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US 2022/0071046 A1Published application
Power distribution systems and methodology
AssigneeZonit Structured Solutions, LLC
InventorsSteve Chapel, William Pachoud
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention addresses the needs associated with the entire data center power distribution lifecycle—design, build, operation and upgrades. The design and construction is facilitated by a system for prefabricating power whips that accommodate changing data center needs. The invention also allows for upgrading power supply components without powering down critical equipment. Improved power and network strips and associated logic further facilitate data center operation.
Claims12
1:
- A system for use in monitoring a data center environment, comprising:
- a power distribution unit that receives power from first and second power sources and distributes power to rack mounted equipment, said power distribution unit including a power distribution unit communications module for communicating with external devices via a data network communications protocol;
- and
- at least one intelligent rack mounted device, said intelligent rack mounted device including a device communications module for communicating with said power distribution unit via said power distribution unit communications module so as to enable monitoring of one or more defined conditions via said intelligent rack mounted device and said power distribution unit.
1 more element
2:
- The system of claim 1, wherein said power is distributed to said rack mounted equipment via a power strip.
3:
- The system of claim 1, wherein said intelligent rack mounted device comprises an intelligent plug strip.
4:
- The system of claim 1, wherein said one or more defined conditions relate to one or more of power capacity, powered distribution configuration, power status, security status, environment status, energy usage, and power quality in a data center.
5:
- The system of claim 1, further comprising a controller, in communication with said power distribution unit via a data network, for receiving information from said power distribution unit regarding said one or more defined conditions.
6:
- The system of claim 5, wherein said controller is further operative for controlling operation of said data center in relation to said one or more defined conditions.
7:
- A method for use in monitoring a data center environment, comprising:
- providing a power distribution unit that receives power from first and second power sources and distributes power to rack mounted equipment, said power distribution unit including a power distribution unit communications module for communicating with external devices via a data network communications protocol, and at least one intelligent rack mounted device, said intelligent rack mounted device including a device communications module for communicating with said power distribution unit via said power distribution unit communications module;
- and
- monitoring one or more defined conditions by obtaining information concerning said one or more defined conditions at said intelligent rack mounted device and communicating said information to said power distribution unit using said device communications module and said power distribution unit communications module.
1 more element
8:
- The method of claim 7, wherein said power is distributed to said rack mounted equipment via a power strip.
9:
- The method of claim 7, wherein said intelligent rack mounted device comprises an intelligent plug strip.
10:
- The method of claim 7, wherein said one or more defined conditions relate to one or more of power capacity, powered distribution configuration, power status, security status, environment status, energy usage, and power quality in a data center.
11:
- The method of claim 7, further comprising operating a controller, in communication with said power distribution unit via a data network, for receiving information from said power distribution unit regarding said one or more defined conditions.
12:
- The method of claim 11, further comprising operating said controller for controlling operation of said data center in relation to said one or more defined conditions.