U.S. patent application number 16/905846 was filed with the patent office on 2021-11-04 for power distribution using hydra cable systems.
The applicant listed for this patent is Zonit Structured Solutions, LLC. Invention is credited to Steve Chapel, William Pachoud.
Application Number | 20210344194 16/905846 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005751769 |
Filed Date | 2021-11-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210344194 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pachoud; William ; et
al. |
November 4, 2021 |
POWER DISTRIBUTION USING HYDRA CABLE SYSTEMS
Abstract
Systems and methods are provided for reliable redundant power
distribution. Some embodiments include micro Automatic Transfer
Switches (micro-ATSs), including various components and techniques
for facilitating reliable auto-switching functionality in a small
footprint (e.g., less than ten cubic inches, with at least one
dimension being less than a standard NEMA rack height). Other
embodiments include systems and techniques for integrating a number
of micro-ATSs into a parallel auto-switching module for redundant
power delivery to a number of devices. Implementations of the
parallel auto-switching module are configured to be mounted in, on
top of, or on the side of standard equipment racks. Still other
embodiments provide power distribution topologies that exploit
functionality of the micro-ATSs and/or the parallel micro-ATS
modules.
Inventors: |
Pachoud; William; (Boulder,
CO) ; Chapel; Steve; (Iliff, CO) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Zonit Structured Solutions, LLC |
Boulder |
CO |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005751769 |
Appl. No.: |
16/905846 |
Filed: |
June 18, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16667377 |
Oct 29, 2019 |
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16905846 |
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16351343 |
Mar 12, 2019 |
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16667377 |
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62641929 |
Mar 12, 2018 |
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62641943 |
Mar 12, 2018 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02G 15/113 20130101;
H02J 1/001 20200101; G06F 1/26 20130101; H02J 9/061 20130101; H02J
1/14 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H02J 1/00 20060101
H02J001/00; H02G 15/113 20060101 H02G015/113; G06F 1/26 20060101
G06F001/26; H02J 9/06 20060101 H02J009/06; H02J 1/14 20060101
H02J001/14 |
Claims
1. A multi-head power cord apparatus, comprising: a first power
cord portion terminating in a first coupler for coupling to a power
port of a power source; second and third power cord portions
terminating in respective second and third couplers for coupling to
electronic equipment; at least one junction assembly for
electronically interconnecting said first power cord portion to
each of said second and third power cord portions free from any
intervening electronic equipment associated with said junction for
altering an electronic power signal communicated between said first
power cord portion and said second and third power cord portions;
and at least one locking system for locking at least one coupler of
said first, second and third couplers so as to inhibit unintended
separation of said at least one coupler from a mating power port,
said locking system including a release mechanism to assist in
separation of said at least one coupler from said mating power port
when desired.
2. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said at least one
locking system comprises at least two locking mechanisms for
locking at least two of said first, second and third couplers.
3. An apparatus as set forth in claim 2, wherein said at least two
locking mechanisms comprise a first locking mechanism for locking
said first coupler and a second locking mechanism for locking said
second coupler.
4. An apparatus as set forth in claim 2, wherein said at least two
locking mechanisms comprise first, second and third locking
mechanisms for locking said first, second and third couplers.
5. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said apparatus
includes one or more additional power cord portions that are
electrically interconnected to said first power cord portion.
6. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said power source
is a power distribution unit and said first coupler is adapted for
locking engagement with a power output port of said power
distribution unit.
7. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said junction
comprises a power cord branch point where a conductor strand of
said first power cord portion branches to form conductor strands of
each of said second and third power cord portions so as to define a
continuous electrical connection between said first coupler and
each of said second and third couplers.
8.-16. (canceled)
17. A power cord apparatus, comprising: a first power cord portion
terminating in a first coupler for coupling to a power port of a
power source; and at least one junction assembly for electronically
interconnecting said first power cord portion to each of second and
third power cord portions; wherein said junction assembly comprises
a first junction housing supporting a first coupler, a second
junction housing supporting a second coupler, and a flexible power
cord for interconnecting said first and second junction
housings.
18. An apparatus as set forth in claim 9, wherein said junction
assembly including at least one mini-coupler having a maximum pin
spacing dimension of no more than about 12 mm.
19. An apparatus as set forth in claim 18, wherein said maximum pin
spacing is no more than about 10 mm.
20. An apparatus as set forth in claim 18, wherein said
mini-coupler is a female coupler having recesses for receiving pins
of a male coupler and said maximum pin dimension is defined by two
of said recesses.
21. An apparatus as set forth in claim 18, further comprising a
power connecter assembly for connecting said mini-coupler to a
power port of a piece of electronic equipment, said power port
having a maximum pin spacing of greater than 12 mm.
22. An apparatus as set forth in claim 21, wherein said power
connector assembly comprises a power cord.
23. An apparatus as set forth in claim 21, wherein said power
connector assembly comprises a junction cover wherein said junction
cover attaches to said junction assembly on a first side of said
cover and attaches to said power connector assembly on a second
side of said cover.
24. An apparatus as set forth in claim 18, wherein said junction
assembly comprises a junction housing having multiple mini-couplers
disposed thereon.
25. An apparatus as set forth in claim 17, further comprising
support structure for supporting at least a portion of said
junction assembly so that said portion maintains a desired
configuration.
26. An apparatus as set forth in claim 25, wherein said support
structure comprises a mounting assembly for mounting said portion
of said junction assembly to a rigid support.
27. An apparatus as set forth in claim 25, wherein said support
structure comprises a rigid housing extending between said second
and third couplers.
28.-60. (canceled)
61. A multi-head power cord method, comprising: providing a
multi-head power cord comprising a first power cord portion
terminating in a first coupler for coupling to a power port of a
power source, second and third power cord portions terminating in
respective second and third couplers for coupling to electronic
equipment, at least one junction assembly for electronically
interconnecting said first power cord portion to each of said
second and third power cord portions free from any intervening
electronic equipment associated with said junction for altering an
electronic power signal communicated between said first power cord
portion and said second and third power cord portions, and at least
one locking system for locking at least one coupler of said first,
second and third couplers so as to inhibit unintended separation of
said at least one coupler from a mating power port, said locking
system including a release mechanism to assist in separation of
said at least one coupler from said mating power port when desired;
connecting said first coupler to said first power port; and
connecting each of said second and third couplers to respective
pieces of said electronic equipment, wherein at least one of said
first, second, and third couplers is associated with said at least
one locking system.
62. A method as set forth in claim 61, wherein said at least one
locking system comprises at least two locking mechanisms for
locking at least two of said first, second and third couplers.
63. A method as set forth in claim 62, wherein said at least two
locking mechanisms comprise a first locking mechanism for locking
said first coupler and a second locking mechanism for locking said
second coupler.
64. A method as set forth in claim 62, wherein said at least two
locking mechanisms comprise first, second and third locking
mechanisms for locking said first, second and third couplers.
65. A method as set forth in claim 61, wherein said multi-head
power cord includes one or more additional power cord portions that
are electrically interconnected to said first power cord
portion.
66. A method as set forth in claim 61, wherein said power source is
a power distribution unit and said first coupler is adapted for
locking engagement with a power output port of said power
distribution unit.
67. A method as set forth in claim 61, wherein said junction
comprises a power cord branch point where a conductor strand of
said first power cord portion branches to form conductor strands of
each of said second and third power cord portions so as to define a
continuous electrical connection between said first coupler and
each of said second and third couplers.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/667,377, entitled "POWER DISTRIBUTION USING
HYDRA CABLE SYSTEMS, filed on Oct. 29, 2019, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/351,343,
entitled, "POWER DISTRIBUTION USING HYDRA CABLE SYSTEMS," filed on
Mar. 12, 2019, which is a non-provisional of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/641,929, entitled, "MANAGEMENT MODULE, Z-STRIP,
AND MINI-ATS SYSTEMS AND RELATED COMPONENTS," filed Mar. 12, 2018
and a non-provisional of U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/641,943, entitled, "POWER DISTRIBUTION USING HYDRA CABLE
SYSTEMS," filed, Mar. 12, 2018. The contents of the above-noted
applications are incorporated by reference herein as if set forth
in full and priority to this application is claimed to the full
extent allowable under U.S. law and regulations.
FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to the design and operation of
power distribution systems and, in particular, to parallel
redundant distribution of power including distribution of power to
critical equipment such as in medical contexts or in data center
environments.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Data centers have a specific set of issues that they must
face in relation to power supply and management. Traditional
techniques in this area were developed from prior industrial
electrical practice in a time when a typical data center held very
small numbers of mainframe computers and the change rate was low.
Now, data centers often contain tens of thousands of electronic
data processing (EDP) devices with high rates of change and growth.
Data centers are also experiencing rapidly growing power capacity
demands driven, for example, by central processing unit (CPU) power
consumption that is currently increasing at a rate of approximately
1.2 annually. Traditional techniques were not adopted to cope with
these change rates, and data centers are therefore having great
difficulty in scaling to meet those needs.
[0004] For example, in a typical data center power distribution
network, the branch distribution circuit is the area where most
incidents that result in a loss of power to a receptacle typically
occur. Indeed, this is where people tend to make changes in the
types and amounts of load. Possibly the most common cause of
electrical failure, then, is the branch circuit breaker being
tripped by a person plugging in a load that exceeds the capacity of
the circuit.
[0005] In a data center environment, this issue can be complicated
in cases where there are thousands of branch circuits present.
Also, data centers tend to maintain loading of each branch circuit
at or below about 75% of its capacity to account for "inrush loads"
that can occur during a cold start, when all of the connected EDP
equipment is powering up simultaneously (e.g., which may include
spinning up fans, disk drives, etc.). This is typically considered
as the highest load scenario; and, if not accounted for, it can
trip the branch circuit breakers when it happens. A further
contributing factor to this issue is that many information
technology (IT) or data center personnel do not always know the
power demands of the equipment they are installing, especially
considering that the exact configuration in which the equipment is
installed can vary the power it draws considerably.
[0006] One traditional technique that is used to address this issue
is power monitoring. Power monitoring devices (e.g., via plugstrips
with amperage meters or Power Distribution Units (PDUs), wall
mounted or free-standing units which contain distribution circuit
breakers that are connected to power whips that power equipment
racks on the data center floor) can be used to determine a current
power draw. However, for at least the reasons discussed earlier,
sudden changes in power draw can cause sudden problems, which would
not be easily remedied by such devices. For example, data center
staff or users can trip circuit breakers when they install new
equipment, potentially causing service interruptions, which may not
be detected using power monitoring devices in time to prevent the
issue.
[0007] Another factor that contributes to power distribution issues
is that many models of EDP equipment have only one power supply,
and therefore one power cord. This tends to be even more typical of
medical equipment and other types of equipment that may often be
deployed into mission-critical or life safety roles. However, since
they only have one power input, they can be vulnerable to downtime
due to power failures. Also, having only a single power cord and/or
supply can complicate maintenance, which power systems can require
from time to time. In fact, this can be true even if multiple
independent power sources are available, when the device can only
be plugged into one power source at a time.
[0008] One traditional technique that is used to address this issue
is to install auto-switching power plugstrips. However, those
plugstrips are typically bulky and expensive. Further, the types
that are used in data centers are usually mounted horizontally in
data equipment racks. This configuration can take up valuable rack
space, and tends to take even more rack space with its two input
plugs connected to two different power sources.
SUMMARY
[0009] The present invention relates to improved parallel
distribution of power in various contexts including in data center
environments. In particular, the invention relates to providing
improved automatic transfer switches (ATS), for switching between
two or more power sources (e.g., due to power failures such as
outages or power quality issues), as well as associated power
distribution architecture, components and processes. Some of the
objectives of the invention includes the following:
[0010] Providing a high switch density ratio in connection with
equipment racks, such that any failure of a switch will affect a
small number of (e.g., one or only a few) pieces of equipment;
[0011] Providing a highly redundant, fault-tolerant, scalable,
modular parallel switch design methodology that allows a family of
automatic transfer switches in needed form factors to be
constructed for a variety of auto-switching needs in the data
center and other environments;
[0012] Providing a low switch overhead such that valuable rack
space occupied only by switches, and not available for equipment,
is minimized;
[0013] To minimize power cable routing and airflow issues in the
data center equipment rack (2-post) and/or cabinet (4-post) (both
of which are encompassed herein by references to as equipment rack
or "rack");
[0014] To allow the incorporation of locking power cord
technologies at one or both ends of the power cord for more secure
power delivery, for example, in data centers including those
located in seismically active geographies such as California;
[0015] To offer an alternate method to maximize the efficiency of
usage of data center floor space and allow the deployment of the
maximum number of equipment racks;
[0016] Providing a compact switch and rack/data center
architectures enabled by such a compact switch;
[0017] Incorporating a variety of power delivery, power receptacle
and or power cord outlet management, monitoring and security
innovations as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/891,500, entitled "Power Distribution Methodology." This allows
the creation of intelligent auto-switched power distribution
methods that incorporate auto-switching as an integrated feature of
the power distribution methodology. This can be done both with or
without the use of in-rack plugstrips that are external to the
auto-switch in either horizontal or vertical form-factors;
[0018] Providing a variety of circuits for enhanced switch
performance, including in compact switch designs;
[0019] To allow for use of narrower and shallower racks thereby
allowing more efficient use of data center floor space and data
center cubic volume; and
[0020] Providing coordinated control of multiple (two or more)
switches as may be desired for polyphase power delivery or other
reasons.
[0021] These objectives and others are addressed in accordance with
the present invention by providing various systems, components and
processes for improving power distribution. Many aspects of the
invention, as discussed below, are applicable in a variety of
contexts. However, the invention has particular advantages in
connection with data center applications. In this regard, the
invention provides considerable flexibility in maximizing power
distribution efficiency in data center environments. The invention
is advantageous in designing the power distribution to server farms
such as are used by companies such as Google or Amazon or cloud
computing providers.
[0022] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a
method and apparatus ("utility") is provided to enable a high
switch density at an equipment rack without dedicating substantial
rack space to switch units. A high switch density is desirable so
that a malfunction of a single switch does not affect a large
number of EDPs. On the other hand, achieving a high switch density
by way of a proliferation of conventional switch units, that may
occupy 1 u of rack space per switch, involves a substantial
trade-off in terms of efficient use of rack space. Various
instantiations of automatic transfer switches (ATSs), as described
herein, can be implemented using no or little, dedicated rack space
per switch, thus enabling high switch density without any undue
burden to rack space.
[0023] Accordingly, the noted utility involves an equipment rack
having a number of ports for receiving equipment, e.g., where each
port may have a height of 1 u It will be appreciated that some
equipment may occupy multiple ports. The equipment rack system
includes a number, N, of EDPs mounted in at least some of the ports
of the rack and a number, S, of independently operating ATSs. Each
of the ATSs is configured to received input power from first and
second external power sources, to detect a power failure (e.g., a
power outage or unacceptable power quality) related to the first
external source, and to automatically switch its output power feed
to be coupled to the second external source when a power failure
related to the first external source is detected.
[0024] The noted equipment rack system has a switch density ratio
defined as S/N. In addition, the equipment rack system has a switch
overhead ratio, defined as a ratio of the number of ports occupied
only by ATSs to the number of ports collectively occupied by the
ATSs and the EDPs is less than S/(N+1).
[0025] For example, the switch density ratio may be at least 1/4
(and more preferably at least 1/2), and the switch overhead ratio
may be less than 1/5 (and more preferably, less than 1/8). In data
center environments, it is generally desired to use tall racks so
that the floor space of the data center is efficiently utilized.
For example, a rack may have a height of more than 30 u's and even
more than 50 u's in some cases. Moreover, it is generally not
desirable to leave many rack spaces unoccupied for the same reason.
Accordingly, for practical purposes, it is expected that data
centers will often be configured so that EDPs occupy at least 20
ports of the rack. In such cases, the present invention enables
high switching densities while occupying no more than 2 of the
ports with ATSs. For example, multiple ATSs (e.g., 12 or more ATSs)
may be disposed in one or more enclosures that are collectively
occupy only 1 or 2 u's of the rack. In some implementations
described below, more of the rack ports of spaces are dedicated to
switching units and each piece of equipment can have its own ATSs
(i.e., a switch density ratio of 1 and a switch overhead ratio of
0).
[0026] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
utility is provided for use in supplying redundant parallel power
to electronic data processing system. The utility involves a number
of automatic transfer switches disposed within an enclosure sized
to fit within a single standard equipment rack space. Each of the
ATSs is configured to receive a first power feed from a primary
power source disposed external to the enclosure, receive a second
parallel power feed from a secondary power source disposed external
to the enclosure, detect a power failure on the first parallel
power feed, and automatically switch an output power feed from
being electrically coupled with the first parallel power feed to be
electrically coupled with the second parallel power feed when the
power failure in the first parallel power feed is detected. In this
manner, a number of ATSs can be disposed in a single rack
space.
[0027] Preferably, the enclosure has a height of no more than
approximately 1.5 u and may have a height of 1 u, i.e., no more
than about 1.75 inches. Moreover, each ATS preferably has a power
density of at least about 2 kilowatts per 10 cubic inches. In this
manner, substantial switching capacity can be provided within the
spatial-envelope of one or two u's of a standard rack. In certain
embodiments, multiple ATSs may be disposed in a single housing that
may occupy less than two, for example, one u of rack space. For
example, 12 or more ATSs, each having a power density of 2
kilowatts can be contained in 1.5 u's of rack space or less. Such
embodiments allow for elimination of plugstrips along side
equipment in the racks, thus, allowing for narrower racks and more
efficient use of data center floor space.
[0028] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
family of parallel ATS units in a variety of needed capacities and
form factors can be constructed by using a modular construction
methodology that is cost-effective to implement and offers the
ability to add increased reliability to the ATS units so
constructed. The ATS capability so created can also be incorporated
in a variety of apparatus, for example such as described in U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 12/881,500, entitled "Power
Distribution Methodology." This allows the creation of
auto-switched power distribution methods that incorporate
auto-switching as an integrated feature of the power distribution
methodology.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] The present disclosure is described in conjunction with the
appended figures:
[0030] FIG. 1 shows a example of a power distribution topology;
[0031] FIG. 2 shows a power distribution designed for a typical
data center;
[0032] FIG. 3 shows how power efficiencies vary with load changes
for double conversion UPS units used in data centers;
[0033] FIG. 4 shows illustrates the increase in large data centers
that use large numbers of servers in recent years;
[0034] FIG. 5 shows illustrates a switch in accordance with the
present invention;
[0035] FIGS. 6A-6J show examples of hydra cords in accordance with
the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 7 shows a system diagram of an illustrative micro-ATS,
according to various embodiments;
[0037] FIG. 8A shows a circuit diagram of an illustrative power
supply subsystem in context of an illustrative "A" & "B" power
switching subsystem for use in some embodiments of a micro-ATS;
[0038] FIG. 8B shows illustrative detail of the 15-volt power
supply as normally supplied by HV through a set of resistors;
[0039] FIG. 9 shows a circuit diagram of an illustrative "A" power
voltage range detect subsystem for use in some embodiments of a
micro-ATS;
[0040] FIG. 10 shows a circuit diagram of an illustrative "A" power
loss detect subsystem for use in some embodiments of a
micro-ATS;
[0041] FIG. 11 shows a circuit diagram of an illustrative "B" power
synchronization detection subsystem for use in some embodiments of
a micro-ATS;
[0042] FIG. 12 shows a circuit diagram of an illustrative "A"/"B"
synchronization integrator subsystem in context of the "B" power
synchronization detection subsystem and the "A" power loss detect
subsystem for use in some embodiments of a micro-ATS;
[0043] FIG. 13 shows a circuit diagram of an illustrative timing
control subsystem for use in some embodiments of a micro-ATS;
[0044] FIG. 14 shows a circuit diagram of an illustrative "A" &
"B" power switching subsystem for use in some embodiments of a
micro-ATS;
[0045] FIG. 15 shows a circuit diagram of an illustrative
disconnect switch subsystem for use in some embodiments of a
micro-ATS;
[0046] FIG. 16 shows a circuit diagram of an illustrative output
current detect subsystem for use in some embodiments of a
micro-ATS;
[0047] FIG. 17 shows a circuit diagram of an illustrative
piezoelectric device driver subsystem for use in some embodiments
of a micro-ATS;
[0048] FIG. 18A shows a power distribution topology having an ATS
disposed in the root nodes of the topology;
[0049] FIG. 18B shows another illustrative a power distribution
topology having an ATS disposed further downstream, in the
distribution nodes of the topology;
[0050] FIG. 18C shows yet another illustrative a power distribution
topology having an ATS disposed even further downstream, in the
leaf nodes of the topology;
[0051] FIG. 18D shows still another illustrative a power
distribution topology having ATSs disposed still further downstream
at the EDP equipment, in the end leaf nodes of the topology;
[0052] FIG. 19 shows an illustrative traditional power distribution
topology, according to some prior art embodiments;
[0053] FIG. 20 illustrates an efficiency versus load graph for a
typical double-conversion UPS unit;
[0054] FIG. 21 shows an illustrative power distribution topology,
according to various embodiments;
[0055] FIGS. 22A and 22B show illustrative parallel micro-ATS
modules, according to various embodiments;
[0056] FIG. 23 shows an illustrative power distribution topology
that includes a rack-mounted parallel micro-ATS module, according
to various embodiments:
[0057] FIG. 24 shows an illustrative power module with its
sub-components that demonstrates the modular ATS concept, according
to various embodiments:
[0058] FIG. 25 shows an illustrative set of assembled power modules
that demonstrates the modular ATS concept, according to various
embodiments;
[0059] FIG. 26 shows an illustrative set of power modules combined
in a number of form factors to achieve a variety of amperage
capacities, that demonstrates the modular ATS concept, according to
various embodiments;
[0060] FIG. 27A shows an illustrative pair of example ATS designs
that incorporate the modular ATS concept, according to various
embodiments;
[0061] FIG. 27B-27C shows an illustrative number of ATS designs
feeding Zonit locking hydra cords;
[0062] FIG. 27D-27G show a number of illustrative ATS designs that
can mount space efficiently in the rack;
[0063] FIGS. 28A-28D show an illustrative control logic that
demonstrates the modular ATS concept, according to various
embodiments;
[0064] FIGS. 29A-29J show an illustrative control logic that adds
fault detection and management features which demonstrates the
modular ATS concept, according to various embodiments;
[0065] FIGS. 30A-30R show an illustrative control logic that adds
fault detection and management features and control logic
redundancy which demonstrates the modular ATS concept, according to
various embodiments;
[0066] FIGS. 31A-31E show an illustrative parallel relay load
balancing method that can be used to provide a highly energy
efficient method to insure relay function, reliability and service
lifetime with the modular ATS concept, and any other device that
uses large numbers of parallel relays to switch power capacities
that are much greater than those of each individual relay,
according to various embodiments;
[0067] FIGS. 32A-32J show various details and operational modes of
possible instantiations of a method of dealing with relay skew
and/or improving and controlling relay contact actuation times,
according to various embodiments; and
[0068] FIG. 33 shows an example of a data center configuration in
accordance with the present invention.
[0069] FIGS. 34A-34B shows Zonit proprietary couplers.
[0070] FIG. 35 shows a power distribution unit in accordance with
the present invention.
[0071] In the appended figures, similar components and/or features
may have the same reference label. Further, various components of
the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label
by a second label that distinguishes among the similar components.
If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the
description is applicable to any one of the similar components
having the same first reference label irrespective of the second
reference label.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0072] The following description is structured in two sections,
Section 1 discusses the issues involved in data center power
distribution and inventive solutions to those problems and Section
2 discusses detailed methods that can be used to construct an
automatic transfer switch with the characteristics needed to build
the inventive solutions described in and associated rack/data
center architectures. It should be noted that the detailed methods
described can also be used for other purposes than constructing
automatic transfer switches.
I. Background--Power Distribution Reliability & Maintenance
Issues
[0073] The branch distribution circuit is the area where most
incidents that result in a loss of power to a receptacle occur. The
cause is simple, this is where people make changes in the types and
amounts of load. The most common cause of electrical failure is the
branch circuit breaker being tripped by a person plugging in a load
that exceeds the capacity of the circuit. Recent power reliability
studies show that UPS unit failures are also a significant cause of
power failures in data centers. It should be noted that certain UPS
failure modes will affect the ability of the UPS to pass any
electrical current. In a data center environment this issue is
complicated by the fact that there can be thousands of branch
circuits present. Also, in a data center, each branch circuit must
usually only be loaded to 75% of its capacity, to account for the
"inrush load" that occurs during a cold start, when all of the
connected electronic data processing (EDP) equipment is powering up
simultaneously, spinning up fans, disk drives, etc. This is the
highest load scenario, and if not accounted for, it will trip the
branch circuit breaker when it happens. A contributing factor to
this issue is that most IT or data center staff do not always know
what the power demands of the equipment they are installing will
be, especially in the exact configuration the equipment has, which
can vary the power it draws considerably.
[0074] Power monitoring is often used (via plugstrips with amperage
meters or Power Distribution Units (wall mounted or free-standing
units which contain distribution circuit breakers that are
connected to power whips that power equipment racks on the data
center floor) to determine the current power draw. However, for the
reasons discussed earlier, frequently data center staff or users
can trip circuit breakers when they install new equipment,
potentially causing service interruptions.
[0075] Note: For convenience we will use the term equipment rack to
describe both of the terms "equipment rack" and "equipment
cabinet", which are often used for 2-post vs. 4-post racks.
[0076] A method of increasing power reliability is to use an
automatic transfer switch (ATS) at various points in the power
distribution topology to provide for automatic failover from a
primary power source to a backup power source. This is typically
done at one of three points in the power distribution topology, the
panelboard on the wall, where the branch circuits originate, the
end of the branch circuit in the rack where the power is fed to
plugstrips or between the plugstrip and the EDP equipment being
powered.
[0077] The choice of where to place auto-switching in a power
distribution topology has a number of issues to consider.
[0078] 1. Domain of failure--This is the number of power
receptacles that will be affected if the ATS fails to function
properly. All power distribution topologies used in data centers
can be considered rooted tree graphs, mathematically speaking.
[0079] The closer to the root of the tree the ATS is located, the
higher the number of power receptacles that will be affected by the
actions of that ATS. This is shown in FIG. 1, which shows an
example power distribution topology. For the purposes of this
discussion, the root(s) of the graph(s) of the power distribution
topology are "downstream" of the core power infrastructure. The
root(s) start at a UPS unit or a power distribution panelboard. In
this model the power distribution panel is either a root or a
distribution layer node. The branch circuits originate at the power
distribution panel and end at the equipment racks. At the rack,
power is distributed via plugstrips (which are confusingly also
called power distribution units ("PDU") a term that is often
applied to the panelboard.). The plugstrips may have circuit
breakers in them, also. However, for the purposes of this
discussion, we will use the terms panelboards and plugstrips. It
should also be noted that in the descriptions that follow, ATS
units can also be used with busways instead of or with panelboards.
Busways are essentially linear panelboards. They are commonly used
in industrial environments such as production lines and they have
been adopted for use in data centers. The busway is normally
installed overhead and parallel to a row of equipment racks. They
function like track lighting, where instead of lights, you insert
tap boxes, which are boxes that connect mechanically and
electrically to the busway and have outlet receptacles, outlet
pigtails or outlet wiring that is hardwired. The outlet boxes
usually incorporate circuit breakers to limit the output(s) of the
tap box.
[0080] It should be noted that large data centers often have many
generators and UPS units, since there is a limit to the capacity
size you can buy and if you exceed that limit you have to put
multiple UPS units in and run them in parallel. Each UPS in this
situation will be a root in the power distribution topology.
Similarly, you will usually use multiple power distribution
panelboards, since they come only so large in power capacity and
number of circuit breaker stations. Also, it is more efficient to
locate your panelboards so as to minimize the average power whip
length, so you tend to use as many as is practical to accomplish
this. Panelboards are typically located on walls, but in some data
centers, especially very large ones, they can be free-standing
units located out on the floor.
[0081] ATS switches can be used with panelboards and will switch
every branch circuit in a given panelboard to a secondary power
source when the primary power source fails. However, the primary
design issue with this methodology is if the ATS at the panelboard
fails, many EDP devices will be deprived of power. A typical
panelboard has a capacity of 225 KVA, and 84 or 96 circuit breaker
stations. This can power approximately up to 40 racks via 28-96
branch circuits (depending on the type and number of branch
circuits and the average number of watts used per rack). Having 40
racks go down due to ATS failure in a data center is a major hit
that can have very serious service impacts. This type of failure
has happened in numerous data centers.
[0082] 2. Power distribution efficiency--This is the amount of
power that is "lost" by the insertion of automatic transfer
switches into the power distribution system. No automatic transfer
switch is 100% efficient, they all have a loss factor. There are
two primary types of automatic transfer switches, relay based and
solid state based. They have different characteristics with regards
to power loss and transfer time. Transfer time between the power
sources is important because the power supplies used in modern EDP
equipment can only tolerate very brief power interruptions. The
Computer and Business Equipment Manufacturers Association (CBEMA)
guidelines used in power supply design recommend a maximum outage
of 20 milliseconds or less. Recently released power supplies can
require even faster switching speeds.
[0083] a. Mechanical Relay Based ATS [0084] These switches use one
or more relays to switch between their input power sources. A relay
has two primary loss factors, the contact area of the relay and if
the relay requires power to keep it in the "on" state, where it is
conducting current. The shape and material of the contacts is
carefully chosen and engineered to minimize resistance across the
contacts, yet minimize or prevent arcing across the contacts when
they are switching. Also, since some arcing may occur in some
circumstances, the contacts must be designed to minimize the
possibility of the arc "welding" the contacts shut, which is very
undesirable. [0085] Another design issue is transfer time of the
relay. The contacts are mounted (usually on an armature) so that
they can be moved to accomplish their switching function. The
contact mass, shape, range of motion, mechanical leverage and force
used to move the armature are all relay design issues. The range of
motion is dictated by the gap needed between the contacts to
minimize arcing at the maximum design current level. As the maximum
design current is increased, the gap must also increase. The mass
of the contact must be accelerated by the force applied to the
armature, which has a practical limit. These factors impose a limit
on the amount of current that can be sent through a pair of
contacts and still maintain an acceptable transfer time for EDP
equipment. EDP equipment CBEMA guidelines recommend a maximum of
approximately 20 milliseconds of power outage for continued
operation of modern switched power supplies. If the mass of the
armature and contact gap are too large, the relay transfer time
exceeds this time limit. [0086] The innovative methods to reduce
relay transfer time described in U.S. Provisional applications
entitled, "ACCELERATED MOTION RELAY" (U.S. Ser. No. 61/792,738),
"HYBRID RELAY" (U.S. Ser. No. 61/798,593), and "SOLID STATE RELAY"
(U.S. Ser. No. 61/792,576), which were filed on Mar. 15, 2013, all
of which are hereby incorporated by reference, can be incorporated
into automatic transfer switches in general and in particular the
automatic transfer switches described and incorporated in this
filing and other devices that use or could use relays which would
benefit from reduced relay transfer time. Use of such methods can
also allow the use of a wider range of relays for a particular
application that must transfer in a given timeframe, an example
would be the use of larger capacity relays (either amperage
capacity and/or voltage capacity) which normally would not transfer
fast enough to be of use. [0087] Well designed relay based
automatic transfer switches have a loss factor of about 0.5% or
less. They also have power supplies to power their internal logic
that typically use in the range of 12-20 watts in operation. [0088]
Well designed relay based automatic transfer switches have a loss
factor of about 0.5% or less. They also have power supplies to
power their internal logic that typically use in the range of 12-20
watts in operation.
[0089] b. Solid State ATS [0090] These switches use solid state
semiconductors to accomplish switching between their input power
sources and their output load. They can switch faster than relay
based switches, because they use semi-conductor based switching,
not mechanical relays. However, the semi-conductors have a loss
factor and the efficiency of this type of switch is less than that
of a relay based switch, typically around 1%. Also, they are
usually less reliable, unless they are built with redundant
internal failover capability, which makes them much more expensive.
Again, they also have power supplies to power their internal logic
that typically use in the range of 12-200 watts or more in
operation, depending on the size of the transfer switch, and the
level of redundancy offered by the switch.
[0091] 3. Rack Space Usage
[0092] Rack space in a data center is expensive. The data center
infrastructure of generators, UPS units, power distribution, raised
floor, computer room cooling, raised floors, etc. is a very large
capital investment and a large ongoing operational expense. 1U of
rack space in a standard 42 U equipment cabinet is 2.5% of the
space available in that rack. Putting rack mounted automatic
transfer switches in large numbers in equipment racks uses a lot of
rack space, which represents a loss of space that can be used for
EDP equipment. This is very undesirable, which is one reason it is
not done.
[0093] It should be noted that the transfer switch(s) that are
upstream of the UPS units are part of the core power infrastructure
not the power distribution. Automatic transfer switching is done in
the core infrastructure to insure continuity of connection to a
valid power source, such as utility power grid feeds or generators.
The transfer time of relay based switches that can handle the power
capacities required in the core infrastructure is too slow to avoid
(a time of 20 milliseconds or less is recommended for EDP equipment
by CBEMA guidelines) shutdown by connected EDP equipment for the
reasons described earlier. This is why transfer switches of this
type are placed upstream of the UPS units where the brief power
outages that these switches create on transfer are covered by the
UPS units. The family of modular, scalable, parallel ATS switches
that we describe as part of this disclosure can scale to the needed
capacities and possess a sufficiently fast transfer time so that
they can be used in any point in the power distribution topology,
including the core infrastructure, a significant advantage. They
can incorporate fault-tolerant design features that can increase
their reliability significantly, which make them more suitable for
use in the topology at points where the ATS represents a single
point of failure. This enables the use of power distribution
topologies that are not used now, which can have advantages for the
data center. For example, moving an ATS unit located in the core
infrastructure downstream of the UPS can insure that if the UPS
unit fails, power delivery continues, an important advantage.
[0094] Large Solid State Transfer switches can be used in the core
infrastructure, and they are fast enough to switch under the 20
millisecond CBEMA guideline. However, they are very expensive and
can represent a single point of failure. And again, they have an
unfavorable loss associated with power flowing through the
semiconductor devices. They also are much more vulnerable to
catastrophic failure than relay based transfer switches, a
significant drawback.
[0095] We will discuss later how it is possible to construct a
large capacity, fast, efficient and relatively low cost Automatic
Transfer Switch by combining many smaller Zonit Micro Automatic
Transfer Switches in parallel. This can be done in a variety of
methods. Some use integrated control logic as needed. The modular,
scalable, parallel ATS concept is a methodology that can be used to
construct such a switch, and can incorporate the technology and
innovations of the Zonit Micro Automatic Transfer Switch.
II. Invention Overview--Highly Parallel Auto-Switched Power
Distribution & Appropriate ATS Designs, Including Highly
Redundant, Scalable, Modular ATS Designs
A. Highly Parallel Auto-Switched Power Distribution
[0096] The solutions we have invented are innovative and provide
considerable benefits. They include a number of power distribution
methods that utilize inventions we have made in creating automatic
transfer switches (ATS). The automatic transfer switch we are using
as a descriptive example, the Zonit Micro Automatic Transfer Switch
(.mu.ATS.TM.) incorporates the inventions described in PCT
Application No. PCT/US2008/057140, U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/897,842, and U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/569,733, which are fully incorporated herein by reference.
[0097] Current automatic transfer switches have specific
limitations that prevent certain implementations of highly parallel
auto-switched power distribution methods from being used. They are
too inefficient, consume too much rack space, and cost too
much.
[0098] The Zonit .mu.ATS.TM. is very small
(4.25''.times.1.6''.times.1''<10 cu. inches), very efficient
(<0.2V maximum load loss) and requires no rack space, since it
can be self-mounted on the back of each EDP device or incorporated
in the structure of the rack outside the volume of the rack used to
mount EDP equipment or in rack mounted plugstrips or in a in-rack
or near-rack Power Distribution Unit, due to its very small
form-factor. It should be noted that the .mu.ATS.TM. is small
enough that it could be integrated into EDP equipment also.
[0099] This small form factor also helps enable the usage of 24''
outside-to-outside width EDP equipment cabinets, which have two key
advantages, they fit exactly on 2'.times.2' raised floor tiles
which makes putting in perforated floor tiles to direct air flows
easy, since the racks align on the floor tile grid and they saves
precious data center floor space. This is true since NEMA equipment
racks are not standardized for overall rack width, and the narrower
the rack is, the more racks can be fit in a given row length. For
example a 24'' rack will save 3'' over the very common 27'' width
racks and that represents one extra rack for each 8 equipment racks
in a row. This is now practical with modern EDP equipment, since
almost all models now utilize front to back airflow cooling.
Side-to-side cooling used to be common, but has now almost
completely disappeared. The caveat is that there is much less space
on the side of the 24'' rack for ancillary equipment like vertical
plugstrips, automatic transfer switches, etc. so those components
must be as small a form-factor as is practical so that they can fit
into the rack.
[0100] The .mu.ATS.TM. allows efficient, cost-effective and rack
space saving per device or near per device (ratios of 1 .mu.ATS.TM.
to 1 EDP device or 1 .mu.ATS.TM. to a low integer number of EDP
devices) highly parallel and highly efficient auto-switched power
distribution methods to be utilized. It should be pointed out that
the ratio of .mu.ATS.TM. units to EDP equipment can be selected to
optimize several interrelated design constraints, reliability, cost
and ease of moving the EDP device in the data center. The 1 to 1
ratio maximizes per device power reliability and ease of moving the
device while keeping it powered up. Note: This can be done with a
device level ATS, especially one like the .mu.ATS.TM. by doing a
"hot walk" where you move the device by first unplugging one ATS
power cord, moving the plug to a new location, unplugging the
second ATS power cord, etc. Long extension cords make "hot walks"
easier. Ethernet cables can be unplugged and reinserted without
taking a modern operating system down and TCP/IP connections will
recover when this is done. So, it can and has been done. Obviously,
cost can be reduced by using other ratios than 1 to 1 for
.mu.ATS.TM. units to EDP devices. The limiting factor in this case
is usually .mu.ATS.TM. power capacity and what raised level of risk
the data center manager is willing to take, since the more devices
connected to any ATS the greater the impact if it fails to function
properly.
Traditional Power Distribution Methods
[0101] Typical data centers use a power distribution design as
shown in FIG. 2.
[0102] They use double conversion Uninterruptible Power Supply
(UPS) units or much more recently, flywheel UPS devices. The best
double conversion UPS units used in data centers have power
efficiencies that vary as their load changes as shown in FIG. 3.
They typically average 85-90% efficiency, flywheel UPS units
average .about.94% efficiency at typical load levels. This level of
efficiency was acceptable when power costs were stable, relatively
low and the climate impacts of carbon based fuels was not fully
appreciated. Power is now quickly changing from an inexpensive
commodity to an expensive buy that has substantial economic and
environmental costs and key implications for national economies and
national security. A traditional UPS powered data center more
typically has efficiencies in the 88-92% range, because no data
center manager wants to run his UPS units at 100% capacity, since
there is no margin for any needed equipment adds, moves or changes.
Also, as is typical, the load between the UPS units is commonly
divided so that each has approximately 1/2 the load of the total
data center. In this case, neither UPS can be loaded above 50%
since to be redundant, either UPS must be able to take the full
load if the other UPS fails. This pushes the UPS efficiency even
lower, since each unit will usually not be loaded up above 40-45%
so that the data center manager has some available UPS power
capacity for adds, moves and changes of the EDP equipment in the
data center.
[0103] FIG. 4 illustrates an important point. The number of very
large data centers that house extremely high numbers of servers has
been on the increase for the last five years or more. The server
deployment numbers are huge. There are a number of commercial
organizations today that have in excess of one million servers
deployed. With facilities of this scale and the increasing
long-term cost of power, making investments in maximizing power
usage efficiency makes good sense, economically, environmentally
and in terms of national security. This issue will be discussed
further as we discuss how to best distribute power in data centers
to their servers and other EPD equipment, it is an important point
that needs innovative solutions such as we present.
[0104] Servers are currently most cost effective when bought in the
"pizza box" form factor. The huge numbers of servers deployed in
these data centers currently are almost all "commodity" Intel X86
architecture compatible CPU's. This is what powers most of the
large server farms running large Web sites, cloud computing running
VMWare or other virtualized solutions, and high performance
computing (HPC) environments. It is the most competitive and
commoditized server market segment and offers the best server
"bang-for-the-buck". This is why it is chosen for these roles.
[0105] Commodity servers have great pressure to be cost
competitive, especially as regards their initial purchase price.
This in turn influences the manufacturers product manager to choose
the lowest cost power supply solution, potentially at the expense
of best power efficiency, an issue that has impacts that will be
discussed further below.
Data Center Size and Server Counts
[0106] There are several reasons to put multiple (dual or N+1 are
the most common configurations) power supplies into EDP equipment.
The first is to eliminate a single point of failure through
redundancy. However, modern power supplies are very reliable with
Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) values of about 100,000 hours=11.2
years, well beyond the typical service life of the EDP equipment.
The second reason that multiple power supplies are used is to allow
connection to more than one branch circuit. This is the most common
point of failure for power distribution, as discussed earlier.
Also, having dual power connections makes power system maintenance
much easier, by allowing one power source to be shut down without
affecting end user EDP equipment. However, putting multiple power
supplies in EDP equipment has costs. The additional power supply(s)
cost money to buy. They are almost always specific to each
generation of equipment, and therefore must be replaced in each new
generation of equipment, which for servers can be as short as three
years in some organizations.
[0107] Power supplies also have a loss factor, they are not 100%
efficient and the least expensive way to make a power supply is to
design it to run most efficiently at a given load range typically
+-20% of the optimum expected load. Power supplies have an
efficiency curve that is similar to UPS units, such as was shown in
FIG. 2. This presents another issue.
[0108] The product manager for the server manufacturer may sell
that server in two configurations, with one or two power supplies.
In that case, he may choose to specify only one power supply model,
since to stock, sell and service two models is more expensive than
one model of power supply. This trades capital expense (the server
manufacturer can sell, the server at a lower initial price point)
vs. operational expense. This is because with two AC to DC power
supplies, the DC output bus will almost always be a common shared
passive bus in the class of commodity server that is most often
used in large scale deployments. Adding power source switching to
this class of server to gain back efficiency (only one power supply
at a time takes the load) is generally too expensive for the market
being served. It also adds another potential point of failure that
costs to make redundant if needed for greater reliability.
[0109] Typical Modern EDP power supplies are almost all
auto-ranging (accept 110-240V input) and all switched (Draw on the
Alternating Current [AC] input power for just a short period of
time and then convert this energy to Direct Current [DC], then
repeat). Power supplies of this type are more resistant to power
quality problems, because they only need to "drink" one gulp at a
time, not continuously. If the input AC power voltage range is
controlled within a known range, they will function very reliably.
They do not require perfect input AC waveforms to work well. All
that is necessary is that they receive sufficient energy in each
"gulp" and that the input power is within the limits of their
voltage range tolerance. This makes it possible to use a data
center power distribution system that is much more efficient than a
fully UPS supplied power system at a very reasonable capital
expense.
[0110] Very Efficient Power Distribution Using Highly Parallel
Automatic Transfer Switching
[0111] The primary source of loss in traditional data center power
systems is the UPS unit(s). Conversion losses are the culprit as we
discussed earlier. It is possible to avoid these losses by using
filtered utility line power, but this brings a set of issues that
need to be solved for this methodology to be practical that are
discussed below. Such a design is shown below in FIG. 5. The power
filtering is done by a Transient Voltage Surge Suppression (TVSS)
unit, a very efficient (99.9%+) and mature technology.
[0112] a. Input Voltage Range Control [0113] Modern power supplies
can tolerate a wide range of power quality flaws, but the one thing
that they cannot survive is input power over-voltage for too long.
A TVSS Unit will filter transient surges and spikes, but it does
not compensate for long periods of input power over-voltage, these
are passed through. To guard against this possibility, the data
center power system we are discussing must deal with out of range
voltage (since modern power supplies are not damaged by
under-voltage but will shutdown) by switching to the conditioned
UPS power if the utility line power voltage goes out of range. We
are going to discuss two ways to do this. Voltage sensing and
auto-switching could be put in at other points in the data center
power system, but for the reasons discussed earlier, the options we
present are the most feasible. [0114] The first place that
over-voltage protection can be implemented is at the utility
step-down transformer. Auto-ranging transformers of this type are
available and can be ordered from utility companies. They have a
set of taps on their output coil and automatically switch between
them as needed to control their output voltage to a specified
range. Step-down transformers of this type of this type are not
usually deployed for cost reasons by utility companies, but they
can be specified and retrofitted if needed. [0115] The second place
in the data center power system that over-voltage protection can be
implemented is at an ATS in the power distribution topology. This
can be done at the ATS at a panelboard or at an ATS at the end of a
branch circuit, or at an ATS at the device level. The last is what
we chose for reasons that are discussed later. It should be noted
that a semiconductor based ATS could be used upstream of the UPS,
but this is very expensive and the results of a failure of the ATS
are potentially catastrophic, all of the powered EDP units could
have their power supplies damaged or destroyed if the ATS unit
fails to switch. This is a large downside to chance.
[0116] b. Auto-Switching of all Single Power Supply (or Cord) EDP
Devices [0117] If utility line power fails, all single power supply
EDP devices must be switched to a reliable alternate power source,
such as a UPS. This must be done quickly, within the CBEMA 20
millisecond guideline. Plugging all of these devices directly into
the UPS solves the reliable power issue, but defeats the goal of
raising power distribution efficiency by only using the UPS during
the times when utility power is down. This is especially important
in large server farms, where the cost constraints are such that
single power supply configurations for the massive number of
servers are greatly preferred for cost and efficiency reasons and
services will not be much or at all interrupted by the loss of a
single or a few servers.
[0118] c. Auto-Switching of all Dual (or N+1) Power Supply in EDP
Devices [0119] Almost all EDP devices share the load among all
available power supplies in the device. It is possible to build an
EDP device that switches the load between power supplies, so that
only one or more are the active supplies and the others are idle,
but as described earlier, this is rarely done for both cost and
reliability reasons. To insure that multi-power supply EDP devices
draw on only filtered utility line power if it is available and
switch to the UPS if it is not, each of the secondary power supply
units needs to be auto-switched between the utility line and UPS
unit(s). Otherwise, the UPS unit will bear a portion of the data
center load, lowering the overall efficiency of the power
distribution.
[0120] d. Avoidance of Harmonic Reinforcing Power Load Surges
[0121] If utility line power fails, all EDP devices must draw on
the UPS unit until the generator starts and stabilizes. Modern
generators used in data centers have very sophisticated electronics
controlling their engine "throttle". The control logic of the
generator is designed to produce maximum stability and optimum
efficiency. However, it takes a certain amount of time to respond
to a changed electrical load and then stabilize at that new load.
If the load put on the generator changes too fast in a repeating
oscillation pattern, it is possible to destabilize the generator,
by defeating its control logic and forcing it to try to match the
oscillations of the power demands. This can either damage the
generator or force it to shutdown to protect itself. In either case
the data center can potentially go off-line, a very undesirable
result. There are several potential scenarios that can potentially
cause this problem.
[0122] f. Intermittent Utility Line Failure [0123] Utility line
power is outside the control of the data center operator. It can be
affected by weather, equipment faults, human error and other
conditions. It can fail intermittently which poses a potential
hazard to the core data center power infrastructure. If utility
power goes on & off intermittently and the timing of the on-off
cycles is within a certain range, auto-switching between the
utility line source and the generator (even filtered by the UPS
units) can result in harmonic reinforcing power load surges being
imposed on the generator. This can happens as follows: [0124] i.
The utility line power fails [0125] ii. Power is switched to UPS
[0126] iii. A timeout occurs and the generator is auto-started
[0127] iv. The generator stabilizes and is switched into the
system, feeding the UPS [0128] v. The utility line power returns,
then goes off again [0129] vi. The generator will not have
shutdown, but the core ATS switches may now switch between the
generator and utility line sources. [0130] The end-user equipment
ATS units will return to line power when it is back on. [0131] The
timing of this return is a crucial issue. If it happens too fast
for the generator to respond properly, and utility line power fails
in an oscillating fashion, then the generator can be destabilized
as described earlier.
[0132] g. Load/Voltage Oscillation [0133] When a load is switched
onto the generator, especially a large load, its output voltage
momentarily sags. It then compensates by increasing throttle volume
and subsequent engine torque, which increases output current and
voltage. There are mechanisms to keep the output voltage in a
desired range, but they can be defeated by a load that is switched
in and out at just the right range of harmonic frequency. This can
happen if the power distribution system has protection from
overvoltage built into it via mechanisms we will discuss later. The
end result can be harmonic reinforcing power load surges being
imposed on the generator. This can happens as follows: [0134] i.
The utility line power fails [0135] ii. Power is switched to UPS
[0136] iii. A timeout occurs and the generator is auto-started
[0137] iv. The generator stabilizes and is switched into the
system, feeding the utility line power side of the system. Note:
This is done in preference to feeding through the UPS in order to
maintain redundant feeds to the racks w/ EDP equipment. [0138] v.
The generator sags under the large load suddenly placed on it. It
then responds to the load by increasing its throttle setting.
[0139] vi. The generator overshoots the high voltage cutoff value
of the highly parallel ATS units and they switch back to UPS
removing the load from the generator. [0140] vii. The generator
then throttles back and its output voltage returns to normal
levels. [0141] viii. The highly parallel ATS units switch back to
the generator, causing it to sag again. [0142] Steps vi-viii repeat
and can cause a harmonic reinforcing power load surge to build up
and destabilize the generator.
[0143] We have now identified four issues that must be solved to be
able to safely, reliably and economically use filtered utility line
power. [0144] 1. Input Line power voltage range control [0145] 2.
Auto-switching of single power cord EDP devices [0146] 3.
Auto-switching of dual or N+1 power supply EDP devices [0147] 4.
Prevention of Harmonic Reinforcing Load Surges
[0148] One solution that we have selected for these problems is to
auto-switch at the device or near device level in the power
distribution topology. This solution has a number of benefits over
other methods of auto-switching which will be discussed, but
requires an automatic transfer switch with specific
characteristics. The chosen auto-switch needs to have the following
qualities.
[0149] Must prefer and select the primary power source when it is
available and of sufficient quality. This is required. For the
power distribution system we are discussing, if utility line power
is available and of sufficient quality, you want all loads put on
it, for maximum efficiency.
[0150] Must protect against out of range voltage on primary power
source and switch to secondary power source if primary power source
is out of range. It is also desirable, but not required that if the
primary power source has other quality issues, that the ATS switch
to the secondary (UPS) power source as a precaution. As noted
earlier, this is not required, modern power supplies are relatively
immune to any power quality issues except input voltage range, but
it doesn't hurt to play it safe.
[0151] Must transfer within the CBEMA 20 millisecond limit in both
directions, primary to backup power source and backup to primary
power source.
[0152] Must incorporate a delay factor in B to A switching (except
if the B power source fails) to prevent Harmonic Reinforcing Load
Surges. The delay factor chosen must be sufficient to allow modern
generators to stabilize their throttle settings and not
oscillate.
[0153] Should maximize the space efficiency of use of the data
center floor space. There are two ways to look at this issue,
maximize the efficiency of the dimensions of the equipment rack
and/or maximize the efficiency of the use of the volume of space
the rack provides for mounting EDP equipment. This involves
consideration of several factors. [0154] a. EDP Equipment Rack
Dimensions [0155] Standard NEMA racks are only standardized in one
dimension, the width of the equipment that is mounted in the rack
as reflected in the spacing of the vertical mounting flanges used
in the rack (and the spacing of the fastener holes in those
vertical mounting flanges). They are not standardized for total
overall width, height or depth. [0156] The height is generally
limited by stability issues, with around 50 U (1 U=1.75'') being
near the practical limit, without special bracing to prevent rack
tip-over. The depth is generally limited to what the projected
maximum depth of the mounted EDP equipment will be. The current
maximum depth of most EDP equipment is around 36'' with a few
exceptions. The overall width of the rack is dependent on what
kinds of cabling, power distribution devices and sometimes cooling
devices the rack designer may want to support mounting on the sides
of the rack, outside the volume occupied by EPD equipment mounted
in the rack. The NEMA standard equipment width that is most
commonly used is 19''. [0157] Most NEMA standard racks for 19''
equipment are around 27'' wide to allow adequate space to mount a
variety of vertical plugstrips in the sides of the rack. These
plugstrips (also sometimes called power distribution units) do not
have industry standardized dimensions, so it is difficult for
equipment rack manufactures to optimize their rack dimensions for
all available vertical plugstrips. Therefore the total width and
depth of the rack determine its floor area usage. By eliminating
the need to run anything but power cords and network cords down the
sides of the rack (or optionally down the back of the rack), it is
possible to specify narrower racks, down to a width of
approximately 21''. This is more space efficient. If for example,
24'' racks (which align nicely onto the 2'.times.2' floor tiles
used in most raised floors) are used vs. 27'' racks, then one
additional 24'' rack can be deployed in a row of 8 racks. This is a
significant gain in data center floor space utilization. [0158] It
should be pointed out that to use this approach the data center
designer must select racks with appropriate dimensions, so this is
most easily done during initial build out or when an extensive
remodel is being executed. [0159] b. Usage of Equipment Mounting
Volume within the Rack. [0160] Another approach is to not use any
of the rack volume that could be used for EDP equipment. This means
that the ATS should mount in a zero-U fashion or otherwise be
integrated into or near the rack without using rack space that
could be used to mount EDP equipment. Example of this method is
shown in FIGS. 27b-27g and are further described in U.S.
provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/641,929 which is
incorporated herein by reference. It could be integrated into EDP
equipment directly. It could also be integrated into plugstrips or
in-rack or near-rack power distribution units such as the Zonit
Power Distribution Unit (ZPDU), which trades a slight amount of
rack space usage against access at the rack to the circuit breakers
controlling power to the plugstrips in the racks. In this case the
ATS function must be integrated into every sub-branch output of the
ZPDU, so that each one is auto-switched. This is a potentially
worthwhile trade-off to some data center managers. As discussed
earlier, rack space is very expensive. It is not cost effective to
use it for device level ATS units. [0161] c. Must be very, very
efficient. When deploying ATS units at the device level, there will
be a large number of them. So, they must be very efficient or they
will consume more power than they are worth to implement. Which
leads to the last needed characteristic. [0162] d. They must be
relatively inexpensive to buy. This has two aspects, how much does
each one cost, and how long will it last. Both determine the cost
efficiency of the ATS chosen. [0163] e. Must be highly reliable.
This is required, or the power distribution design will not be
feasible to implement.
[0164] The Zonit .mu.ATS.TM. has all of the needed qualities. Its
design is specific to that set of requirements, and incorporates
patent pending means of accomplishing each of those requirements.
[0165] Prefers Primary Source [0166] The .mu.ATS.TM. is designed to
always use the primary power source if it is available and of
sufficient quality [0167] Input Voltage Range Control [0168] The
.mu.ATS.TM. monitors voltage on the primary input and switches to
the secondary source if it is out of range. It switches back to the
primary source when it returns to the acceptable range and is
stable. [0169] Switches between power sources within the CBEMA 20
ms guideline [0170] The .mu.ATS.TM. switches from A to B in 14-16
milliseconds. Faster switching times are can be achieved, but the
times chosen maximize rejection of false conditions that could
initiate a transfer. The B to A transfer times are approximately 5
milliseconds once initiated. This is possible because most B to A
transfers occur after A power has returned and therefore the
.mu.ATS.TM. can pick the time to make the transfer, both power
sources are up and running.
[0171] It should be noted that the .mu.ATS.TM. "spreads" the load
on the source being transferred. This is by design. A population of
.mu.ATS.TM. units will have a small degree of variability in their
timing of transfers from the B source to the A source, which is not
much in real time but is significant in electrical event time. This
variance "spreads" the load being transferred as seen by the power
source, for example a generator or UPS unit. This is because the
load appears as a large number of .mu.ATS.TM. transfers in a time
window to the power source. This is beneficial to generators and
UPS units, since it distributes a large number of smaller loads
over a period of time, thus reducing the instantaneous inrush. This
is another advantage of our power distribution method. [0172]
Prevents Harmonic Reinforcing Load Surges. [0173] The .mu.ATS.TM.
waits a specified time constant when on B power before transferring
back to A power (unless B power fails, then it transfers
immediately to A power). The time is selected to be outside of the
normal response time characteristics of most typical generators.
This prevents Harmonic Reinforcing Load Surges because the
generator has time to adapt to the load change and stabilize its
output. [0174] Must not use any rack space that could be used by
EDP equipment [0175] The .mu.ATS.TM. is a very small form factor.
It can implemented as a self mounting device that fits onto a 1 U
EDP device as shown in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/569,733,
which is incorporated herein by reference. It can be deployed as a
true "zero U" solution. [0176] Must be very, very efficient [0177]
The .mu.ATS.TM. is extremely efficient, using less than 100
milliwatts when on the primary power source in normal operational
mode. [0178] Must be inexpensive and long-lived [0179] The
.mu.ATS.TM. is very inexpensive to make. It design is such that its
expected useful lifetime is 20 years or more and this could easily
be extended to 35 years+ by using components with longer lifetimes,
which would raise the cost slightly but could be a worthwhile
tradeoff. [0180] The .mu.ATS.TM. is moved from each generation of
deployed EDP equipment to the next deployed generation and will
return a very low annual amortized cost over its expected service
lifetime. [0181] Must be highly reliable [0182] The .mu.ATS.TM. is
very reliable. This is a requirement and also a consequence of
designing the device for a very long service lifetime.
[0183] We can now discuss the advantages of auto-switching at the
device or near device level vs. auto-switching at other points in
the power distribution topology. As noted the .mu.ATS.TM. makes
switching at the device or near device level both possible and
desirable. The advantages are described and detailed below. [0184]
Reliability [0185] This is easy to understand. A population of
highly reliable ATS units at the device level produces much higher
per device power reliability levels than a traditional ATS that
switches a branch circuit or an entire panelboard can due to the
statistics involved. The chances of all of the .mu.ATS.TM. units
failing at the same time and therefore affecting all of the
auto-switched EDP devices is infinitesimal vs. the chance of an ATS
that is at a closer to the root of the power distribution topology
failing. Consider the following example. [0186] 1 Panelboard ATS
with an MTBF of 200,000 hours [0187] 1/200000=5.0e-06 chance of
failure in any given hour. [0188] Note: This would be a very
expensive unit w/ this MTBF #. [0189] 200 .mu.ATS.TM. units each
unit with an MTBF of 200,000 hours [0190] 1/200000=0.005% chance of
failure per unit in any given hour [0191] and the chance of 200
units failing simultaneously=200,000 raised to the 200th power
divided by 1=6.223015277861141707e-1061. [0192] This is essentially
zero chance of simultaneous failure and is over 1000 orders of
magnitude better than a single ATS with a 200,000 hour MTBF. For a
single ATS to achieve reliability numbers comparable to the
massively parallel .mu.ATS.TM. solution, it would have to be a much
more reliable device than 200,000 hours MTBF. [0193] This is a key
advantage of the data center power distribution method we are
describing. Reliability is so very important to data center
operators, especially for companies that measure their downtime in
hundreds or thousands or millions of dollars per hour. It is hard
to over-emphasize this point. [0194] Efficiency [0195] Any method
for data center power distribution, especially for large server
farms, must be efficient. The rising cost and important
consequences of power guarantee this. A highly parallel, device or
near device level auto-switched power distribution method will be
the most efficient method that is cost-effective to implement.
There are several reasons for this. [0196] Cumulative Contact Area
[0197] As noted earlier, mechanical relay based automatic transfer
switches are more efficient and at a given cost level, more
reliable than solid-state based automatic transfer switches. As
also discussed earlier, their highest point of loss is usually
contact resistance. This can be minimized with good relay contact
design practices, and increasing the size of the contacts helps,
but there are limits to what can be accomplished. Another
limitation that was discussed earlier is relay transfer time. This
limits the capacity of the relays that can be used and still stay
within the 20 millisecond CBEMA guidelines. [0198] Using many ATS
units in parallel at the device or near device level vs. ATS
switches closer to the root of the power distribution helps to
address these limitations and increase power distribution
efficiency. This is because many ATS units working in parallel have
a cumulative relay contact area that is much greater than is
feasible to put in a higher capacity relay based ATS unit
regardless of where that unit is placed in the power distribution
topology. The ATS units in parallel also can easily have a quick
enough transfer time because they use smaller relay contacts with
quicker transfer times. The modular, scalable, parallel ATS design
methodology also can have a quick enough transfer time. [0199]
Zonit .mu.ATS.TM. Efficiency [0200] Another reason for the greater
efficiency of the design is the features of the Zonit .mu.ATS.TM..
The low power consumption feature is fully described in U.S. Pat.
No. 8,004,115 and the applications from which it claims priority.
This is crucial to being able to implement the described power
distribution methodology. The .mu.ATS.TM. is a more efficient than
traditional ATS units of the same power handling capacity by a
factor of 10 or more. This is a required characteristic to make
highly parallel auto-switched power distribution practical.
Otherwise the net result would be to consume more power not less,
regardless of the capital expense of the switching units used. The
modular, scalable, parallel ATS design methodology also has the
ability to have a very high power efficiency, relative to
traditional ATS units. [0201] Cost-Effectiveness [0202] Any data
center power distribution design must be cost effective before it
will be widely used and accepted. Traditional accepted methods must
be improved upon before they are replaced. The low manufacturing
cost of the .mu.ATS.TM. (relative to current ATS units of
equivalent capacity) and very long service lifetime make it
economically practical to build a highly parallel auto-switched
power distribution system. The modular, scalable, parallel ATS
design methodology implements the benefits of using many
.mu.ATS.TM. units in parallel in a potentially even more
cost-effective way. [0203] Rack Space Usage [0204] The space in a
data center equipment rack or cabinet is very expensive, a point
that we covered earlier. The .mu.ATS.TM. does not consume any rack
space and is small enough to be integrated into the rack structure
outside of the volume in the rack where EDP equipment is mounted.
As an example consider the following scenario. A large server farm
in a data center often will consist of many "pizza-box" servers in
a rack with perhaps a network switch. Each server may use
.about.3-6 watts of 120V power. This means that a 15 A ATS can only
handle 2-4 servers. If the ATS units are 1 U rack mounted devices,
then using the median value of 3 servers per 15 A ATS, 25% of the
rack space devoted to servers would be consumed by ATS devices!
This is too inefficient a use of expensive rack space to be
practical. [0205] a) Optimized Rack Dimensions [0206] An
alternative approach to efficient use of the data center floor
space that was discussed earlier is to minimize the dimensions of
the rack itself. This can be done in the following way. At a high
level, this approach takes the Zonit auto-switching technology and
deploys it using a different mechanical packaging method, which has
several design benefits and some design tradeoffs, compared to the
methods described in this and the incorporated filings. The
objectives of the present invention include the following: [0207]
To minimize power cable count and routing issues, thereby improving
airflow efficiency in the data center equipment rack (2-post)
and/or cabinet (4-post) [hereafter both will be referenced in the
text as equipment rack]. [0208] To allow the incorporation of
locking power cord technologies at one or both ends of the power
cord for more secure power delivery, for example in data centers
located in seismically active geographies such as California. The
term dual locking means both the input connection and the output
connections (male and female ends) of the power cord are secure
locking connections. The locking feature can be provided via the
plug and/or the receptacle of a given connection, either of which
can be incorporated into any device or invention such as described
herein as desired as is most convenient for the application and can
provide maximum flexibility and compatibility with standard
non-locking plugs and receptacles as needed. Dual locking is a
feature of Zonit hydra cords already described in this application
and U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 15/603,217 and 14/217,204 or
Zonit G2 plugstrips or Zonit G2 Z-strip plugstrips with new design
features described in the U.S. Provisional patent application
entitled, "Management Module, Z-Strip and Mini-ATS Systems and
Related Components" filed concurrently herewith and incorporated by
reference herein (the concurrent filing). Note that the locking
feature can be provided via a standard feature (NEMA twist-lock
plugs and receptacles for example), Zonit designs such as described
in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 61/324,557; 13/088,234 and
15/332,878 (the Locking Receptacle cases) or other third-party
designs as is most convenient for the intended application. Also,
note that a single locking power cord (only one end of the power
cord has a secure connection almost never useful. It is obvious
that it just makes sure you know which end of the cord will vibrate
or pull out! [0209] To offer an alternate method to maximize the
efficiency of usage of data center floor space and allow the
deployment of the maximum number of equipment racks.
[0210] These objectives and others are addressed in accordance with
the present invention by providing various systems, components and
processes for improving power distribution. Many aspects of the
invention, as discussed below, are applicable in a variety of
contexts. However, the invention has particular advantages in
connection with data center applications. In this regard, the
invention provides considerable flexibility in maximizing power
distribution efficiency in data center environments. The invention
is advantageous in designing the power distribution to server farms
such as are used by companies such as Google or Amazon or cloud
computing providers and others.
[0211] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a
method and apparatus are provided for distributing power via
receptacles (or hard-wired output cords) as is shown in FIG. 5.
This apparatus has two power inputs, one from an "A" source, the
other from a "B" source. The amperage of the "A" and "B" power
sources can be chosen to match the number of auto-switched output
receptacles and their anticipated average and/or maximum power
draw. The apparatus takes input power from the "A" and "B" sources
and distributes it to a number of Zonit Micro Automatic Transfer
Switch Modules contained in the enclosure (either as separately
deployed modules or modules combined onto one or more printed
circuit boards) of the apparatus. The "A" and "B" power sources may
be single phase, split-phase or three-phase, but in a preferred
instantiation, both would be identical. Each of the Zonit Micro
Automatic Transfer Switch Modules feeds an output receptacle (or
hard wired power cord) located on the face of the enclosure of the
apparatus. Two or more circuit breakers, optionally with visual
power status indicators, may be provided to allow disconnecting the
unit electrically from the branch circuits that feed it. Additional
"Virtual Circuit Breaker" control switches and indicators may also
be included to provide a means to disconnect end-user equipment
from individual Zonit Automatic Transfer Switch modules. The
apparatus can be mounted within the rack or on top of it or on its
side. The size of the enclosure can be minimized due to the very
small form factor of the Zonit Micro Automatic Transfer Switch. It
can contain a multiplicity of Zonit Micro Automatic Transfer Switch
("Zonit .mu.ATS") modules within an enclosure that is no more than
two NEMA standard rack units (1U=1.75'') in height. For example, 12
or more ATSs, each having a power density of 2 kilowatts per 10
cubic inches can be disposed within 1.5 u's of the rack. The Zonit
.mu.ATS modules can be constructed as separate or combined circuit
boards to optimize ease and cost of manufacture. Although the
enclosure takes up rack space, by eliminating the need for in rack
plugstrips, which are usually mounted vertically in the rack, data
center floor space can be optimized as follows. The NEMA standard
equipment width that is most commonly used is 19''.
[0212] Most NEMA standard racks for 19'' equipment are around 27''
wide to allow adequate space to mount a variety of vertical
plugstrips in the sides of the rack. These plugstrips (also
sometimes called power distribution units) do not have industry
standardized dimensions, so it is difficult for equipment rack
manufactures to optimize their rack dimensions for all available
vertical plugstrips. Therefore the total width and depth of the
rack determine it's floor area usage. By eliminating the need to
run anything but power cords and network cords down the sides of
the rack (or optionally down the back of the rack), it is possible
to specify narrower racks, down to a width of approximately 21''.
This is more space efficient. If for example, 24'' racks (which
align nicely onto the 2'.times.2' floor tiles used in most raised
floors) are used vs. 27'' racks, then one additional 24'' rack can
be deployed in a row of 8 racks. This is a significant gain in data
center floor space utilization.
[0213] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
a multi-head power cord "hydra cord" can be provided. This cord can
be hardwired into the apparatus shown in FIG. 5 or receptacles can
be provided. An example is shown in FIG. 6A. The number of output
heads on the hydra cord can be varied to match the desired average
power output (or summed power output to a chosen set of end-user
devices) to each connected end-user device. Examples of these hydra
cords and Z-Strip Systems are shown in FIGS. 6B-6J and are
described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
62/641,929. The length and gauge of the hydra power cord (both the
main feed section and the separate feeds to each "hydra head") can
be optimized to minimize electrical transmission losses and power
cord tangle by optimizing the cord lengths for each hydra cord to
supply power to a particular set of equipment positions in the
equipment rack. A set of appropriately sized hydra cables can be
used to feed each equipment location in the rack at whatever
interval is desired, such as one uniform equipment mounting space
"1 U" of 1.75 vertical inches. The pattern of which heads from
which hydra cords feed which "U" positions in the rack can also be
varied to control which power phase and source feed each "U"
positions for whatever reason is desired, for example to balance
power phase usage. This is an example usage of the technology
described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,628,009 the contents of which are
incorporated herein as if set forth in full. [0214] a) In
accordance with another aspect of the present invention, locking
power cord technologies can be used to improve the security of
power delivery. The apparatus could for example, be equipped with
standard NEMA L5-15 locking receptacles for 120V service or NEMA
L6-15 receptacles for 200V+ service. Other locking receptacle types
could be used. The "hydra cord head" on the output cords can be
equipped with IEC locking technologies (IEC C13 and C19 would be
the types most commonly used in IT equipment) using the
technologies described in PCT Applications PCT/US2008/057149 and
PCT/US2010/050548 and PCT/US2012/054518 the contents of which are
incorporated herein as if set forth in full. The connectors
(receptacle and plug types) used on or with the Z-strip (or Zonit
hydra cords) can be of any type needed (for example IEC 60320
connectors, C13, C15 & C19 are most common in the data center),
(NEMA 5-15, 5-15T, 6-15, 6-20, L5-15, L5-20, L5-30, L6-15, L6-20,
L6-30, L21-20, L21-30, L22-20, L22-30 and many others). The male
and/or female connectors can incorporate secure retention
mechanisms already described in the Locking Receptacle cases (which
are incorporated herein by reference) or described herein. Also,
the Zonit proprietary receptacle and plug types shown in FIG. 34
can be used to for any of the connections needed and could
optionally also be used to make a small form factor connection to
IT equipment. As shown in FIG. 34-34A they are about half of the
cross-sectional area of the popular C13 and C19 connectors and are
designed to have the same current carrying capacities. They can be
provided with locking connection capabilities. The connectors
described and others not described can be used to build Z-strips or
Zonit hydra cords in a wide number of topologies and configurations
to meet power distribution needs. It should be noted that you can
build a hybrid type of hydra where each hydra junction on the main
feed line has a number of receptacles. Additional detail on these
possibilities is described in the concurrent filing which is
incorporated by reference in full.
[0215] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
the apparatus described can be incorporated in the technologies
described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,628,009 and PCT Applications
PCT/US2008/057140 and PCT/US2010/050550 the contents of which are
incorporated herein as if set forth in full. This apparatus
incorporates the parallel auto-switching functionality in an
instantiation of the Zonit Power Distribution System a novel
implementation of which is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,628,009. To
auto-switch polyphase power sources, a preferred instantiation
would adopt the rule "if one phase of a polyphase power source
fails, all phases switch to the alternate power source". To do this
the logic each of the single-phase automatic transfer switches
would be modified to achieve this functionality. An example of this
is shown in FIG. 35.
[0216] An additional possible refinement would be to use two (or
more) uATS modules to monitor each of the phases of the polyphase
power source. The two (or more) modules would act as primary and
backup logic for determining when to switch the relays (of which
there would normally only be one set of relays per power phase of
the polyphase power source) from the A to the B power source and
back from B to A. Another possibility is to use more than two
modules and use a majority approach to decide when to switch the
relays (of which there would normally only be on set of relays per
power phase of the polyphase power source) from the A to the B
power source and back from B to A. An example would be to use three
modules and set the logic such that at least two of three agree to
switch power sources before the switch can be made. The advantage
of these "multi-uATS" approaches is that they eliminate single
points of failure in the polyphase switching apparatus.
[0217] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention a
method for efficiently implementing a family of modular, scalable,
optionally fault-tolerant, parallel ATS units in a variety of form
factors is disclosed. This aspect of the invention describes one
possible instantiation of how to implement the desired ATS
functionality and highly parallel power distribution methods
already discussed. The ATS units constructed from this methodology
can span a wide range of power capacities and be used at any point
needed in the power distribution topology of the data center. They
all can possess a sufficiently quick transfer time to be compatible
with EDP equipment if that is a design requirement. Another
important feature of a modular parallel ATS designed with this
methodology is that it can be highly fault-tolerant and contain
hot-swappable sub-components that can be replaced in the event of
failure. (This is a very important feature, because it lowers the
mean-time-to-repair of the parallel ATS to functionally zero, since
it never needs to come out of service for repair of sub-assembly
failures. This matches the need for 7.times.24.times.365 service
level availability without downtime that modern data centers
need).
[0218] Turning to FIG. 25, an illustrative example of a power
module constructed in accordance with the present invention is
displayed. A PCB board 2500 that contains a number of relays 2501
and a varistor 2502. The thermistor discussed later in this
document for inrush control is not shown, but could be integrated
on the board. Note that the number and specification of the relays
chosen can be varied to meet the desired design goals. Two possible
relay choices are shown for both 120V and 240V operation. The
limiting factor is the flight time of the relays being below the
maximum design limit, (for example 14 milliseconds) to achieve the
desired function. The board has both electrical control connectors
for the control of the relays and to provide for reporting of the
power characteristics as measured by the optional current
transformer 2503 or other measuring circuits or devices located on
the board and power conductor connectors 2504. The board is
assembled into a base relay module 2505, which has a housing 2506.
A number of base relay modules (5 in the present example) are then
assembled via a power conductor assembly 2507 into a another
sub-assembly 2508 which is completed via the addition of a module
relay driver and fault scanning board 2509 which connects to each
of the individual power modules via its electrical control
connectors and then has its own set of electrical control
connectors to connect to the ATS baseboard 2510 via an edge
connector 2511. The power connectors of the sub-assembly 2508 are
then joined via the power conductor assembly 2507 to connectors
2513 to attach to the ATS baseboard 2510. The completed
sub-assembly resides in a housing 2515. The sub-assembly is then
placed on the ATS baseboard 2510 which has matching connectors for
power 2513 and control/monitoring 2511. The ATS baseboard can be
designed with power and control/monitoring connectors that allow
for each sub-assembly to be hot-swapped in the case of a fault, as
discussed earlier. It should be noted that if the ATS was to
incorporate the hot-swap feature, that the method used to allow
this is essentially an N+1 method (although depending on the inrush
current rating vs. steady state current rating desired, a N+2, N+3,
. . . , N+Y method might be specified) where there is always one or
more sub-assemblies that are redundant and can be used when another
sub-assembly fails and needs to be taken out of service and then
replaced. This also allows the ATS design to advantageously
tolerate the higher inrush currents upon startup that are typical
of data center power distribution. It can use the redundancy
modules during inrush startup and then take them out of service
once steady-state current is established. It should also be noted
that fault-tolerance can be implemented at a different level of the
ATS. Each base relay module can incorporate redundant spare relays
that can be used to replace defective (or out of specification)
relays at the point in time that an individual relay fails. The
failed relay can be marked as defective/out of service and a
redundant relay in the base relay module can take it's place. An
advantage of this form of fault-tolerance is that it can deliver a
longer mean-time-between-repair functionality, which is an
advantage in many operational environments. It should also be noted
that the redundant relays can be used in a similar fashion as was
described for redundant sub-assemblies earlier, to provide
additional current capacity for inrush, as can happen during a cold
start scenario or other circumstances.
[0219] The ATS baseboard 2510 has connectors 2517 for the ATS
control logic module 2516 which can incorporate the fault-tolerant
scanning option. The fault scanning option monitors the function
and health of each individual base relay module (including each
single relay), each sub-assembly and the system as a whole. If a
fault is found, the sub-assembly containing the fault can be taken
out of service, and its function taken over by a redundant
sub-assembly. The fault is reported via the communication module
and the defective component can then be replaced without taking the
ATS out of service. The control logic module functions can also be
implemented redundantly, monitored for functionality and health and
the modules made hot-swappable. The control modules can also add
additional control redundancy features for improved ATS reliability
which is discussed below. The control modules also can incorporate
a communications interface for remote command, control and
monitoring of the ATS unit. FIG. 24 illustrates the power capacity
of each sub-unit of the modular ATS and how they are combined from
the base building block of a 8 A-240V relay step-by-step all the
way into a 2000 A-240V modular ATS unit. Much larger capacities can
be built using the modular parallel ATS methodology as desired and
needed.
[0220] Other packaging methods can be used to provide additional
flexibility in designing modular ATS units in other form factors at
other cost points, with or without current monitoring and
fault-monitoring and redundancy features as discussed earlier. This
is illustrated in FIG. 24. In this example, the base relay modules
2401 are assembled via a control connector board 2402 and power
busbar connectors 2403 into a sub-assembly. The base relay modules
and power connectors can be the same components as used in the
example ATS in FIG. 24, which leads to cost efficiencies across the
product line family. The sub-assembly 2404 uses a power access
connector 2405 to connect the power busbar connectors to the wiring
harness of the ATS unit. The control module 2406 is contained in a
housing with an electrical connector 2407 for the relay control and
optional monitoring/fault-tolerance functions. The control module
then connects to the power sub-assembly via a suitable cable 2408.
It can be implemented redundantly if desired either by using
redundant control modules housed in separate housings (this variant
is not shown on the drawing, but note the there is always a
connector available 2409 for a second control module to plug in) or
incorporating redundant control modules in the same housing. These
design choices can be selected to meet the desired cost,
functionality and reliability goals for each particular product.
FIG. 26 shows how multiple sub-assemblies can be combined in
different geometric arrangements to achieve modular ATS units of
increased capacity that are suitable for enclosures of different
shapes and sizes. They also demonstrate how a modular ATS that is
designed to work with polyphase power inputs can easily be
constructed from the same building blocks, the only difference is
in the control logic synchronization needed to handle each power
phase which is discussed below. For example, A-B polyphase inputs
(source A--phases X,Y,Z and source B--phases X,Y,Z) could each be
appropriately wired to six base assembly 2601 units used to
construct the modular ATS units 2602 and 2604 shown in FIG. 26.
[0221] The flexibility in packaging of the modular parallel ATS can
be used to great advantage in a variety of situations. As an
example, the sub-assembly units 2508 can be redesigned to connect
into a structure that is very similar to a modern panelboard and
which can use the same or similar building blocks, such as busbars,
cutout panels, enclosures, etc. that are used to make existing
electrical panelboards, and have the great advantage of being
mass-produced and already certified by compliance organizations
(for example Underwriters Laboratories) to code requirements, (for
example the National Electrical Code.) The sub-assembly units could
use the same exact types of busbar connection lugs that current
circuit breakers use in panelboards. They could therefore easily
retain the ability to be hot-swappable. They could be used to
create a modular parallel ATS that has adjustable current capacity,
just add sub-assembly modules as needed to grow the capacity of the
ATS! This could be used as a method to lower the price of a base
model of the modular parallel ATS which has the ability to grow in
capacity. This feature could be incorporated in any suitable model
of the modular parallel ATS family that has the hot-swap option.
The control connectors and control logic boards could be adapted to
fit in standard-sized panelboard enclosures. The use of existing,
approved electrical components such as used in panelboards and
related products could make the production of a variety of the
modular, parallel ATS potentially more cost effective and quicker
to market. Any other monitoring and management capabilities that
are currently offered by another vendor could co-reside in the
enclosure on a separate logic device and easily be interfaced to
the modular, parallel ATS control logic unit, and offer enhanced
functionality to the product offering.
[0222] It should be noted that the modular parallel ATS technology
offers the ability to design a cost-effective unit to desired Mean
Time Between Failure (MTBF) and Mean Time To Repair (MTTR) target
values. This is because the level of redundancy in the design can
be adjusted as needed at several points: [0223] At the Base Relay
Module level--The number of redundant relays on each base relay
module can be changed as needed to offer the required redundancy.
[0224] At the Sub-Assembly level--The number of hot-swappable
sub-assembly units can be changed as needed to offer the required
redundancy. [0225] At the Control Module level--The number of
hot-swappable control modules can be changed as needed to offer the
required redundancy (with self-health reporting two modules should
be sufficient, but more could be added if desired).
[0226] This ability to cost-effectively design to needed MTBF and
MTTR levels allows the consideration of other power distribution
topology options. Also, the failure mode of the modular parallel
ATS unit is different from traditional ATS units. There is really
no single component in the unit that can fail and take down the
whole ATS. This is an important difference and the ability to
design to reliability and repair targets combined with the
difference in failure modes enables the use of the modular parallel
ATS in a number of ways that do not suffer from the disadvantages
of traditional ATS units. As noted earlier, a single traditional
ATS unit with an MTBF of 200,000 hours is much less reliable than a
group of ATS units at the lower levels of the power distribution
topology (branch, leaf, see FIG. 1 for these definitions). However,
if desired and useful, a modular parallel ATS device with
sufficiently high MTBF and MTTR values could be constructed using
the methods described herein to use in switching at higher levels
of the power distribution topology (root and core infrastructure,
see FIG. 1 for these definitions). The MTBF and MTTR targets would
need to be quite high, but the modular parallel ATS could be used
to hit them. This usage of the modular parallel ATS is innovative
because it essentially eliminates the downside of using ATS
switching due to how it handles sub-component failures and because
it offers the benefits of reduced cost, sufficiently fast switching
times for EDP equipment and greater efficiency than the solid-state
ATS units that are currently used in this role.
[0227] The flexibility that the modular parallel ATS methodology
provides is very useful. It allows for the construction of ATS
units in form-factors and capacities that are very useful in data
center power distribution. Two examples are shown in FIG. 27A. An
embodiment of this device using Zonit hydra cords is shown in FIG.
27B and is described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.
No. 62/641,929. Both are units that can be connected to end-user
equipment via receptacles or receptacles feeding hydra cords or
hydra-cords that are hardwired into the ATS units (not shown). The
latter option is a cost-effective method for building an in or near
rack power distribution system that is auto-switched and has the
length and gauge of each element of the hydra cords optimized to
feed power to each 1 U (or other modulus) of the rack with the
least amount of power wiring. This promotes efficient cooling
airflow by minimizing excess power cabling. It is especially useful
for large-scale computing environments (Google, Ebay, etc.) where
the configuration of the EDP equipment placed in the rack is
designed and known in advance and the rack with EDP equipment is
placed in service as a unit and replaced as unit at the end of its
service life. Another useful form-factor is a modular ATS that is
designed to be located in the rack to minimize its usage of rack
space in conjunction with the EDP equipment it is powering. An
example would be a EDP end-user device that has four power supplies
in an N+1 configuration. Such a device cannot be redundantly
connected to two A-B power sources, because it requires three of
the power supplies running to function. A solution is to
auto-switch the A-B power sources to each power supply. Such a
device is usually reasonably large and occupies multiple 1 U spaces
in the rack. An auto-switch that is optimized to work with such a
unit might optimally use an enclosure that allows the auto-switch
to be co-located with the EDP unit, by residing behind it, but in
the same set of 1 U spaces in the rack. An example of this mounting
method is shown in FIG. 27C. In this case, the ATS enclosure would
be shaped to best work with the EDP equipment and provide the
needed airflow paths, such that the EDP equipment could properly
cool itself. The modular ATS could also be integrated into the
enclosure of the EDP equipment itself. The modular ATS methodology
makes it much easier to adapt to such a form-factor requirement. It
should also be noted that such a use of an ATS is novel, it allows
for the use of fewer power supplies (and each power supply has a
minimum loss factor, so using less power supplies is more
efficient) if the power supplies that are available to a EDP
manufacturer are of such size and capacity that the EDP unit needs
to run on an odd (rather than even) number of power supplies
(excluding 1). In this case the EDP unit can be designed be
redundant on A-B power by incorporating auto-switching of the power
sources.
[0228] Another example of a modular ATS unit that can reside in the
space behind an EDP unit is shown in FIG. 27 D-G. This mini-ATS can
be built sufficiently small that it can mount as shown. It can
power a small plugstrip that also fits in the space behind the
already mounted equipment, (preferably 1 U but depending on details
of the equipment mounted more RU space may be available.) The
plugstrip can power single-power supply devices in the rack, the
most commonly a network switch or a firewall or other device. The
key point is that no full rack units of space were lost to mount an
ATS. It can also optionally connect and interact with the ZPDU
control module in a standalone case as shown and described in the
concurrent filing.
[0229] Another example of a modular ATS unit that can mount in a
Zero-U fashion is shown in FIG. 27D. It can also optionally connect
and interact with the ZPDU control module in a standalone case as
shown and described in the concurrent filing.
[0230] In this example the mini-ATS is of sufficient capacity to
power a plugstrip which can have sufficient receptacles for the
entire rack. In the configuration shown, the "A" side plugstrip
("A" side power source is the red overhead feed, "B" side power
source is the blue overhead feed) is not auto-switched and the "B"
side plugstrip is fed by the mini-ATS so that all of its
receptacles are auto-switched and thus suitable for plugging in
single power supply devices. This has a number of benefits. First,
it means that maintenance windows can be executed the elements of
the A and B power systems without causing the single powered IT
equipment to experience downtime. This is a very valuable result
for a data center manager in this 7.times.24.times.365 world that
demands "always on" availability. For example, co-location
facilities usually do not control what equipment that clients mount
in the racks they rent. But, the power systems in those facilities
require maintenance, this makes it painless. The additional level
of power redundancy and increased reliability can be useful, since
many co-location facilities have Service Level Agreements (SLA)
that have economic penalties for unplanned downtime that is caused
by the co-location facility. Another important application for this
configuration is server farms. Many companies such as Google,
Amazon Web Services and others have adopted different redundancy
and reliability strategies. They are or can be redundant at the
rack, row of racks or even a complete data center level. Failure of
a server or a rack of servers or an entire data center is something
they have planned for and can deal with (but do not like!). In that
case, having a dual power supply in many, many servers is an
unnecessary expense, but they still want the ability to do power
system maintenance windows without taking IT equipment down. The
mini-ATS is a great solution, because it (or several of them if
needed) has sufficient capacity to power a rack of servers and can
be mounted as shown and in other ways that do not decrease the
number of servers each rack can hold.
[0231] It can also optionally communicate with interact with the
ZPDU control module in a standalone case as shown and described in
the concurrent filing.
[0232] FIGS. 27C-27D show usage of the modular ATS unit.
[0233] FIG. 28 shows an example functional block diagram of the
control logic of a modular ATS constructed in accordance with the
present invention. The control arrangement shown is for
single-phase power, but can easily be adapted to polyphase power as
is described below. FIG. 29 shows an example functional block
diagram of the control logic which adds an optional communications
controller and an optional fault-tolerance module. The
fault-tolerance module monitors the status and condition of the
basic relay modules and the sub-assemblies that contain them as
described earlier. It also controls the disabling of any failed
sub-assemblies and the substitution of a redundant sub-assembly in
their place. FIG. 30 shows an example functional block diagram of
the control logic which adds an optional control redundancy
feature. In this variant the control logic is replicated into three
different sub-sections and the output of each sub-section is
compared so that if one has an error its result is overridden by
the results of the other two. This type of logic control is called
"majority voting" or "tell me three-times" and was most famously
instituted in the hat-box spaceflight computer designed for the
Apollo program. It is still commonly used in the control logic of
spacecraft, due to its resistance to computational errors caused by
gamma and other radiation types found outside of the Earth's
atmosphere. The reason that the modular ATS might wish to use this
type of logic is its extremely high MTBF ratings and resistance to
false logic outputs. An ATS built with this type of logic will
almost never have a logic failure. The most common points of
failure in an ATS are relay, logic and logic power supply. The
modular parallel ATS design described makes all of these redundant,
fault-tolerant, monitorable and hot-swappable. The net result is an
ATS that will probably run with nearly indefinite uptime given
proper maintenance, meeting the demands of the modern data
center.
[0234] The example control logic designs presented can be
implemented as analog, digital or hybrid (mixed analog and digital
design). The digital logic can be implemented in discrete digital
methods or other methods, such as PAL's, FPGA's etc. The choice of
method will be dictated by available components, cost-constraints
and other design criteria, such as making an implementation that is
difficult to reverse engineer and copy.
[0235] FIG. 31 displays an illustrative example of an electrical
current sharing design constructed in accordance with the present
invention. In a parallel array, or sets of relays, (a set having
one or more relays) where the electrical current design capacity is
the sum of the capacity of the individual relays, a key design
issue that must be solved is how to properly manage current flows
across all of the relays to insure that none of them prematurely
fail. This is especially important during current inrush and when
switching occurs, since not every relay will have the exact same
resistance and transfer time.
[0236] The consideration is that when numerous sets of relays are
connected in parallel in an array, that current sharing among those
relays should be maintained so no one relay, or combination of
relays is unbalanced. Otherwise, one or more relays could be
subjected to more than its rated capacity. This can cause the relay
to fail and/or shorten its normal operational lifetime. If the
current sharing is not sufficiently uniform, the relays carrying
the excess current will likely fail, causing a cascade of failures.
To prevent this, some method should be used to guarantee current
sharing. This section describes design options to deal with this
issue as they apply to the modular parallel ATS.
[0237] There are two states where the electrical current must be
balanced across the sets of parallel relays. The states are: 1)
Constant current flow; 2) When the sets of parallel relays are
opening or closing, as occurs when the parallel ATS is
switching.
[0238] The problem of insuring balanced current flows in the both
of these states is related but each has some different
considerations. In the constant current state, the primary issue is
managing resistance across the sets of parallel relays, to insure
that the capacity limits of each individual relay is not exceeded
and the overall efficiency and reliability of the parallel ATS is
optimized. The variance in resistance across sets of parallel
relays is caused by small variations in the operational
characteristics of production relays, which are usually considered
within normal production batch tolerances. It also can be a result
of production tolerance variations in the fabrication and
production of the parallel ATS.
[0239] When the sets of parallel relays are opened or closed, due
to small variations in the operational characteristics of
production relays, which are within normal production batch
tolerances, the relays will not open or close with the exact same
timing. This is called relay skew. Relay skew can also be caused as
a result of production tolerances in the fabrication and production
of the parallel ATS. There are a number of ways to deal with the
issue of relay skew in the design of a parallel ATS. [0240] 1.
Relay pre-production selection--This method pre-tests batches of
relays to insure that they are all close enough to a specified set
of operational tolerances to work in the parallel ATS application.
[0241] 2. Relay timing compensation--This method varies the timing
of the control signals sent to actuate each relay so that the
variation in the actuation time of each relay is compensated for
and the sets of parallel relays operate with relay skew reduced to
the desired values. The actuation time of each relay (and/or sets
of relays) can be measured and stored as a digital value as part of
the production process of the parallel ATS and can be measured and
updated in real time each time the parallel ATS switches, which
offers the ability to adjust the control signal timing over the
life of the relay and to monitor the health of the relay and notify
when the relay (or the module it is part of) should be taken out of
service and/or replaced. [0242] 3. Current limiting/diverting--The
sets of parallel relays will all open or close in a relatively
short time interval if they are selected to have sufficiently tight
operational tolerances. However, regardless of how closely matched
the relay timing is with respect to each other, there will be some
period of time that differentiates each relay. This means that
another approach to preventing damage to sets of parallel relays is
to limit (or delay) the electrical current that is applied to them
in certain critical time periods (for example when the relay(s) are
just opening (or when they are just closing) and could be damaged
by having currents in excess of their rated capacity applied. This
can be done by one of three methods. [0243] a. Resistance--If
sufficient in-path resistance can be applied during the critical
time period, then the current can be limited and the sets of
parallel relays will not be damaged. The resistance can applied via
a number of methods, for example resistors, negative temperature
coefficient (NTC) power thermisters, etc., either on the inputs,
outputs or selected points in the power paths of the parallel ATS.
[0244] b. Inductance--Inductors can be used to limit the rate of
change of transient electrical energy for a short period of time,
limiting current values across the sets of parallel relays during
critical times. [0245] c. Diversion--Fast acting semiconductor
switches (for example triacs) can be used to divert the current
path around the sets of parallel relays when needed, for example
during the critical time period while closing. This technique also
has the advantage that the transfer time of the parallel relay sets
(and therefore the parallel ATS) become programmable with the lower
limit being the switching time of the semiconductor switching
device, which is measured in sub-microseconds.
[0246] Variations of the modular parallel ATS can use any or all of
these techniques in any combination to produce an effective
solution to the problems of current load balancing (including relay
skew). Some preferred instantiations of solutions are described in
more detail below.
[0247] 1) Constant Current Load Sharing.
[0248] In a traditional parallel relay, or switch of any type, a
small resistance is placed in the output of each relay stage that
will help balance the loads among the array. This is general
practice. It works if a small loss of power is acceptable. This is
method would work, but is not an optimal solution for the modular
parallel ATS, because it wastes power.
[0249] In the modular parallel ATS, load sharing is accomplished by
incorporating that small resistance as part of the power delivery
path. Simply put, the resistance of the relay contacts, plus the
leads used to attach the individual relays to the input and output
buss provide sufficient resistance to balance the high volume, high
consistency relays planned to be used in production units. As in
all cases of manufacturing, there are a certain number of units
that will fall out of the "normal" range of expected variations in
tolerances. These devices will inevitably have the characteristics
of either passing too much of the load for their cell (lower than
nominal resistance) or not passing their share of current (higher
than expected resistance). In either of these cases, the problem
can be solved by supplying a percentage of redundant spare relays
in the array to handle the current of the defective relay, and
simply not turning on the defective relay. This requires that there
be monitoring of all the relays in the array. We can do this with a
current sense transformer on every cell as part of the modular
array. A faulty relay is decommissioned after it is determined it
is no longer usable, and an alert set by the controller to indicate
the faulty module should be replaced. The design of the modular
system allows for "hot swapping", or the changing of the failed
components while the remainder of the array is functioning as was
discussed earlier.
[0250] 2) Current Sharing at the Time of Closing or Opening of an
Individual Relay.
[0251] When an array of (or sets of) relays are connected in
parallel, due to mechanical variations, some of the contacts will
either connect or disconnect before or after others. A distribution
of times is inherent in mechanical components. Even very well made
mechanical components will have different event durations. These
variations may be on the order of only a few microseconds, or as
much as a millisecond or so. In any event, at some level of time,
one relay out of the entire array will make contact first, and one
will break contact first. Then another, then another, and so on
until all have made the transition. As far as electricity is
concerned, the time from the first to the second relay transition
is functionally irrelevant. The first relay to make contact will
carry all of the current available until another is there to share
it. On massively parallel arrays connected to very low impedances
at the source and the load sides, the currents will go high enough
to damage individual relays, even if the current is present for
only a few microseconds. If the damage is not immediate, it will
likely be accumulative. In any case, a means to control excessive
current from damaging individual relays must be employed to achieve
desired reliability and service lifetime goals.
[0252] This is accomplished by adding an innovative form of inrush
control, different from how it is presently commonly practiced. The
basic concept of inrush control is well established and has
specific electronic components designed and produced for exactly
that purpose. The components are referred to as Negative
Temperature Coefficient (NTC) resistors. They are sometimes called
thermisters, or inrush limiters, but all have one characteristic in
common, as the temperature rises, the resistance lowers. Since the
resistance is relatively high in these devices when they are "cold"
(typically room temperature) they provide significant balancing
resistance, and overall current limiting in a circuit when they are
first turned on. In the example of the High Voltage Micro ATS, it
operates on 240 VAC. The relays in that device, which are the same
relays that could be used in the base power module of the modular
parallel ATS are capable of handling up to 50 amps for at least two
or three AC cycles (32 to 48 ms.) with no degradation. Thus if
current is limited to that amount, for the time period above, the
relays will sustain no damage. Thus, if an NTC resistor is placed
in series with the relay contacts, and that resistor has a (for
example) "cold" resistance of 5 ohms, then when power is applied,
the greatest possible current is 240V/5 ohms (ohms law) for a
maximum of 48 amps. This is a current level that the contacts can
handle until other relays in the parallel array can finish closing
and share the load which then reduces the current in the relay back
down to the acceptable continuous load for the contacts. Since all
of the relays in the array will have a maximum total variation,
then the limiting NTC resistor is only needed for that time. All
the rest of the time it would normally be dissipating power. After
power is applied to a NTC device, its internal resistance, combined
with the current through it cause it to self heat. Since the
resistance goes down with temperature, as the temp of the resistor
increases, the resistance goes down, and at some point it reaches
an equilibrium of current and voltage drop. In the case of the zATS
and the modular base power arrays for the parallel modular ATS,
this point is around 0.03 ohms. But even at that, the NTC resistor
must maintain self heating, and thus, would consume about 3 watts
of dissipation at the maximum load of 10 Amps for a given relay.
This is not much, but when multiplied by the 400 relays associated
with a large 4000 Amp matrix, it would add up to 1200 W of heat
dissipation. This is nearing the loss of a very well designed Solid
State Switch, or the so-called Static Switch.
[0253] A key point of the Zonit array is power efficiency, so we
have devised a way to limit this loss factor. Only a couple of
milliseconds is the time period while the NTC resistor needs to be
active. So, we have added an additional relay attached in parallel
to the NTC resistor. It is controlled by the circuits in the
modular parallel ATS controller to be open during a transition
event, and be closed when in continuous operation. In this way, the
NTC resistor is "bypassed" by a very low impedance set of contacts
in the auxiliary relay, thus nearly eliminating the heat
dissipation losses of the traditional means.
[0254] It should be noted that due to the short time period when
the thermistor is not bypassed and is carrying the current, it may
be possible to use a less expensive resistor instead of a
thermister. It should also be noted that the varistor 2502 shown on
FIG. 25 is used to prevent damage to the individual relays from
voltage spikes resulting from power quality events. The varistor
protection function can be integrated into each base relay module
as shown or could be integrated as a separate set of components
into each subassembly 2508 (not shown in FIG. 25, or designed as a
separate sub-module (this approach takes advantage of existing
components that are already available in the market) inside of the
same enclosure or external to it that is installed between the
modular parallel ATS and the power source.
[0255] Turning now to FIG. 31, the three configurations mentioned
above are outlined in the schematic representations of a five relay
module of a large matrix in the top of the drawing. At the left is
a standard parallel relay configuration that is subject to contact
degradation. The middle drawing shows the addition of the NTC
Current Limiting resistors, as would be used in a traditional
solution for contact load sharing and inrush control. On the right
is the Zonit modified version with an additional set of relay
contacts in parallel with the NTC resistor, as described above. In
drawing subsets 1 through 8, the steps associated with controlling
the main relay and the bypass relays are described for both the
case of the period just before closure through a short time
afterwards, and just prior to the opening of the relays, to the
time when the whole process can start over.
[0256] Sequence of events for switch closure: [0257] 1. Relay is
open, just prior to closing, no current flowing. [0258] 2. Primary
relay closes, NTC resistor bypass relay is open. Current starts to
flow between source and load. Assuming this is the first relay in
the array to close, all of the available current flows towards the
low impedance load. It is assumed that the load is capable of being
many times the amperage rating of the described relay. At this
time, just after current starts to flow, the NTC resistor bypass
relay is open and current is passing through the NTC resistor. It
is cold and is at 5 ohms. Even if the load is close to zero ohms,
the current passed through this one primary relay is limited to
about 48 amps. [0259] 3. During the time frame from step 2 to step
3, all of the relays in the parallel array have closed. In reality,
this will generally all happen within about 1 millisecond, but
nonetheless, by 12 to 15 milliseconds, the complete array is on and
all cells are in parallel. The NTC is heating up but still not
completely hot. It is perhaps down to a resistance of 3 or 4 ohms
by now, but on the way to fully hot. Loads are shared between
relays in the array and resistance is still fairly high in the NTC
resistors. The mass of the resistors must be heated up, this takes
several hundred milliseconds, even seconds, depending on the device
selected. As long as the device selected can meet the need for the
first 17 milliseconds, additional capacity is not required. At 17
milliseconds the final event occurs. [0260] 4. T+17 ms., and the
bypass relay closes, shorting out the NTC resistor. The contact
resistance of the relay is about 0.002 ohms, so it now carries the
vast majority of the current. But in addition, for added
durability, the closure of the bypass relay is done exactly at the
time the current is passing through zero, as is done in the uATS
and the modular ATS controller during transfers from B to A. Thus,
at the time of the relay closure and bounce period, minimal current
is present, even on a fully loaded array. The power path remains in
this state until disconnection, and total power dissipation is
reduced to less than a half watt across all of the contacts in the
relay array. This is orders of magnitude better than the best solid
state switch, or "Static Switch".
[0261] Sequence of events for switch opening: [0262] 1. On the
bottom row of panels in FIG. 31, the sequence of operations for
opening the modular parallel ATS are described in panels 5 through
8. Disconnection of relays has the same distribution of timing
across an array of relays, just as the closure time of the array of
relays does. Thus, containment of sequentially building currents up
to the last relay to disconnect must also be considered. Panel 5
shows the same state as panel 4, the continuous running state, just
prior to the disconnect event. [0263] 2. Frame 6 shows the time
just before zero crossing of the current, and the bypass relay
being opened. In an ideal world this would coincide with the
opening of the primary relay, but the NTC resistor bypass relays
have the same distribution of timing as all the other relays do, so
it must be opened just prior to the opening of the primary relay to
insure that all of the bypass relays in the matrix are open before
opening even the first primary relay. Since this is done at
approaching zero crossing, little heating of the NTC resistors
occurs, as little current flows at this time. [0264] 3. Frame 7
shows the state when the primary relay has just opened. Assuming
all of the other relays have opened by this time also, the last
relay to open was carrying the maximum load, but that was limited
by the NTC resistor to less than 50 amps, and for less than 6 ms.
[0265] 4. Frame 8 shows the cool-down time for the NTC resistor.
Since the uATS based modular parallel ATS controller has a minimum
3 second delay between return of A side power, and connection to
the A side after it is stable, the NTC resistors are guaranteed the
time required to cool to a "reset" state.
[0266] Flexible Power Topologies and Operational Modes based on the
Modular Parallel ATS The availability of multiple parallel power
paths in the modular parallel ATS offers unique flexibility in how
it can be used in data center and other environments where fast
switching ATS capabilities are needed. Normally there are two input
and one ("Y" topology ATS) or two ("H" topology ATS) outputs for
traditional Automatic Transfer Switches. The modular parallel ATS
can function as multiple discrete ATS units in (either the "Y" or
"H" style ATS topology) the same unified and space-efficient form
factor, that are all controlled by a unified control logic that is
programmable. The modular parallel ATS can have multiple parallel
inputs ((A1, B1), (A2, B2) . . . ) and multiple parallel outputs
(C1, C2, . . . or C1, D1, C2, D2 . . . ) (depending on whether the
ATS is configured in "Y" or "H" ATS topologies). The unique aspect
of the parallel modular ATS is that it can be connected to these
multiple inputs and outputs as needed and desired as long as the
power handling capacities of the parallel power paths are
respected. For example it is possible to configure the modular
parallel ATS to output to multiple separate output branch circuits.
Each output could feed a separate panel or a busbar, for example.
The modular parallel ATS could be controlled to set which source, A
or B, each output branch circuit was being fed by and/or preferred
as a source. It also could be controlled to switch in either a "Y"
topology (two inputs, one output) or an "H" topology (two inputs,
two outputs). FIG. 33 shows an example configuration that
demonstrates the flexibility of the parallel modular ATS. The
topology shown could use the utility grid 1805 as the A1 to the ATS
1840a. The UPS 1835 could be the B1 input and the UPS 1836 could be
the B2 input. The outputs could be to the main panelboards, 1835,
1836. This capability allows the data center manager to select
conditions and preferences that decide when and how to make one or
more transfers (which source to use for each separate output,
conditions (load, power quality, other) that trigger a transfer for
some or all inputs and/or outputs, etc.) that can be useful for
operating and maintaining the facility. The percentage of total
load on each A-B source pair can be controlled, for example.
Another possibility is programmable intelligent load shedding. The
parallel modular ATS can disconnect a selected output instead of
just switching it between input sources. This means that each
individual output can be selectively and reliably disconnected, a
valuable feature. It is desirable to put as few points of failure
in the power distribution path in a data center as possible. The
ability to disconnect as well as transfer in a highly reliable ATS
is useful. It offers the data center manager a much richer set of
power distribution options: multiple topologies, control options
and possibilities. Traditional ATS units cannot deliver this range
of capabilities.
[0267] Increased efficiency for traditional power distribution via
UPS Load Shifting As discussed earlier, it is normal practice to
share loads when two A-B UPS units are used in a data center as the
power sources. This is usually due to the nature of the end use
equipment having dual power supplies that distribute the load more
or less equally to both the A and B power supply inputs. Also, as
earlier covered, this reduces UPS efficiency since they must not be
loaded over 50% to function in a redundant power configuration.
Using large numbers of .mu.ATS.TM. switches it is possible to raise
the efficiency of such a power distribution system as follows. All
of the electrical load for EDP equipment in the data center can be
"Load Shifted" via .mu.ATS.TM. units onto one of the two UPS units,
increasing the efficiency of that UPS unit as shown in the UPS
efficiency curve shown in FIG. 3. The other UPS unit is at idle and
will only be used if the primary unit fails. The UPS units must be
designed to handle this type of load being immediately placed on
them, but almost all modern UPS units can do this. The result is an
increase of .about.3-5% in the efficiency of the data center, a
useful improvement. It should be noted that while only one pair of
UPS units is discussed here the methodology scales to larger data
centers that have many UPS units deployed in pairs for
redundancy.
[0268] The methodology to accomplish this is simple and can be
deployed incrementally for each piece of EDP equipment, reducing
service impacts. Every single power supply (or corded) EDP device
will be connected via a .mu.ATS.TM. to the A and B UPS units. Every
dual or N+1 power supply EDP device will have one power supply
connected to the A UPS via a normal power cord, the second or all
other N+1 power supplies will be connected to the A and B UPS units
via .mu.ATS.TM. units.
[0269] This insures that when the A UPS unit is available it takes
all of the load and when it is not the B UPS carries the load. The
.mu.ATS.TM. units can be deployed in one to one per device ratios,
or low integer number ratios, respecting .mu.ATS.TM. power capacity
limits.
[0270] Almost all EDP devices share the load among all available
power supplies in the device. It is possible to build an EDP device
that switches the load between power supplies, so that only one or
more are the active supplies and the others are idle, but as
described earlier, this is rarely done for both cost and
reliability reasons. To insure that multi-power supply EDP devices
draw on only filtered utility line power if it is available and
switch to the UPS if it is not, each of the secondary power supply
units needs to be auto-switched between the utility line and UPS
unit(s). Otherwise, the UPS unit will bear a portion of the data
center load, lowering the overall efficiency of the power
distribution, which is undesirable.
[0271] ATS Design with suitable characteristics for Highly Parallel
Power Distribution Traditional ATSs tend to have limitations that
prevent their effective use in implementations of highly parallel,
auto-switched, power distribution architectures. For example, these
traditional ATSs may typically be too inefficient, consume too much
rack space, and cost too much. Embodiments of the micro-ATS
described herein address some or all of these issues.
[0272] According to one embodiment, the micro-ATS (e.g., the Zonit
.mu.ATS.TM.) is very small (e.g.,
4.25-inches.times.1.6-inches.times.1-inch, or less than 10 cubic
inches) and very efficient (e.g., less than 0.2 volts at maximum
load loss). Certain implementations use no rack space, as they are
self-mounted on the back of each EDP device, incorporated in the
structure of the rack outside the volume of the rack used to mount
EDP equipment, incorporated in rack-mounted plugstrips, or
incorporated in an in-rack or near-rack Power Distribution Unit
(i.e., any of which being possible due to the small form-factor of
the micro-ATS). In other implementations, the micro-ATS is small
enough to be integrated directly into the EDP equipment itself.
[0273] Various embodiments of micro-ATSs are described herein,
including their various components. For the sake of clarity and
context, the micro-ATS embodiments are described as switching
between two separate power sources, "A" and "B." In some
implementations, the A and B power sources are single-phase
sources. In other implementations, polyphase power sources are
connected. Where polyphase power sources are connected, polyphase
embodiments of micro-ATSs are used. Substantially the same
components (e.g., circuits) described herein with reference to the
single-phase implementations are applicable to the polyphase
implementations.
[0274] For example, polyphase embodiments can be implemented as
multiple single-phase micro-ATS units acting in parallel, with
additional functionality provided for synchronizing certain of the
control circuits so that they act together across the multiple ATS
units to handle switching and return from one polyphase source to
the other polyphase source and back. Various embodiments of
polyphase micro-ATSs can also have different conditions under which
to switch power sources. For example, given three phase power with
X, Y, and Z "hot" leads, a fault on any of three might be
considered reason to switch from the A to the B polyphase source.
To return to the A polyphase source, it may be desirable to ensure
first that all three hot leads are present, stable, and of
sufficient power quality on the A source.
[0275] Various ATS implementations and associated system
architectures will now be described. Turning first to FIG. 7, a
system diagram of an illustrative micro-ATS 700 is shown, according
to various embodiments. As illustrated, the micro-ATS 700 is
connected to an "A" power source 760 and a "B" power source 765,
and uses its various components to provide output power 770 to one
or more devices or distribution topologies (e.g., to one or more
EDP devices in a branch circuit of a data center). The micro-ATS
700 includes a power supply subsystem 705, an "A" power voltage
range detect subsystem 710, an "A" power loss detect subsystem 715,
a "B" power synchronization detection subsystem 720, an "A"/"B"
synchronization integrator subsystem 725, a timing control
subsystem 730, an "A" & "B" power switching subsystem 735, an
output current detect subsystem 740, a disconnect switch subsystem
745, and a piezoelectric device driver subsystem 750. Embodiments
of the power supply subsystem 705 include innovative ways of
powering control circuitry of the micro-ATS 700. Embodiments of the
"A" power voltage range detect subsystem 710 determine if the power
being supplied to the micro-ATS 700 is in a desired (e.g.,
predetermined) voltage range. Embodiments of the "A" power loss
detect subsystem 715 determine when the "A" power being supplied to
the micro-ATS 700 has been lost using desired discrimination
characteristics. Embodiments of the "B" power synchronization
detection subsystem 720 measure the timing of the alternating
current waveform of the "B" power. Embodiments of the "A"/"B"
synchronization integrator subsystem 725 provide synchronization of
"B" to "A" transfers at zero voltage crossing times and "A" to "B"
integration functionality. Embodiments of the timing control
subsystem 730 control when the selected power source to the
micro-ATS 700 is switched, either the "A" source to the "B" source
or from the "B" source to the "A" source, and can handle
over-current condition switching and relay sequencing. Embodiments
of the "A" & "B" power switching subsystem 735 control actual
switching between the "A" and "B" power sources in either direction
to change which supply is acting as the input power source to the
micro-ATS 700.
[0276] Embodiments of the output current detect subsystem 740
detect and measure presence and various characteristics of output
current from the micro-ATS 700, and can, in some embodiment, mimic
characteristics of a fuse so that the micro-ATS 700 can protect
itself without blowing actual physical fuses (i.e., which must be
replaced). Embodiments of the disconnect switch subsystem 745
disconnect a secondary power source from the power supply when it
is not in use. Embodiments of the piezoelectric device driver
subsystem 750 implement innovative techniques for driving
piezoelectric or other devices.
[0277] Each component is described below as performing particular
functionality in the context of the micro-ATS 700. It will be
appreciated that other configurations are possible in which similar
or identical functionality can be implemented using other
components, combinations of components, etc. Further, in some
cases, values are given for components such as resistors and
capacitors, etc. and ranges are given for current, voltage, and/or
other power characteristics. These values and ranges are intended
to add clarity to illustrative examples and should not be construed
as limiting the scope of embodiments.
[0278] FIG. 8A shows a circuit diagram 800 of an illustrative power
supply subsystem 705a in context of an illustrative "A" & "B"
power switching subsystem 735 for use in some embodiments of a
micro-ATS 700. As discussed above, the micro-ATS 700 is connected
to an "A" power source 760 and a "B" power source 765. The power
supply subsystem 705a performs a number of functions, including
power conditioning (e.g., current limiting and power clean-up).
[0279] The source power for the power supply subsystem 705a is
acquired from the center taps of RY3 H ("Hot") and RY1 N
("Neutral"). Thus, the source of power for the ATS Power Supply is
from the "A" side when the output of the micro-ATS 700 is on the
"A" Side, and on the "B" Side when transferred to the "B" side.
Components of the "A" & "B" power switching subsystem 735 serve
as the automatic transfer switch for the micro-ATS 700 power supply
subsystem 705a. The current available from output power is limited
by R3. ZD10 limits the full wave rectified output of the bridge BR4
to 150V peak. ZD10 guarantees that C1 does not exceed its rated
voltage. C1 stores enough charge to allow HV ("High Voltage")
operations of the relays during transitions between the "A" power
source 760 and the "B" power source 765.
[0280] During an over-current fault, neither the "A" power source
760 nor the "B" power source 765 is available at the output power
770 node, but RY2 and all the rest of the micro-ATS 700 circuitry
may still need power. This is accomplished by node A2 775 which
manifests "A" power 760 at the NO terminal of RY2 via C16 and BR6
when RY2 is activated. C16 limits the current available during a
fault.
[0281] Bridge BR6 normally blocks A2, as will be discussed more
fully below. When a fault occurs, GC On will be pulled almost down
to Common, and positive power will be available at U5 LED via ZD11.
This turns on the U5 transistor. The U5 transistor and Q3 form a
Darlington pair that shorts the bridge BR6, allowing A2 to drive HV
through diode D9. A2 also drives LV ("Low Voltage") through diode
D10. C20 provides filtering and storage for LV.
[0282] In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 8B, the 15-volt
power supply is normally supplied by HV through R63, R64 and R65.
These three resistors drop the voltage and limit the current for
Zener diode ZD2. ZD2 regulates the voltage for the comparator and
other electronics on the control board. C17 further filters out the
15-volt signal. During a fault condition A2 provides power for the
15V supply through LV. HV is pulled down to 45V in this condition
due to current limiting capacitor C16 mentioned earlier.
[0283] Embodiments of the power supply subsystem 705, such as the
embodiments illustrated and described with reference to FIGS. 8A
and 8B, provide a number of innovative features. One such feature
is that some embodiments of the power supply subsystem 705 acts as
a transformer-less, very high-efficiency power supply. For example,
as illustrated above, the circuit produces low and high-voltage DC
power from multiple AC inputs that is suitable for powering both
low-voltage control circuitry and higher power relays. It does so
very efficiently and with a minimum of expensive analog parts.
[0284] Another such feature is that some embodiments of the power
supply subsystem 705 provide capacitor current limiting for very
low-power usage. As illustrated above, power consumption of the
power supply subsystem 705 is limited by use of a capacitor. This
can efficiently limit the power supply capacity to a desired value,
thereby providing maximum efficiency and low power consumption.
[0285] Yet another such feature is that some embodiments of the
power supply subsystem 705 provide optical isolation to reduce or
even eliminate cross currents As will be discussed more fully
below, embodiments of the control and synchronization subsystems
(e.g., the "B" power synchronization detection subsystem 720, the
"A"/"B" synchronization integrator subsystem 725, the timing
control subsystem 730, etc.) optically isolate between input power
sources, virtually eliminating cross-currents between them.
[0286] Still another such feature is that some embodiments of the
power supply subsystem 705 provide power control relays (e.g.,
illustrated as RY1, RY2 and RY3) to direct the source power to the
output of the micro-ATS 700 as well as provide the internal source
selection (transfer switch function) for powering the micro-ATS 700
power supply subsystem 705.
[0287] And another such feature is that some embodiments of the
power supply subsystem 705 use an optically isolated disconnect
circuit to prevent cross-source currents when the micro-ATS 700 is
in the over-current fault mode. In this mode, there is no power
delivered to the output, and thus, power must still be delivered to
the micro-ATS 700 control and relay drive circuitry. As illustrated
above, this can be accomplished via the A2 775 power path, and
controlled by BR6 and optical isolation control U5.
[0288] FIG. 9 shows a circuit diagram of an illustrative "A" power
voltage range detect subsystem 710a for use in some embodiments of
a micro-ATS 700. Embodiments of the "A" power voltage range detect
subsystem 710a receive "A" power 760 nodes AH and AN. The "A" power
760 is full wave rectified by bridge BR2. C3 is used to limit the
current available in this and the "A" power loss detect subsystem
715, as will be described below. In normal operation the "A" power
voltage range detect subsystem 710a can generate the A (ON), A
(COM), and CQ18 signals to the "A" power loss detect subsystem
715.
[0289] The illustrated "A" power voltage range detect subsystem
710a includes over-voltage detection and under-voltage detection
functionality. According to the over-voltage detection
functionality, D18 half-wave rectifies the "A" power 760 and drives
a ladder comprised of R14 and R27, which charges C4. When
over-voltage occurs on "A" power 760, ZD6 and Q36 will begin to
conduct drawing current through resistors R7, R74, R6, R5, and R1.
This will turn on Q34, which will pull up the voltage on C4 through
R17. This will latch Q35, Q36, and Q34 in an on state. This also
will pull current through R8, thereby turning on the over-voltage
indicator, LED2. C2 will be charged and ZD5 will conduct. Q32 and
Q31 will conduct, turning off Q37 and Q38. This turns off A (ON).
In the illustrated embodiment, this will tend to occur at around
135 VAC at AH, though other over-voltage thresholds can be set as
desired.
[0290] Under-voltage functionality detects when "A" power 760 is
below a desired low-voltage threshold. As illustrated, increasing
diode D18 will charge capacitor C5 via the ladder formed by R16 and
R30. When the charge on C5 reaches a preset level (illustrated as
100 VAC, but other levels can be set as desired), ZD8 starts to
conduct through R31 and R58. Q1 and Q2 will start to turn on,
pulling current through R10, D12 and R9. This turns on Q37 and Q38
applying power to A (ON). This in turn drives current through R35
and D11, which turns Q1 and Q2 on harder and adds hysteresis to the
voltage on C5. If "A" power 760 is at normal voltage and
decreasing, the "A" voltage will have to drop to around 88 VAC (or
any other desired value) to turn A (ON) off. This is due to the
additional current through R35 and D11 charging C5 when A (ON) is
present.
[0291] When the "A" power loss detect subsystem 715 is on, signal
CQ18 will be low. ZD9 and D1 will lower the voltage on the emitter
of Q1. Q1 and Q2 will be turned on harder serving to improve the
hysteresis of the under voltage circuit. C6 and R2 act to smooth
out the A (ON) signal. C6 provides storage so that the zero
crossings of the rectified AC signal do not turn the A detect
circuit off. R2 controls the decay time of the discharge of C6 when
power is lost on the "A" power 760 side.
[0292] Embodiments of the "A" power voltage range detect subsystem
710, such as the embodiments illustrated and described with
reference to FIG. 9, provide a number of innovative features. One
such feature is that some embodiments of the "A" power voltage
range detect subsystem 710 provide very high efficiency. As
illustrated, using high impedance components and switching off of
the power delivery to the "A" power loss detect subsystem 715 as
the technique for initiating and holding the voltage fault
conditions is very efficient and consumes a minimum amount of
power. In addition, the "A" power voltage range detect subsystem
710 also provides all power to the "A" power loss detect subsystem
715, and has current limiting provided by C3. Use of a capacitor
for current limiting minimizes power consumption by returning
unused current to the source on each half cycle instead of wasting
it as heat as in a traditional resistor limiting technique.
[0293] Another such feature is that some embodiments of the "A"
power voltage range detect subsystem 710 provide easily programmed
over-voltage detect delay. As illustrated, the over-voltage detect
functionality uses a single capacitor value (C4) to determine the
delay for detecting an over-voltage condition. Another such feature
is that some embodiments of the "A" power voltage range detect
subsystem 710 provide easily programmed "A" voltage OK delay. The
"A" power voltage range detect subsystem 710a determines whether
the voltage from "A" power 760 is "OK." That functionality uses a
single capacitor value (C5) to determine the delay for accepting
the A input voltage for start-up of the micro-ATS 700, and can be
easily adjusted for various requirements.
[0294] Yet another such feature is that some embodiments of the "A"
power voltage range detect subsystem 710 provide an easily
programmed thresholds for "A" under-voltage detect, "A" voltage OK,
and "A" over-voltage detect. Under voltage assumes that the voltage
was at one point acceptable, and that it is now lower than desired.
As illustrated, a single resistor value (R35) controls the
difference between the acceptable value and the low voltage shut
down point. Similarly, the "A" voltage OK threshold can be
programmed via a single resistor value change (R16), and the "A"
over-voltage threshold can be programmed via a single resistor
value change (R14).
[0295] FIG. 10A shows a circuit diagram of an illustrative "A"
power loss detect subsystem 715a for use in some embodiments of a
micro-ATS 700. Embodiments of the "A" power loss detect subsystem
715 handle fundamental operation of the primary power ("A" power
760) detect and delay portions of the micro-ATS 700.
[0296] The simplified overview of the "A" side power sense and
delay circuit is shown. A description of the fundamentals of a
Silicone Controlled Rectifier is also included to help understand
the principals of the power detect and hold function.
[0297] The primary function of this circuit in the uATS is to
detect the presence of AC power on the "A" side, and hold
connection to that power source in the relay section later
described. This circuit also has the delay control that prevents
returning to a power after a transfer for about 5 seconds. This
prevents unnecessary transfers if the "A" side power source is
intermittent. In addition, this circuit also rejects many
conditions, such as outages shorter than 4 ms, momentary sags,
etc., of power that would otherwise cause false transfers.
[0298] The core functionality is achieved by rectifying the AC
power via a current limiting 0.22 uf capacitor. The rectified power
is mildly filtered in C6, but the primary function of C6 is to
control the amount of hold-over current present during AC outages
at the zero crossing of the AC line. Otherwise, the uATS would
disconnect from the "A" side at every AC crossing, 120 times a
second.
[0299] This capacitor is also largely responsible for determining
the time for a minimum outage before releasing the latch that
controls the "A" side connection, and transferring to the Alternate
Power Source, ("B" side).
[0300] The transistor pair of Q 17 (PNP) and Q18 (NPN) act as a SCR
connected pair. Observing the description of the SCR, and the pair
of Q17 and Q18 (FIG. 5) demonstrates this configuration.
[0301] The thyristor is a four-layer, three terminal semiconductor
device, with each layer consisting of alternately N-type or P-type
material, for example P-N-P-N. The main terminals, labeled anode
and cathode, are across the full four layers, and the control
terminal, called the gate, is attached to p-type material near to
the cathode. (A variant called an SCS--Silicon Controlled
Switch--brings all four layers out to terminals.) The operation of
a thyristor can be understood in terms of a pair of tightly coupled
bipolar junction transistors, arranged to cause the self-latching
action:
[0302] Referring to FIG. 5, when current is continuously flowing
through the Q 17, Q18 pair, it will remain latched "on". If current
is interrupted, the latching will be lost, and it will not conduct
again until re-started. In this circuit, conduction, or "gating" is
accomplished via the charging of C8 via R20, and the resulting
eventual conduction of current through Zener Diode ZD1. This
sub-circuit has a time constant of about 5 seconds and provides the
delay function on start-up necessary to prevent rapid transfers if
source power is intermittent. A unique feature of using this dual
transistor SCR emulation is that access to the collector of Q17
allows the secondary function of the "SCR" pair by allowing
supplemental current to be presented to the base of Q15. Upon
successful latching of the "SCR" pair, the timing capacitor C8 is
reset nearly to zero voltage by the conduction of Q15. This
prepares the timing circuit for the next off-to-on cycle. Another
feature of this circuit is that access to the base of Q17 allows
insertion of a transient suppression filter and programmed current
release point determined by resistors R13, R26 and C7. This is
necessary because the release point of the "SCR" pair must be below
the on threshold of the optical isolator and subsequent amplifier
circuit. In other words, it is important that the release point be
determined by the "SCR" un-latching rather than the gain of the
optical coupler and amplifier.
[0303] Additional components include R19, which depletes C6 at a
known rate, R21 which guarantees full discharge of C 8 on initial
startup, and LED 5 (Green), an indicator for the user interface to
show that A power is on and is selected for the source of delivery
to the output of the uATS.
[0304] Another unique feature of this design is it's extremely low
power consumption. Since this circuit must operate at all times
when the primary power ("A" side) is being delivered to the load,
minimization of power consumption was of high importance. No
external power supplies are required, and power through LED 5, and
the Optical Isolator LED, is determined primarily by the current
limiter 0.22 uf capacitor (C3), and the 56 K pass resistor R2.
Other values of Resistance and capacitance could be selected to
further reduce normal function power consumption, but these values
are selected for maximum noise immunity and lowest power
consumption in this application.
[0305] FIG. 5 demonstrates the initial electrical activity very
shortly after application of power to the circuit.
[0306] AC power (Teal) is applied to the bridge, converted to
rectified DC and charges C6 and C8. C8 charges slowly towards the
conduction threshold of ZD1. No action happens in any other parts
of the circuit. This is the initial delay part of the start up
cycle of the "A" side. If the uATS were returning power from the
"B" side to the "A" side after a previous failure of the "A" side,
this delay would provide about 5 seconds to make sure the "A" side
was stable.
[0307] FIG. 6 represents the condition just at the conduction
threshold of ZD1. At this point the base of Q18 now has voltage
being applied to it relative to the emitter.
[0308] Q18 is not yet conducting, as about 0.6 V must be present
prior to beginning of conduction, but the latch is about to
set.
[0309] At this point, C8 is charged to about 13 V, D19 is
conducting and ZD1 is conducting. As C8 continues to charge,
eventually base current starts to flow in
[0310] Q18, initiating an "avalanche" condition in the "SCR" pair,
Q18 and Q17.
[0311] FIG. 7 shows the condition of current flow a few
microseconds after the base current starts to flow, and current
starts to flow through LEDS, the optical coupler LED, R13 and the
base of Q17.
[0312] Current flows in the base of Q17, thus causing it to conduct
and add current to the base of Q18, further turning it on, adding
current to the base of Q17, so on and so on until the pair is
"latched" on. This set of events occurs very rapidly, and the LED
of the optical isolator is turned on very rapidly. Simultaneously,
the base of Q15 has voltage applied to it, and the subsequent
current causes Q15 to conduct, discharging C8. The discharge rate
of C8 is limited by the base current limiter resistor R24.
[0313] FIG. 8 shows this state of this circuit during the discharge
cycle of C8, and just before the final state of the circuit prior
to normal functional operation of the uATS which is the state of
delivering "A" Side power to the output.
[0314] At this stage, C8 has been discharged below the conduction
threshold of ZD1, and hence Q18 is getting its base current solely
from the collector of Q17 via the system current limiting resistor
R25.
[0315] FIG. 9 shows the normal operating state of the uATS while on
the "A" Side power source, the primary power source. The vast
majority of the uATS operating time should be in this mode.
[0316] FIG. 10 shows the u ATS shortly after the loss of "A" Side
Power. The circuit continues to operate for a short period by
extracting the remaining charge from C6.
[0317] As the available power in C6 is depleted, the resistive
divider of R26 and R13 reaches a point where Q17 begins to not be
forward conducting through its base, thus reducing the current in
it's collector.
[0318] This is the start of the rapid cascade to release of the
"SCR" pair, Q17 and Q18. FIG. 11 illustrates this transient
condition.
[0319] FIG. 12 shows the condition after the "SCR" pair, Q17 and
Q18 have released, and are no longer conducting, and hence the LED
5 and the optical isolator diode are also no longer conducting. At
this point the events controlled by the timing and synchronization
circuits are initiating the transfer to the "B" side of the relays
in the A/B relay switching circuit.
[0320] The final electrical activity is the removal of residual
current from the base of Q18. Also, residual charge in C6 and C8 is
depleted via resistors R19 and R21, respectively. Hence, the
circuit is ready for the return of "A" power when it occurs.
[0321] FIG. 11 shows a circuit diagram of an illustrative "B" power
synchronization detection subsystem 720a for use in some
embodiments of a micro-ATS 700. "B" power 765 is received as BH and
BN, and is full-wave rectified by bridge BR5. The current is
limited by R57. The output of the bridge BR5 drives the diode in
opto-transistor U1. As illustrated, the transistor on U1 will turn
off when the output of the bridge BR5 is less than a preset
threshold (illustrated as approximately 6 volts, though other
values can be set if desired). This derives the zero-voltage
crossing of "B" power 765, which can then be used for zero-voltage
synchronization.
[0322] Embodiments of the "B" power synchronization detection
subsystem 720, such as the embodiments illustrated and described
with reference to FIG. 11, provide a number of innovative features.
One such feature is that some embodiments of the "B" power
synchronization detection subsystem 720 provide loss detection as a
direct function of power availability. As illustrated, the "B"
power synchronization detection subsystem 720 is powered by the
source it is detecting. If the power fails, the circuit ceases to
detect that source and it fails to provide the optically isolated
control to the timing control subsystem 730 via the "B" power
synchronization detection subsystem 720. This provides a fail-safe
design, in that if "A" power 760 fails, the remainder of the
micro-ATS 700 circuits default to transferring to "B" power
765.
[0323] Another such feature is that some embodiments of the "B"
power synchronization detection subsystem 720 provide noise and
false triggering immunity. As illustrated, the circuit has a power
envelope detect methodology. C6 is continuously charged by the
incoming power and continuously discharged by the A Loss Detect
circuits and by the LED in the optical isolator U2. Thus, for a
valid power loss to be detected, the capacitor C6 must discharge
its energy to allow the transfer. One result is that it stores the
energy during each half-cycle allowing easily programmed delay
timing between the time that power fails and the time that
initiation of transfer actually occurs. Another result is that
unwanted glitches are filtered where they would otherwise cause
false transfers. Yet another result is that under-frequency
detection is provided without additional components. If the input
frequency of the "A" power 760 side falls below the total envelope
charge for a given time, the capacitor C6 will fail to store enough
charge from cycle to cycle, and the latch (formed by Q17 and Q18)
will release and allow transfer of the load to the "B" power 765
side.
[0324] FIG. 12 shows a circuit diagram 1200 of an illustrative
"A"/"B" synchronization integrator subsystem 725a in context of the
"B" power synchronization detection subsystem 720 and the "A" power
loss detect subsystem 715 for use in some embodiments of a
micro-ATS 700. Embodiments of the "A"/"B" synchronization
integrator subsystem 725a provide synchronization of "B" to "A"
transfers at zero voltage crossing times and the "A" to "B"
integration function. For the sake of clarity, functionality will
be described during start-up, during a transfer from "B" power 765
to "A" power 760, and during a transfer from "A" power 760 to "B"
power 765.
[0325] Turning first to functionality during start-up, "A" power
760 is turned on. Accordingly, "A" power 760 will be present at the
output because "A" power 760 uses the NC (Not Connected) contacts
of the relays. After some delay (illustrated as approximately 4
seconds), the "A" power loss detect subsystem 715 will light its
indicator LED (LED 5) and provide current for the diode in U2. The
transistor in U2 will turn on and provide a current path for R15
and R11 to turn on Q33. Q33 will then provide a current path
through R28 and D23 to charge the integrator capacitor C9. Q33 will
also turn Q19 on and will be helped by the cathode of D16 going
positive, providing positive bias through D14 and R62. When Q19
turns on, Q20 will turn off disabling the "B" power synchronization
detection subsystem 720. Thus, the opto-transistor in U1 will have
no influence on the charge of the integrator. Current continues to
flow from the collector of Q33 to C9 via R28 and D23 charging C9.
This is the initial charge integration signal to be sent to the
timing control subsystem 730 for threshold detection there. As the
charge builds, it eventually reaches a point where the comparators
(U3a and U3b) detect the crossovers. This is the basis of
establishing the timing spaces between the events of the relays
switching. The inter relay transfer timing of transfer from B to A
is essentially controlled by R28.
[0326] Turning to functionality during transfer from "B" power 765
to "A" power 760, much of the functionality is essentially the same
as that described above with reference to the start-up
functionality. Approximately 4 seconds after "A" power 760 returns,
the indicator LED (LED 5) will light (i.e., this is similar to when
"A" power 760 is initially started up, as described above). Current
will go to U2 and turn U2 on. Q33 will turn on, starting to charge
U9. At this point, Q20 and U1 are turned on, and Q19 is turned off
and cannot turn on until the next zero crossing of "B" power 765
when U1 turns off. This allows the anode of D22 to go high, turning
Q19 on, turning Q20 off, and slowing the integrator to charge
through R28. This causes the micro-ATS 700 to switch to "A" power
760.
[0327] Turning to functionality during transfer from "A" power 760
to "B" power 765, if "A" power 760 should fail, U2 will turn off,
causing Q33 to turn off. This will turn Q19 off and Q20 on. Since
the opto-transistor in U1 is almost always conducting, Q20 and the
opto-transistor in U1 will short the integrator through D24 and R70
at any time except exactly at the next zero crossing of the "B"
power 765 side. As C9 rapidly discharges, the integrator output to
the timing control subsystem 730 will cross over the thresholds of
the comparator U3a and U3b. The first event will be to set RY On
via U3a. Since U3b is presently biased to provide the shunt at the
junction of Relays RY2 and RY3, high inrush current will flow in
RY2, causing it to disconnect the "A" power 760 from the load. As
the integrator voltage continues to fall, the second comparator
threshold is passed, and U3b releases GC On. This de-energizes the
gatekeeper relay (RY3) and the Neutral Relay (RY1) shunt. Then,
very shortly thereafter the Gatekeeper relay (RY3) and the Neutral
Relay (RY1) will connect the load to the "B" power 765 AC source.
Only then does current start to flow to the load from the "B" power
765 AC power source.
[0328] Embodiments of the "A"/"B" synchronization integrator
subsystem 725, such as the embodiments illustrated and described
with reference to FIG. 12, provide a number of innovative features.
One such feature is that some embodiments of the "A"/"B"
synchronization integrator subsystem 725 provide very high
efficiency, for example, because of their use of high impedance
components to reduce size and minimize power consumption. Another
such feature is that some embodiments of the "A"/"B"
synchronization integrator subsystem 725 act as a multi-function
circuit to minimize component count. As illustrated, embodiments
combine the functions of synchronizing the return from "B" power
765 to "A" power 760, and the timing control for the gap between
disconnecting the "A" power 760 before connecting the "B" power 765
to the outputs. By combining these functions, parts count can be
minimized and the overall size of the finished product can be
reduced. Yet another such feature is that some embodiments of the
"A"/"B" synchronization integrator subsystem 725 provide power off
delay timing during transfer from "B" power 765 to "A" power 760.
The transition time power off delay is accomplished via an easily
programmed capacitor value (C9). C9 is the integration storage
capacitor that supplies threshold ramp signal to U1, the timing
comparator. Adjustment of C9 changes the delay between the A
disconnect relay (RY2), and changing state of the Gatekeeper (RY3)
and Neutral (RY1) relays.
[0329] FIG. 13 shows a circuit diagram of an illustrative timing
control subsystem 730a for use in some embodiments of a micro-ATS
700. Comparators in embodiments of the timing control subsystem 730
control switching functions of the relays and activation of the
warning indicators and buzzer. The ladder formed by R45, R46, and
R47 defines voltages V1 and V2. Integrator (C9) is the output of
the "A"/"B" synchronization integrator subsystem 725, and is high
when the micro-ATS 700 is using "A" power 760 and low when the
micro-ATS 700 is using "B" power 765. The slope of the transition
from "A" power 760 to "B" power 765 and from "B" power 765 to "A"
power 760 is controlled by C9 and R70, and by C9 and R28,
respectively. C9, R70, and R28 are discussed as part of the "A"/"B"
synchronization integrator subsystem 725.
[0330] Pin 2 of the comparator U3a is the Relay On (Low) signal and
drives the emitter of Q29. Pin 2 will subsequently apply HV power
to the A relay RY2 (RY On). Pin 1 of the comparator U3b is the GC
Shunt Drive (Low) and drives the emitter of Q14. Pin 1 will
subsequently ground the other side of the A relay (RY2) when
asserted. This applies the full HV power (150 Volts) across the A
relay (RY2), which can assures fast operation of the A relay (RY2).
Times T1 and T2 are controlled by V1 and V2, and by the rising and
falling slope of the Integrator (C9).
[0331] Embodiments of the timing control subsystem 730 participate
in "A" power 760 to "B" power 765 transitions according to the
following technique. When "A" power 760 fails, the Integrator (C9)
will start to ramp down to V1. HV power will then be applied to
RY2. Ground is already on the other side of the RY2 coil. RY2 will
then disconnect from the "A" power 760 side. When the Integrator
(C9) drops further to A2 (the end of time T1), the signal GC Shunt
Drive will go high releasing the ground from RY2 and allowing
current to flow through RY2 to RY1 and RY3. This connects "B" power
765 and Neutral Out to the output power 770 node. Time T1 assures
that "A" power 760 is released before "B" power 765 is
connected.
[0332] Embodiments of the timing control subsystem 730 participate
in "B" power 765 to "A" power 760 transitions according to the
following technique. At the beginning of T2, RY2 is grounded,
removing power from the RY1 and RY3 relays. This connects the
Neutral Out (NO) to "A" Side Neutral (AN) and Hot Out (HO) to the
RY2 relay, which is open at this point. At the end of T2, HV power
is removed from the RY2 relay, thus connecting "A" Side Power to
the Hot Out (HO). HV and "Common 2" are the outputs of the HV power
supply. During normal operation, Common and Common 2 are connected
together by the Darlington transistor Q22.
[0333] Embodiments of the timing control subsystem 730 participate
in over-current control according to the following technique. When
the output current approaches a pre-defined warning point (e.g.,
between 12 and 13 Amps), an indicator is illuminated to warn the
user that this is the maximum advisable limit for continuous
current. At this point V3 and V4 are defined by the ladder
resistors R34 and R36 and diode D7 as discussed above. Output
current is detected in the output current detect subsystem 740, and
an analog voltage is generated there and sent to the timing control
subsystem 730. The slope of the "Load Current Sensed Signal" (LCSS)
is a function of applied current to the attached load and time. V4
is set to be equivalent to approximately a 12-Amp load on the
output of the micro-ATS 700 (or another desired value). When the
LCSS exceeds V4, pin 13 of comparator U3d will go low. This will
cause a loss of conduction through ZD7 guaranteeing that Q22 will
turn off when U3d pin 13 goes low, which, in turn, will energize
the indicator LED (LED4). R37 and D13 will cause V4 to drop
slightly increasing the separation between V4 and the LCSS. C25
also serves to smooth out the difference between V4 and the
LCSS.
[0334] If the LCSS then drops below V4, LED4 will turn off. If,
however, the LCSS continues to increase to V3, pin 14 of U3c will
go low. This can cause three events to occur. One event occurs
because D26 and D27 are connected to U3a pin 2 and U3b pin 1. When
U3c pin 14 goes low, pins 2 and 1 are also pulled low. This
activates RY2, disconnecting the power from the output via D26, and
locks out the shunt drive from activating via D27. Another event is
that the piezoelectric device driver subsystem 750 will be turned
on via the negative supply path. Another event is that Q23 will be
turned on by R41. Q23 will pull the LCSS to 15 volts, latching the
fault signal low. Q23 is discussed further with reference to the
piezoelectric device driver subsystem 750.
[0335] According to some embodiments, when the micro-ATS 700 output
current exceeds the pre-defined limits (e.g., substantially like a
14.5-Amp fast-blow fuse), an indicator is illuminated that
indicates the micro-ATS 700 disconnected the load from the source,
and a buzzer sounds to warn the user that the micro-ATS 700 has
disconnected the load. This provides "virtual circuit breaker"
(VCB) function of the micro-ATS 700.
[0336] At this point V3 and V4 are defined by the ladder resistors
R34 and R36 and diode D7, as discussed above. If an over-current
condition occurs, the LCSS will be detected by the timing and
control comparators U3C and U3D. If it represents a current of
greater than 15 A for 10 seconds, the "Fault (Low)" signal will be
generated, latching Q23 and charging C12. This will protect fuses
F1 and F2. If the overload is removed and switch SW1 is pressed,
the charge on C12 will be transferred to C13. Q23 will be turned
off and power will be restored to the output. If, however, the
overload has not been removed, then C15 is still charged, so that
"Fault Low" will be regenerated, and Q23 will be turned back on.
Repeated pressing of the reset switch (SW1) will charge up C13 from
C12 and nothing will happen. This prevents an already hot F1 or F2
from getting repeated hits when SW1 is pressed. Thus the virtual
fuse protects the internal real fuse.
[0337] Embodiments of the timing control subsystem 730, such as the
embodiments illustrated and described with reference to FIG. 13,
provide a number of innovative features. One such feature is that
some embodiments of the timing control subsystem 730 provide very
high efficiency. Embodiments use very low-power components and
high-impedance circuits to minimize power consumption. Another such
feature is that some embodiments of the timing control subsystem
730 provide high voltage control. The connection of the
low-voltage, low-power control section to the high-voltage
relay-power control section is accomplished via an innovative
coupling using a variation of the grounded base configuration,
where the bases of Q14 and Q29 are referenced to the +15-Volt power
supply. The emitters of those transistors are connected to the open
collector outputs of U3. Since these outputs are only current sink
to the common supply and that they also cannot be exposed to
voltages greater than the plus supply, these voltage amplifier
transistors (Q14 and Q29) provide that voltage amplification with
as few components as is possible.
[0338] Yet another such feature is that some embodiments of the
timing control subsystem 730 provide power savings in LED
illumination of the indicator LEDs (LED 4 and LED 1). The
improvement in efficiency is not so much the savings of power when
the LEDs are illuminated, as this is the time when there is either
a fault or a undesired condition, and is not the predominant
operating condition of the micro-ATS 700. However, the fact that
the innovative way of powering these LEDs eliminates the need for
an additional power supply, and the attendant losses associated
with such an addition, is an improvement in efficiency. Both of
these LEDs are powered by current through the rest of the circuitry
that is utilized, regardless of the conditions of the LEDs
otherwise. The current is being passed through LED 4 from the
current utilized to operate the timing control subsystem 730. When
not needed (not illuminated) LED 4 is turned off by the shorting
transistor Q22. The only condition when a fault is necessarily
indicated (e.g., by LED 1) is when the A relay (RY2) is active, and
the Gatekeeper and Neutral relays (RY3, RY1) are shunted into the
off condition, thus disconnecting power from the source to the
output. In this continuous condition, the current necessary to
power the A relay (RY2) is passed through LED1. This current path
is already necessary to power the relay, thus it can be used to
power the LED with no additional power supply circuitry. This
design feature reduces power consumption, and simplifies the total
design.
[0339] FIG. 14 shows a circuit diagram of an illustrative "A" &
"B" power switching subsystem 735 for use in some embodiments of a
micro-ATS 700. The "A" & "B" power switching subsystem 735
controls when the selected power source to the micro-ATS 700 is
switched, either from "A" power 760 to "B" power 765 or "B" power
765 to "A" power 760. Embodiments also control over-current
condition switching and relay sequencing, using RY1, RY2, and RY3
to control the flow of power from the "A" power 760 and "B" power
765 inputs to the output power 770 node. Both "A" power 760 and "B"
power 765 can be protected by fuses F1 and F2, respectively.
[0340] One condition of the "A" & "B" power switching subsystem
735 that is worth discussing is during an inter-transfer time
(e.g., which may be substantially similar or identical to the
condition of the "A" & "B" power switching subsystem 735 under
a fault condition). When GC On 825 goes low (U3 pin 1) as discussed
with reference to the timing control subsystem 730, R52 will
provide the bias to turn Q14 on. Current in the collector of Q14
will bias the base of Q16 and in turn will turn Q16 on via R55.
This is the voltage amplifier from the 15-Volt limited output of U3
to the 150-Volt offset to Q16 and Q4. The current in the emitter of
Q16 is passed through the base of Q4 and to the coils of RY2 and
RY3, thereby grounding them (as discussed more fully above). At
this point, only the A relay (RY2) is energized. The function of Q4
will be discussed below with reference to the disconnect switch
subsystem 745. According to the illustrated embodiment, transfers
from "A" power 760 to "B" power 765 and from "B" power 765 to "A"
power 760 may take around 2 milliseconds. It is also the state of
the micro-ATS 700 during a fault condition (e.g., an over-current
detected condition). It is worth noting that there is no AC Hot
path from either "A" power 760 or "B" power 765 to the output power
770 node in this condition.
[0341] Another condition of the "A" & "B" power switching
subsystem 735 that is worth discussing is when power is transferred
to the "B" power 765 source. When "Relay Power (Low)" goes low (U3
pin 2) as discussed with reference to the timing control subsystem
730, R66 will provide the bias to turn Q29 on. This is the voltage
amplifier from the 15-Volt limited output of U3 to the 150-Volt
offset to Q30. The current in the collector of Q29 will turn Q30 on
via R67. This will provide 150-Volt "HV" power to the 48-Volt coils
of the series-wired relay string (RY1, RY2, and RY3).
[0342] FIG. 15 shows a circuit diagram of an illustrative
disconnect switch subsystem 745a for use in some embodiments of a
micro-ATS 700. This switch is used to disconnect the alternate
power source (via node A2 775) from the power supply subsystem 705
when not required. According to some embodiments, application of
the alternate power source occurs only in one condition. When the
micro-ATS 700 has a fault condition present (e.g., over-current),
the relays of the "A" & "B" power switching subsystem 735 are
configured with the A relay (RY2) in the disconnect (i.e.,
energized) position, and the Gatekeeper relay (RY3) and the Neutral
relay (RY1) in the disabled (i.e., non-energized) position. Thus no
output voltage is available at the H or N nodes, and the micro-ATS
700 would not have power input to the power supply subsystem 705.
In this case, the normally open contact of the A Relay (RY2) has
power present on it, which is directed to the power supply
subsystem 705 via A2 775 to maintain power to the power supply
subsystem 705 in this condition.
[0343] During all other states of the micro-ATS 700, it may not be
desirable to have this connection. Differences in voltages between
the A2 775 signal when the A relay (RY2) is energized and the "B"
power 765 for the power supply subsystem 705 will cause transitory
currents to be distributed unevenly between the AC hot power
sources and their respective neutral return paths. This can result
in possible interruption of a source power circuit served by a
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) receptacle or a circuit
breaker. To prevent this condition, the disconnect switch subsystem
745 only allows alternate power via the A2 775 node to activate
when a fault condition is present.
[0344] According to the illustrated embodiment, during a fault
condition, the base of Q4 is pulled negatively by the output of the
timing control subsystem 730 and the voltage amplifier via the
signal GC On 825. Current through the base of Q4 to the emitter
thus clamps off current through the Gatekeeper relay (RY3) and the
Neutral relay (RY1). At the same time, RY Power On 820 is active to
energize the via the emitter and base of Q4 to GC On 825, which is
pulled to round. In this state, the A relay (RY2) is on (i.e.,
energized), and the Gatekeeper relay (RY3) and the Neutral relay
(RY1) are held off. It is worth noting that, in this condition,
there is no source of power available to the output power 770 node.
This is the state of the relays during a "fault" condition (e.g.,
an over-current state).
[0345] In the event of a fault condition, in the timing control
subsystem 730 (described above), the indicator LED (LED 4) is on,
and Q22 is not on. In addition, the indicator LED (LED 1) is turned
on by the current into the base of Q4. The sum total of the voltage
from the cathode of the indicator LED (LED 4) to the HV Common 815
exceeds the threshold of ZD11. The current through ZD11 (green)
thus illuminates the LED in U5, providing current to the base of
Q3. Q3 then conducts and "shorts" out both conduction paths through
BR6 allowing AC power to pass from C16 to A2 775. A2 775 then
supplies the power supply subsystem 705 with AC source power only
during a fault condition. C16 limits the total AC current to the
power supply since, during this one condition, the A relay (RY2) is
the only relay that is energized.
[0346] It should be noted that the reset switch SW1 in the Timing
Control Subsystem can be connected to have additional
functionality. In this mode two switches are used, one of which is
the existing "reset" button which re-initiates power connection to
the output after a fault condition, and one is an additional switch
and associated latching circuit, used to clear the latching circuit
if it is in the "off" mode and turn it back on. Thus the "off"
switch will essentially "trip" the Virtual Circuit Breaker, by
initiating the clear state (i.e. "off") condition without sounding
the piezoelectric buzzer. This is done by connecting the off switch
controlled latch to the control node between the present fault
detect circuit and the relay control circuit. The mode of
connection is commonly known as "wired OR".
[0347] Embodiments of the disconnect switch subsystem 745, such as
the embodiments illustrated and described with reference to FIG.
15, provide a number of innovative features. One such feature is
that some embodiments of the disconnect switch subsystem 745
provide very high efficiency. As illustrated, the use of three
relays in series, rated at 48 volts each, can allow the application
of directly rectified AC mains voltage to the relays. This
eliminates additional power conversion circuitry, thus reducing
parts counts as well as increasing efficiency. Another such feature
is that some embodiments of the disconnect switch subsystem 745 use
current limiting capacitor (C16) when only the A relay (RY2) is
activated continuously, which allows use of the otherwise unused
"normally open" contact of that relay, and further reduces parts
count.
[0348] Yet another such feature is that some embodiments of the
disconnect switch subsystem 745 provide relay sequencing when all
three relays release simultaneously to prevent arching. As
illustrated, the coupling of the fly-back suppression diode D48 on
RY2 to the return path rather than directly across the relay
provides a slight contact timing delay between the A relay (RY2)
losing power and the Gatekeeper relay (RY3) and Neutral relay
(RY1). This is accomplished by the anode of D48 being connected to
the common rail instead of the more traditional connection to the
relay coil. In this configuration, the A relay (RY2) has a higher
impedance for the fly-back current to sink into, as the sinking
current is also going through RY1 and RY3. The higher impedance
results in the relay armature being able to move less quickly then
the armatures of the other two relays. The result is that when the
power is disconnected from the relay chain, RY2 will always connect
the "A" power 760 slightly in delay to the disconnection timing of
the gatekeeper (RY3) from the "B" power 765. This helps insure that
"A" power 760 never becomes connected to "B" power 765
simultaneously while relay contacts are still together. Even if
there is sufficient current to force a small arc, the relay
contacts have disconnected prior to the arc starting, thus
preventing the contacts from "welding" themselves in place and
causing the "A" power 760 and "B" power 765 to flow uncontrollably.
The result of this, in a polyphase application of "A" power 760 and
"B" power 765 would result in a blown fuse.
[0349] FIG. 16 shows a circuit diagram of an illustrative output
current detect subsystem 740a for use in some embodiments of a
micro-ATS 700. Embodiments of the output current detect subsystem
740a detect and measure the presence and various characteristics of
the output current from the automatic transfer switch. This also
circuit tends to mimic characteristics of a fuse, but only slightly
below the thresholds of 15-Amp Fast Blow physical fuses that may be
used in the "A" power 760 and "B" power 765 inputs to the micro-ATS
700. This allows the micro-ATS 700 to protect itself without
blowing actual physical fuses, which must be replaced.
[0350] As illustrated, the neutral out of the micro-ATS 700 has a
current sense transformer on it. This transformer has a diode
bridge, formed by D28, D29, D30, and D31, which full-wave rectifies
the "Load Current Sensed Signal" (LCSS, described above with
reference to the timing control subsystem 730). C22 and R48 filter
out the higher frequencies of the AC current and provide proper
impedance loading of the current transformer. R11 and Thermistor
RT1 provide thermal compensation so the micro-ATS 700 can remain
accurate over a wide range of temperatures. C14, R50, D32, D3, C15,
R51, and R75 can be configured and selected to effectively emulate
the time VS current opening threshold of a 14.5-Amp fast-blow fuse,
with the time part of the curve advanced to open about 33% faster
than the equivalent 15-Amp fast-blow fuse.
[0351] Embodiments of the output current detect subsystem 740, such
as the embodiments illustrated and described with reference to FIG.
16, provide a number of innovative features. One such feature is
that some embodiments of the output current detect subsystem 740
employ a combination of capacitors and resistors that result in an
analog representation of the characteristics of a fast blow fuse.
The principal characteristics of the timing of a fuse are as
follows: it can carry significant over-current for a short period
of time; and, after some time, the fuse will "blow" at or near the
rated current of the fuse. This is primarily controlled by the
thermal characteristics of the fuse material itself, and how much
mass is being heated to the melting point by the applied current.
In order to emulate the characteristics of a fuse, a pseudo
two-pole filter is formed by these components to emulate the
desired characteristics. The circuit reduces the parts count to the
minimum by having the two halves of the two poles interact with
each other by allowing current from the first pole to charge the
second pole without the reverse. The second pole is discharged by a
controlled discharge path through R32. This single point of
discharge can thus be used to bias both poles of the filter and
alter the overall curve of the response time of this circuit
without significantly changing the shape of the curve. This is
useful for adjusting the "rating of the fuse" by a simple one
component change, specifically R32. By changing the value of R32,
the programmed threshold of maximum current rating of the
electronic, or virtual, fuse (circuit breaker) can be adjusted
simply and with minimum effect on the inrush current handling
characteristics of the circuit.
[0352] Another such feature is that some embodiments of the output
current detect subsystem 740 provide temperature stability.
Numerous variables are introduced into the design of the virtual
circuit breaker design (e.g., as discussed with reference to the
output current detect subsystem 740 and to the timing control
subsystem 730 above) that affect temperature related stability.
Compensation of all of the thermal variables as well as emulating
the thermal effects in a real fuse is accomplished by RT1 and R11.
RT1 is a thermister that has a negative temperature coefficient. As
temperature goes up, the resistance goes down, in a predictable
fashion. By placing these two components in series across the
current sense transformer, the load impedance presented to that
transformer is affected by temperature. The selection of values for
the Thermistor RT1 and R11 result in the overall performance of the
virtual circuit breaker effectively mimicking its
electro-mechanical equivalent.
[0353] FIG. 17 shows a circuit diagram of an illustrative
piezoelectric device driver subsystem 750a for use in some
embodiments of a micro-ATS 700. Embodiments of the piezoelectric
device driver subsystem 750a include an innovative implementation
of a power driver for driving a piezoelectric buzzer (or similar
device). When "NOT FAULT" goes low, it provides a ground path for
the oscillator formed by Q25, Q27, R40, R42, R44, R39, C10, and
C11.
[0354] When power is applied, either Q25 or Q27 will turn on. If
Q25 turns on, the voltage on both sides of C10 will drop, thereby
providing a low to the base of Q27 and turning Q27 off Then C10
will charge up via R44. When the voltage at the base of Q27 reaches
approximately 0.6 volts, Q27 will turn on. Both sides of C11 will
drop. Q25 will turn off, and so on, back and forth. Q21 and Q26 are
emitter followers. As the collector of Q25 charges up when Q25 is
off, Q23 emitter will follow its base driving the piezoelectric
buzzer. When Q25 turns on it will sink connect from the piezo
through D2, and similarly for Q26, D4, and Q27.
[0355] Embodiments of the piezoelectric device driver subsystem
750, such as the embodiments illustrated and described with
reference to FIG. 17, provide a number of innovative features. One
such feature is that the circuit provides high efficiency with a
low parts count. As illustrated, high efficiency is achieved by
combining the oscillator and amplifier necessary to drive the piezo
into a power oscillator, and the combination also tends to minimize
parts count. In this configuration, nearly all the current expended
in the circuit for both the oscillator function and the power
amplifier function is applied to the piezo crystal for conversion
to acoustic energy.
[0356] The various circuits and other embodiments described above
form novel embodiments of micro-ATSs 700 and provide a number of
features. One such feature is ultra-low power consumption. Use of a
transformer-less power supply reduces overall loss in converting
from 120 VAC mains voltage to DC voltages required for internal
circuits. Another such feature is that virtually no power is
consumed on the non-connected side (e.g., on the "B" power 765 side
when the load is connected to "A" power 760). Yet another such
feature is that the use of optical isolation in the power supply
virtually eliminates cross currents between the "A" power 760 and
"B" power 765 inputs. Still another such feature is that arc
suppression is provided at the disconnection of the "B" power 765
side on the contacts of the affected relays by timing the break of
the relay contacts at the zero crossing of the current presented to
those contacts.
[0357] Additional features are realized by selections of certain
circuit components and/or topologies. One such feature is that
ultra low power consumption can be achieved by utilizing a
capacitor current limit on the AC input. The selected capacitor
(0.22 uF) limits 60 Hz to about 10 milliamps into the 48-volt load.
At 50 Hz, the limit is 8 milliamps, both within operating range of
the connected relays. Another such feature is that use of the same
path of current in the "A" power loss detect subsystem 715 for
illuminating the "on A" indicator, activating the optical isolator
link to the synchronization circuit, and the hold latch, minimizes
the normal operating state draw on the "A" power 760 side.
[0358] Another such feature is that power delivery from the "A"
power 760 side to the Load, the predominant path of power for the
majority of use with regards to time, is via the Normally Closed
position of the routing relays. This eliminates the current
necessary to activate the relays. Another such feature is that
conversion of the AC mains voltage directly to DC without the use
of a transformer, or power conversion, for the purpose of
minimizing power consumption, is made possible by the arrangement
of the relays when activated. Three relays are connected in series
when activated to transfer the load to the "B" power 765 side. This
action allows the use of high voltage (AC Mains Voltage directly
rectified to 150 VDC). This design methodology allows the
transformer-less power supply to be implemented.
[0359] Another such feature comes from use of the Normally Open
contact of the A disconnect Relay (RY2) as an AC Mains diversion
path for and alternate power source during a fault condition. In
this condition, only the A relay is activated. The alternate path
described allows a second rectifier and a capacitor current limit
on the AC Mains, so the current rating of the coil of the single
activated relay (RY2) is within operating range of 8-10 milliamps.
Another such feature is that use of total circuit pass current on
the low voltage timing control subsystem 730 to energize the
indicator LED (LED 4) that indicates approaching the over current
condition, and shunting the LED to the off condition when not in
use, eliminates the need for an auxiliary power supply for this
device. This increases the efficiency of power utilization in the
micro-ATS 700, and lowers quiescent dissipation. Another such
feature is that using relay pass current to activate the indicator
LED (LED 1) when in an overload condition also eliminates need for
an auxiliary power supply to power the LED when required. This
improves efficiency and reduces normal operating condition power
dissipation.
[0360] Another such feature arises in the context of "A" power loss
detection through an innovative use of an arrangement of
semiconductors to perform multiple functions. The arrangement of
Q17 and Q18 is similar to a silicone controlled rectifier (SCR).
The primary working characteristic of this configuration is that
the SCR simile requires very little current to cause to latch into
a conduction state. This latched state will continue until passing
current through the pair ceases. When it ceases, the latch will
disconnect and not allow current to flow until re-initiated. In
addition, the otherwise inaccessible second PN junction of the SCR
simile is accessible, thus allowing the action at this point to
also affect Q15 at a certain point in the sequence to be
beneficial. The Q15 is the timer reset for delaying the return to
"A" power 760 from an "A" loss state. This must be reset every time
the SCR simile goes into conduction. By tapping the SCR simile at
the collector of Q17 (the base of the Q18 junction), normally an
inaccessible junction in a conventional SCR, the avalanche
activation of the SCR simile at that time can be utilized to force
the reset of the timing capacitor C8 via Q18.
[0361] Another such feature arises in the context of
synchronization of the return from "B" power 765 to "A" power 760
at the zero-crossing of the "B" power 765 signal to reduce arching
of the B relay contacts. An optically coupled synchronization pulse
and level from the "B" power 765 source is used for two functions:
to synchronize transfer from the "B" power 765 to the "A" power 760
at the zero-crossing of the "B" power 765; and to provide a source
of signal that indicates the loss of the "B" power 765 and thus
force the connection to the "A" power 760, regardless of the state
of other circuits that normally would influence transfers to the
"B" power 765 side. First, the optically coupled sync signal holds
off the signal from the optical coupler that indicates that "A"
power 760 is ready to be transferred to until the sync pulse
appears (via Q19, Q20, and the U1 opto-coupler transistor). After
the synch pulse appears at the U1 opto-coupler, the release of the
hold on the signal from Q33 allows the circuit to initiate the
integrate function for the comparator, U3 to utilize to complete
the transfer. Simultaneously, the release of the hold function then
latches the sync pulses out so no additional pulses can be present
via bias on the base of Q19. In addition, if there is no AC power
present on the "B" power 765 side, the output of the sync circuit
never presents a low impedance across the collector/emitter of the
transistor in U1, and hence there is no current sync path for
discharging C9, the integrator capacitor. Thus, R33 always holds
the integrator capacitor fully charged, and the input to the
comparator presented by C9 will always force selection of the "A"
power 760 side, regardless of the state of the "A" power loss
detect subsystem 715 output at U2. This unique approach to
providing the sync and holding the output on "A" power 760 if "B"
power 765 is not present utilizes a minimum number parts, each of
which operates in high impedance mode. This reduces power
consumption to the minimum, and still is low cost to produce.
[0362] Another such feature arises from the unique piezoelectric
device driver subsystem 750. This arrangement of Q21, Q26, Q25, and
Q27 forms a transistor pair oscillator. Q25 and Q27 form the basis
of an astable oscillator with R39, R40, R42, R44, C10, and C11
forming the components that determine oscillation. The innovative
addition of D2, D4, Q21, and Q26 turn the oscillator into a power
oscillator capable of driving piezo components bilaterally (e.g.,
one side of the Piezo is at +15, while the other is at Common; then
it switches, and the opposite is true). This maximizes the output
to the Piezo for a given power supply voltage, at minimum parts
count and minimum power dissipation. This same power oscillator can
be used for other applications such as driving a miniaturized
switching power supply, or for signal source in a small tester.
Numerous applications exist for a miniature, low power, very low
cost power oscillator.
[0363] Various changes, substitutions, and alterations to the
techniques described herein can be made without departing from the
technology of the teachings as defined by the appended claims.
Moreover, the scope of the disclosure and claims is not limited to
the particular aspects of the process, machine, manufacture,
composition of matter, means, methods, and actions described above.
Processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means,
methods, or actions, presently existing or later to be developed,
that perform substantially the same function or achieve
substantially the same result as the corresponding aspects
described herein may be utilized. Also, as used herein, including
in the claims, "or" as used in a list of items prefaced by "at
least one of" indicates a disjunctive list such that, for example,
a list of "at least one of A, B, or C" means A or B or C or AB or
AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Further, the term
"exemplary" does not mean that the described example is preferred
or better than other examples. Accordingly, the appended claims
include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture,
compositions of matter, means, methods, or actions.
[0364] Extremely Efficient Data Center Power Distribution
[0365] A method is described to implement extremely efficient data
center power distribution using highly parallel auto-switched power
at ratios of 1 .mu.ATS.TM. to 1 EDP device or 1 .mu.ATS.TM. to a
low integer number of EDP devices) as described earlier. This
method is also much more reliable than other methods of using ATS
devices for power distribution.
[0366] Extremely Efficient Rack Space Usage
[0367] If the ATS technology used to implement the highly parallel
auto-switched data center power distribution has a sufficiently
small form factor, it is possible to implement the methodology
without using any rack space that could otherwise be used for
mounting EDP equipment by placing the ATS units in various
locations as follows: [0368] Mounted on and fitting within 1 U or
near the EDP equipment being powered [0369] Integrated into the
structure of the rack [0370] Mounted near the rack, for example on
top of it [0371] Integrated into EDP equipment. [0372] Integrated
into an in-rack or near rack PDU such as the ZPDU. Each sub-branch
output of the ZPDU would normally be auto-switched in this case.
[0373] The described example .mu.ATS.TM. is sufficiently small to
be placed in these locations.
[0374] Increased Efficiency Data Center Power Distribution
[0375] A method that increases the efficiency of traditional data
center power distribution using auto-switched power as described
earlier. This is done by using .mu.ATS.TM. devices to "shift"
electrical loads in a data center onto one of a pair of UPS units,
so that all of the load is taken by only one of the UPS units. This
increases the efficiency of the UPS units by insuring that one of
the UPS units is running at greater efficiency and the other is
running at or close to zero load, where it consumes very little
energy.
[0376] In the following description, numerous specific details are
set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present
invention. However, one having ordinary skill in the art should
recognize that the invention may be practiced without these
specific details. In some instances, circuits, structures, and
techniques have not been shown in detail to avoid obscuring the
present invention. Embodiments are described with respect to
various systems, components, and processes for use in a data center
environment, though it will be appreciated that various aspects of
the invention are applicable in other contexts. For example,
embodiments may be advantageous in designing power distribution for
server farms, such as those used by large information services or
cloud computing providers. Moreover, for convenience of reference,
various systems, components and methodology are identified by goods
and/or services offered under the Zonit trademark, which is owned
by Zonit Structured Solutions, LLC, the assignee of the present
application.
[0377] Embodiments provide techniques for delivering auto-switched
power using multiple automatic transfer switches (ATSs) and/or
parallel modular ATS switches to end-user equipment mounted in data
center racks. In some implementations, the design and construction
is facilitated by the optional use of hydra cords to create a power
distribution system in the rack that allows the dimensions of the
rack to be optimized to maximize the efficiency of the use of data
center floor space. Accordingly, airflow can be optimized in the
equipment rack by minimizing the number of power cables needed and
their routing in the rack. Certain embodiments further include
other power distribution technologies that unite auto-switching
capabilities with power phase load balancing.
[0378] Typical modern data centers can have power distribution
networks that include thousands of branch distribution circuits.
Precise loading and/or demands of the various electronic data
processing (EDP) equipment is often unknown to the data center
personnel. Accordingly, changes to the loading of these circuits
can cause electrical failures, for example, when branch circuit
breakers are tripped by personnel plugging in a load that exceeds
the capacity of the circuit. Further, it may be important to
maintain loading of each branch circuit at or below about 75% of
its capacity to account for "inrush loads" that can occur during a
cold start, which may be the highest load scenario and can
otherwise trip the branch circuit breakers when it happens.
[0379] Downtimes or failures of EDP equipment in a data center can
be undesirable for a number of reasons. One reason is that these
EDP devices can support mission-critical or life safety goals, for
which even a short interruption in functionality can be
catastrophic. Another reason is that inter-dependencies of modern
IT infrastructures and their applications are quite complex and may
not always be fully appreciated. A single EDP device may provide an
underlying service that nobody realized was associated with that
device, and a power loss can cause larger business functions that
depend on the affected service to be adversely and expensively
impacted.
[0380] Yet another reason that downtimes or failures of EDP
equipment in a data center can be undesirable is that restarting an
IT infrastructure and the applications that run on it successfully,
from either a cold-start or intermediate state, can be very
site-specific and unpredictable. Most enterprise sites never test
this aspect of their information systems. Often proper startup
procedures rely on a specific sequence and timing of network,
system, and application services. In any complex enterprise
environment, all services do not usually recover normally if you
power everything up at the same time. Similarly, problems can arise
if you power down and power up particular sub-components.
[0381] Restoring proper functioning of the functionality may
involve extensive human intervention, including manual reboots or
service stop/starts. Further, EDP equipment downtimes can be
significant, can be difficult to diagnose and fix, and can cause
corruption of service configurations or data in some instances.
[0382] Many types of EDP equipment may be particularly vulnerable
to electrical failures at the branch circuit. For example, many
models of EDP equipment have only one power supply, and therefore
one power cord. Thus, a failure of the input power to the power
cord interrupts power to the power supply of the equipment. One
technique for improving power distribution reliability for EDP
equipment is to offer configurations having multiple power
supplies. However, even in equipment having multiple independent
power supplies, interruption of the input power can cause failure
(or downtime) of the equipment when the device can only be plugged
into one power source at a time.
[0383] Implementations with multiple power supplies can have
additional limitations. One limitation is that additional power
supplies raise the cost of the device and can be associated with
minimum additional amounts of power loss associated with running
those additional supplies. Another limitations is that power
supplies, especially the types typically used in EDP equipment,
function most efficiently in a relatively narrow band of their
output load rating (e.g., 70-85%). If an EDP device is offered in
single and dual power supply configurations, the product manager
may not wish to stock two different models of power supply with
different load range optimizations, since that can represent
additional expense to the manufacturer. This often means that the
product manager will choose to stock the single power supply
optimized configuration, which is optimized for perhaps a 70% load.
When this power supply is specified in a dual power supply
configuration, it will then be running at around 50% of its optimal
loading, thereby appreciably lowering its efficiency.
[0384] A different approach to addressing the issue of power
distribution reliability is to implement EDP equipment with
auto-switching power plugstrips. Typically, those plugstrips are
bulky and expensive, and they are usually mounted horizontally in
data equipment racks, which can take up valuable rack space (they
tend to take even more rack space with two input power plugs
connected to two different power sources). Still, enabling
auto-switched A-B power delivery to EDP equipment even having only
a single power supply can appreciably increase the uptime of such
equipment (though not typically to the level of dual power supply
configurations). In many cases, this gain in reliability can be
enough to meet the service level availability goals for the
applications that the EDP equipment supports.
[0385] Accordingly, single power cord devices can realize
significant gains in uptime reliability when connected to two
independent power sources. These sources can be specified to gain
the optimum cost benefit to reliability gain ratio. For example,
implementations include data centers with uniform, redundant A-B
power distribution, such as that supplied by the Zonit Power
Distribution System.
[0386] A number of data center configurations are possible. One
illustrative configuration includes two independent uninterrupted
power sources (UPSs). This is often considered the highest
reliability scenario, and is a common data center
configuration.
[0387] Another illustrative data center configuration includes one
line power source and one UPS. This type of configuration may be
used as a cost savings measure when the total power usage in the
data center exceeds the UPS capacity or to achieve higher power
usage efficiency, since UPS units have a loss factor for the power
they supply. The EDP equipment in the data center can be connected
to run off of line power and only selected mission critical
equipment is connected to the UPS as a backup power source. The
majority of equipment is just line powered with a power conditioner
module to stop input surges. For example, if the site steps down
industrial power delivery from 480V to a more standard 208V, then a
transformer is already in-line and any further power conditioning
may not be necessary.
[0388] It is worth noting that UPS units both condition the power
that goes through them and, if power is lost, use batteries to
deliver backup power. Their capacity is therefore two-fold: the
sustained amperage they can condition; and how many minutes of
power they can deliver at a set load percentage, usually 100% for
rating purposes. The amperage capacity is a function of the design
of the UPS. The battery capacity is a combination of the amperage
capacity and the number of batteries that are connected to the UPS.
The battery capacity can be changed using external battery packs so
the battery runtime of the UPS is increased to the desired target
level.
[0389] Still another illustrative data center configuration
includes two independent line power sources from two different
power grids. In this configuration, only line power sources are
used, but they are delivered on different distribution legs. This
can reduce risk by insuring that two power branch distribution
circuits must trip their breakers before power is lost to the
equipment.
[0390] Effectively use of the auto-switching of power distribution
to the EDP equipment between two independent power sources involves
a device that can detect power loss (e.g., partial or complete
failure of one or more phases of an input power signal) and
automatically switch the input power to the connected EDP equipment
to the other power source. To this end, some embodiments described
herein provide efficient, reliable, and cost-effective automatic
transfer switches (ATSs) for use in these types of EDP equipment
deployment scenarios. For at least the reasons discussed above,
ATSs (e.g., for single power cord devices) can save energy and
reduce power costs, while avoiding interruptions in supply power to
the connected EDP equipment.
[0391] Various embodiments described herein provide additional
features. Some embodiments provide space-efficient parallel ATS
deployments in data center rack configurations. These embodiments
can provide alternate techniques to maximize the efficiency of
usage of data center floor space and allow the deployment of the
maximum number of equipment racks in a data center environment.
Other embodiments provide configurations of ATSs and/or power cords
to minimize power cable routing and/or airflow issues in data
center equipment racks (e.g., "2-post" and/or cabinet ("4-post")
equipment racks). Still other embodiments incorporate locking power
cord technologies at one or both ends of power cords for more
secure power delivery, for example in data centers located in
seismically active geographies (e.g., California).
[0392] In particular, embodiments combine a number of small ATSs
(e.g., referred to herein as "micro-ATSs") in parallel with
integrated control logic to construct a large capacity, fast,
efficient, and relatively low cost ATS. Certain embodiments of the
micro-ATSs incorporate functionality described in PCT Application
No. PCT/US2008/057140, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
60/897,842, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/569,733, all of
which are fully incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
Embodiments of the micro-ATSs will be discussed below, followed by
embodiments for deploying the micro-ATSs to provide redundant power
distribution.
Micro-ATS Embodiments
[0393] Traditional ATSs tend to have limitations that prevent their
effective use in implementations of highly parallel, auto-switched,
power distribution architectures. For example, these traditional
ATSs may typically be too inefficient, consume too much rack space,
and cost too much. Embodiments of the micro-ATS described herein
address some or all of these issues.
[0394] According to one embodiment, the micro-ATS (e.g., the Zonit
.mu.ATS.TM.) is very small (e.g.,
4.25-inches.times.1.6-inches.times.1-inch, or less than 10 cubic
inches) and very efficient (e.g., less than 0.2 volts at maximum
load loss). Certain implementations use no rack space, as they are
self-mounted on the back of each EDP device, incorporated in the
structure of the rack outside the volume of the rack used to mount
EDP equipment, incorporated in rack-mounted plugstrips, or
incorporated in an in-rack or near-rack Power Distribution Unit
(i.e., any of which being possible due to the small form-factor of
the micro-ATS). In other implementations, the micro-ATS is small
enough to be integrated directly into the EDP equipment itself.
[0395] Various embodiments of micro-ATSs are described herein,
including their various components. For the sake of clarity and
context, the micro-ATS embodiments are described as switching
between two separate power sources, "A" and "B." In some
implementations, the A and B power sources are single-phase
sources. In other implementations, polyphase power sources are
connected. Where polyphase power sources are connected, polyphase
embodiments of micro-ATSs are used. Substantially the same
components (e.g., circuits) described herein with reference to the
single-phase implementations are applicable to the polyphase
implementations.
[0396] For example, polyphase embodiments can be implemented as
multiple single-phase micro-ATS units acting in parallel, with
additional functionality provided for synchronizing certain of the
control circuits so that they act together across the multiple ATS
units to handle switching and return from one polyphase source to
the other polyphase source and back. Various embodiments of
polyphase micro-ATSs can also have different conditions under which
to switch power sources. For example, given three phase power with
X, Y, and Z "hot" leads, a fault on any of three might be
considered reason to switch from the A to the B polyphase source.
To return to the A polyphase source, it may be desirable to ensure
first that all three hot leads are present, stable, and of
sufficient power quality on the A source.
Triac Augmentation of Relay Closure
[0397] The following description is one preferred instantiation of
the current diversion technique described earlier. Although it is
described in the context of dealing with the issue of relay skew in
the parallel modular ATS, it should be noted that it can be used in
implementations of the Zonit Micro Automatic Transfer Switch
described herein, for the purpose of building a programmable
switching time Zonit Micro Automatic Transfer Switch, that can use
that feature. In that instance, relay skew may not be an issue, but
the gain of a programmable switching time that is faster than a
mechanical relay can deliver may be desirable.
[0398] Use of a solid state semiconductor switch, preferentially a
Triode for Alternating Current switch device, (triac) is identified
in this application for the purpose of improving the speed at which
a mechanical relay can effect the conduction of AC power from the
non-conducting state. The triac is connected in parallel with the
contacts of the mechanical relay (relay) such that either device,
the relay or the triac will conduct current if it is energized to
do so. In this case, the characteristic of a mechanical relay that
it takes some time, on the order of many milliseconds, to start
conduction current after it has been energized can be temporarily
bypassed by the use of a simultaneous conduction of a triac. When
the desire to have AC power delivered to some load via the
relay/triac combination is initiated, current can begin conduction
within a very short time of that initiation signal, on the order of
micro-seconds. Upon the relay mechanical contacts completing the
conduction path (closure) the triac is no longer conducting, as it
is effectively shorted. The power now passing through the relay is
efficiently passed with almost no electrical power loss as opposed
to the power that momentarily passed through the triac. During the
conducting state of the triac, it loses some of the power applied
to it because of the characteristic of semiconductors that results
in having to have a voltage drop across the conduction terminals to
allow for solid state physics to function. This is often known as
the "on voltage", the lowest voltage that the device can experience
between it's conducting terminals and still have enough energy to
sustain the on condition. In this state, current passing through
the device is multiplied by the on state voltage for a total power
dissipation. This power dissipation is considered wasted power, as
it is not applied to the load the switch is delivering power to. In
a triac, this loss can be on the order of 1 to 2% of the applied
total power. Thus, using a triac by itself is inherently
inefficient. By only expecting the triac to carry the power during
the short time it takes for the mechanical relay to operate, the
power loss is minimized while the time to conduction from
initiation is minimized.
[0399] The simultaneous application of many of these thusly
configured hybrid triad/mechanical relays in parallel, in
conjunction with a current sharing pass resistor or high power
negative temperature coefficient (NTC) resistor (also referenced
herein as an Inrush Limiter) is a unique combination with many
benefits. The end power control system has the high efficiency
characteristics of a conventional mechanical relay with the turn-on
speed advantage of a semiconductor device, e.g. triac. It should be
noted that other semiconductor devices such as Bipolar Junction
Transistors (BJT), or Metal Oxide Semiconducting Field Effect
Transistors (MOSFET), or other fast operating devices can be
substituted for the triac in applicable variants of this
configuration.
[0400] The combination of the traditional mechanical relay and the
triac is shown in FIG. 32A. The relay coil is energized by an
incoming signal with a fast rise time, between 1 and 10
microseconds. Energizing the relay will result in a several
millisecond delay before the main contacts close. At the same time
current is applied to the coil, a pulse is generated through the
capacitor to the pulse transformer as a result of the rapid rise
time of the incoming signal. The resultant pulse triggers the triac
gate and the triac goes into conduction. It will stay in this state
until current through the triac is at or very near zero, and there
is no gate current present. At this point, the triac is carrying
current from the input of the mechanical relay to the output of the
relay and bypassing the contacts of the relay. After some period of
time, the mechanical components of the relay will move and the
mechanical contacts will make electrical connection. The contacts
will now carry the current instead of the triac. The pulse of the
gating signal is designed to overlap this moment in time by a few
milliseconds. This is so when the contacts bounce, as they will do
in any mechanical relay, the conduction path will be restored
through the triac as soon as the mechanical contacts open, however
momentarily. This will eliminate the electrical interruption of
current flow through the assembly. After some additional period of
time, the mechanical contacts cease to bounce and the triac is no
longer needed. At this time, the gate current from the pulse
transformer has expired, and the triac is off When the relay
contacts open next, the electrical connection will be immediately
interrupted. Thus, the triac augmentation is designed and intended
to augment the performance of the relay during the energization
phase related to closure of the mechanical contacts only. It has no
intended affect during the opening of the mechanical relay via
traditional means.
[0401] When the relay does open, a secondary issue arises.
Dv/Dt Control in Triac Augmented Relay Closure Application for
Parallel Relay Configurations
[0402] Current Sharing between relays must be maintained so no one
relay takes excessive current. Each relay must carry less than or
equal to it's rated capacity, and no more. When multiple relays are
connected in a parallel arrangement as described, that current
sharing will be accomplished as described herein. This method of
allowing the transitional period of the relays to limit the total
current through any one relay also allows for resolution of another
problem, the containment of rate of voltage rise falsely triggering
the Triac contact augment. This problem, referred to as the dv/dt
limit is, simply stated. that the triac will self trigger for a
half cycle if the rate of rise of the voltage presented to its main
terminals exceeds a certain volts/time threshold, even when no gate
current is present. To overcome that problem, one approach is to
place an electronic filter in the path of the power that limits
that rate of rise. However, the components are bulky and add
significant costs to the manufacturing of the finished product. Due
to the necessity of installation of the current limiting "Inrush
Limiter" e.g., negative temperature coefficient resistor, to
resolve the transitional current sharing issues, this same
component can be used in conjunction with additional components in
the dv/dt control network to reduce the bulk and cost of that
network. This combination of components is unique.
Details of Operation.
[0403] FIG. 32A is a schematic representation of one Alternating
Current, [AC] power control relay assembly incorporating the triac
augmented relay contacts and the current sharing and de-skew relay
combination. It is comprised primarily of relay 1 (1) and relay 2
(2) in the current path with a triac (8) bypassing the relay 1 (1)
contacts. In this figure the power is not being conducted from the
AC input (3) to the AC output (4), it is in the "off" condition. No
current is present in the relay coils (1) (2) and neither relay is
energized. FIG. 32B represents the initial phase of closing the
power path from the AC input (3) to the AC output (4). External
logic has determined the need to close the power path and has
applied a voltage to the relay 1 (1) coil (2) via inputs Relay
drive- (7) and Relay drive+ (6). The rise time of the voltage
applied is essentially a square wave edge, e.g. fast rise time, on
the order of 10 to 100 microseconds. Simultaneous to the current
being applied to the coil (2), the fast rise time causes current to
flow through Capacitor C1 (12), through Diode D1 (13), resistor R1
(14), into the primary winding of pulse transformer 1 (10), and
back to the input via Relay drive- (7). This rapid change in
voltage across the pulse transformer (10) causes a pulse to be
generated on the secondary winding of the pulse transformer and
appear as a positive going pulse at the gate (5) of the triac (8).
In the first few nano-seconds of the pulse, the triac (8) begins to
turn on, but as of yet, no current is flowing from the AC input (3)
to the AC output (4) because the relay (1) is also not yet changed
state. In fact, the relay (1) will take a significant amount of
time to close the connection because of the time required for the
field to build in the coil (2) and for the mechanical component
that moves, the armature (18) to accelerate, and move through the
space between the off position and the conducting [on] position.
This time will take on the order of 5 to 20 milliseconds. This
instant, the instant the voltage was applied to the relay control
inputs (6) (7), is herein referred to as the "T" moment, and time
from this position will be described as T+[time in microseconds or
milliseconds]. At this time, T+0 microseconds, relay 2 (2) also has
no current applied to it's coil (1). Thus the relay contacts are
not conducting, and the only current path available past the relay
contacts will be via the Negative Thermal Coefficient resistor [or
"inrush limiter"] NTC 1.
[0404] FIG. 32C represents the initial conduction of AC current
from the AC input (3) to the AC output (4) at T+5 milliseconds.
This time is dependent on the mechanical characteristics of the
relay, and can be from 3 to 18 milliseconds for many common relay
types, but is not restricted to any specific value. However, due to
the mechanical nature of any mechanical relay, the time will be on
the order of milliseconds. The triac (8) has become fully
conduction, and is passing the current past the contacts of the
relay 1 (1), and in fact has been doing so since about T+1
microsecond or so. The armature (18) of relay 1 (1) is shown in
transition from the "off" state to the "on" state, and is said to
be "in flight". Still no current is being passed through the
contacts of relay 1 (1), but rather through triac 1 (8), then
through the NTC 1 (17) and to the AC output (4). Effectively, the
triac (8) is carrying the current to the AC output (4) during the
"flight time of the relay armature (18). The current applied to the
AC output (4) is limited by the NTC 1 (17), and initially, just
after the triac (8) starts to conduct for a hundred nanoseconds or
so, by choke 1 (9). The need for this choke will become apparent
later, but has little effect at this time. The NTC 1 starts out
with some resistance to flow, on the order of about 2 ohms, but
because of the current now passing through it, it is warming up and
the resistance is lowering. But because the resistance was higher
moments before when the NTC 1 was cold, the current is limited to a
safe value, regardless of the impedance of the load. That is to
say, if the load is at or near zero ohms, then the voltage applied
results in the maximum current being limited by ohms law to a
manageable current that does not destroy the triac (8), or
eventually the relay 1(1) when it finally conducts. Even if the
output is effectively shorted, for a few hundred microseconds or a
few milliseconds, the NTC 1 (17) will absorb the power generated by
the voltage being applied. This is the key to de-skewing multiple
relays in parallel, and will be explained later.
[0405] FIG. 32D represents the condition of the current path at
around T+10 milliseconds, again dependent upon the mechanical
characteristics of the relay. But FIG. 2 is showing the condition
just after the armature (18) of relay 1 (1) has made contact with
the current carrying contact and the relay contacts are now in
conduction. Note that still, no current has been applied to the
coil (19) of relay 2 (2). At the moment that the relay 1 (1)
contacts close, all current passes through them rather than through
the triac (8). The triac (8) has turned "off" and is now not
conducting. Also note that no current is flowing through C1 (12),
D1 (13), R1 (14) and hence the pulse transformer 1 (10). This is
because the voltage across Capacitor 1 (12) has fully charged, and
thus current through it ceases. One side of the capacitor 1 (12),
the Relay 1 drive+ (6) side is at the input voltage, and the other
side of the capacitor is charged negatively relative to the Relay 1
drive+ (6) side. The lack of current flowing through the pulse
transformer (10) results in no voltage being applied to the gate
(5) of the triac (8). Since no gate current is present, and no
current is flowing in the triac, it will now not conduct,
regardless of the state of the relay 1 (1) contacts. In actual
design practice, a slight overlap of the length of time the pulse
is present at the gate of the triac, and the contacts of the relay
becoming closed is designed in. This overlap allows the triac to be
"on" during the time the relay contacts are "bouncing", and
inevitable product of mechanical contacts. This period of time is
on the order of about 100 microseconds to a millisecond or so. But
the selection of the capacitor 1 (12) value can be made to provide
current to the gate (5) of the triac (8) for just enough time to
cover the "flight time" of the armature (18), and a small amount
plus. This is another positive "feature" of this design.
[0406] FIG. 32E represents the next logical phase in finalizing the
current path from the AC input (3) to the AC output (4). This phase
is necessary to bypass the NTC 1 (17), since it is now carrying the
current, and as a result is dissipating power. Bypassing this
device with and additional relay (2) nearly eliminates the power
loss in the NTC 1 (17), thus making the switch more efficient.
De-Skew Relay 1 drive+ (16) and De-Skew Relay 1 drive-(15) now have
a voltage applied and current is going through the coil (1) of
relay 2 (2). However, due again to the mechanical nature of the
relay, the armature (19) is shown in "flight", and current is still
flowing through the NTC 1 (17).
[0407] FIG. 32F represents the final conditions of the total
assembly in the "on" state, no further changes will occur while the
assembly is in this state. Coil current is applied to both relay
coils (2),(1) and both relay armatures (18) (19) are in full
conduction. Power is delivered from the AC input (3) to the AC
output (4) with minimal loss and power dissipation.
[0408] FIG. 32G represents the initiation of the disconnect
sequence where the power path from the AC input (3) to the AC
output (4) is to be discontinued. The sequence begins by power to
Relay 2 (2) coil (1) being removed via De-Skew Relay 1 drive+ (16)
and De-Skew Relay 1 drive- (15) voltage being removed. A short time
after the removal of power the armature (19) or relay 2 (2)
disconnects the power path through the relay. Immediately, current
now must travel through the NTC 1 which is now cold, and at its
maximum resistance. This action now limits the total current that
can pass from the AC input (3) to the AC output (4).). The NTC 1
starts out with some resistance to flow, on the order of about 2
ohms, but because of the current now passing through it, it is
warming up and the resistance is lowering. But because the
resistance was higher moments before when the NTC 1 was cold, the
current is limited to a safe value, regardless of the impedance of
the load. That is to say, if the load is at or near zero ohms, then
the voltage applied results in the maximum current being limited by
ohms law to a manageable current that does not destroy the triac
(8), or eventually the relay 1(1) when it finally conducts. Even if
the output is effectively shorted, for a few hundred microseconds
or a few milliseconds, the NTC 1 (17) will absorb the power
generated by the voltage being applied. This is the key to
de-skewing multiple relays in parallel, and will be explained
later. It also provides a limited current path that is critical to
the subsequent actions in this phase of the disconnect
sequence.
[0409] FIG. 32G represents the start of the last phase of the
disconnect sequence. Power to the relay 1 (1) coil (2) has been
removed by the voltage applied to Relay 1 drive+ (6) And Relay 1
drive- (7) being removed and going to zero. Current still passes
through the contacts of relay 1 (1) via the armature (18), as
inertia has not yet allowed it to disconnect. At this point, the
magnetic field in the coil (2) is just starting to collapse, and
soon (almost instantly) Electro-Motive-Force from that coil will
begin to apply a negative voltage across Relay 1 drive+ (6) And
Relay 1 drive- (7). But at this instant, when the voltage at Relay
1 drive+ (6) And Relay 1 drive- (7) goes to zero, the charge stored
in Capacitor C1 (12) is starting to discharge via resistor R2 (31)
and Diode D2 (20) to the Relay 1 drive- (7). Since the discharge is
going negative, no current is conducted through diode D1 (13),
resistor R1 (14), and thus no pulse is formed in pulse transformer
1 (10). The triac (8) remains "off". This discharge path is
necessary to prepare the triac gating circuitry for the next
turn-on sequence when the next event occurs that wishes to again
turn "on" the path from the AC input (3) to the AC output (4). For
now, to minimize the time to disconnect the power path, the triac
(8) must remain non-conducting.
[0410] FIG. 32H represents the moment of the disconnection of power
from the AC input (3) to the AC output (4). The armature (18) of
relay 1 (1) is now "in flight". It can take several milliseconds to
complete, but the contacts are now separated, and with the triac
(8) in the off state, the voltage across the contacts of relay 1
(1) rises very fast, depending on the point in the AC cycle that
the disconnection occurs. It must be assumed that this is
coincidental with the peak of the AC cycle. With the Load impedance
of the AC out (4) being very low, perhaps nearly zero ohms if this
is the last of multiple relays in parallel to disconnect, the
voltage rise across the main terminals of the triac (8) could be
very fast if not controlled. This is the point in the sequence that
is crucial for the intent of this application. The components,
Capacitor 2 (11), Choke 1 (9), and NTC 1 (17) work together to slow
the rate of rise of the voltage across the Main terminals of the
triac (8). This action is necessary since a high rate of voltage
application will falsely trigger a triac as previously described.
In a conventional application of a triac, a so-called "snubber"
circuit consisting of a relatively large choke and relatively large
capacitance in place of the Choke (9) and capacitor C2 (11) would
be necessary to manage the extreme currents possible. But, because
the NTC 1 resistor is now in the AC power path, current is limited,
and these two components, the choke 1 (9) and the capacitor c2 (11)
can be significantly smaller presenting a significant space and
cost savings. As the voltage starts to rise at the junction of
choke 1 (9) and NTC 1 (17), It can do so for the first few
micro-seconds with little effect at the junction of capacitor 2
(11) and choke 1 (9). This is due to the inductance of choke 1 (9).
Since the voltage can be changed across it rapidly with no current
changing, the current into C2 (11) is limited. Thus, C2 (11)
charges slowly, thus limiting the rate of rise across the main
terminals of the triac (8). But the time constant of the
combination of components would have to be extended for the worst
case design requirements of the selected triac. If the NTC 1 were
not present, the values for the capacitor C2 (11) and the choke 1
(9) would have to be much larger. But because the NTC 1 (17) is
still cold, and it's resistance is still relatively high, the rate
of rise of voltage across capacitor C2 (11) continues to be
restricted even after the smaller value choke has saturated and
current is going through it. With proper selection of values for C2
(11), NTC 1, and the triac (8), it may be possible to even
eliminate the choke (9). This would otherwise be impossible without
the unique combination of components that include the de-skewing
relay, Relay 2 (2), the NTC 1 (17) and a traditional triac switch.
The unique combination of the triac-augmented mechanical relay of
Relay 1 (1) and it's associated components, with the de-skewing
current control relay and NTC resistor allows minimizing the
component values, cost and possibly eliminating one traditionally
required part
[0411] FIG. 32I shows the sub-assembly again at quiescent state of
non-conduction from the AC input (3) to the AC output (4).
Capacitor C1 (12) is fully discharged.
[0412] FIG. 32J represents a set of three of the base relay
assemblies described previously. The array can be any number of
relay assemblies from 2 to N, where N is the number of relays
necessary to achieve the desired total power handling capability.
If the individual relay modules are 50 Ampere modules, for example,
a 4000 Amp capable assembly would require 80 individual relay
modules connected together as shown, in parallel. It should be
noted that individual relay coils can be controlled in parallel
groups as shown on the De-Skew Relay Drive relays 2, 4, and 6 (2)
(4) (6) from a single driver, or configured independently as shown
on the Relay 1, Relay 3, and Relay 5 (1) (3) (5). When connected in
parallel, the drive circuitry is simpler and easier to make highly
reliable. When connected independently to individual drivers, the
relays can have dynamically controlled input timing allowing fine
precision in adjusting the time of actuation and time of release.
The advantage of such added complexity is the ability to
recursively adjust the actuation and de-actuation of the relays to
synchronize the contacts actual landing and disconnection of the
main power path for the purpose of minimizing the duration that any
one relay should take either more or less than the average current
of the parallel group.
[0413] In this figure, the NTC 1 is the current limiter for
whichever relay tends to be first to close and last to open. These
two conditions are the extreme load case for the relays and other
power path components. With 2 ohm value NTC 1 components, the
current in any one given path is limited to 120 Amps for a 240V
switch. Each of the components can be specified to withstand that
120 Amps for the duration necessary to have enough of the relay
sub-assemblies become parallel connected or disconnected, whichever
event is occurring. Thus, utilizing a resistor, or NTC resistors
(17) (35) (55) in each of the outputs of a sub-module a necessity,
it enables the use of fewer and/or lower cost components in the
snubber network for the triac, and even is advantageous to
optimizing the size and power handling capability of the triac.
Embodiments Using Micro-ATSs for Redundant Power Distribution
[0414] ATSs can be deployed at various points in the power
distribution topology to provide for automatic failover from a
primary power source to a backup power source typically at one of
three points in the power distribution topology: the panelboard on
the wall, where the branch circuits originate; the end of the
branch circuit in the rack where the power is fed to plugstrips; or
between the plugstrip and the EDP equipment being powered. The
choice of where to place auto-switching functionality in a power
distribution topology can involve consideration of a number of
issues.
[0415] One issue to consider when determining where to place
auto-switching functionality in a power distribution topology is
the potential domain of failure, the number of power receptacles
that will be affected if an ATS fails to function properly. Power
distribution topologies used in data centers can be considered
rooted tree graphs (i.e., mathematically speaking), so that the
closer to the root of the tree the ATS is located, the higher the
number of power receptacles that will be affected by the actions of
that ATS. For example, FIGS. 18A-18D show illustrative power
distribution topologies.
[0416] Turning to FIG. 18A, a power distribution topology 1800a is
shown having an ATS 1840a disposed in the root nodes 1830 of the
topology. For the sake of clarity, the power distribution topology
1800a includes a core infrastructure 1810, root nodes 1830,
distribution nodes 1850, and leaf nodes 1870. The root nodes 1830
is considered to be "downstream" of the core infrastructure 1810.
Each portion of the power distribution topology 1800a includes
power distribution components.
[0417] As shown, the utility grid 1805 feeds a site transformer
1815 in the core infrastructure 1810 (e.g., a step down
transformer). The core infrastructure 1810 also includes a local
generator 1820. The site transformer 1815 and the local generator
1820 act as two independent sources of power for the power
distribution topology 1800a. In other embodiments, other
independent sources, such as independent utility grids, and/or more
than two independent sources may be used. In some implementations,
main switch gear 1825 can allow the entire core infrastructure 1810
to be switched to alternate power (e.g., from the site transformer
1815 to the local generator 1820).
[0418] Power is provided from the core infrastructure 1810 to the
root nodes 1830 of the power distribution topology 1800a. In the
illustrative power distribution topology 1800a of FIG. 18A, the
root nodes 1830 include one or more uninterruptable power supplies
(UPSs) 1835. It should be noted that large data centers often have
many generators and UPSs 1835, since there is a limit to the
capacity size you can buy, and if you exceed that limit, you have
to install multiple UPSs 1835 and run them in parallel. Each UPS
1835 can be considered as a root node 1830 in the power
distribution topology 1800a.
[0419] Power paths coming from the main switch gear 1825 and the
UPS(s) 1835 are routed to an ATS 1840a disposed as a root node
1830. The ATS 1840a is configured to automatically switch between
core power coming from the core infrastructure 1810 and power
coming from the UPS(s) 1835 (e.g., in case of a full or partial
power failure in the core infrastructure 1810. In this way, the ATS
1840a provides reliable, constant power to downstream
components.
[0420] As illustrated, power is delivered from the root nodes 1830
to the distribution nodes 1850. In particular, the output power
from the ATS 1840a is delivered to one or more panelboards 1855. In
some implementations, multiple power distribution panelboards 1855
are used, since they come only so large in power capacity and
number of circuit breaker stations. Also, it may be more efficient
to locate panelboards 1855 so as to minimize the average power whip
length, and as many as is practical may be used to accomplish this
purpose. It should be noted, that busways can be used with or
instead of panelboards in the power distribution topologies
described herein.
[0421] Typically, the distribution nodes 1850 are considered as
originating at the main panelboards 1855 and ending at equipment
racks 1875 (e.g., leaf nodes 1870). In the illustrative embodiment,
power is distributed at the equipment racks 1875 via plugstrips
1880. The plugstrips may also have circuit breakers in them. It is
worth noting that some of skill in the art confusingly refer to
both panelboards 1855 and plugstrips 1880 as power distribution
units (PDUs). Accordingly, for the sake of clarity, the terms
panelboards and plugstrips are used herein.
[0422] The equipment racks 1875 include EDP equipment 1885. Many
types of EDP equipment 1885 are possible, and may be rack-mounted
in the equipment racks 1875. Each piece of EDP equipment 1885 can
be plugged into one or both plugstrips 1880. For example, EDP
equipment 1885 having multiple internal power supplies may be
plugged into multiple plugstrips 1880
[0423] In the illustrated configuration, the ATS 1840a is deployed
as a root node 1830 of the power distribution topology 1800a,
upstream of the distribution nodes 1850 and leaf nodes 1870. This
upstream placement may provide ATS functionality with only a single
(or relatively few) ATSs. Notably, an important factor to consider
when determining where to place auto-switching functionality in a
power distribution topology is power distribution efficiency--the
amount of power that is "lost" by the insertion of ATSs into the
power distribution system. No ATS is 100% efficient (i.e., they all
have a loss factor). Generally, it is helpful to categorize two
types of ATSs as relay-based and solid state-based. Each has
different characteristics with regards to power loss and transfer
time. In many applications, transfer time between the power sources
is important, because the power supplies used in modern EDP
equipment can often only tolerate very brief power interruptions.
For example, the Computer and Business Equipment Manufacturers
Association (CBEMA) guidelines used in power supply design
recommend a maximum outage of 20 milliseconds or less.
[0424] Mechanical relay-based ATSs use one or more mechanical
relays to switch between their input power sources. Generally
speaking, relays have two primary loss factors, the contact area of
the relay, and any power the relay may require to maintain it in
the "ON" state (i.e., in which it is conducting current). The shape
and material of the contacts is carefully chosen and engineered to
minimize resistance across the contacts, yet minimize or prevent
arcing across the contacts when they are switching. Also, since
some arcing may occur in some circumstances, the contacts must be
designed to minimize the possibility of the arc "welding" the
contacts shut, which can be highly undesirable.
[0425] Another design issue is transfer time of the relay. The
contacts are mounted (e.g., on an armature) so that they can be
moved to accomplish their switching function. The contact mass,
range of motion, mechanical leverage, and force used to move the
armature are all relay design issues. The range of motion is
dictated by the gap needed between the contacts to minimize arcing
at the maximum design current level. As the maximum design current
is increased, the gap also tends to increase. The mass of the
contact is accelerated by the force applied to the armature, which
has a practical limit.
[0426] These factors can impose a limit on the amount of current
that can be sent through a pair of contacts and still maintain an
acceptable transfer time for EDP equipment. For example, if the
mass of the armature and contact gap are too large, the relay
transfer time can exceed a threshold time limit (e.g., the CBEMA
recommend maximum of approximately 20 milliseconds of power outage
for continued operation of modern switched power supplies). Well
designed relay-based ATSs typically manifest a loss factor of about
0.5% or less. They also have power supplies to power their internal
logic that typically use in the range of 12-20 watts in
operation.
[0427] In the case of solid state-based ATSs, the switches use
solid state semiconductors to accomplish switching between their
input power sources and their output load. They can typically
switch faster than comparable relay-based switches, because they
use semiconductor-based switching rather than mechanical relays.
However, the semiconductors also have a loss factor, and the
efficiency of this type of switch is often less than that of a
relay based switch (e.g., around 1%). Also, they are often less
reliable, unless they are built with redundant internal failover
capability, which can make them appreciably more expensive. As with
their relay-based counterparts, solid state-based ATSs typically
have power supplies to power their internal logic that use in the
range of 12-200 watts
[0428] or more in operation, depending on the size of the transfer
switch, and the level of redundancy offered by the switch.
[0429] It should be noted that the ATSs that are upstream of the
UPS units are considered part of the "core power" infrastructure
not the "power distribution" infrastructure. Automatic transfer
switching can be done in the core infrastructure 1810 to insure
continuity of connection to a valid power source, such as utility
power grid feeds or generators. The transfer time of relay-based
switches that can handle the power capacities required in the core
infrastructure 1810 is typically too slow to avoid shutdown by
connected EDP equipment 1885 for the reasons described earlier
(e.g., according to the CBEMA guidelines). Accordingly, ATSs of
this type tend to be placed upstream of UPS units, where brief
power outages that these switches create on transfer can be covered
by the UPS units.
[0430] Indeed, large state transfer switches can be used in the
core infrastructure, as they are fast enough to switch within
typical (e.g., CBEMA) guidelines. However, these types of ATSs are
very expensive and can represent a single point of failure.
Further, they tend to have an unfavorable loss associated with
power flowing through the semiconductor devices.
[0431] As illustrated, the single ATS 1840a will switch every
branch circuit in a given panelboard 1855 to a secondary power
source when the primary power source fails. For at least the above
reasons, this type of upstream placement of the ATS 1840a in the
power distribution topology 1800a can mitigate certain issues
(e.g., power loss, transfer time, etc.) that can be exacerbated
when many ATSs must be used throughout a power distribution
topology 1800a. However, in this configuration, failure of the
single ATS 1840a upstream of the panelboard 1855 can cause many
downstream EDP devices to be deprived of power. For example, a
typical panelboard has a capacity of 225 KVA, and 84 or 96 circuit
breaker stations. This can power approximately up to 40 racks via
28-96 branch circuits (e.g., depending on the type and number of
branch circuits and the average number of watts used per rack).
Having 40 racks be deprived of power due to a single ATS failure in
a data center is a major hit that can have very serious service
impacts. Note: The modular parallel ATS described herein can be
used in this location 1840a. It's parallel fault-tolerant
architecture allows it to deliver sufficient reliability to work
well in this role. The higher levels of parallelism described for
auto-switching at lower levels of the power topology below are
potentially even more reliable, but the parallel modular ATS has
other benefits that may be desirable.
[0432] FIG. 18B shows another illustrative a power distribution
topology 1800b having an ATS 1840b disposed further downstream, in
the distribution nodes 1850 of the topology. For the sake of
clarity, the power distribution topology 1800b is illustrated as
having the same core infrastructure 1810 and similar root nodes
1830, distribution nodes 1850, and leaf nodes 1870 as those shown
in FIG. 18A. Unlike in FIG. 18A, the ATS 1840b is implemented in
the distribution nodes 1850. Instead of the main switch gear 1825
and the UPS(s) 1835 feeding an ATS in the root nodes 1830 of the
topology, the alternate power paths feed distribution nodes
1850.
[0433] As illustrated, the distribution nodes 1850 include one or
more main panelboards 1855a and one or more zone panelboards 1855b.
Some or all of the zone panelboards 1855b include an integrated ATS
1840b (or multiple integrated ATSs 1840b). The alternate power
sources (e.g., from the main switch gear 1825 and the UPS(s) 1835)
feed the integrated ATS(s) 1840b. The zone panelboards 1855b can
then supply power to equipment racks 1875 in their respective
zones.
[0434] In the illustrative power distribution topology 1800b, there
are still relatively few ATSs, which can still reduce issues
associated with ATS inefficiencies, etc. However, placing the ATSs
1840b further downstream allows the ATSs 1840b to handle power
transfer only for a subset of the equipment racks 1875 in a large
data center (i.e., a particular zone). Accordingly, failure of an
ATS 1840b will cause a more limited number of downstream EDP
devices to be deprived of power. This can have a less catastrophic
impact to the data center than from a similar failure with a
farther upstream ATS. The modular parallel ATS described herein can
be used in this location 1840b. It's parallel fault-tolerant
architecture allows it to deliver sufficient reliability to work
well in this role. The higher levels of parallelism described for
auto-switching at lower levels of the power topology below are
potentially even more reliable, but the parallel modular ATS has
other benefits that may be desirable.
[0435] FIG. 18C shows yet another illustrative a power distribution
topology 1800c having an ATS 1840c disposed even further
downstream, in the leaf nodes 1870 of the topology. For the sake of
clarity, the power distribution topology 1800c is illustrated as
having the same core infrastructure 1810 and similar root nodes
1830, distribution nodes 1850, and leaf nodes 1870 as those shown
in FIGS. 18A and 18B. Unlike in FIG. 7, the ATS 1840c is
implemented at or near the equipment racks 1875 in the leaf nodes
1870.
[0436] As illustrated, the main switch gear 1825 and the UPS(s)
1835 feed distribution nodes 1850 (e.g., main and/or zone
panelboards 1855). The distribution nodes 1850 in turn feed the
leaf nodes 1870. For example, panelboards 1855 supply power to
equipment racks 1875. In the illustrative power distribution
topology 1800c, an ATS 1840c is disposed at or near each equipment
rack 1875 or set of equipment racks 1875. In one embodiment, the
ATS 1840c is configured to fit within a rack space, as discussed
more fully below. In other embodiments, the ATSs 1840c are place on
top of equipment racks 1875, next to equipment racks 1875, or in
any other useful location.
[0437] In some implementations, the primary power path is
distributed from the panelboard 1855 to a first plugstrip 1880a of
the equipment rack 1875. A second plugstrip 1880b of the equipment
rack 1875 is feds by the ATS 1840c, which is configured to switch
between the primary and secondary power sources, as needed. For
example, EDP equipment 1885 having only a single plug can be
plugged into the second plugstrip 1880b and powered by the primary
power source if of sufficient quality, or otherwise by the
secondary power source. In some implementations, other EDP
equipment 1885 (e.g., having multiple internal power supplies, two
plugs, etc.) is plugged into both plugstrips 1880.
[0438] In this configuration, a single ATS failure would only
impact those pieces of EDP equipment 1885 relying on the ATS's
switching capabilities (i.e., likely to be only one or a small
number of racks' worth of EDP equipment 1885). However, it is worth
noting that many more ATSs would likely be used than in the
configurations illustrated in FIG. 18A or 18B. Further, deployment
of the ATSs at the equipment racks 1875 can impact valuable rack
space. The modular parallel ATS described herein can be used in
this location 1840c. Its parallel fault-tolerant architecture
allows it to deliver sufficient reliability to work well in this
role. The higher levels of parallelism described for auto-switching
at lower levels of the power topology below are potentially even
more reliable, but the parallel modular ATS has other benefits that
may be desirable.
[0439] Rack space in a data center can be very expensive. The data
center infrastructure of generators, UPS units, power distribution,
raised floor, computer room cooling, raised floors, etc. is often a
very large capital investment and a large ongoing operational
expense. One standard rack unit ("1 U") of rack space in a standard
forty-two-unit ("42 U") equipment cabinet is equivalent to 2.5% of
the space available in that rack. Thus installing rack-mounted ATSs
in large numbers in equipment racks uses a lot of rack space, which
represents a loss of space that can be used for EDP equipment and
would therefore be undesirable. Accordingly, ATSs are often not
deployed in that configuration, especially if other options are
available.
[0440] FIG. 18D shows still another illustrative a power
distribution topology 1800d having ATSs 1840d disposed still
further downstream at the EDP equipment 1885, in the end leaf nodes
1870 of the topology. For the sake of clarity, the power
distribution topology 1800d is illustrated as having the same core
infrastructure 1810 and similar root nodes 1830, distribution nodes
1850, and leaf nodes 1870 as those shown in FIGS. 18A-18C.
[0441] As in FIG. 18C, the main switch gear 1825 and the UPS(s)
1835 feed distribution nodes 1850 (e.g., main and/or zone
panelboards 1855), which feed the leaf nodes 1870. For example,
panelboards 1855 supply power to equipment racks 1875. In the
illustrative power distribution topology 1800d, an ATS 1840d is
disposed in, at, or near each piece of EDP equipment 1885 (or at
least those pieces of EDP equipment 1885 for which the ATS
functionality is desired). In one embodiment, the ATS 1840d is
configured so that a number of ATSs 1840d can be combined to fit
within a rack space and to run in parallel for a number of
connected pieces of EDP equipment 1885, as discussed more fully
below. For example, the ATSs 1840d may be the micro ATSs 700
described above, and may be deployed in parallel with integrated
control logic to construct a large capacity, fast, efficient, and
relatively low cost ATS for use in providing redundant power
distribution for EDP equipment 1885. In other embodiments, the ATSs
1840d are integrated into power cords, into pieces of EDP equipment
1885, or disposed in any other useful way.
[0442] In this configuration, a single ATS failure would only
impact the EDP equipment 1885 it serves (i.e., likely to be only
one EDP device). However, this configuration could involve
deployment of many more ATSs than in any of the other
configurations illustrated in FIGS. 18A-18C. Each ATS can add
inefficiencies in power distribution (e.g., power loss), space
usage (e.g., by taking up valuable rack space), etc.
[0443] As discussed above, embodiments include a micro-ATS 700
(e.g., acting as any of ATS 1840b-ATS 1840d) that can be deployed
in configurations where size and efficiency are of concern. For
example, the Zonit .mu.ATS.TM. is very small (e.g.,
4.25-inches.times.1.6-inches.times.1-inch, or less than 10 cubic
inches) and very efficient (e.g., less than 0.2 volts at maximum
load loss). Certain implementations use no rack space, as they are
self-mounted on the back of each piece of EDP equipment 1885,
incorporated in the structure of the equipment rack 1875 outside
the volume of the equipment rack 1875 used to mount EDP equipment
1885, incorporated in rack-mounted plugstrips 1880, or incorporated
in an in-rack or near-rack panelboards 1855 (i.e., any of which
being possible due to the small form-factor of the micro-ATS). In
other implementations, the micro-ATS 700 is small enough to be
integrated directly into the EDP equipment 1885 itself.
[0444] The small form factor of the micro-ATS 700 can enable usage
of 24-inch outside-to-outside width EDP equipment racks 1875. These
types of equipment racks 1875 can provide certain advantages. For
example, the cabinets fit exactly on two-foot by two-foot raised
floor tiles, which makes putting in perforated floor tiles to
direct air flows easy, since the racks align on the floor tile
grid. Further, the equipment racks 1875 can save precious data
center floor space. NEMA equipment racks 1875 are not typically
standardized for overall rack width, and the narrower the rack is,
the more racks can be fit in a given row length. For example a
24-inch equipment rack 1875 will save three inches over the very
common 27-inch width equipment racks 1875, thereby allowing for one
extra equipment rack 1875 for each eight equipment racks 1875 in a
row (i.e., nine 24-inch equipment racks 1875 can be fit into the
floor space of eight 27-inch equipment racks 1875). Narrower
equipment racks 1875 are becoming more practical with modern EDP
equipment 1885, for example, since almost all models now utilize
front to back airflow cooling (i.e., as opposed to side-to-side
cooling, which used to be common, but has now almost completely
disappeared). Notably, however, a 24-inch equipment rack 1875 has
appreciably less space on the sides for ancillary equipment like
vertical plugstrips 1880, ATSs, etc., such that those components
must have as small a form-factor as is practical to fit into the
equipment racks 1875.
[0445] The micro-ATS 700 allows efficient, cost-effective and rack
space saving per device or near per device (ratios of one micro-ATS
700 per one piece of (or a low integer number of) EDP equipment
1885) and allows highly parallel and highly efficient auto-switched
power distribution methods to be utilized. It should be pointed out
that the ratio of micro-ATS 700 units to EDP equipment 1885 can be
selected to optimize several interrelated design constraints,
reliability, cost and ease of moving the EDP equipment 1885 in the
data center. The one-to-one ratio maximizes per-device power
reliability and ease of moving the device while keeping it powered
up. For example, this can be performed using a device-level ATS,
like the micro-ATS 700, by doing a "hot walk," in which the device
is moved by first unplugging one ATS power cord, moving the plug to
a new location, unplugging the second ATS power cord, etc. Long
extension cords make "hot walks" easier. Ethernet cables can be
unplugged and reinserted without taking a modern operating system
down and TCP/IP connections will recover when this is done. In some
implementations, cost can be reduced by using ratios other than
one-to-one for micro-ATS 700 units to pieces of EDP equipment 1885.
A limiting factor can be micro-ATS 700 power capacity and what
raised level of risk the data center manager is willing to take,
since the more devices connected to any ATS the greater the impact
if it fails to function properly.
[0446] Turning to FIG. 19, an illustrative traditional power
distribution topology is shown, according to some prior art
embodiments. As illustrated, the topology includes a "double
conversion" technique using UPS units (e.g., 1835), which in some
recent implementations include flywheel UPS devices. Even some of
the best double conversion UPS units used in data centers have
power efficiencies that vary as their load changes.
[0447] For example, FIG. 20 illustrates an efficiency versus load
graph for a typical double-conversion UPS unit. For example,
standard UPS units may typically average 85-90% efficiency, and
flywheel UPS units may average around 94% efficiency at typical
load levels. This level of efficiency may be unacceptable in many
instances, for example, when power costs are stable and relatively
low, and when climate impacts of carbon-based fuels are
appreciated. Recently, power has quickly changed from an
inexpensive commodity to an expensive buy that has substantial
economic and environmental costs and key implications for national
economies and national security. A traditional UPS powered data
center more typically has efficiencies in the 88-92% range, for
example, because data center managers tend to run UPS units at less
than 100% capacity to account for any needed equipment adds, moves,
or changes. Also, often the load between the UPS units is divided
so that each has approximately 1/2 the load of the total data
center. In this case, neither UPS can be loaded above 50%, since to
be redundant, either UPS must be able to take the full load if the
other UPS fails. This pushes the UPS efficiency even lower, since
each unit will usually not be loaded up above 40-45% so that the
data center manager has some available UPS power capacity for adds,
moves, or changes of EDP equipment in the data center.
[0448] It is worth noting that the number of very large data
centers that house extremely high numbers of servers has been
increasing, such that server deployment numbers are extremely high.
There are a number of commercial organizations today that have in
excess of one million servers deployed. With facilities of this
scale and the increasing long-term cost of power, making
investments in maximizing power usage efficiency can make good
sense, economically, environmentally and in terms of national
security.
[0449] As discussed above, there are several reasons to put
multiple (e.g., dual or N+1 are the most common configurations)
power supplies into EDP equipment 1885. One reason is to eliminate
a single point of failure through redundancy. However, modern power
supplies are very reliable, having a typical Mean Time Between
Failure (MTBF) value of about 100,000 hours (i.e., 11.2 years),
which may be well beyond the service life of most EDP equipment
1885. Another reason that multiple power supplies are used is to
allow connection to more than one branch circuit. As discussed
above, the branch circuit tends to be the most common point of
failure for power distribution. Yet another reason is that having
dual power connections makes power system maintenance much easier,
for example, by allowing one power source to be shut down without
affecting end user EDP equipment 1885.
[0450] However, putting multiple power supplies in EDP equipment
1885 can have various costs. One cost arises from the purchase of
the additional power supply(s). For example, the supplies are often
specific to each generation of equipment, and therefore must be
replaced in each new generation of equipment, which can be as short
as three years in some organizations for typical servers.
[0451] Further, servers are currently most cost-effective when
bought in the "pizza box" form factor. For example, servers
deployed in large data centers are typically all "commodity" Intel
X86 architecture compatible central processing units (CPU's). These
servers are used to power most of the large server farms running
large websites, cloud computing running VMWare or other virtualized
solutions, high performance computing (HPC) environments, etc.
Commodity servers have great pressure to be cost competitive,
especially as regards their initial purchase price. This in turn
can influence the manufacturers' product managers to choose the
lowest cost power supply solutions, potentially at the expense of
yielding the best power efficiency.
[0452] Another cost of additional power supplies is that each power
supply has an associated loss factor. For example, power supplies
are not 100% efficient and costs can be reduced by designing the
supplies to run most efficiently at a given load range (e.g.,
typically +/-20% of the optimum expected load). Many power supplies
have an efficiency curve that resembles that shown in FIG. 20.
Notably, a product manager for a server manufacturer may desire to
sell a server in two configurations, with one or two power
supplies, and may prefer to stock only a single power supply model
to avoid additional costs due to stocking, selling, and servicing
two models of power supplies. This can trade capital expense (the
server manufacturer can sell the server at a lower initial price
point) for operational expense. For example, with two AC-to-DC
power supplies, the DC output bus will typically be a common shared
passive bus in the class of commodity server that is most often
used in large scale deployments. Adding power source switching to
this class of server to gain back efficiency (e.g., when only one
power supply at a time takes the load) may be too expensive for the
market being served and can add another potential point of failure
for which additional costs may be incurred to add redundancy for
greater reliability.
[0453] Further, typical modern EDP power supplies are almost all
auto-ranging (i.e., they accept 110-240V input) and all switched
(i.e., they draw on the AC input power for just a short period of
time, convert that energy to DC, then repeat). Power supplies of
this type can be more resistant to power quality problems, because
they only need to "drink" one gulp at a time, not continuously. If
the input AC power voltage range is controlled within a known
range, they will typically function very reliably. While the power
supplies may require sufficient energy in each "gulp" and that the
input power is within the limits of their voltage range tolerance,
they may not require perfect input AC waveforms to work well. This
can make it possible to use a data center power distribution system
that is much more efficient than a fully UPS-supplied power system
at a very reasonable capital expense.
[0454] Embodiments address efficient power distribution (e.g., in
data centers) using highly parallel automatic transfer switching.
As discussed above, a primary source of loss in traditional data
center power systems is the UPS unit(s) (e.g., due to conversion
losses). One technique for avoiding these losses is to use filtered
utility line power, though this can bring a set of issues that need
to be solved before the methodology can be practical.
[0455] FIG. 21 shows an illustrative power distribution topology
2100, according to various embodiments. As described above, the
power distribution topology 2100 can be considered as having a core
infrastructure, which can include a site transformer 1815 (e.g., a
step down transformer fed by the utility grid 1805), a local
generator 1820, and a main switch gear 1825. The site transformer
1815 and the local generator 1820 act as two independent sources of
power for the power distribution topology 2100. In some
implementations, main switch gear 1825 can allow the entire core
infrastructure to be switched to alternate power (e.g., from the
site transformer 1815 to the local generator 1820).
[0456] Power is provided from the core infrastructure to the root
nodes of the power distribution topology 2100. As illustrated, core
power is delivered from the main switch gear 1825 to one or more
UPSs 1835 and a Transient Voltage Surge Suppression (TVSS) unit
2110. The TVSS acts as a very efficient (e.g., often above 99.9%)
and mature technology for filtering input power to the distribution
nodes of the topology. By contrast, UPSs 1835 may typically be
between 85% and 94% efficient (or less).
[0457] In this configuration, the root nodes of the power
distribution topology 2100 effectively deliver an efficient,
primary ("A") power source 760 and a less efficient, secondary
("B") power source 765. Each of these power sources is then routed
through the distribution nodes of the power distribution topology
2100. For example, one or more panelboards 1855 (e.g., main and/or
zone panelboards 1855) are used to distribute "A" power 760 and "B"
power 765 to the equipment racks 1875 at the leaf nodes of the
power distribution topology 2100.
[0458] In some implementations, the panelboards 1855 deliver power
to receptacles 2125 (e.g., standard 120-volt NEMA receptacles).
Each equipment rack 1875 includes at least a first plugstrip 1880a
having a plug 2120 configured to plug into a receptacle 2125
supplying "A" power 760, and a second plugstrip 1880b having a plug
2120 configured to plug into a receptacle 2125 supplying "B" power
765. Accordingly, both "A" power 760 and "B" power 765 are
delivered by the power distribution topology 2100 all the way to
the equipment racks 1875 in which the EDP equipment 1885 is
installed.
[0459] Each piece of EDP equipment 1885 for which ATS functionality
is desired can be supplied with redundant power (i.e., both "A"
power 760 and "B" power 765) through the plugstrips 1880 by
exploiting micro-ATS 700 functionality. As illustrated, micro-ATSs
700 are electrically coupled with (e.g., plugged into) "A" power
760 and "B" power 765 (e.g., via the first and second plugstrips
1880, respectively), and are electrically coupled with one or more
pieces (e.g., typically one or a small number) of EDP equipment
1885. According to a typical operational profile, the micro ATSs
700 are configured to deliver "A" power 760 to the EDP equipment
1885 with it is of sufficient quality and to switch over to "B"
power 765 when a partial or complete power failure is detected on
"A" power 760.
[0460] Some additional features can be realized by deploying
multiple micro-ATSs 700 in a highly parallel fashion as a module.
FIGS. 22A and 22B show illustrative parallel micro-ATS modules
2200, according to various embodiments. According to some
implementations, the parallel micro-ATS modules 2200 are configured
to fit within a single rack space ("1 U"). A rack-mountable
enclosure 2205 contains two or more micro-ATSs 700 (e.g., twelve)
configured to operate in a parallel fashion.
[0461] As illustrated, the parallel micro-ATS modules 2200 connect
to "A" power 760 and "B" power 765 (e.g., via an "A" power cord
2210a and a "B" power cord 2210b, respectively). The amperage of
the "A" and "B" power sources can be chosen to match the number of
auto-switched output receptacles (described below) and their
anticipated average and/or maximum power draw. The parallel
micro-ATS modules 2200 takes input power from "A" power 760 and "B"
power 765 and distributes to its component micro-ATSs 700. The "A"
and "B" power sources may be single phase, split-phase or
three-phase, though they may typically be substantially
identical.
[0462] Each component micro-ATSs 700 feeds an output receptacle
(ATS receptacle 2225 of FIG. 22A) or a hard-wired power cord
(output cord 2235 of FIG. 22B). In some embodiments, the ATS
receptacle 2225 or output cord 2235 is accessible via the face
(e.g., rear face) of the enclosure 2205 for connection with EDP
equipment 1885 in the equipment rack 1875. Certain embodiments also
include one or more ATS indicators 2230 that can indicate, for
example, whether a particular micro-ATS 700 is functioning
properly, which power source is currently being supplied, etc. In
some embodiments, the parallel micro-ATS modules 2200 include
circuit breakers 2215, optionally with visual power status
indicators 2220, to allow disconnecting the parallel micro-ATS
modules 2200 electrically from the branch circuits that feed it
(i.e., from "A" power 760 and/or from "B" power 765).
[0463] As illustrated, some embodiments also include a control
module 2250 to provide control functionality for improved parallel
operation of the component micro-ATSs 700 in the parallel micro-ATS
modules 2200. According to certain embodiments, the control module
2250 helps parallelize operation of the multiple component
micro-ATSs 700. In other embodiments, the control module 2250
offloads certain functionality of the component micro-ATSs 700. For
example, in some implementations, the parallel micro-ATS module
2200 is designed to switch all its micro-ATSs 700 upon detection of
the same condition (e.g., a particular threshold reduction in power
quality). In these types of configurations, certain implementations
move functionality of the detection components (e.g., one or more
of the "A" power voltage range detect subsystem 710, "A" power loss
detect subsystem 715, output current detect subsystem 740, etc.) to
the control module 2250. When the control module 2250 detects a
power failure in the "A" power 760 source, for example, it may
force all the component micro-ATSs 700 in the parallel micro-ATS
module 2200 to switch their outputs to "B" power 765.
[0464] Embodiments of the parallel micro-ATS modules 2200 are
configured so that the enclosure 2205 can be mounted within the
equipment rack 1875, on top of the equipment rack 1875, or the side
of the equipment rack 1875. The size of the enclosure 2205 can be
minimized due to the very small form factor of component micro-ATSs
700. Some implementations of the enclosure 2205 are configured to
have dimensions within one NEMA standard rack unit (e.g.,
1.75-inches in height). For example, embodiments of the micro-ATSs
700 have dimensions of 4.25 inches deep by 1.6 inches high by one
inch wide, so that twelve or more micro-ATSs 700 can easily fit
within a parallel micro-ATS modules 2200, along with any cabling,
control circuitry, buses, cooling, etc.
[0465] FIG. 23 shows an illustrative power distribution topology
that includes a rack-mounted parallel micro-ATS module 2200,
according to various embodiments. Though not shown, it is assumed
that a core infrastructure is used to provide at least two
independent sources of power. The power sources can be delivered
through one or more root nodes to one or more distribution nodes.
As illustrated, root nodes of the power distribution topology 2300
effectively deliver a primary ("A") power source 760 and a
secondary ("B") power source 765 through one or more panelboards
1855.
[0466] In some implementations, the panelboards 1855 deliver power
to receptacles 2125 (e.g., standard 120-volt NEMA receptacles).
Each equipment rack 1875 includes a parallel micro-ATS modules 2200
that can connect with the "A" power 760 and the "B" power 765
sources using input power cords 2210 (e.g., via respective plugs
2120 configured to plug into respective receptacles 2125).
Accordingly, both "A" power 760 and "B" power 765 are delivered by
the power distribution topology 2300 all the way to the equipment
racks 1875 in which the EDP equipment 1885 is installed via the
parallel micro-ATS modules 2200.
[0467] Each piece of EDP equipment 1885 for which ATS functionality
is desired can be supplied with redundant power (i.e., both "A"
power 760 and "B" power 765) by being connected to a component
micro-ATS 700 of the parallel micro-ATS module 2200. For example,
as discussed above, the connection to the parallel micro-ATS module
2200 may be implemented using a receptacle (e.g., ATS receptacle
2225 of FIG. 22A) or an output power cord (e.g., output cord 2235
of FIG. 22B). The illustrated embodiment shows cords 2305
connecting the parallel micro-ATS module 2200 with each piece of
EDP equipment 1885.
[0468] According to various embodiments, "hydra" power cords are
included. For example, the cords 2305 may be combined into a single
hydra cord to further allow the dimensions of the equipment rack
1875 to be optimized to most efficiently use data center floor
space and to allow the maximum number of racks to be deployed in a
given area of floor space. Hydra cords can be optimized to increase
power efficiency delivery, cord routing, eliminate cord tangle, and
incorporate locking power cord functionality. In some embodiments,
the hydra power cords are connected to the parallel auto-switch
module via standard receptacles, locking or non-locking or directly
attached via hard-wire. In environments where the contents of the
equipment rack are pre-designed, the hydra cords can be used as a
wiring harness for the "programmed deployment."
[0469] The number of heads on the hydra cord can be varied to match
the desired average power output to each connected end-user device.
The length and gauge of the hydra power cord (both the main feed
section and the separate feeds to each "hydra head") can be
optimized to minimize electrical transmission losses and power cord
tangle by optimizing the cord lengths for each hydra cord to supply
power to a particular set of equipment positions in the equipment
rack 1875. A set of appropriately sized hydra cables can be used to
feed each equipment location in the rack at whatever interval is
desired, such as one NEMA standard equipment mounting space. At
various points in the topology (e.g., at plugs or receptacles of
the parallel micro-ATS modules 2200, at the hydra cord heads, etc.)
locking power cord technologies can be used to improve the security
of power delivery. For example, standard NEMA L5-15 locking
receptacles for 120V service or NEMA L6-15 receptacles for 200V+
service can be used. The "hydra cord head" on the output cords can
be equipped with IEC locking receptacles (C13 and C19) using
various technologies.
[0470] It is worth noting that, although the enclosure 2205 takes
up rack space, it can also eliminate the need for in rack
plugstrips 1880, which are typically mounted vertically in the
equipment rack 1875. Accordingly, data center floor space can be
optimized by reducing the width of each equipment rack 1875. For
example, equipment racks 1875 are often around 27'' wide to allow
adequate space to mount a variety of vertical plugstrips 1880,
which do not have industry standardized dimensions. The NEMA
standard equipment width that is most commonly used is 19 inches.
Therefore the total width and depth of the rack determine its floor
area usage. By eliminating the need to run anything but power cords
and network cords down the sides of the rack, it is possible to
specify narrower racks, down to a width of approximately 21 inches.
For the sake of illustration, suppose 24-inch wide racks (which
would align onto standard two-foot by two-foot floor tiles used in
most raised floors) are used instead of 27-inch wide racks. Nine
24-inch racks could be deployed in the same floor space that
previously accommodated only eight 27-inch racks.
[0471] It is further worth noting that a typical rack-mountable ATS
can cause the entire set of EDP equipment 1885 in the rack to fail
if the ATS fails (e.g., as in embodiments of the configuration
illustrated in FIG. 18C). However, the highly parallel
implementation described herein can minimize the domain of failure
to only the one (or small subset) of end-user devices that are
powered by each individual micro-ATS 700 in the parallel micro-ATS
module 2200. This can appreciably improve reliability, servicing,
etc.
[0472] Power distribution topologies, like the ones illustrated in
FIGS. 21 and 23, provide a number of features. One such feature
involves input voltage range control. Modern power supplies can
tolerate a wide range of power quality flaws, but they typically
cannot survive lengthy input power over-voltage conditions. The
TVSS unit 2110 can filter transient surges and spikes, but it does
not compensate for long periods of input power over-voltage (i.e.,
these are passed through to the root nodes). To guard against these
conditions, embodiments address out-of-range voltages (e.g., modern
power supplies are not typically damaged by under-voltage
conditions, but will still shutdown) by switching to the
conditioned UPS power if the utility line power voltage goes out of
range.
[0473] A number of techniques are possible for implementing this
switching. For example, voltage sensing and auto-switching could be
implemented at different locations in the data center power system.
However, for at least the reasons discussed above, many of these
techniques have significant limitations. Accordingly, embodiments
typically use one of the following techniques.
[0474] Some embodiments implement over-voltage protection at the
utility step-down transformer (e.g., site transformer 2110).
Auto-ranging transformers of this type are available and can often
be ordered from utility companies. Configurations have a set of
taps on their output coil and automatically switch between them as
needed to control their output voltage to a specified range.
Step-down transformers of this type of this type are not usually
deployed by utility companies (e.g., because of cost), but they can
often be specified and retrofitted for power distribution
topologies if requested.
[0475] Other embodiments implement over-voltage protection at an
ATS in the power distribution topology. As described above with
reference to FIGS. 18A-18D, 21, and 23, ATSs can be placed in a
number of locations throughout the topology, for example, including
at panelboards, at the end of a branch circuit, at the device
level, etc. The power distribution topologies shown in FIGS. 21 and
23 illustrate implementing the switching by placing micro-ATSs 700
at the device level. It should be noted that a semiconductor-based
ATS could be used upstream of the UPS, but this can be relatively
very expensive, and a failure of the ATS could result in
potentially catastrophic effects, as all of the powered EDP units
could have their power supplies damaged or destroyed if the ATS
unit fails to switch.
[0476] Another feature of power distribution topologies using
micro-ATSs 700 is the availability of auto-switching of all single
power supply (or cord) EDP devices. If utility line power fails, it
is desirable for all single power supply EDP devices to be switched
to a reliable alternate power source, such as power supplied via
the UPS. EDP equipment 1885 may require that the switching is
accomplished within a predetermined maximum time (e.g., the CBEMA
20 millisecond guideline). Notably, while plugging all devices
directly into the UPS would provide highly reliable power, it would
also appreciably reduce power distribution efficiency over any
implementation that only uses the UPS during the times when utility
power is down. This can have significant impacts in environments
like large server farms, where the cost constraints are such that
single power supply configurations for the massive number of
servers are greatly preferred for cost and efficiency reasons, and
services will not be much or at all interrupted by the loss of a
single or a few servers.
[0477] Yet another feature of power distribution topologies using
micro-ATSs 700 is auto-switching of all dual (or N+1) power
supplies in EDP devices. EDP equipment 1885 implemented with
multiple power supplies typically share the load among their
available power supplies. It is possible to build an EDP device
that switches the load between power supplies, so that only one or
more are the active supplies and the others are idle, but as
described earlier, this is rarely done for both cost and
reliability reasons. Embodiments ensure that multi-power-supply EDP
equipment 1885 draw on only filtered utility line power if it is
available (and of sufficient quality) and switch to the UPS only if
it is not. To this end, embodiments auto-switch each secondary
power supply unit between the utility line and UPS power.
Otherwise, the UPS unit will bear a portion of the data center
load, which can lower the overall efficiency of the power
distribution.
[0478] Still another feature of power distribution topologies using
micro-ATSs 700 is avoidance of harmonic reinforcing power load
surges. If utility line power fails, all EDP devices must draw on
the UPS unit until the generator starts and stabilizes. Modern
generators used in data centers have very sophisticated electronics
controlling their engine "throttle". The control logic of the
generator is designed to produce maximum stability and optimum
efficiency. However, it takes a certain amount of time to respond
to a changed electrical load and then stabilize at that new load.
If the load put on the generator changes too fast in a repeating
oscillation pattern, it is possible to destabilize the generator,
by defeating its control logic and forcing it to try to match the
oscillations of the power demands. This can either damage the
generator or force it to shutdown to protect itself. In either case
the data center can potentially go off-line, which can be a very
undesirable result. There are several potential scenarios that can
potentially cause this problem.
[0479] One such scenario is when there is an intermittent utility
line failure. Utility line power is outside the control of the data
center operator. It can be affected by weather, equipment faults,
human error and other conditions. It can fail intermittently which
poses a potential hazard to the core data center power
infrastructure. If utility power goes on and off intermittently,
and the timing of the on-off cycles is within a certain range,
auto-switching between the utility line source and the generator
(even filtered by the UPS units) can result in harmonic reinforcing
power load surges being imposed on the generator.
[0480] For example, suppose utility line power from the site
transformer 1815 fails. As desired, power is switched to UPS 1835
power. Eventually, a timeout occurs, causing the local generator
1820 to auto-start. When the local generator 1820 stabilizes, it
may be switched into the system by the main switch gear 1825,
thereby feeding the UPSs 1835. At some point, utility line power
returns and then goes off again. The local generator 1820 will not
have shutdown, but the main switch gear 1825 may now switch between
the local generator 1820 and site transformer 1815 power sources.
Any equipment-level ATSs (e.g., micro-ATSs 700 at the EDP equipment
1885) will return to line power when it is back on. Notably,
however, the timing of this return may be critical: if it happens
too fast for the local generator 1820 to respond properly, and
utility line power fails in an oscillating fashion, the local
generator 1820 may become destabilized, as described above.
[0481] Another such scenario occurs when there is load/voltage
oscillation. When a load is switched onto the local generator 1820,
especially a large load, its output voltage can momentarily sag.
The local generator 1820 may then compensate by increasing throttle
volume and subsequent engine torque, which increases output current
and voltage. There are mechanisms to keep the output voltage in a
desired range, but they can be defeated by a load that is switched
in and out at just the right range of harmonic frequency. This can
happen, for example, if the power distribution system has
protection from overvoltage built into it via mechanisms (e.g., as
described below). Again, the result can be harmonic reinforcing
power load surges being imposed on the local generator 1820.
[0482] For example, suppose again that utility line power from the
site transformer 1815 fails. As desired, power is switched to UPS
1835 power, a timeout occurs, and the local generator 1820
auto-starts. When the local generator 1820 stabilizes, it may be
switched into the system by the main switch gear 1825 (e.g., the
local generator 1820 is switched into the system to feed the
utility line power side of the system in preference to feeding
through the UPS in order to maintain redundant feeds to the racks
w/ EDP equipment). The local generator 1820 sags under the large
load suddenly placed on it and may respond by increasing its
throttle setting. The local generator 1820 overshoots the high
voltage cutoff value of the micro-ATS 700 units, causing them to
switch back to UPS power, thereby removing the load from the local
generator 1820. The local generator 1820 then throttles back and
its output voltage returns to normal levels. The micro-ATS 700
units switch back to the generator, causing it to sag again. The
sag and return of the local generator 1820 throttle can repeat,
causing a harmonic reinforcing power load surge to build up and
destabilize the local generator 1820.
[0483] As discussed above, implementation of a power distribution
topology using micro-ATSs 700 (e.g., alone or as part of a parallel
micro-ATS module 2200) involves a number of features, particularly
when the implementation is to include safe, reliable, and
economical use of filtered utility line power. These features
include input line power voltage range control, auto-switching of
single power cord EDP devices, auto-switching of dual (or N+1)
power supply EDP devices, prevention of harmonic reinforcing load
surges. These features can be realized by auto-switching at the
device or near-device level in the power distribution topology.
However, to realize these features, embodiments of micro-ATSs 700
are used having a number of characteristics. It will be appreciated
that the micro-ATS 700 embodiments described above manifest these
characteristics either by virtue of their design as a single
micro-ATS 700 embodiment or when combined into a highly parallel
ATS embodiment (e.g., as part of a parallel micro-ATS module
2200).
[0484] Embodiments of the micro-ATS 700 prefer and select the
primary power source (e.g., "A" power 760) when it is available and
of sufficient quality. For example, maximum efficiency may be
realized by ensuring that, if utility line power is available and
of sufficient quality, it is being used to power all loads.
[0485] Embodiments of the micro-ATS 700 also protect against
out-of-range voltage conditions on the primary power source and
switch to the secondary power source if the primary power source is
out of range (and switch back to the primary source when it returns
to the acceptable range and is stable). It is also desirable that
the micro-ATS 700 switch to the secondary power source as a
precaution when other primary power source issues are detected.
Some embodiments may not manifest this characteristic, as they may
exploit the fact that modern power supplies are relatively immune
to power quality issues other than input voltage range.
[0486] Further, embodiments of the micro-ATS 700 transfer within
the CBEMA 20-millisecond limit in both directions (i.e., from
primary to secondary power and from secondary to primary power). In
fact, some embodiments switch from "A" power 760 to "B" power 765
in 14-16 milliseconds. While circuit embodiments described above
can be configured to achieve even faster switching times, switching
times are selected also to maximize rejection of false conditions
that could initiate a transfer. In some embodiments, transfer times
between "B" power 765 and "A" power 760 are approximately 5
milliseconds once initiated (e.g., after a delay, as described
below). For example, this transfer timing can be achieved because
most "B" power 765 to "A" power 760 transfers occur after "A" power
760 has returned to an operational condition, so that the micro-ATS
700 can select the time to make the transfer when both power
sources are up and running.
[0487] Embodiments of the micro-ATS 700 also incorporate a delay
factor in secondary to primary power switching (except if the
secondary power source fails). The delay factor chosen is
sufficient to allow modern generators to stabilize their throttle
settings and not oscillate. For example, the time is selected to be
outside of the normal response time characteristics of most typical
generators to prevent harmonic reinforcing load surges by allowing
the generator time to adapt to the load change and to stabilize its
output.
[0488] Even further, embodiments of the micro-ATSs 700 are
configured to use minimal or no valuable rack space that could be
used for EDP equipment 1885. For example, embodiments mount in a
"zero-U" fashion or are otherwise integrated into or near the rack
without using rack space. Certain embodiments are integrated into
EDP equipment 1885 directly. Other embodiments are integrated into
plugstrips 1880 or in-rack or near-rack power distribution units
such as the Zonit Power Distribution Unit (ZPDU). These embodiments
may trade a minimal amount of rack space usage against access at
the rack to the circuit breakers controlling power to the
plugstrips 1880 in the racks. According to certain of these
embodiments, the ATS function is integrated into every sub-branch
output of the local power distribution unit, so that each one is
auto-switched. This can be a worthwhile trade-off to some data
center managers.
[0489] Still further, embodiments of the micro-ATS 700 (e.g., when
deployed as parallel micro-ATS modules 2200) also "spread" the load
on the source being transferred. In practice, each micro-ATS 700
has a small degree of variability in its timing of transfers from
"B" power 765 to "A" power 760 with respect to other micro-ATS 700
(e.g., as an artifact of the manufacturing process). The
variability is not large in real time but is significant in
electrical event time. When running the micro-ATSs 700 as
components of a parallel micro-ATS modules 2200, the variance
"spreads" the load being transferred as seen by the power source,
for example, a generator or UPS unit. For instance, the load
appears to the power source as a large number of micro-ATS 700
transfers over a time window. This can be beneficial to generators
and UPS units, since it distributes a large number of smaller loads
over a period of time, thereby reducing instantaneous inrush.
[0490] Embodiments of the micro-ATS 700 are also highly efficient,
reliable, and inexpensive. When deploying micro-ATS 700 units at
the device level, there will be a large number of them, and they
must therefore be efficient enough to offset the cost of their
purchase. Embodiments use less than 100 milliwatts when on the
primary power source in normal operational mode. In a related
sense, they must be highly reliable and otherwise inexpensive to
purchase.
[0491] As discussed above, features of the micro-ATS 700 allow
deployment of device-level ATS functionality that is reliable,
efficient, cost-effective, and of minimal impact to rack space
usage. For reasons discussed above, a population of highly reliable
ATS units at the device level can produce much higher per-device
power reliability levels than an ATS that switches a branch circuit
or an entire panelboard can. For example, the chance that all
micro-ATSs 700 will fail at the same time and affect all their
connected, auto-switched EDP devices is infinitesimal as compared
to the chance that a single ATS deployed closer to the root of the
power distribution topology will fail.
[0492] Additionally, it is desirable that techniques for data
center power distribution are highly efficient. Highly parallel
implementations of device or near-device level auto-switched power
distribution can provide a highly efficient approach that is also
cost-effective to implement for several reasons. As noted above,
mechanical relay-based ATSs tend to be more efficient more reliable
(at given cost levels) than solid-state based ATSs, but they may
also exhibit relatively high loss due to contact resistance and
relatively higher relay transfer times. However, using many small
ATS units in parallel at the device or near-device level (e.g., as
parallel micro-ATS modules 2200) yields an effective cumulative
relay contact area that is much greater than is feasible to put in
a higher capacity relay-based ATS unit regardless of where that
unit is placed in the power distribution topology.
[0493] Further, deploying the micro-ATS 700 units in parallel
micro-ATS modules 2200 also allows for a relatively fast transfer
time because each component ATS has smaller relay contacts faster
transfer times. It will be further appreciated that the circuit
embodiments described above allow the micro-ATS 700 to be more
efficient than many traditional ATS unit designs of the same power
handling capacity by a factor of 10 or more. It is worth noting
that use of traditional ATS designs in a highly parallel
configuration may not be practical for at least this reason, as the
net result would likely be to consume more power rather than less
power, regardless of the capital expense of the switching units
used.
[0494] It will be appreciated that data center power distribution
techniques should be cost-effective if they are to be widely used
and accepted. As discussed above, micro-ATS 700 embodiments are
highly cost-effective, due, for example, to relatively low
manufacturing costs, relatively long service life, etc.
[0495] A related concern may be preserving rack space wherever
possible. As discussed above, space in a data center equipment rack
or cabinet can be very expensive, and embodiments of the micro-ATS
700 can be deployed to consume little or no rack space (e.g., by
being integrated into the rack structure outside of the volume in
the rack where EDP equipment is mounted). For the sake of
illustration, suppose a large server farm in a data center has many
"pizza-box" servers in a rack with a network switch. Each server
may use around 3-6 watts of 120-volt power, such that a 15-amp ATS
can handle 2-4 servers. If the ATS units are 1 U rack-mounted
devices, using one ATS for every 3 servers would still consume 25%
of the rack space. This may typically be too inefficient a use of
expensive rack space to be practical. However, use of a parallel
micro-ATS module 2200 would consume much less rack space (e.g.,
even a rack-mounted implementation typically uses a single rack
space).
[0496] It is worth noting that use of the micro-ATSs 700 (e.g., as
part of a parallel micro-ATS module 2200) can also increase
efficiency for traditional power distribution via UPS load
shifting. As discussed above, it is common to share loads when
double-conversion UPS units are used in a data center as the power
sources (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 19). This is usually due to
the nature of the end use equipment having dual power supplies that
distribute the load more or less equally to both the "A" and "B"
power supply inputs. Also, as discussed above, this can reduce UPS
efficiency, since they are typically loaded at below 50% to provide
fully redundant power.
[0497] Using large numbers of micro-ATSs 700, it is possible to
raise the efficiency of such a power distribution system. All of
the electrical load for EDP equipment 1885 in the data center can
be "load shifted" via micro-ATS 700 units onto one of the two UPS
units, increasing the efficiency of that UPS unit (e.g., as shown
in the UPS efficiency curve shown in FIG. 20). The other UPS unit
is at idle and will only be used if the primary unit fails. The UPS
units must be designed to handle this type of load being
immediately placed on them, but almost all modern UPS units can do
this. The result tends to be an increase of approximately 3-5% in
the efficiency of the data center.
[0498] Implementations can be deployed incrementally for each piece
of EDP equipment 1885, which can reduce service impacts. In some
embodiments, every power supply (or corded) EDP device will be
connected via a micro-ATS 700 to the "A" and "B" UPS units. Every
dual or N+1 power supply EDP device will have one power supply
connected to the "A" UPS via a normal power cord, and the second or
all other N+1 power supplies will be connected to the "A" and "B"
UPS units via micro-ATS 700 units. Accordingly, when the "A" UPS
unit is available, it takes all the load; and when it is not, the
"B" UPS carries the load. As discussed above, the micro-ATS 700
units can be deployed at a per-device ratio, or at a ratio of one
micro-ATS 700 to a low integer number of EDP devices (e.g.,
respecting micro-ATS 700 power capacity limits).
[0499] It should be noted that while only one pair of UPS units is
discussed here the methodology scales to larger data centers that
have many UPS units deployed in pairs for redundancy. Similarly,
the illustrative embodiments discussed herein show limited
configuration options for the sake of clarity. It will be
appreciated that embodiments can be adapted to any number of
equipment racks, EDP equipment, ATSs, panelboards, plugstrips,
etc.
[0500] Various changes, substitutions, and alterations to the
techniques described herein can be made without departing from the
technology of the teachings as defined by the appended claims.
Moreover, the scope of the disclosure and claims is not limited to
the particular aspects of the process, machine, manufacture,
composition of matter, means, methods, and actions described above.
Processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means,
methods, or actions, presently existing or later to be developed,
that perform substantially the same function or achieve
substantially the same result as the corresponding aspects
described herein may be utilized. Also, as used herein, including
in the claims, "or" as used in a list of items prefaced by "at
least one of" indicates a disjunctive list such that, for example,
a list of "at least one of A, B, or C" means A or B or C or AB or
AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Further, the term
"exemplary" does not mean that the described example is preferred
or better than other examples. Accordingly, the appended claims
include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture,
compositions of matter, means, methods, or actions.
* * * * *