Redundant power supply system and method for an automated robotic device in a data storage system

In a data storage library having a plurality of cells for holding media cartridges for use in storing data, at least one media drive, and an automated robotic device for transporting cartridges between the plurality of cells and the at least one media drive in the data storage library, a method for distributing electrical power to the automated robotic device, the method comprising:

• providing a power distributor comprising a plurality of sections, each section having first and second electrical conductors for use in providing electrical power to the automated robotic device, the first and second conductors to be provided with opposite electrical charges, wherein the first conductors of the plurality of sections are electrically connected and the second conductors of the plurality of sections are electrically connected so that electrical power is provide to at least a portion of the data storage library, and wherein the automated robotic device has a plurality of contacts for making electrical contact with the first and second conductors as the automated robotic device moves in the at least a portion of the data storage library;
• providing a first power supply for supplying electrical power to the first and second conductors of each of the plurality of sections of the power distributor, the first power supply electrically connected to the first and second conductors of at least two of the plurality of sections of the power distributor;
• and
• providing a second power supply for supplying electrical power to the first and second conductors of each of the plurality of sections of the power distributor, the second power supply electrically connected to the first and second conductors of at least two of the plurality of sections of the power distributor, wherein electrical power to each of the plurality of sections of the power distributor is maintained in the event of a failure of one of the first and second power supplies, and wherein electrical power to each of the plurality of sections of the power distributor is maintained in the event of an electrical discontinuity in the power distributor.