WO2017069754A1

WO2017069754A1 - Backup power source

Info

Publication number: WO2017069754A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/056719
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hai Ngoc Nguyen; Abhishek Banerjee; Darrel G. Gaston
Original assignee: Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development Lp
Priority date: 2015-10-21
Filing date: 2015-10-21
Publication date: 2017-04-27

Abstract

In one example implementation of a backup power source, a device includes a stand-alone enclosure detachable from a main power source and a load to provide backup power to the load when the main power source is deactivated. The enclosure is a stand-alone device encasing a backup power source to provide sufficient backup power to the load.

Description

BACKUP POWER SOURCE

Background

[0001] Computing systems can utilize devices such as an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). The UPS can help provide backup power to the computing system when main power fails. Upon failure, the UPS provides power near-instantaneously, thereby protecting the computer system from power interruption. To do so, the UPS uses energy stored in packs of batteries, supercapacitors, or flywheels. The runtime of the UPS being active is sufficiently long enough for a standby power source to rectify the input power interruption to the computing system.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0002] Figure 1 illustrates an example system for a stand-alone backup power module consistent with the present disclosure.

[0003] Figure 2 illustrates an example system for a stand-alone backup power module consistent with the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

[0004] A number of systems for a stand-alone backup power module are described herein. In some examples, a stand-alone backup power module can include a stand-alone enclosure detachable from a main power source and a load to provide backup power to the load when the main power source is deactivated, wherein the stand-alone enclosure is a device that encases a backup power source to provide sufficient backup power to the load. In some examples, a stand-alone backup power module can include a distributed energy system (DES) module that contains a singular backup power source independent from additional backup power sources and a DES module controller that directly communicates with a host and a load coupled to the DES module, wherein the DES module exclusively provides backup power from the backup power source within the DES module to the load upon deactivation of a main power source.

[0005] In some examples, the stand-alone backup power module can be a device that contains a backup power source that is capable of providing backup power to a load when a main power source is deactivated (e.g., fails, turned off, etc.). In some examples, the backup power source that is enclosed within the stand-alone backup power module is the only power source to the load when the main power source is deactivated. For example, the stand-alone backup power module may not be

connected to an external backup power source, an additional distributed energy system (DES), an external backup power infrastructure (e.g., centralized backup power source, etc.) and/or external bypass switches. That is, the stand-alone backup power module is not dependent on external support devices (e.g., an external backup power source, a bypass switch, an additional distributed energy system (DES), an external controller, etc.). In some examples, the stand-alone backup power module can be connected in parallel with other stand-alone backup power modules. For example, a first stand-alone backup power module can be connected in a parallel connection with a second standalone backup power module and the group comprising the first and second stand-alone backup power modules can be treated as a pack (e.g., distributed energy system (DES) pack, etc.).

[0006] In some examples, the stand-alone backup power module can include an enclosure (e.g., stand-alone enclosure, etc.) that is detachable from the main power source and the load. In some examples, the stand-alone backup power module can be detached from the main power source and the load to replace the stand-alone backup power module with a different stand-alone backup power module or different DES. In some examples, the stand-alone backup power module can be coupled to a main power source that is an alternating current (AC) main power source. In some examples, the stand-alone backup power module can include a backup power source that is a high voltage direct current (HVDC) backup power source. For example, the stand-alone backup power module can include a stand-alone enclosure that contains a number of batteries coupled in series to supply HVDC power to the load when the main power source is deactivated. Thus, in some examples, the stand-alone backup power module can provide AC power to a number of loads when the AC main power source is activated and the stand-alone backup power module can provide DC power (e.g., HVDC power via the HVDC backup power source, etc.) to the number of loads when the AC main power source is deactivated.

[0007] In previous backup power module systems and methods, a central controller can be utilized with a number of bypass switches to utilize resources from each of a plurality of backup power modules coupled together to provide backup power to a load when a main power source is deactivated. In contrast, as described herein, the stand-alone backup power module can be independent from external support devices (e.g., an external backup power source, a bypass switch, an additional distributed energy system, an external controller, etc.). In some examples, the standalone backup power module can directly communicate with the host so that external support devices are not necessary. In some examples, the stand-alone backup power module can be mounted on a side or rear of a server rack as a 0U solution compared to a minimum of a 1 U solution with previous backup power modules. As used herein, a 0U solution and 1 U solution refer to a value of a rack unit. The rack unit is a unit of measure to describe a height of electronic equipment designated to fit in a server rack. In addition, the stand-alone backup power module can provide both AC and DC power to a load compared to previous backup power module systems that may only be able to provide AC power to the load.

[0008] In some example, the stand-alone backup power module can include a module latch. The module latch can allow the stand-alone backup power module to be detachable from the main power source and the load. In some examples, the standalone backup power module can be a hot-pluggable device that can utilize the module latch for decoupling the stand-alone backup power module from the main power source and the load, even with an already energized DC bus. For example, the module latch can allow the stand-alone backup power module to be safely coupled and/or decoupled from the main power source and/or the load even with an already energized DC bus.

[0009] The figures herein follow a numbering convention in which the first digit corresponds to the drawing figure number and the remaining digits identify an element or component in the drawing. Elements shown in the various figures herein may be capable of being added, exchanged, and/or eliminated so as to provide a number of additional examples of the present disclosure. In addition, the proportion and the relative scale of the elements provided in the figures are intended to illustrate the examples of the present disclosure, and should not be taken in a limiting sense.

[0010] Figure 1 illustrates an example system for a stand-alone backup power module 100 consistent with the present disclosure. The stand-alone backup power module 100 can include an input 102-1 , 102-2, a backup power source 106, and an output 108-1 , 108-2. In some examples, the stand-alone backup power module 100 can be detachable at the input 102-1 , 102-2 from a main power source and detachable at the output 108-1 , 108-2 from a load and be replaced by a different stand-alone backup power module. In some examples, the stand-alone backup power module 100 can be mounted from the side or rear of a server rack and be replaced by a different stand-alone backup power module 100.

[0011] In some examples, a switch 104 can be utilized to activate the backup power source 106 upon deactivation of a main power source coupled to the input 102-1 , 102-2. In some examples, the switch 104 can act automatically and/or near- instantaneously to avoid a break in power being transferred to a load via the output 108- 1 , 108-2.

[0012] The backup power source 106 can provide high voltage direct current (HVDC) backup power directly to the output 108-1 , 108-2 when the main power source connected to the input 102-1 , 102-2 is deactivated. In some examples, the backup power source 106 can include a plurality of batteries coupled in series. In some examples, the backup power source 106 can include a total of 64 battery cells in series to provide back-up power of 370 volts DC (VDC). [0013] Figure 2 illustrates an example system 230 for a stand-alone backup power module 234 consistent with the present disclosure. The stand-alone backup power module 234 can include a main power source 232. The main power source 232 can be an AC power source or a DC power source that provides main power for a load 236. The main power source 232 can be coupled to an input 238 of a stand-alone backup power module 234.

[0014] The stand-alone backup power module 234 can include an input 238 that can include a detachable coupling to allow the stand-alone backup power module 234 to be detachable from the main power source 232. In addition, the stand-alone backup power module 234 can include an output 258 that can include a detachable coupling to allow the stand-alone backup power module 234 to be detachable from the load 236. In some examples, a module latch 251 can be utilized to remove the stand-alone backup power module 234 from the main power source 232 and the load 236. Thus, in some examples, the stand-alone backup power module 234 can be detachable from the main power source 232 and the load 236 for replacement of the stand-alone backup power module 234. In some examples, the stand-alone backup power module 234 can be a hot-pluggable device (e.g., device capable of being coupled or decoupled to a computing device while the computing device is running, etc.). As described herein, the module latch 251 can be utilized to detach and/or attach the stand-alone backup power module 234 to the main power source 232 and the load 236 even with an already energized DC bus.

[0015] The input 238 of the stand-alone backup power module 234 can be coupled to a fuse 240 and a switch 242. In some examples, the fuse 240 and/or the switch 242 can be utilized for reverse polarity protection. In some examples, the standalone backup power module 234 can include a power supply 246. The power supply 246 can receive power from the main power source 232 and distribute power to a number of devices within the stand-alone backup power module 234 when the main power source 232 is activated and/or functioning properly. For example, the power supply 246 can receive power from the main power source 232 and distribute the power to a controller 244 and/or a backup power source 250. In some examples, the backup power source 250 can comprise a HVDC backup power source such as a plurality of batteries coupled in series. In some examples, the backup power source 250 can include a total of 64 battery cells in series to provide back-up power of 370 volts DC (VDC). That is, the stand-alone backup power module 234 can provide AC power to the load 236 via the main power source 232 during normal operation (e.g., main power source 232 is functional, etc.) and can provide DC power (e.g., HVDC power) to the load 236 via the backup power source 250 during a backup operation (e.g., upon failure of the main power source 232, when the main power source is deactivated, etc.).

[0016] In some examples, the controller 244 can be utilized to receive status information from activity associated with the stand-alone backup power module 234. For example, the controller 244 can receive information related to a functionality of the backup power source, integrated converters, and/or controllers 250. In some examples, the controller 244 can communicate the received status information to a host (e.g., management device, manager, number of users managing the source 232 and/or load 236 of the system 230. In some examples, the controller 244 can communicate directly with a host.

[0017] In some examples, the controller 244 directly communicating with the host can include communicating without an external controller by utilizing a direct path to communicate information to the host. In some examples, the controller 244 can directly communicate status information relating to, but limited to: a type of power (e.g., AC, DC, HVDC, or etc.), whether the main power source 232 is activated or deactivated, an amount of battery power left in the backup power source 250, among other information relating to the stand-alone backup power module 234.

[0018] The controller 244 communicating directly with the host can reduce a size and number of external support components as described herein. Thus, the standalone backup power module 234 can function as an independent distributed energy source (DES) between a main power source 232 and a load 236. In some examples, the main power source 250 is capable of providing sufficient backup power for the load 236 when the main power source 232 is deactivated or fails. Thus, the stand-alone backup power module 234 can provide a relatively small device compared to previous systems while providing sufficient backup power to the load 236 and providing sufficient status information by enabling the controller 244 to communicate directly with the host. [0019] In some examples, the stand-alone backup power module 234 can include a switch 252 and a switch 254. In some examples, the switch 252 can include a reverse polarity protection semiconductor to allow current to flow from the main power source 232 to the load when the main power source 232 is activated and/or functioning properly (e.g., functioning to device specifications, functioning to load 236

specifications, etc.). A failure or deactivation of the main power source 232 can be detected by switch 252. When a failure or deactivation of the main power source 232 is determined by the switch 252, the switch 252 can be deactivated so that current is not allowed to flow past the switch 252.

[0020] In some examples, a detection of a failure can activate switch 254 to allow current from the backup power source 250 to provide power to the output 258 and/or a load 236 coupled to the output 258. In some examples, the switch 252 and the switch 254 can each be coupled to an inductor 256. In some examples, the inductor 256 can include an electrical component to resist a change in electrical current passing through the inductor 256.

[0021] As described herein, the stand-alone backup power module 234 can be a DES that can be detachable between a main power source 232 and a load 236. In some examples, the stand-alone backup power module 234 can include a backup power source 250 that is capable of providing sufficient backup power to the load 236 when the main power source 232 is deactivated or fails. In some examples, as described herein, the backup power resources (e.g., batteries, etc.) utilized for the backup power source 250 can be completely encased within an enclosure (e.g., physical enclosure that contains computing elements, stand-alone enclosure, etc.) of the stand-alone backup power module 234. That is, the stand-alone backup power module 234 may not rely on external support devices to provide backup power to the load 236 when the main power source 232 is deactivated or fails.

[0022] As described herein, the controller 244 can communicate directly with a host that is managing the system 230. In previous systems and methods, an intermediate controller was used to receive communication from a plurality of DES devices and the intermediate controller was responsible for communicating a status of the plurality of DES devices to a host. Since the stand-alone backup power module 234 is capable of providing sufficient backup power to the load 236 when the main power source 232 fails, the stand-alone backup power module 234 does not have to rely on additional DES devices to supply power to the load 236 and thus does not have to rely on an intermediate controller to communicate with the host.

[0023] Since the stand-alone backup power module 234 does not have to rely on external support devices, the stand-alone backup power module 234 can be relatively smaller compared to previous systems and methods. Thus, as described herein, the stand-alone backup power module 234 can be mounted to a server blade within a server rack. In some examples, the stand-alone backup power module 234 can act as a 0U solution compared to a minimum of a 1 U solution with previous backup power modules.

[0024] As used herein, "logic" is an alternative or additional processing resource to perform a particular action and/or function, etc., described herein, which includes hardware, e.g., various forms of transistor logic, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc., as opposed to computer executable instructions, e.g., software firmware, etc., stored in memory and executable by a processor. Further, as used herein, "a" or "a number of something can refer to one or more such things. For example, "a number of widgets" can refer to one or more widgets.

[0025] The above specification, examples and data provide a description of the method and applications, and use of the system and method of the present disclosure. Since many examples can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the system and method of the present disclosure, this specification merely sets forth some of the many possible example configurations and implementations.

Claims

What is claimed:

1. A device, comprising:

a stand-alone enclosure detachable from a main power source and a load to provide backup power to the load when the main power source is deactivated, wherein the enclosure is a stand-alone device encasing a backup power source to provide sufficient backup power to the load.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the device communicates directly with a host associated with the main power source and the load.

3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the enclosed backup power source is the only power source to the load when the main power source is deactivated.

4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the device is independent from external devices other than the main power source and the load.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the external devices include an external backup power source, a bypass switch, an additional distributed energy system, and a controller.

6. A system for backup power management, comprising:

a detachable, stand-alone enclosure that includes an input within the enclosure that couples to an external main power source, an enclosed backup power source, and an output within the enclosure that couples to an external load, wherein the backup power source within the enclosure provides sufficient backup power to the external load during a backup process.

7. The system of claim 6, further comprising a controller that communicates status information directly with a host associated with the external main power source and the external load.

8. The system of claim 6, wherein the stand-alone enclosure is independent from external devices except for the external main power source and external load.

9. The system of claim 6, wherein the stand-alone enclosure is independent from an external backup power infrastructure.

10. The system of claim 6, wherein the main power source is an alternating current (AC) main power source and the backup power source is a high voltage direct current (HVDC) backup power source.

1 1. The system of claim 10, wherein the stand-alone enclosure changes a switch state upon starting the backup process.

12. A system for providing backup power, comprising:

a distributed energy system (DES) module that contains a singular backup power source independent from additional backup power sources and a DES module controller that directly communicates with a host; and

a load coupled to the DES module, wherein the DES module exclusively provides backup power from the backup power source within the DES module to the load upon deactivation of a main power source.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the controller is independent of an external controller.

14. The system of claim 12, wherein the DES module is not coupled to an external bypass switch.

15. The system of claim 12, wherein the DES module exclusively provides backup power directly to the load upon deactivation of the main power source.