Power distribution systems and methods in which a power distribution unit (PDU) is provided with residual current monitoring at multiple outlets of an outlet module in a PDU. A residual current monitoring circuit of the PDU includes at least one current sensor associated with the outlets of the PDU to detect residual current for each of the outlets. The methods of residual current detection in a PDU having multiple power outlets includes detecting current leakage at each outlet as a difference between supplied current and return current for each outlet.
G01R 31/52 - Testing for short-circuits, leakage current or ground faults
H02H 3/16 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection responsive to fault current to earth, frame or mass
H02H 3/26 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection responsive to difference between voltages or between currentsEmergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection responsive to phase angle between voltages or between currents
H02H 3/28 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection responsive to difference between voltages or between currentsEmergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection responsive to phase angle between voltages or between currents involving comparison of the voltage or current values at two spaced portions of a single system, e.g. at opposite ends of one line, at input and output of apparatus
G01R 31/50 - Testing of electric apparatus, lines, cables or components for short-circuits, continuity, leakage current or incorrect line connections
H02H 3/30 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection responsive to difference between voltages or between currentsEmergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection responsive to phase angle between voltages or between currents involving comparison of the voltage or current values at two spaced portions of a single system, e.g. at opposite ends of one line, at input and output of apparatus using pilot wires or other signalling channel
H02H 3/32 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection responsive to difference between voltages or between currentsEmergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection responsive to phase angle between voltages or between currents involving comparison of the voltage or current values at corresponding points in different conductors of a single system, e.g. of currents in go and return conductors
H02H 3/33 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection responsive to difference between voltages or between currentsEmergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection responsive to phase angle between voltages or between currents involving comparison of the voltage or current values at corresponding points in different conductors of a single system, e.g. of currents in go and return conductors using summation current transformers
H02H 3/34 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection responsive to difference between voltages or between currentsEmergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection responsive to phase angle between voltages or between currents involving comparison of the voltage or current values at corresponding points in different conductors of a single system, e.g. of currents in go and return conductors of a three-phase system
2.
Power distribution unit system incorporating smart cables and adapters
A power distribution unit including a plurality of outlet cores arranged along an outlet panel of a housing and mounted to one or more circuit boards with an unobstructed space between adjacent pairs of the plurality of outlet cores. The outlet cores each extend a portion of the distance between the circuit boards and the outlet panel, and the outlet panel includes a plurality of apertures each corresponding to an associated one of the plurality of outlet cores. One or more overcurrent protection devices are mounted in a non-outlet panel aligned along the length of the housing.
A track busway power distribution unit including a housing, a power input coupled with the housing and connectable to an electrical busway, a securement mechanism moveably coupled to the housing and structured to secure the power distribution unit to the electrical busway, and at least one outlet module located at least partially within the housing. The outlet module can include at least one outlet core having a core outer surface configured to mate within a first connector type. The outlet core can include a plurality of electrical terminals each coupled to the power input and configured to connect with mating terminals corresponding to both the first connector type and a second connector type that is different than the first connector type. A removable shroud can be positioned around the outlet core, wherein the shroud includes a shroud inner surface configured to receive the first connector type.
H01R 13/10 - Sockets for co-operation with pins or blades
H01R 13/66 - Structural association with built-in electrical component
H01R 25/00 - Coupling parts adapted for simultaneous co-operation with two or more identical counterparts, e.g. for distributing energy to two or more circuits
An outlet module including a module housing comprising a base surface and a sidewall extending therefrom to at least partially surround an interior region. Multiple outlet cores extend from the base surface and at least one latch lever is pivotably coupled to the sidewall and adjacent a corresponding one of the multiple outlet cores. The latch lever is moveable between a first position, wherein the at least one latch lever is capable of engaging a mating plug and a second position, wherein the at least one latch lever is disengaged from the plug.
A power distribution unit including an elongate housing and a power input penetrating said elongate housing. The power input can comprise a ground buss wire, a neutral buss wire and at least one line buss wire. A plurality of electrical outlets can be disposed along the housing. Each electrical outlet can comprise a receptacle and a plurality of spaced apart outlet pins protruding from the receptacle. The plurality of outlet pins can include a ground outlet pin receiving the ground buss wire, a neutral outlet pin receiving the neutral buss wire, and a line outlet pin receiving the line buss wire.
H01R 25/00 - Coupling parts adapted for simultaneous co-operation with two or more identical counterparts, e.g. for distributing energy to two or more circuits
Systems and apparatuses are provided in which outlets are coupled to a power distribution unit (PDU) or PDU module in various configurations. The outlets may be coupled to a recessed surface within a PDU housing. The outlets may be coupled to a printed circuit board that is at least partially disposed within the PDU housing. The outlets may extend away from the recessed surface or printed circuit board towards or beyond a front face of the PDU housing.
H01R 13/502 - BasesCases composed of different pieces
H01R 25/00 - Coupling parts adapted for simultaneous co-operation with two or more identical counterparts, e.g. for distributing energy to two or more circuits
8.
MAGNETO-RESISTIVE SENSOR DEVICE AND MAGNETIC BIAS REGULATOR CIRCUIT, ALONG WITH SYSTEMS AND METHODS INCORPORATING SAME
Various embodiments of the present disclosure are related to systems, devices, and methods for current sensing. In one example, a current sensing circuit includes a magneto-resistive sensor device proximate to a current carrying conductor and configured to output a voltage representative of a current carried by the proximate current carrying conductor and a first sensor feedback loop responsive to an alternating magnetic field generated by the current carried by the current carrying conductor. The first sensor feedback loop is configured to supply a bias current to the magneto-resistive sensor device and substantially cancel the alternating magnetic field generated by the current carried by the current carrying conductor.
G01D 5/12 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means
9.
Wireless communications capable power distribution unit and techniques for communicating therewith
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communication between a PDU and one or more devices within a limited communications range are described. A power distribution unit may be provided with a wireless communications module that may operate to communicate with user devices within a relatively close proximity. The wireless communications module may provide information reporting and may, in some examples, provide a user of the user device with configuration and other command capabilities.
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communication between a PDU and one or more devices within a limited communications range are described. A power distribution unit may be provided with a wireless communications module that may operate to communicate with user devices within a relatively close proximity. The wireless communications module may provide information reporting and may, in some examples, provide a user of the user device with configuration and other command capabilities.
Systems and apparatuses are provided in which outlets are coupled to a power distribution unit (PDU) or PDU module in various configurations. The outlets may be coupled to a recessed surface within a PDU housing. The outlets may be coupled to a printed circuit board that is at least partially disposed within the PDU housing. The outlets may extend away from the recessed surface or printed circuit board towards or beyond a front face of the PDU housing.
Apparatuses and devices are provided that allow for a power input cord to be placed in two or more different orientations relative to a power distribution unit. A power distribution unit may be provided with one or more input cord assemblies that allow an input cord to be swiveled such that the cord exits an outside plane of the power distribution unit at a different angle. Such an assembly allows a power distribution unit to be placed in an equipment rack and coupled with an input power source in a flexible and convenient manner. Clearances and dimensions of equipment racks may be modified to provide enhanced space usage, efficiency, and/or density in a facility.
Apparatuses and devices are provided that allow for a power input cord to be placed in two or more different orientations relative to a power distribution unit. A power distribution unit may be provided with one or more input cord assemblies that allow an input cord to be swiveled such that the cord exits an outside plane of the power distribution unit at a different angle. Such an assembly allows a power distribution unit to be placed in an equipment rack and coupled with an input power source in a flexible and convenient manner. Clearances and dimensions of equipment racks may be modified to provide enhanced space usage, efficiency, and/or density in a facility.
Methods, systems, and devices for power parameter sensing using power sensing components integrated into a relay are described. A power distribution unit may be provided with switched outputs that may provide or interrupt power provided to the output through a plurality of relays. The plurality of relays may include an integrated power sensor configured to sense one or more power parameters associated with power delivered to a respective power output. A power-related information reporting system may be coupled with the relays and configured to report power-related information derived from the power sensor to a remote system.
A method of monitoring power usage includes 1) accessing power usage data for power distribution unit infeeds of a plurality of power distribution units; 2) accessing stored circuit descriptions describing interconnections of the power distribution unit infeeds to a number of power feed circuits; 3) transforming the plurality of power distribution units into a power usage monitor for monitoring power usage of the power feed circuits by aggregating at least some of the power usage data based on the interconnections of the power distribution unit infeeds to the number of power feed circuits; and 4) outputting representations of the aggregated power usage data.
Methods, systems, and devices are described for configuration of multiple power distribution units (PDUs) in an efficient manner. Power distribution units may be discovered on a network, and automatically configured according to a configuration defined for a particular location. A location may be, for example, a geographical region, a data center, a zone within a data center, a cabinet, or an individual PDU. All PDUs associated with a particular location may be provided with a common configuration file that defines operating parameters for the PDUs. In such a manner, a user may simply connect the PDU to the network, with the appropriate configuration provided without additional involvement of the user.
H02J 3/00 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks
H02J 13/00 - Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the networkCircuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
H02B 1/24 - Circuit arrangements for boards or switchyards
G06F 1/26 - Power supply means, e.g. regulation thereof
17.
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MULTIPLE INPUT POWER DISTRIBUTION TO ADJACENT OUTPUTS
Methods, systems, and apparatuses provide power from multiple input power sources to adjacent outputs efficiently and reliably. Aspects of the disclosure provide a power distribution unit (PDU) that includes a number of power outputs including first and second adjacent power outputs. The PDU includes a printed circuit board having a first conducting layer electrically interconnected to a first power input connection and the first power output, a second conducting layer that is at least partially above the first conducting layer and in facing relationship thereto. The second conducting layer is electrically insulated from the first conducting layer and electrically interconnected with a second power input connection and the second power output, the first and second power outputs thereby connected to different power inputs.
An equipment-rack power distribution system is described which includes a PDU housing, a power input penetrating the housing, a plurality of power outlets disposed on a surface of the housing, circuitry enclosed in the housing interconnecting the power input and the power outlets, one or more air inlets associated with the housing, one or more air outlets associated with the housing, and an air flow device in fluid communication with one or more of the air inlets and the air outlets. An environmental sensor may activate the air flow device upon detection of predetermined environmental conditions, such as a temperature that is above a defined limit.
Power distribution apparatus with input and output power sensing and a method of use. A power distribution unit includes a sensor that senses power parameters of power outputs and a power input, a processor, and a communication circuit. A power management system includes a power manager, a user interface, and a plurality of power distribution units that may be located in one or more equipment cabinets and data centers. The system may compute apparent power, RMS power, power factor, energy usage over time, power usage history, or environmental history for any or all of the power distribution units. The system may identify an under-utilized server connected to one of the power distribution units and initiate a shut-down of that server.
Power distribution apparatus with input and output power sensing and a method of use. A power distribution unit includes a sensor that senses power parameters of power outputs and a power input, a processor, and a communication circuit. A power management system includes a power manager, a user interface, and a plurality of power distribution units that may be located in one or more equipment cabinets and data centers. The system may compute apparent power, RMS power, power factor, energy usage over time, power usage history, or environmental history for any or all of the power distribution units. The system may identify an under-utilized server connected to one of the power distribution units and initiate a shut-down of that server.
H02J 3/00 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks
G01R 19/00 - Arrangements for measuring currents or voltages or for indicating presence or sign thereof
H02J 13/00 - Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the networkCircuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
H02B 1/24 - Circuit arrangements for boards or switchyards
21.
MONITORING POWER-RELATED PARAMETERS IN A POWER DISTRIBUTION UNIT
A power distribution unit (PDU) disposable in an electrical equipment rack. The PDU has a housing, a power input penetrating the housing, outlets in the housing, a processor disposed in the housing, voltage and current sensors, and a voltage calculation procedure communicable with the processor. The processor samples voltage and current waveforms and calculates RMS values and other power parameters. A method of managing electrical loads each drawing electrical power from a PDU includes repeatedly sampling voltage across and current flowing through each of the loads, calculating raw RMS values of voltage and current, and scaling the raw RMS values to obtain corrected RMS voltage and current values and other power parameters.
Managing electrical power usage in a power distribution system. Power usage data indicative of electrical current flow through electrical outlets in the system are collected and displayed for a user. The user may select an outlet and issue a command to control current flow through that outlet. Environmental data may also be collected and displayed. Outlets in different Cabinet Power Distribution Units (CDUs) in different locations may be clustered for reporting and control. A database structure provides a 'system' table for data descriptive of the system, a 'tower' table for data descriptive of outlets and other elements in the system, an 'infeed' table for data descriptive of input electrical power, and an 'outlet' table for data descriptive of electrical power flowing through the outlets.
Embodiments of a power distribution system for distributing power to one or more electronic components, such as electronic components mounted within an electronic equipment rack, can include a dedicated controller mountable within a power distribution rack and at least one power distribution unit electrically coupleable to the controller and mountable at any of various locations within the rack. In certain embodiments, the controller can receive power from a power source and intelligently distribute the power to power distribution units coupled to the controller. The power distribution units can include outputs or receptacles to which power cords of electronic equipment stored in the rack can be coupled and through which power can be transmitted from the power distribution units to the electronic equipment.
Described herein are various embodiments of a fuse module with a fuse carrier for fused electrical devices. According to one exemplary embodiment, at least one fuse module can be mounted to a power distribution unit for receiving at least one power input and providing power to associated electronic equipment. The power distribution unit can have a housing with at least one fuse access passage and at least one power output displaced along the housing and electrically couplable to the at least one power input. The fuse module can be disposed at least partially within the at least one fuse access passage and be electrically couplable to the at least one power input and at least one power output. The fuse module can have at least one removably attachable fuse carrier that, when attached, electrically couples a fuse housed by the fuse carrier to the at least one power input and the at least one power output.
patents
