US 2004/0000815 A1 · Modular power distribution system for use in computer equipment racks

Abstract

A modular power distribution system is provided for distributing power within an equipment rack. A control unit is mounted within the rack having a power input connected to a power source and a converter for converting the input power to a power supply for the rack equipment. The control unit includes a housing and power outlets are provided for electrical connection to the control unit and distributing the converted power supply to the equipment. One or more extension bars are mounted within the rack adjacent a corner support of the rack. The extension bar includes a power inlet and is connected via an electrical conductor to one of the power outlets of the control unit. The extension bar includes a number of power outlets (such as up to or more than 8) adapted for electrical connection to power supply lines (cords or hardwiring) from the rack equipment.

Claims19

Dependent claims

A power distribution system for distributing power to electrical or computer equipment mounted within an equipment rack on corner supports, comprising:

a control unit mounted within the rack including a power input for receiving power from a power source located outside the rack, a power converter for converting the received power to an output electrical power, and a plurality of power outlets for providing an electrical connection to the control unit and outputting the output electrical power;
an extension bar mounted within the rack adjacent one of the corner supports and having an electrical power input for input of electrical power to the extension bar and a plurality of power outlets adapted to couple with and distribute electrical power to conducting elements that electrically connect the extension bar to the mounted equipment;
and
an electrical power cable connected to one of the power outlets in the control unit and to the electrical power input of the extension bar.

1 more element

A power distribution system for mounting within an equipment rack to distribute electrical power to devices mounted within the equipment rack from an electrical power source external to the equipment rack, comprising:

an elongate first extension bar having a power inlet and a plurality of power output connectors adapted to couple with electrical conductor elements that electrically connect each of the power output connectors with one of the mounted devices and further including means for mounting the first extension bar in a first position adjacent to and substantially parallel to a corner support of the rack;
an elongate second extension bar having a power inlet and a plurality of power output connectors adapted to couple with additional ones of the electrical conductor elements that electrically connect each of the power output connectors with one of the mounted devices and further including means for mounting the second extension bar in a second position adjacent to and substantially parallel to the corner support of the rack;
a control unit mounted within the rack including a power input for receiving power from the external power source and a plurality of power output connectors to output the received power and to couple with electrical conductor elements that electrically connect a first one of the power output connectors with the power inlet of the first extension bar and a second one of the power output connectors with the power inlet of the second extension bar.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Modular power distribution system for use in computer equipment racks

Life of this patent

Modular power distribution system for use in computer equipment racks

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19