GB2390237A - power distribution system with delayed output - Google Patents
power distribution system with delayed output Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2390237A GB2390237A GB0214687A GB0214687A GB2390237A GB 2390237 A GB2390237 A GB 2390237A GB 0214687 A GB0214687 A GB 0214687A GB 0214687 A GB0214687 A GB 0214687A GB 2390237 A GB2390237 A GB 2390237A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- power
- power distribution
- supply
- components
- distribution system
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/26—Power supply means, e.g. regulation thereof
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/26—Power supply means, e.g. regulation thereof
- G06F1/30—Means for acting in the event of power-supply failure or interruption, e.g. power-supply fluctuations
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R25/00—Coupling parts adapted for simultaneous co-operation with two or more identical counterparts, e.g. for distributing energy to two or more circuits
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/66—Structural association with built-in electrical component
- H01R13/665—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in electronic circuit
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/66—Structural association with built-in electrical component
- H01R13/70—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in switch
- H01R13/703—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in switch operated by engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. dual-continuity coupling part
- H01R13/7036—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in switch operated by engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. dual-continuity coupling part the switch being in series with coupling part, e.g. dead coupling, explosion proof coupling
- H01R13/7038—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in switch operated by engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. dual-continuity coupling part the switch being in series with coupling part, e.g. dead coupling, explosion proof coupling making use of a remote controlled switch, e.g. relais, solid state switch activated by the engagement of the coupling parts
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R31/00—Coupling parts supported only by co-operation with counterpart
- H01R31/02—Intermediate parts for distributing energy to two or more circuits in parallel, e.g. splitter
Abstract
A power distribution system, operable to receive incoming mains power and distribute the power to components of a number of work terminals in a vicinity, the power distribution system comprising: a power input terminal 2 for receiving incoming power; a plurality of output terminals 3a-3d, and timing means T, configured such that, following conmencement of the supply of incoming power to the power distribution system, power is supplied to the components or to the groups of the components in a staggered fashion, delays between the supply of power to the components or to the groups of components being sufficient to reduce the likelihood of a power surge. An embodiment is also disclosed comprising: a power input terminal; a single output terminal; and a delay unit to delay the supply of power to the output terminal following commencement of supply to the input terminal.
Description
PATENTS ACT 1977
P 1 6479GB-LDH/ATB/cg "A Power Distribution System" THIS INVENTION relates to a power distribution system, and in particular concerns a power distribution system for use in environments where many work terminals are used in close proximity to one another.
Many industries, such as banking, now rely heavily upon the use of work terminals, such as computers, which are operated by individuals' and it is not uncommon for a large number of employees in an open plan office each to be equipped with his or her own computer. In large offices, a hundred or more computers may be arranged in close proximity to one another, and typically each of these computers is powered directly by the incoming mains power supply. Each computer may have a number of display units, each requiring its own power supply.
In the event of, for example, a power failure, brown out or computer network failure, each of the computers in an office may shut down and subsequently need to be re-started. However, with a large number of computers arranged in an office as described above, the re-starting of the computers can lead to problems if all of the computers are re-started at the same time. For instance, if the power supply for many computers is routed through a single power distribution unit and the power distribution unit is turned on, the power required by all of the computers to start up at the same moment can lead to a significant power surge which can readily trip the trip-switches or blow the hisses in the power distribution system. Clearly, large power surges, which can damage or destroy equipment, are undesirable.
( In order to combat this, it is common practice for one or more employees to turn individual computers or groups of computers on in a staggered fashion, to reduce or avoid a large power surge as described above. This may require a lengthy route around an office or a floor of a building, and is an extremely time-consuming and inefficient task for an employee to perform.
It is an object of the present invention to seek to alleviate the above difficulties. Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention a power distribution system, operable to receive incoming mains power and distribute the power to components of a number of work terminals in a vicinity, the power distribution system comprising: a power input terminal for receiving incoming power; a plurality of output terminals, connected to and operable to supply power to components of at least two work terminals; and timing means, configured such that, following commencement of the supply of incoming power to the power distribution system, power is supplied to the components or to the groups of the components in a staggered fashion, delays between the supply of power to the components or to the groups of components being sufficient to reduce the likelihood of a power surge.
Advantageously, the power distribution system comprises a switch or circuit breaker, having a first state in which power is not supplied to the components and a second state in which power may be supplied to the components. Preferably, the delay the supply of power to each of the components or groups of components is at least 0.3 seconds.
l Conveniently, following commencement of the supply of incoming power to the power distribution system, power is supplied to individual components in a staggered fashion.
Advantageously, following commencement of the supply of incoming power to the power distribution system, power is supplied to pairs of the components in a staggered fashion.
Preferably, the power distribution system comprises a plurality of power distribution units, each of which comprises a delay unit to delay the supply of power therethrough following the commencement of the supply of power to the power distribution unit.
Conveniently, the timing means is comprised in a single master distribution unit.
Another aspect of the present invention provides a power distribution unit comprising: a power input terminal for receiving incoming power; a power output terminal; and a delay unit to delay the supply of power through the output power terminal following the commencement of the supply of incoming power to the power distribution unit.
Advantageously, the power distribution unit comprises a plurality of power output terminals.
Preferably, the delay unit delays the supply of power through the output power terminal by at least 0.3 seconds following the commencement of the supply of incoming power to the power distribution unit.
( A further aspect of the present invention provides a power distribution system comprising a plurality of power distribution units according to the above, the power input terminal of each power distribution unit except one being connected to a power output terminal of another of the power distribution units. In order that the present invention may be more readily understood, embodiments will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying Figures, in which: Figure I shows a first power distribution system embodying the present invention; and Figure 2 shows a second power distribution system embodying the present invention.
Turning firstly to Figure 1, a first power distribution system embodying the present invention comprises a master power distribution unit 1, which has a power input terminal 2 for receiving incoming power. The power input terminal 2 may comprise, but is not limited to, a connection to the mains.
The master power distribution unit 1 has four power output terminals 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d. Although, in the present example, four output terminals 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d are provided, it will be understood that the master power distribution unit I may comprise any appropriate number of output terminals. Each of the output terminals 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d may take the form of any suitable connector for supplying power to a load. For instance, each of the output terminals 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d may comprise a 4-pin, 3-pin or 2-pin power socket. It is not necessary
! for each of the output terminals 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d to comprise the same type of connection, and any combination of connection types may be provided. In the example illustrated in Figure 1, a number of standard 3pin power distribution panels are connected in series to each of the output terminals 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d.
The master power distribution unit I comprises an on/off switch or circuit breaker 4. When the switch or circuit breaker 4 is in the "off'' position, power is not supplied to the output terminals 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d.
The master power distribution unit I further comprises a timer T which regulates the routing of power through the master distribution unit 1 from the input terminal 2 to the output terminals 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, and which is configured to supply power to the output terminals 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d in a staggered fashion when the switch or circuit breaker 4 is moved from the "off,' position to the "on" position, as will be described in greater detail below.
When the switch or circuit breaker 4 is moved from the "off" position to the "on" position, power is first routed by the timer T to a first one 3a of the output terminal 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d. This may occur substantially instantaneously following switching of the switch circuit breaker 4, or may occur shortly after this time.
Following the elapsing of a first time delay after the time when power is supplied to the first one 3a of the output terminals 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, the timer T begins the supply of power to a second one 3b of the output terminals 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d whilst maintaining the power supply to the first one 3a of the output terminals. Next, following a second time delay, the timer begins to supply power to a third one 3c of the output terminals 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d. Finally, following a third delay after the supply of power to the third one 3c of the
( output terminals 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, the timer begins the supply of power to a fourth one 3d of the output terminals 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d. In summary, following the
commencement of the supply of power to each of the first three of the output terminals 3a, 3b, 3c, a delay occurs before the commencement of the supply of power to the next one of the output terminals 3b, 3c, 3d.
In preferred embodiments of the invention, each of the time delays is around 1 second. However, each of the delays may be as little as 0.3 seconds, or may be more than 1 second. It is not essential for the delays between the supply of power to each of the output terminals 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d to be identical.
It will be appreciated that the staggering of the supply of power to the output terminals 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d greatly reduces the risk of a damaging power surge, since components (e.g. monitors and processing units) of work terminals, for instance workers computers, are not starting up at the same moment in time.
However, the delays must be of sufficient length to reduce the likelihood of a power surge, and if the delays are too short then power will be supplied through the output terminals in excessively quick succession and may still lead to a power surge.
The master power distribution unit 1 described above is appropriate for installation in offices or other buildings which already have many work terminals arranged therein. The master power distribution unit I may be substituted for existing distribution panels, thereby minimising the work and disruption required to upgrade the power distribution within the office or other building. With reference to Figure 2, a second power distribution system embodying the present invention is shown. The second power distribution
system comprises a number of power distribution units 5. Each of the power distribution units 5 comprises a power input terminal 6 for receiving incoming power, and at least one power output terminal 7, through which power may be output. Each power distribution unit further comprises a delay unit 8.
In an initial state of each power distribution unit 5, no power is received at the power input terminal 6. Upon the commencement of input power to the power input terminal 6, a delay unit 8 causes a delay before power is output through the power output terminals 7. In other words, the delay unit 8 blocks the supply of power from the power input terminal 6 to the power output terminals 7 for a predetermined length of time.
The predetermined length of time for which the delay unit 8 blocks power to the power output terminals is as discussed above in relation to the delays between the supply of power to the respective output terminals 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d of the master power distribution 1.
In use of the second power distribution system, several of the power distribution units 5 are linked together, with the power input terminal 6 of each distribution unit except the first being connected to a power output terminal 7 of another power distribution unit 5. This power output terminal 7 may comprise a dedicated terminal, or may simply comprise one of a number of similar power output terminals. In other words, the power distribution units 5 are "cascaded" together. It will be understood that, upon supply of power to the first power distribution unit 5, there will be a delay before power is supplied to the power output terminal 7 of the first power distribution unit 5. Some of these power output terminals 7 may provide power to, for instance, the monitor and processing machine of a work terminal, while a further power output
terminal 7 of the first power distribution unit S provides power to a second power distribution unit 5.
The delay unit 8 of the second power distribution unit 5 will cause a delay before power is supplied to the power output terminals 7 of the second power distribution unit 5, and again some of these power output terminals 7 may provide power to components of a work terminal while a further power output terminal 7 is connected to the input of a third power distribution unit 5, and so on.
Hence, it will be appreciated that many of the power distribution units 5 may be cascaded together, and when power is provided to the first of these power distribution units 5 the power distribution units S in the chain will begin supplying power in a staggered fashion, thereby greatly reducing the risk of a damaging power surge.
The second power distribution system discussed above is suitable for use in a new office or other building, as an alternative to the open "retrofit" function of the first power distribution system described above.
It will be understood that the present invention provides a flexible and simple solution to the above-discussed problems, which is simple to construct and easy to integrate with existing power distribution arrangements.
In the present specification "comprises" means "includes or consists oft'
and "comprising" means "including or consisting of".
The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following
claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in
terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.
Claims (14)
1. A power distribution system, operable to receive incoming mains power and distribute the power to components of a number of work terminals in a vicinity, the power distribution system comprising: a power input terminal for receiving incoming power; a plurality of output terminals, connected to and operable to supply power to components of at least two work terminals; and timing means, configured such that, following commencement of the supply of incoming power to the power distribution system, power is supplied to the components or to the groups of the components in a staggered fashion, delays between the supply of power to the components or to the groups of components being sufficient to reduce the likelihood of a power surge.
2. A power distribution system according to Claim 1, comprising a switch
or circuit breaker, having a first state in which power is not supplied to the components and a second state in which power may be supplied to the components.
3. A power distribution system according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the delay the supply of power to each of the components or groups of components is at least 0.3 seconds.
4. A power distribution system according to any preceding claim wherein, following commencement of the supply of incoming power to the power distribution system, power is supplied to individual components in a staggered fashion.
5. A power distribution system according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein, following commencement of the supply of incoming power to the power distribution system, power is supplied to pairs of the components in a staggered fashion.
6. A power distribution system according to any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of power distribution units, each of which comprises a delay unit to delay the supply of power therethrough following the commencement of the supply of power to the power distribution unit.
7. A power distribution system according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the timing means is comprised in a single master distribution unit.
8. A power distribution unit comprising: a power input terminal for receiving incoming power, a power output terminal; and a delay unit to delay the supply of power through the output power terminal following the commencement of the supply of incoming power to the power distribution unit.
9. A power distribution unit according to Claim 8, comprising a plurality of power output terminals.
10. A power distribution unit according to Claim 8 or 9, wherein the delay unit delays the supply of power through the output power terminal by at least 0.3 seconds following the commencement of the supply of incoming power to the power distribution unit
f
11. A power distribution system comprising a plurality of power distribution units according to any one of Claims 8 to 10, the power input terminal of each power distribution unit except one being connected to a power output terminal of another of the power distribution units.
12. A power distribution system substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying drawings. a
13. A power distribution unit substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
14. Any novel feature or combination of features described herein.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0214687A GB2390237C (en) | 2002-06-25 | 2002-06-25 | A power distribution system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0214687A GB2390237C (en) | 2002-06-25 | 2002-06-25 | A power distribution system |
Publications (4)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB0214687D0 GB0214687D0 (en) | 2002-08-07 |
| GB2390237A true GB2390237A (en) | 2003-12-31 |
| GB2390237B GB2390237B (en) | 2006-06-21 |
| GB2390237C GB2390237C (en) | 2007-01-08 |
Family
ID=9939270
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0214687A Expired - Fee Related GB2390237C (en) | 2002-06-25 | 2002-06-25 | A power distribution system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2390237C (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2410624A (en) * | 2004-01-27 | 2005-08-03 | Tubing And Electrical Ind Pty | Multi-outlet extension lead |
| CN103401100A (en) * | 2013-07-23 | 2013-11-20 | 苏州卫生职业技术学院 | Timing socket capable of controlling energization time |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TWI408867B (en) * | 2011-01-26 | 2013-09-11 | Aopen Inc | Power distribution device and power distribution circuit |
Citations (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE3047721A1 (en) * | 1980-12-18 | 1982-07-22 | Canon K.K., Tokyo | Compact, table-top photocopier - has endless belt process layer with re-entrant path and scanner between drive rollers |
| DE4020294A1 (en) * | 1990-06-26 | 1992-01-02 | Krug Mathias | Electrical switch for computer or HI=FI system - provides time delays between outputs by clock-driven shift register |
| JPH04244737A (en) * | 1991-01-30 | 1992-09-01 | N T T Data Tsushin Kk | Switch-in method for ac power source |
| JPH10189151A (en) * | 1996-12-26 | 1998-07-21 | Fujita Corp | Power outlet for personal computer |
| DE19745730A1 (en) * | 1997-10-16 | 1999-04-22 | Andrzej Nieduzak | Automatic socket strip for electronic data processing application |
| JP2000182723A (en) * | 1998-12-17 | 2000-06-30 | Kawamura Electric Inc | Outlet bar |
Family Cites Families (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0430671A2 (en) * | 1989-12-01 | 1991-06-05 | International Business Machines Corporation | Power sequencing |
| JPH04112622A (en) * | 1990-08-31 | 1992-04-14 | Mitsubishi Electric Corp | Power supply |
| US6766222B1 (en) * | 2000-06-14 | 2004-07-20 | Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. | Power sequencer control circuit |
-
2002
- 2002-06-25 GB GB0214687A patent/GB2390237C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE3047721A1 (en) * | 1980-12-18 | 1982-07-22 | Canon K.K., Tokyo | Compact, table-top photocopier - has endless belt process layer with re-entrant path and scanner between drive rollers |
| DE4020294A1 (en) * | 1990-06-26 | 1992-01-02 | Krug Mathias | Electrical switch for computer or HI=FI system - provides time delays between outputs by clock-driven shift register |
| JPH04244737A (en) * | 1991-01-30 | 1992-09-01 | N T T Data Tsushin Kk | Switch-in method for ac power source |
| JPH10189151A (en) * | 1996-12-26 | 1998-07-21 | Fujita Corp | Power outlet for personal computer |
| DE19745730A1 (en) * | 1997-10-16 | 1999-04-22 | Andrzej Nieduzak | Automatic socket strip for electronic data processing application |
| JP2000182723A (en) * | 1998-12-17 | 2000-06-30 | Kawamura Electric Inc | Outlet bar |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2410624A (en) * | 2004-01-27 | 2005-08-03 | Tubing And Electrical Ind Pty | Multi-outlet extension lead |
| CN103401100A (en) * | 2013-07-23 | 2013-11-20 | 苏州卫生职业技术学院 | Timing socket capable of controlling energization time |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB0214687D0 (en) | 2002-08-07 |
| GB2390237C (en) | 2007-01-08 |
| GB2390237B (en) | 2006-06-21 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US10700548B2 (en) | Power supply system and method | |
| KR970075386A (en) | Vacuum pump control unit | |
| TW200516821A (en) | System and method for starting up devices orderly | |
| GB0328115D0 (en) | Infrared crosspoint system | |
| GB2385967A (en) | Associating multiple display units in a grouped server environment | |
| JPS6469127A (en) | High speed switching system | |
| CN109713887A (en) | A kind of Switching Power Supply and its output circuit | |
| GB2390237A (en) | power distribution system with delayed output | |
| GB9803343D0 (en) | Job taking-over system | |
| AU2003303246A1 (en) | Tcet expander | |
| EP1316890A3 (en) | Computer system with multiple system controllers | |
| AU2003222858A1 (en) | A method and a system for ensuring a bus and a control server | |
| WO2003094536A3 (en) | Distribution stage for enabling efficient expansion of a switching network | |
| US20050207082A1 (en) | Dual bus static tie switch | |
| CN208285615U (en) | A kind of gas-discharge lamp electronic trigger | |
| CN204651914U (en) | A kind of multipoint control system of loaded line | |
| TWI743771B (en) | Power contrl system | |
| US11543870B2 (en) | Power system and operation method thereof | |
| WO2003038962A1 (en) | Control center | |
| CN209517598U (en) | Meeting-place light auto-manual control system | |
| TWM646532U (en) | Power switch | |
| KR200375289Y1 (en) | Delay Power Controller | |
| CN109561560A (en) | Meeting-place light auto-manual control system | |
| JPH0743550U (en) | Emergency AC power supply | |
| CN114336780A (en) | Multi-application-mode power generating set system and control method |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: HK Ref legal event code: DE Ref document number: 1059505 Country of ref document: HK |
|
| REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: HK Ref legal event code: GR Ref document number: 1059505 Country of ref document: HK |
|
| PCNP | Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20180625 |