METHOD FOR DISTRIBUTED POWER MANAGEMENT
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Del.icio.us| IP.com Number | IPCOM000177785D |
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| Dated | Jan 1, 2009 UTC | ||
| Size | 4 page(s) (42.0 KB) | ||
Publication Summary
A plurality of algorithms enabling power sharing among power managed units is described. The algorithms may be implemented without requiring a master unit, and are applicable for both DC power supplies and for an AC mains connection where the power to be drawn must be limited to a predetermined value. Algorithms are detailed in which power is allocated from units having excess power to units having a shortage of power. In one embodiment, units self allocate power, and then request additional allocations, preferably in a predetermined quantum, from other units. In one embodiment, all units are presented with the power excess or shortfall of all other units, and the unit with the greatest excess power transfers a power allocation to the unit with the largest shortfall.| Country | Israel |
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| Language | English (United States) |
| Copyright | Microsemi Corporation |
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METHOD FOR DISTRIBUTED POWER MANAGEMENT
Alon Ferentz and Noam Tziony
Various methods of power management are known, including the method taught in U.S. Patent S/N 7,400,062 issued July 15, 2008 to Pincu et al, in which power is allocated to a plurality of power managed modules by a management module, and the power managed modules are operative to control module operation so that power is drawn with the allocated budget. The requirement for a management module increases cost and presents a single point of failure.
Computer rooms are rapidly evolving to a point where the demand for power exceeds the power being supplied. Particularly, the AC mains power supply to the computer room is limited to a certain amount of power, however with increased servers, and the centralized power requirements of Power over Ethernet, demand, in not controlled may exceed the supply of AC mains power.
Looking at Fig. 1, we see an example of a plurality of power managed modules (1 to N modules), each receiving power from a shared power source. Fig. 1 particularly shows the shared power source being a power bank of a plurality of DC/DC power sources, however the concepts described herein are equally applicable to an AC mains connection. Each of the plurality of power managed modules is illustrated as a PoE sourcing equipment, in which a plurality of powered devices (PD) are controllably connected to the shared power source. Power draw of each of the PDs is monitored by a respective power meter, which may be implemented as a current sensor and a voltage sensor. The power meters provide inputs to the control unit of the respective power managed module. Each of the electronically controlled switches which connect the respective PDs to the shared power source are under control of the control unit. The control units of the power managed modules are in communication with each other.
Fig. 2 illustrates a first algorithm in which power is shared between the control units of the respective power managed modules without requiring a master unit. In particular, an indication of total available power is input, which in one embodiment is responsive to the existence of an active power good (PG) signal from each of the power sources of the shared power source. The control units of the power managed modules initially self allocate power between themselves, in one embodiment on an equal basis, and in another embodiment responsive to the number of ports supported by each of them. Any control unit requiring additional power requests the additional power from all other control units, optionally in units of a predetermined quantum. Any control unit exhibiting unused allocated power transmits the allocation in response to the control unit requiring additional power. The transmittal of the allocation is accomplished by data communication, allowing the requesting control unit to increase the power allocation...