Optimizing Transfer Switch N+1 Redundant Power Architectures

Focus:

In data center power distribution networks, automatic transfer switches (ATSs) provide fail- safe ac power redundancy but they can also advance dc redundant architectures by supporting seamless dc power flow to the server when one of the power modules fails. This article examines opportunities for optimizing ATS techniques, thereby reducing the cost and size of server power subsystems that provide both ac and dc redundancy. These benefits are achieved by separating the safety isolation and power transfer functions in the ATS, reducing the switched power level. Examples of optimized transfer switch implementations for 2+1 and 3+1 redundant configurations are presented. Then, a look at the power levels transferred during the different stages of operation in a 2+1 configuration reveals how the configuration determines power capacity and requirements for the ATS, and these requirements are compared across 2+1, 3+1, and 4+1 configurations. Finally, some experimental results are presented, which confirm the predicted switching operation and robustness of a 2+1 redundant power system with ATS.

What you’ll learn:

• How to understand the benefits of splitting safety isolation and power transfer functions in redundant server power subsystems with automatic transfer switches
• How to reduce the cost and size of server power subsystems with ac + dc power redundancy
• How to speed up power transfer in redundant power systems with automatic transfer switches

View the Source

Author & Publication:

by Viktor Vogman, Power Conversion Consulting, Olympia, Wash., How2Power Today, May 15 2019

This article summary appears
in the HOW2POWER Design Guide.

The Design Guide offers
organized access to
hundreds of articles
on dozens of power conversion
and power management topics.

The Design Guide search results
include exclusive summaries
and accurate "how to" analysis
to help you make faster,
more informed decisions.

Search
for more articles