CL11, the housing HS4
is inserted within a slot of the housing 142 to couple the
selection device SD 29 to the connection lines CL13 thru CL15, and
the housing HS5 is inserted within a slot of the housing 142 to
couple the selection device SD 30 to the connection lines CL17 thru
CL19.
[0105] The housing HS1 includes the select SL11 and multiple select
interfaces A21 thru C21. Moreover, the housing HS2 includes the
select SL12 and multiple select interfaces E21 thru G21, the
housing HS3 includes the select SL13 and multiple select interfaces
121 thru K21, the housing HS4 includes the select SL14 and multiple
select interfaces M21 thru 021, and the housing HS5 includes the
select SL15 and multiple select interfaces Q21 thru S21.
[0106] In one embodiment, each select interface A21 thru C21, E21
thru G21, 121 thru K21, M21 thru O21, and Q21 thru S21 extends
through a back wall of a corresponding housing HS1 thru HS5. For
example the select interfaces A21 thru C21 extend through the back
wall BW1. It should be noted that in an embodiment, the system 188
excludes the select interfaces A21 thru C21, E21 thru G21, 121 thru
K21, M21 thru O21, and Q21 thru S21 and the selects SL11, SL12,
SL13, SL14, and SL15 are coupled to corresponding connection lines
CL1 thru CL3, CL5 thru CL8, CL9 thru CL11, CL13 thru CL15, and CL17
thru CL19 via corresponding connectors. For example, a connector
couples the select SL11 to the connection line CL1 and a connector
couples the select SL12 to the connection line CL5.
[0107] FIG. 6C is a diagram of an embodiment of a system 194 for
providing power from one or more of the utility power supply 1, the
utility power supply 2, and the generator farm to corresponding
PCDSs 1 thru 5. The system 194 is the same as the system 170 of
FIG. 6A except that an MMDB 196 of the system 194 uses lesser real
estate, e.g., conductors, select interfaces, etc., than the MMDB
180 of the system 170 (FIG. 6A). For example, the MMDB 196 excludes
the connection lines CL2, CL3, CL6, CL7, CL10, CL14 and CL 19, and
excludes the select interfaces B11, C11, F11, G11, J11, N11 and
S11. Moreover, selects SL16 thru SL17 are different than the
selects SL12 thru SL14 of system 170 of FIG. 6A. The MMDB 196 is an
example of the MMDB 112 (FIG. 1).
[0108] A connection matrix 16 includes a portion of the connection
line CL1 and portions of the connection lines L1 thru L3. Moreover,
a connection matrix 17 includes a portion of the connection line
CL5 and portions of the connection lines L1 thru L3, a connection
matrix 18 includes portions of the connection lines CL9 and CL11
and portions of the connection lines L1 thru L3, a connection
matrix 19 includes portions of the connection lines CL13 and CL15
and portions of the connection lines L1 thru L3, and a connection
matrix 20 includes portions of the connection lines CL17 and CL18
and portions of the connection lines L1 thru L3.
[0109] Moreover, a selection device SD 31 includes the select
interface A11 and the select SL6. Also, a selection device SD 32
includes the select interface E11 and a select SL16, a selection
device SD 33 includes the select interfaces I11 and K11 and the
select SL8, a selection device SD 34 includes the select interfaces
M11 and O11 and the select SL17, and a selection device SD 35
includes the select interfaces Q11 and R11 and the select SL10.
[0110] During mode 2, when main power supplied via the connection
line CL5, the select interface E11, the select SL16, and the PDU 2
to the PCDS 2 is disrupted, the UPS 1 supplies alternative power to
the PCDS 2. The alternative power is not supplied from the UPS 1
via the MMDB 196.
[0111] Moreover, during mode 4, when main power supplied via the
connection line CL13, the select interface M11, the select SL17,
and the PDU 4 to the PCDS 4 is disrupted, alternative power is
supplied from the generator farm or from the UPS 2 to the PCDS 4.
The alternative power is not supplied from the UPS 2 via the MMDB
196.
[0112] Also, during mode 4, when main power supplied from the
utility power supply 1 is disrupted, alternative power is supplied
from the generator farm via the source interface 3, the connection
line L3, a connection between the connection line L3 and the
connection line CL15, the connection line CL15, the select
interface O11, the select SL17 and the PDU 4 to the PCDS 4. It
should be noted that in an embodiment, the system 194 excludes the
select interfaces A11, E11, I11, K11, M11, O11, Q11, and R11.
[0113] FIG. 6D is a diagram of an embodiment of a system 202 in
which selection devices SD 36 thru 40 are housed in a housing in
addition to being housed within a housing 142 of an MMDB 204. The
MMDB 204 is an example of the MMDB 112 (FIG. 1). The system 202 is
the same as the system 188 of FIG. 6B except that the system 202
uses lesser real estate compared to the system 188. For example,
the system 202 excludes the connection lines CL2, CL3, CL4, CL6,
CL7, CL10, CL14 and CL19, and excludes the select interfaces B21,
C21, F21, G21, J21, N21 and S21. Moreover, selects SL6, SL16, SL8,
SL17, and SL10 are different than the selects SL11 thru SL15 of
system 188 of FIG. 6B.
[0114] It should be noted that in an embodiment, the system 202
excludes the select interfaces A21, E21, 121, K21, M21, O21, Q21,
and R21 and the selects SL6, SL16, SL8, SL17, and SL10 are coupled
to corresponding connection lines CL1, CL5, CL9, CL11, CL13, CL15,
CL17, and CL18 via corresponding connectors.
[0115] It should further be noted that in one embodiment, the one
or more PCDs of the PCDS 1 are less critical than the one or more
PCDs of the PCDS 2, PCDS 3, PCDS 4, or PCDS 5. For example, the one
or more PCDs of the PCDS 1 perform a function that is less crucial
to operation of an entity than the one or more PCDs of the PCDS 2.
As another example, the one or more PCDs of the PCDS 1 perform
functions that are not related to security issues within an entity
and the one or more PCDs of the PCDS 3 perform functions that
related to the security issues. As yet another example, the one or
more PCDs of the PCDS 1 perform functions that are less important
to support and/or grow earnings of an entity than that performed by
the PCDs of the PCDS 4. As another example, the one or more PCDs of
the PCDS 1 executes a lower number of applications, e.g., computer
software applications, than that executed by the one or more PCDs
of the PCDS 2. As still another example, the one or more PCDs of
the PCDS 1 executes a number of applications for less time than
that a number of applications executed by the one or more PCDs of
the PCDS 3.
[0116] In one embodiment, any alternative power sources are used in
place of the generator farm and the utility power supply 2. For
example, each of the source interfaces 1, 2, and 3 are coupled with
a generator farm or an utility power supply for providing
alternative power.
[0117] In one embodiment that excludes select interfaces, a select
is coupled with a connection via one connector and with another
connection via another connector. For example, the select SL8 (FIG.
6D) is coupled with the connection line CL9 via a connector and the
select SL8 is coupled with the connection line CL11 via a
connector.
[0118] FIG. 7A is a diagram of an embodiment of a select 210. The
select 210 includes one or more switch systems SWS 1 thru SWS p,
where p is an integer greater than zero. Each switch system SWS is
coupled with an input. For example, the switch system SWS 1 is
coupled to an input 1, the switch system SWS 2 is coupled to an
input 2, and the switch system SWS p is coupled to an input p. A
switch system includes one or more switches that are equal in
number to a number of phase lines, a ground line, and a neutral
line. For example, a number of switches within a switch system is
equal to five when the neutral line is used. In case a neutral line
is not used, a switch system includes four switches.
[0119] The select 210 is an example of any select SL1, SL2, SL3,
SL4, SL5, SL11, SL12, SL13, SL14, SL15 (FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B).
For example, when the select 210 is the select SL1 of FIG. 5A, the
switch system SWS 1 is coupled with the connection line CL1 via the
select interface A11, the switch system SWS 2 is coupled with the
connection line CL 2 via the select interface B11, the switch
system SWS 3 is coupled with the connection line CL 3 via the
select interface C11, and the switch system SWS 4 is coupled with
the connection line CL 4 via the select interface D11.
[0120] In one embodiment, each switch of the switch system SWS of
the select 210 is operated by a controller via a driver. As used
herein, a controller may be an application specific integrated
circuit (ASIC), a processor, a programmable logic device (PLD), a
microprocessor, or a central processing unit (CPU). Examples of a
driver include a transistor, e.g., a bipolar junction transistor,
field effect transistor, etc. The controller sends a signal to the
driver, which drives a switch to close or open the switch. When the
switch system SWS is in the open position, all switches of the
switch system SWS are in the open position and when the switch
system SWS is in the closed position, all switches of the switch
system SWS are in the closed position.
[0121] When the switch system SWS p is in the closed position, the
switch system SWS p is coupled with an output of the select 210 and
when the switch system SWS p is in the open position, the switch
system SWS p is not coupled with the output. For example, when the
switch system SWS 1 is in the closed position, the switch system
SWS 1 facilitates transfer of three phase signals, a ground signal,
and a neutral signal between the connection line CL1 and the output
of the select A11 (FIG. 5A). As another example, when the switch
system SWS 1 is in the open position, the switch system SWS 1 does
not allow transfer of three phase signals, a ground signal, and a
neutral signal between the connection line CL1 and the output of
the select A11.
[0122] In one embodiment, a switch system SWS is closed when a
power source that is coupled to the switch system SWS is activated
to provide power to a PCDS that is also coupled to the switch
system SWS. For example, the switch system SWS 1 is closed when the
utility power supply 1 is activated to supply main power and the
closing of the switch results in supply of the main power to the
PCDS 2 via the PDU 2. In this embodiment, the switch system SWS is
opened when a power source that is coupled to the switch system SWS
is de-activated, e.g., turned off, to remove supply of power to a
PCDS that is also coupled to the switch system SWS. For example,
the switch system SWS 1 is opened when the utility power supply 1
is de-activated to remove a supply of main power and the opening of
the switch results in a loss of supply of the main power to the
PCDS 2 via the PDU 2. In this example, the switch system SWS 2 is
closed to supply alternative power from the UPS farm to the PCDS 2
via the PDU 2.
[0123] FIG. 7B is a diagram of an embodiment of a multiplexer 104.
The multiplexer has multiple select inputs 1 thru q, where q is an
integer such that 2 to the power of q is equal to p. Each input is
coupled with a connection line. For example, the input 1 of the
multiplexer 104 is coupled to the connection line CL1, the input 2
is coupled to the connection line CL2, etc. Each input of the
multiplexer 104 is a three phase input, e.g., the input 1 includes
three phase lines, a ground line, and a neutral line. When a
neutral line is not used, each input of the multiplexer 104 is a
three phase input that includes three phase lines and a ground
line.
[0124] The multiplexer 104 is an example of any select SL1, SL2,
SL3, SL4, SL5, SL11, SL12, SL13, SL14, and SL15 (FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6A,
and 6B). For example, when the a multiplexer 104 is the select SL1
of FIG. 5A, the input 1 of the multiplexer 104 is coupled with the
connection line CL1 via the select interface A11, the input 1 of
the multiplexer 104 is coupled with the connection line CL 2 via
the select interface B11, the input 3 of the multiplexer 104 is
coupled with the connection line CL 3 via the select interface C11,
and the input 4 of the multiplexer 104 is coupled with the
connection line CL 4 via the select interface D11.
[0125] Each select input of the multiplexer 104 is controlled by a
controller. The controller sends signals to the select inputs 1
thru q to provide power signals on one of the inputs 1 thru p to
the output of the multiplexer 104. In one embodiment, an input of
the multiplexer 104 is coupled with the output of the multiplexer
104 when a power source that is coupled to the input is activated
to provide power to a PCDS that is coupled to the output of the
multiplexer 104. For example, the input 1 of the multiplexer 104 is
coupled with the output of the multiplexer 104 when the utility
power supply 1 is activated to supply main power and the coupling
results in supply of the main power to the PCDS 2 via the PDU 2. In
this embodiment, the input 1 of the multiplexer 104 is decoupled
from the output of the multiplexer 104 when a power source that is
coupled to the input 1 is de-activated, e.g., turned off, to remove
supply of power to a PCDS that is coupled to the output of the
multiplexer 104. For example, the input 1 of the multiplexer 104 is
decoupled from the output of the multiplexer 104 when the utility
power supply 1 is de-activated to remove a supply of main power and
the decoupling results in a loss of supply of the main power to the
PCDS 2 via the PDU 2. In this example, the input 1 of the
multiplexer 104 is decoupled from the output of the multiplexer 104
when alternative power is supplied from the UPS farm to the PCDS 2
via the PDU 2.
[0126] FIG. 7C is a diagram of an embodiment of multiple hardwired
selects HWS 1 thru HWS 5. The hardwired select HWS 1 is an example
of any of the select SL6 and SL16 (FIGS. 5C, 5D, 6C, 6D). In one
embodiment, the hardwired select HWS 1 includes a hardwired
connection Cl that is coupled to the connection line CL 1 via the
select interface A11 (FIG. 5C) or A21 (FIG. 5D) and is coupled with
the PCDS 1 via the PDU 1 (FIGS. 5C and 5D). In another embodiment,
the hardwired connection C1 is coupled to the connection line CL 5
via the select interface E11 (FIG. 6C) or E21 (FIG. 6D) and is
coupled with the PCDS 2 via the PDU 2 (FIGS. 6C and 6D). It should
be noted that the hardwired select HWS 1 lacks a connection to
obtain alternative power from an alternative power supply, e.g.,
the utility power supply 2, the generator farm, the UPS farm,
etc.
[0127] Also, the hardwired select HWS 2 is an example of the select
SL7 (FIGS. 5C, 5D). In an embodiment, the hardwired select HWS 2
includes a connection C2 that is coupled to the connection line CL
5 via the select interface E11 or E21 and is coupled to the PDCS 2
via the PDU 2 (FIGS. 5C and 5D). In this embodiment, the hardwired
select HWS 2 includes a connection C3 that is coupled to the
connection line CL 8 via the select interface H11 or H21 and is
coupled to the PCDS 2 via the PDU 2 (FIGS. 5C and 5D). It should be
noted that the hardwired select HWS 2 lacks a connection to obtain
alternative power from the utility power supply 2 and lacks a
connection to obtain alternative power from the generator farm.
[0128] The hardwired select HWS 3 is an example of the select SL8
and SL17 (FIGS. 5C, 5D, 6C, 6D). In one embodiment, the hardwired
select HWS 3 includes a connection C4 that is coupled to the
connection line CL 9 via the select interface I11 or 121 and a
connection C5 that is coupled to the connection line CL 11 via the
select interface K11 (FIG. 5C) or K21 (FIG. 5D). In this
embodiment, the connections C4 and C5 are coupled to the PDCS 3 via
the PDU 3.
[0129] In an embodiment, the hardwired select HWS 3 includes the
connection C4 that is coupled to the connection line CL 13 via the
select interface M11 or M21 and the connection C5 that is coupled
to the connection line CL 15 via the select interface O11 (FIG. 6C)
or O21 (FIG. 6D). In this embodiment, the connections C4 and C5 are
coupled to the PDCS 4 via the PDU 4. It should be noted that in
this embodiment, the hardwired select HWS 3 lacks a connection to
obtain alternative power from the utility power supply 2 and lacks
a connection to obtain alternative power from the UPS farm.
[0130] The hardwired select HWS 4 is an example of the select SL9
(FIGS. 5C, 5D). In one embodiment, the hardwired select HWS 4
includes a connection C6 that is coupled to the connection line CL
13 via the select interface M11 or M21, a connection C7 that is
coupled to the connection line CL 15 via the select interface O11
(FIG. 5C) or O21 (FIG. 5D), and a connection C8 that is coupled to
the connection line CL 16 via the select interface P11 (FIG. 5C) or
P21 (FIG. 5D). In this embodiment, the connections C4 thru C6 are
coupled to the PCDS 4 via the PDU 4. It should be noted that the
hardwired select HWS 4 lacks a connection to obtain alternative
power from the utility power supply 2.
[0131] The hardwired select HWS 5 is an example of the select SL10
(FIGS. 5C, 5D, 6C, 6D). In one embodiment, the hardwired select HWS
5 includes a connection C9 that is coupled to the connection line
CL 17 via the select interface Q11 or Q21 and a connection C10 that
is coupled to the connection line CL 18 via the select interface
R11 (FIG. 5C) or R21 (FIG. 5D). In this embodiment, the connections
C9 and C10 are coupled to the PCDS 5 via the PDU 5. It should be
noted that the hardwired select HWS 5 lacks a connection to obtain
alternative power from the UPS farm and lacks a connection to
obtain alternative power from the generator farm.
[0132] FIG. 7D is a diagram of an embodiment of multiple hardwired
selects HWS 6 thru HWS 10. The hardwired select HWS 6 is an example
of the select SL1 (FIGS. 5A and 5B). The hardwired select HWS 6
includes the hardwired connection Cl that is coupled to the
connection line CL 1 via the select interface A11 or A 21 (FIGS.
5A, 5B) and is coupled with the PCDS 1 via the PDU 1 (FIGS. 5A and
5B). It should be noted that the hardwired select HWS 6 lacks a
connection to transfer alternative power from an alternative power
supply, e.g., the utility power supply 2, the generator farm, the
UPS farm, etc. to the PCDS 1.
[0133] Also, the hardwired select HWS 7 is an example of the select
SL2 (FIGS. 5A, 5B). In an embodiment, the hardwired select HWS 7
includes the connection C2 that is coupled to the connection line
CL 5 via the select interface E11 or E21 and is coupled to the PDCS
2 via the PDU 2 (FIGS. 5A and 5B.) The hardwired select HWS 7
further includes the connection C3 that is coupled to the
connection line CL 8 via the select interface H11 or H21 and is
coupled to the PCDS 2 via the PDU 2 (FIGS. 5A and 5B). It should be
noted that the hardwired select HWS 7 lacks a connection to
transfer alternative power from the utility power supply 2 to the
PCDS 2 and lacks a connection to transfer alternative power from
the generator farm to the PCDS 2.
[0134] The hardwired select HWS 8 is an example of the select SL3
(FIGS. 5A, 5B). The hardwired select HWS 8 includes the connection
C4 that is coupled to the connection line CL 9 via the select
interface I11 or 121 and the connection C5 that is coupled to the
connection line CL 11 via the select interface K11 or K21 (FIGS.
5A, 5B). The hardwired select HWS 8 lacks a connection to obtain
alternative power from the utility power supply 2 and lacks a
connection to obtain alternative power from the UPS farm.
[0135] The hardwired select HWS 9 is an example of the select SL4
(FIGS. 5A, 5B). In one embodiment, the hardwired select HWS 9
includes the connection C6 that is coupled to the connection line
CL 13 via the select interface M11 or M21, the connection C7 that
is coupled to the connection line CL 15 via the select interface
O11 (FIG. 5A) or O21 (FIG. 5B), and the connection C8 that is
coupled to the connection line CL 16 via the select interface P11
(FIG. 5A) or P21 (FIG. 5B). In this embodiment, the connections C4
thru C6 are coupled to the PDCS 4 via the PDU 4. It should be noted
that the hardwired select HWS 9 lacks a connection to obtain
alternative power from the utility power supply 2.
[0136] The hardwired select HWS 10 is an example of the select SL5
(FIGS. 5A, 5B). The hardwired select HWS 10 includes the connection
C9 that is coupled to the connection line CL 17 via the select
interface Q11 or Q21 and the connection C10 that is coupled to the
connection line CL 18 via the select interface R11 (FIG. 5A) or R21
(FIG. 5B). The connections C9 and C10 are coupled to the PDCS 5 via
the PDU 5. It should be noted that the hardwired select HWS 10
lacks a connection to obtain alternative power from the UPS farm
and lacks a connection to obtain alternative power from the
generator farm.It should be noted that in the embodiments shown in
FIGS. 6A and 6B, the HWSs 6 thru 10 may be used after being
modified. For example, each of HWS 6 thru 10 is used within the
systems of FIG. 6A and 6B after being modified to remove the input
4 and the connections C3 and C8 for receiving power from the UPS
farm.
[0137] FIG. 8 shows embodiments of various graphs G1 thru G4 to
illustrate a comparison between use of various modes that are
described above and lack of use of various modes. Graphs 1 and 3
plot a use of power sources to provide power versus time and graphs
2 and 4 plot capital expenditures incurred by an entity over time.
As shown in graph 1, all power sources, e.g., utility power source
1, UPS, and generator are obtained by an entity and are used to
provide power to one or more PCDSs. Graph 2 illustrates capital
expenditure associated with obtaining all power sources at a time.
The capital expenditure is at a maximum when all power sources are
obtained and used by an entity to provide power to one or more
PCDSs.
[0138] Comparatively, as shown in graph 3, a use of power sources
increases with time when the various modes are used. For example,
when PCDS 1 and PCDS 2 are sufficient for operation of an entity,
the generator farm that is an alternative power source for the PCDS
3 is not obtained by the entity. This results in an initial savings
of capital expenditures as shown in graph G4.
[0139] It should be noted that although a step function is shown in
graphs G3 and G4, in an embodiment, a curve function or a sloped
line function is used.
[0140] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a power source
system. The power source system is an example of the UPS farm or
the generator farm. The power source system includes one or more
power modules, each of which generate power. For example, the power
module 1 is a generator that generates alternative power and the
power module 2 is another generator that generates alternative
power as well. As another example, the power module 1 is a battery
that generates alternative power and the power module 2 is another
battery that generates alternative power. As more power is to be
generated, more power modules are added to the power source
system.
[0141] It should be noted that although the above-described
embodiments are described with respect to three-phase lines, in
various embodiments, instead of three phase lines, a single phase
line or two-phase lines are used. For example, a connection link or
a connection line is a single phase line.
[0142] Although various embodiments of the present invention have
been described in some detail for purposes of clarity of
understanding, it will be apparent that certain changes and
modifications can be practiced within the scope of the appended
claims. Accordingly, the present embodiments are to be considered
as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be
limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the
scope and equivalents of the appended claims.
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