| American Power Conversion Corporation Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
|---|
| 20120126785 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CIRCUIT OVERCURRENT PROTECTION - In one aspect, the invention provides a method for overcurrent sensing including; generating an analog output signal representative of a sensed AC current, generating a digital representation of the analog output signal using a plurality of discrete samples, determining those of the plurality of discrete samples having a substantially identical magnitude and estimating an amount of overcurrent in the sensed AC current by evaluating those of the plurality of discrete samples that have the substantially identical magnitude. In some embodiments, the substantially identical magnitude is a maximum magnitude represented by the digital representation. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120112547 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR BIDIRECTIONAL DC-AC POWER CONVERSION - A power converter includes a power input configured to receive input power from an AC power source, a power output configured to provide output power to a load, a battery interface configured to exchange DC power with a battery, and power converter circuitry. The power converter circuitry is adapted to, in a first interconnection configuration, convert the input power into the DC power at the battery interface, and, in a second interconnection configuration, convert the DC power at the battery interface into the output power. The power converter circuitry has a power line, a transformer, a first connection node switchably connected to the power line in the first interconnection configuration and switchably connected to the transformer in the second interconnection configuration, and a second connection node switchably connected to the transformer in the first interconnection configuration and switchably connected to the power line in the second interconnection configuration. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120102039 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PROVIDING IMPROVED ACCESS TO DATA AND MEASUREMENTS IN A MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A method of managing device data related to a data center infrastructure includes generating, by a first server, a first portion of the device data in response to a change in a status of at least one of a plurality of data center infrastructure devices, storing, by a second server, the first portion of the device data in a database, generating, by the first server, a second portion of the device data in response to a request for data that is not contained in the database, the second portion of the device data being different than the first portion of the device data and being generated in a lightweight format, and displaying, in response to a user request, at least a portion of the device data using a user interface that is provided to the client computer by the second server. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120087051 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SCALABLE POWER DISTRIBUTION - According to one aspect of the invention, a plug-in module is provided for installing in a power distribution assembly. In one embodiment, the plug-in module may include an overcurrent protection device, a power cable, which may include a first end coupled to the overcurrent protection device, and a second end coupled to the first end, one or more receptacle outlets attached to the second end and electrical contacts coupled to the overcurrent protection device and configured to couple the plug-in module to a plurality of stationary electrical conductors of the power distribution assembly. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120074840 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF POWER DEVICE LIGHTING - Aspects and embodiments described herein provide power devices with tactile sensors to activate light emitting elements that illuminate power device interfaces, facilitating engagement of the interfaces with external loads and their connectors and the manipulation of control panels and their interfaces. A housing houses at least a portion of the power device and can include a tactile sensor to detect a presence of an object proximate to the power device. When an object is detected, the controller and the tactile sensor activate at least one light emitting element to illuminate a least a portion of the housing that includes an interface. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120071992 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PREDICTING PERFORATED TILE AIRFLOW IN A DATA CENTER - Systems and methods provide determinations of airflow from a raised floor plenum. In one aspect, a computer-implemented method is provided for predicting airflow from a plurality of openings in a plenum. The method includes (A) receiving input data from a storage device, the input data including data related to the plenum (B) determining an average air pressure in the plenum, (C) determining an airflow value for each of the openings based on the average air pressure, (D) dividing the plenum into a plurality of grid cells, (E) using a first iterative method, determine a value for airflow velocity for each of the grid cells, (F) determining an air pressure value at each of the openings based on the airflow velocity, (G) using a second iterative method, determine a new airflow value for each one of the plurality of openings based on the air pressure value at the one of the openings, (H) determining whether a difference between the new airflow values and previous airflow values is greater than a threshold, and (I) repeating acts (E) through (H) until the difference is not greater than the threshold, and then storing the new airflow value for each one of the plurality of openings as a final airflow value. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120067136 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AIR CONTAINMENT ZONE PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL DETECTION - An air pressure differential sensing system includes a conduit defining an air passage through which air flows upon application of an air pressure differential across different regions of the air passage, a flap pivotally connected to the conduit, and a sensing device mounted proximate to the air passage and separate from the flap. The flap is configured to move about a pivotal axis in response to the air flowing through the air passage. The sensing device is configured to sense an angular position of the flap about the pivotal axis, the angular position of the flap being a function of the air pressure differential. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120041569 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PREDICTING TRANSIENT COOLING PERFORMANCE FOR A DATA CENTER - A system and method is provided for evaluating the transient cooling performance of a data center. In one version, the method includes receiving input data from a storage device, the input data including data center architecture information and operating data, displaying a model of the data center, performing real-time transient cooling performance calculations for the data center using the input data, and displaying results of the real-time transient cooling performance calculations, wherein the results include a maximum predicted temperature of the data center following a power outage of the data center. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120037353 | SINGLE RACK COLD AIR CONTAINMENT - A system for cooling rack mounted equipment includes: a rack configured to house rack mounted equipment, the rack providing a front port bordered by a top and two sides; and a cold-air duct separable from and attached to the rack about the top and two sides, the duct being configured to be in fluid communication with a region adjacent to the duct to receive air from the region, the duct includes: a front member; side members coupled to the front member; and an end member configured to selectively allow the passage of air through the end component from the region into the duct; where the duct is attached to the rack to form a substantially airtight seal between the rack and the duct. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120025683 | EQUIPMENT ENCLOSURE KIT AND ASSEMBLY METHOD - An equipment enclosure for housing electronic components includes a front assembly having a front frame, the front assembly defining a front of the enclosure, and a rear assembly having a rear frame. The enclosure further includes at least two side brace members, each side brace member having a first end and a second, opposite end. A first connector is configured to releasably connect the first end of one of the side brace members to the front frame. A second connector is configured to releasably connect the second end of the one of the side brace members to the rear frame. Other embodiments and methods are further disclosed. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120012283 | HOT AISLE CONTAINMENT COOLING UNIT AND METHOD FOR COOLING - A cooling unit, which is configured to contain and cool air between two rows of equipment racks defining a hot aisle, includes a housing configured to be secured mounted on the two rows of equipment racks such that the housing spans the hot aisle, a heat exchanger supported by the housing and coupled to and in fluid communication with a coolant supply and a coolant return, and an air movement assembly supported by the housing and configured to move air over the heat exchanger. Other embodiments of the cooling unit and methods of cooling are further disclosed. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20110307820 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MANAGING FACILITY POWER AND COOLING - Systems and methods are provided for determining data center cooling and power requirements and for monitoring performance of cooling and power systems in data centers. At least one aspect provides a system and method that enables a data center operator to determine available power and cooling at specific areas and enclosures in a data center to assist in locating new equipment in the data center. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110301911 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PREDICTING TEMPERATURE VALUES IN A DATA CENTER - A system and method for evaluating equipment in a data center, the equipment including a plurality of equipment racks, and at least one cooling provider. In one aspect, a method includes receiving data regarding each of the plurality of equipment racks and the at least one cooling provider, the data including a layout of the equipment racks and the at least one cooling provider, and a power draw value for each of the equipment racks, storing the received data, determining air flow between the at least one cooling provider and each of the equipment racks, determining inlet and exit air temperature for the at least one cooling provider based on the layout, the power draw and the airflow, for each equipment rack, determining inlet and exit air temperature based on the layout, the power draw and the airflow, and displaying an indication of the inlet and exit temperature for each of the plurality of equipment racks and the at least one cooler. In the method, determining the inlet and exit temperature of each of the equipment racks and the at least one cooling provider includes establishing a set of S coupled equations, with S equal to a number of temperature values to be determined, and solving the S coupled equations. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110301773 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PREVENTING OVERLOADS OF POWER DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS - Systems and methods for monitoring power in power distribution systems are provided. In one aspect, a system for monitoring power includes a power monitoring device that measures a value of at least one characteristic of power provided to a branch of a power distribution system. The power monitoring device includes an output that provides the value measured. The system further includes a controller having an input to receive the value measured and an output that couples to a first device powered by the branch to send a maximum power signal to the first device to command the first device to operate at a percentage of maximum power. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110278934 | DIGITAL CONTROL METHOD FOR OPERATING THE UPS SYSTEMS IN PARALLEL - Systems and methods of operating uninterruptible power supplies in parallel in a power distribution system to provide power to a load are provided. At least one uninterruptible power supply inverter provides power to the load. A communication interface provides a measured value of at least one of inverter output current of a first uninterruptible power supply and a measured value of the load current to a second uninterruptible power supply, and receives a measured value of at least one of inverter output current of the second uninterruptible power supply and the load current. A controller controls the uninterruptible power supplies to operate in one of a master state and a slave state. In the master state the uninterruptible power supply is configured to control the voltage to the load, and in the slave state the uninterruptible power supply is configured to determine a reference output current value based at least in part on at least one of the measured value of inverter output current of the second uninterruptible power supply and the measured value of the load current. The uninterruptible power supply in the slave state drives its inverter output current toward the reference output current value to provide its share of the load current. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110275242 | MULTI-PORT CABLING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A multi-port cabling system for use in installing cable to an equipment rack or enclosure or within an equipment room or data center includes a cabling assembly comprising at least one connector head having a plurality of ports and at least one cable operatively connected to the plurality of ports. The at least one cable terminates internally within the connector head to operatively couple the cable to the plurality of ports. The system further includes a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket and the connector head are each configured for tool-less attachment of one or more cabling assemblies to the bracket. The mounting bracket is further configured to removably mount to an equipment rack or enclosure, and/or to a wall, to thereby install one or more cables. The cabling assembly and the cabling system help to eliminate on-site cable termination and testing during installation of cables to rack-mounted equipment. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110270539 | AIRFLOW DETECTOR AND METHOD OF MEASURING AIRFLOW - An airflow detecting device includes at least one pivot rod, a first vane portion hingedly secured to the at least one pivot rod and a second vane portion hingedly secured to the at least one pivot rod. The airflow detecting device further includes a first sensor assembly coupled to the first vane portion and the second vane portion. The first sensor assembly generates a signal when the one of the first vane portion and the second vane portion is moved relative to the other of the second vane portion and the first vane portion when effected by airflow. The airflow detecting device further includes a control module secured to the at least one pivot rod and coupled to the first sensor assembly to receive the signal from the first sensor assembly. The control module is configured to determine the direction and the amount of airflow based on the signal from the first sensor assembly. Other embodiments of airflow detecting devices are further disclosed. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110254372 | Alternative-Source Energy Management - A power converter system includes a power converter system including: a DC-to-AC power converter; a first output configured to be coupled to a power grid; a first input configured to be coupled to the power grid; second outputs each configured to be coupled to a corresponding AC load; a power-grid switch coupled to the converter and to the first output; load switches coupled to the converter, the second outputs, and the first input; and a controller coupled to the load switches and to the first output and configured to determine whether energy from the power grid satisfies at least one criterion, the controller being further configured to control the power-grid switch and the load switches to couple the converter to the first output and to couple the first input to the second outputs if the at least one criterion is satisfied and otherwise to control the power-grid switch and the load switches to isolate the converter from the first output and to couple the converter to at least one of the second outputs. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110254371 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING DISTRIBUTION OF POWER - Aspects of the invention are directed to apparatus and methods for controlling power distribution to a plurality of devices including a primary device and at least one secondary device, the primary device having at least a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation, with the second mode of operation being a lower power mode of operation than the first mode of operation. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110246147 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MANAGING FACILITY POWER AND COOLING - Systems and methods are provided for determining data center cooling and power requirements and for monitoring performance of cooling and power systems in data centers. At least one aspect provides a system and method that enables a data center operator to determine available power and cooling at specific areas and enclosures in a data center to assist in locating new equipment in the data center. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110240497 | CONTAINER BASED DATA CENTER SOLUTIONS - A cooling container comprises a container housing with a chilled water storage tank including a first interface for receiving chilled water. The chilled water tank has a plurality of straight pipes joined by elbows connections to provide a folded path, the full path length being greater than the length of the container housing, and a second interface for outputting the chilled water. A number of interfaces within the container housing are configured to receive a chiller module or a free cool unit. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110240265 | CONTAINER BASED DATA CENTER SOLUTIONS - A cooling container comprises a container housing with a chilled water storage tank including a first interface for receiving chilled water. The chilled water tank has a plurality of straight pipes joined by elbows connections to provide a folded path, the full path length being greater than the length of the container housing, and a second interface for outputting the chilled water. A number of interfaces within the container housing are configured to receive a chiller module or a free cool unit. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110239681 | CONTAINER BASED DATA CENTER SOLUTIONS - A cooling container comprises a container housing with a chilled water storage tank including a first interface for receiving chilled water. The chilled water tank has a plurality of straight pipes joined by elbows connections to provide a folded path, the full path length being greater than the length of the container housing, and a second interface for outputting the chilled water. A number of interfaces within the container housing are configured to receive a chiller module or a free cool unit. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110239680 | CONTAINER BASED DATA CENTER SOLUTIONS - A cooling container comprises a container housing with a chilled water storage tank including a first interface for receiving chilled water. The chilled water tank has a plurality of straight pipes joined by elbows connections to provide a folded path, the full path length being greater than the length of the container housing, and a second interface for outputting the chilled water. A number of interfaces within the container housing are configured to receive a chiller module or a free cool unit. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110239679 | CONTAINER BASED DATA CENTER SOLUTIONS - A cooling container comprises a container housing with a chilled water storage tank including a first interface for receiving chilled water. The chilled water tank has a plurality of straight pipes joined by elbows connections to provide a folded path, the full path length being greater than the length of the container housing, and a second interface for outputting the chilled water. A number of interfaces within the container housing are configured to receive a chiller module or a free cool unit. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110227418 | AC-TO-DC CONVERSION - A front-end converter in an uninterruptible power supply system includes: a boost circuit having first and second inputs, and positive, negative, and neutral output nodes, and being configured to provide a positive capacitor voltage between the positive and neutral nodes and to provide a negative capacitor voltage between the negative and neutral nodes; an inductor coupled to the first input; first AC and neutral AC inputs to receive AC power; a battery; a first device to selectively couple the inductor to the first AC input or a positive port of the battery; and a second device to selectively couple a negative port of the battery to the second input; where the inductor is shared between an online mode of the converter and an on-battery mode of the converter and the battery is coupled through the inductor to the first input during the on-battery mode. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110227415 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING UNINTERRUPTIBLE POWER - Methods and apparatus for providing uninterruptible power are provided by aspects of the invention. One aspect is more particularly directed to an uninterruptible power supply for providing power to a load. The uninterruptible power supply includes an input to receive input power, an output to provide output power, a plurality of battery modules that provide backup power, a power circuit coupled to the input, coupled to the plurality of battery modules and coupled to the output to provide power derived from at least one of the input power and the backup power to the output, a controller, a return line coupled to the controller and coupled to each of the battery modules, and a first sense line coupled to the controller and coupled to the plurality of battery modules. The controller and each of the battery modules are configured and arranged such that at least one characteristic of the battery modules is determined by the controller based on signals detected by the controller on the first sense line. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110223785 | BACK-MOUNT GANGED ELECTRICAL OUTLETS - An electrical ganged-outlet apparatus includes a plurality of electrical outlets molded together as a unitary outlet body having a front surface and a back surface. Each of the electrical outlets has an aperture extending through the front surface, a peripheral wall and a sidewall opposing the peripheral wall, a shoulder adjacent to the front surface of the unitary outlet body and the sidewall of the electrical outlet, and an opening molded in the sidewall adjacent to the shoulder and in communication with the aperture. The shoulder is constructed and arranged to engage a latching member attached to the electrical inlet connector when the electrical inlet connector is inserted into the aperture. The opening in the sidewall extends from the shoulder through the back surface, and is constructed and arranged to receive the latching member to retain the electrical inlet connector within the aperture. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110223784 | BACK-MOUNT GANGED ELECTRICAL OUTLETS - An electrical ganged-outlet apparatus includes a unitary outlet body including a plurality of electrical outlets and a back surface. Each of the electrical outlets has at least a first and a second receptacle contact element, and a line terminal. The line terminal is electrically connected to the first receptacle contact element and extends from the back surface. The outlet body has at least one neutral bus bar disposed against the back surface, and the neutral bus bar is electrically connected to the second receptacle contact element. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110187488 | ALARM CONSOLIDATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - Methods and system for consolidating alarms using a data center monitoring appliance are provided. The method includes receiving at least one alarm from an physical infrastructure device via the network, determining that the at least one alarm is subject to a consolidation filter, the consolidation filter specifying characteristics of a consolidated alarm and generating the consolidated alarm according to the characteristics specified in the consolidation filter. The system includes a network interface, a memory and a controller coupled to the network interface and the memory and configured to receive at least one alarm from an physical infrastructure device via the network interface, determine that the at least one alarm is subject to a consolidation filter, the consolidation filter specifying characteristics of a consolidated alarm and generate the consolidated alarm according to the characteristics specified in the consolidation filter. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110181108 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A UPS - According to one aspect of the invention, a UPS includes an input configured to be coupled to an AC power source, a DC power source, an output configured to receive power from at least one of the AC power source and the DC power source, a first switched receptacle outlet coupled to the output and configured to be coupled to a first electrical load and a second receptacle outlet coupled to the output and configured to be coupled to a second electrical load. According to some embodiments, the UPS also includes a control unit configurable to provide a first configuration associated with the first switched receptacle outlet, where the first configuration is employed by the control unit to control a connection of the first switched receptacle outlet to the output independent of the second receptacle outlet. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110169333 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DISTRIBUTING LOAD TRANSFERS IN POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS - A power supply system includes an AC power line with an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) device coupled to receive power from the AC power line. The UPS includes control circuitry that couples power conversion circuitry of the UPS to the AC power line when the available AC power is acceptable. The power supply system also includes a second UPS device coupled to receive power from the AC power line. The second UPS includes a timer delay, such that the control circuitry is configured to couple power conversion circuitry to the AC power line when the available AC power is acceptable, and upon expiration of the timer. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110143644 | AIR REMOVAL UNIT - An air removal unit configured for removing exhaust air from an equipment rack or enclosure includes multiple fans to achieve a high airflow capacity while defining a compact and portable structure. The unit removably installs along an exhaust side of an equipment rack or enclosure to provide capabilities for managing the thermal output of equipment, such as servers, CPUs, communications, internetworking and other types of equipment. The unit includes one or more upper fan modules and one or more lower fan modules positioned below the upper fan modules. The upper and the lower fan modules are arranged in a stacked configuration along the depth of the unit with the lower fan modules positioned in an offset orientation relative to the upper fan modules. The stacked configuration and the offset orientation of the fan modules help to incorporate multiple fans with the unit while maintaining the compact and portable design. The unit is further configured to serve as a door of an equipment rack or enclosure to thereby provide access to the unit and the rack or enclosure during operation. The unit can be incorporated with a ventilation system or a cooling air system associated with an equipment room or data center. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110137713 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ANALYZING NONSTANDARD FACILITY OPERATIONS WITHIN A DATA CENTER - A computer implemented method and a data center management appliance for simulating nonstandard operation of an element of a data center is provided. The method includes acts of determining a one data center resource affected by a data center element, selecting a simulator from a plurality of simulators based on the data center resource and the data center element and generating a impact analysis of the nonstandard operation of the data center element using the simulator. The data center management appliance includes a network interface, a memory and a controller coupled to the network interface and the memory. The controller is configured to determine a data center resource affected by a data center element, select a simulator from a plurality of simulators based on the data center resource and the data center element and generate a impact analysis of nonstandard operation of the data center element using the first simulator. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110133557 | VOLTAGE CONVERTER - Systems and methods of operating a voltage converter are provided. The converter includes an output inductor and an output capacitor coupled to a rectifier circuit. The converter also includes a clamp circuit having a clamping diode and a clamping capacitor coupled in series, with the serial combination in parallel with the output inductor. The clamp circuit can also include a recovery inductor coupled to the output capacitor, and a switch configured to selectively couple and decouple the recovery inductor in parallel with the clamping capacitor. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110109271 | NON-ISOLATED CHARGER WITH BI-POLAR INPUTS - Systems and methods are provided for an uninterruptable power supply having a positive DC bus, a neutral DC bus, and a negative DC bus. The uninterruptible power supply includes a battery charger circuit having an inductor, a first charger output, and a second charger output. A first switch connected to a first end of the inductor is configured to couple the positive DC bus with the first charger output. A second switch connected to a second end of the inductor is configured to couple the negative DC bus with the inductor. The neutral DC bus can be coupled to the second charger output. The battery charger circuit can be configured to draw power from at least one of the positive DC bus and the negative DC bus to charge a battery coupled to the first charger output and the second charger output. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110105010 | DATA CENTER COOLING - A system includes a substantially sealed, substantially airtight cabinet sized for housing a vertical array of heat-producing units, the cabinet having an exterior shell and the system including an interior divider wall disposed inside the cabinet, the shell and divider wall providing an equipment chamber adapted to support the array such that the array cooperates with the shell and divider wall in use to define a first plenum, the first plenum having a first inlet defined by the divider wall for receiving a flow of cooling gas and having a first outlet defined by a plurality of openings through the array whereby the first plenum communicates with the openings in use to exhaust substantially all of the flow of cooling fluid through the openings and hence through the array, wherein the divider wall is configured to allow the first inlet to admit the gas to the first plenum in a substantially horizontal direction. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110103014 | Data Center Cooling - A system for restricting mixing of air in a data center includes a plurality of racks, each of the racks having a front face and a back face. The system includes an enclosure for collecting air released from the back faces of the plurality of racks, the enclosure configured to substantially contain the air in an area between the first row and the second row and having a roof panel coupled to the first row of racks and the second row of racks configured to span a distance between the first row of racks and the second row of racks. The enclosure is configured to maintain a first air pressure inside of the enclosure that is substantially equal to a second air pressure outside the enclosure. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110101777 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OPTIMIZING POWER LOADS IN A POWER DISTRIBUTION UNIT - A method of optimizing power loads of a power strip is disclosed. The power strip is of the type having single or three phase power input, a plurality of circuit breakers, and a plurality of outlets. The arrangement is such that at least one circuit breaker is associated with at least one outlet. The method includes: obtaining real-time current measurements for each phase of the single or three phase power input of the power strip; obtaining real-time current measurements for each circuit breaker of the plurality of circuit breakers of the power strip; logging the real-time current measurements for each phase of the single or three phase power input and for each circuit breaker of the plurality of circuit breakers; and analyzing the real-time current measurements of the single or three phase power input and the plurality of circuit breakers to determine a preferential order of outlets in which to apply a new load. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110100668 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF MANAGING CABLES - A cable trough includes a tray having a tray portion extending along a generally horizontal plane with two opposite side edges, a first side wall portion extending along one side edge of the tray portion on a plane generally perpendicular to the plane of the tray portion, and a second side wall portion extending along the other side edge of the tray portion on a plane generally perpendicular to the plane of the tray portion. The cable trough further includes a first side wall having at least one first attachment configuration constructed and arranged to secure the first side wall to the first side wall portion of the tray, and a second side wall having at least one second attachment configuration constructed and arranged to secure the second side wall to the second side wall portion of the tray. Various cable trough systems and methods are further disclosed. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110094714 | DATA CENTER COOLING - A system includes a substantially sealed, substantially airtight cabinet sized for housing a vertical array of heat-producing units, the cabinet having an exterior shell and the system including an interior divider wall disposed inside the cabinet, the shell and divider wall providing an equipment chamber adapted to support the array such that the array cooperates with the shell and divider wall in use to define a first plenum, the first plenum having a first inlet defined by the divider wall for receiving a flow of cooling gas and having a first outlet defined by a plurality of openings through the array whereby the first plenum communicates with the openings in use to exhaust substantially all of the flow of cooling fluid through the openings and hence through the array, wherein the divider wall is configured to allow the first inlet to admit the gas to the first plenum in a substantially horizontal direction. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110084647 | SOLAR POWERED APPARATUS - A solar powered apparatus that includes a battery, at least one photovoltaic cell (which may be part of a solar module comprising multiple photovoltaic cells), and a DC-capable AC appliance, such as a compact fluorescent light. The solar powered apparatus may also include a first DC to DC converter that receives a first electrical signal from the at least one photovoltaic cell and provides a charging signal to the battery, and a second DC to DC converter that receives a second electrical signal from the battery and provides a DC power signal to the DC-capable AC appliance. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110077795 | DATA CENTER CONTROL - Systems and methods for data center control are provided. The data center includes a plurality of racks and at least one cooling unit. The racks including at least one server. Information regarding the at least one cooling unit, the at least one server, the plurality of racks, and at least one application is received. A rack based cooling metric threshold is also received. The systems and methods can determine a layout of the data center that minimizes total power consumption of the plurality of racks and the cooling unit while maintaining cooling performance at an acceptable level based on the threshold. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110073726 | TOOL-LESS INSTALLATION SYSTEM AND METHOD OF U-MOUNTED DEVICES - A device is configured to be secured within an equipment rack of the type having two spaced-apart mounting flanges, with each flange having a plurality of openings formed therein spaced-apart from one another a predetermined distance. The device includes an elongated body having two, opposite ends and two attachment configurations, one for each end of the elongated body. Each attachment configuration has at least one retention element to be inserted within the openings of the mounting flanges. At least one attachment configuration has a plunger pin configured to retain the device to the mounting rails. The attachment configuration is constructed and arranged to facilitate tool-less installation and removal of the device with the mounting rails. Other embodiments of the device and a method of securing the device to an equipment rack are further disclosed. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110068744 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR BATTERY CELL BALANCING - Without battery cell balancing, voltages of multiple series-connected battery cells may quickly become out of balance, which causes some cells of the battery to deteriorate faster than others, and reduces the life cycle of the battery. Embodiments of the present invention address this problem by providing a system for balanced charging of multiple series-connected battery cells. The system includes resistors that are selectably and electrically coupled in parallel with respective battery cells via activation and deactivation of respective switches. The system also includes a control unit that is configured to determine a battery cell having a lowest voltage among the battery cells, and to activate and deactivate the switches as a function of differences in voltages between the voltage of the lowest battery cell and voltages of each of the other battery cells, thus, providing balanced charging of the multiple series-connected battery cells. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110066696 | COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL - One aspect relates to a communication protocol for communicating between one or more entities, such as devices, hosts or any other system capable of communicating over a network. A protocol is provided that allows communication between entities without a priori knowledge of the communication protocol. In such a protocol, for example, information describing a data structure of the communication protocol is transferred between communicating entities. Further, an authentication protocol is provided for providing bidirectional authentication between communicating entities. In one specific example, the entities include a master device and a slave device coupled by a serial link. In another specific example, the communication protocol may be used for performing unbalanced transmission between communicating entities. | 03-17-2011 |
| 20110049980 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ALLOCATING POWER TO LOADS - A system and method for adaptive control of power among a plurality of loads based on a categorization of the loads as either delayable or non-delayable, wherein the non-delayable loads are preferably supplied power over the delayable loads. In one aspect, the system may be used to allocate limited power from a backup power source. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110045759 | RACK ENCLOSURE - An enclosure is provided for housing electronic equipment that accommodates the different cooling and ventilating requirements of different types of equipment. The enclosure is constructed and arranged to support cooling airflow in a front-to-back configuration through the enclosure and in a side-to-side configuration from one side to an opposite side of the enclosure. The enclosure can thereby provide within a single enclosure means cooling air for components using front-to-back airflow for cooling, such as information technology (IT) equipment, and for components using side-to-side airflow, such as certain types of telecommunications equipment. The enclosure can thereby support a mix of IT and telecommunications equipment, providing flexibility and adaptability in network room and data center configuration. The enclosure is further configured to separate intake air used by equipment for cooling from exhaust air vented by equipment into its interior during operation. As a result, the enclosure promotes sufficient equipment cooling and prevents/minimizes equipment overheating. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110043042 | UNINTERRUPTIBLE POWER SUPPLY - An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system includes an AC power input configured to receive AC power from a single-phase AC power source or a multi-phase AC power source, a DC power source, an output circuit including a power output, a controllable switch configured to selectively couple at least one of the AC power input and the DC power source to the output circuit, and a processor coupled and configured to affect operation of the output circuit depending upon which of single-phase and multi-phase operation of the UPS is indicated. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110040781 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COLLECTING AND DISPLAYING NETWORK DEVICE INFORMATION - In one particular embodiment, the disclosure is directed to a network management system. The network monitoring system includes at least one device definition file, a simple network management protocol enabled communications interface, and a data access interface. The definition file includes query instructions associated with portions of MIBs associated with a network device. The simple network management protocol enabled communications interface may access the network device using the query instructions and may receive response data from the network device. The data access interface may be configured to provide external access to the response data and configure thresholds. | 02-17-2011 |
| 20110028012 | SPARKLESS ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR - Methods and apparatuses supporting an electrical connection in a manner that eliminates or reduces a danger of electrical sparking are disclosed. A sparkless electrical connector has a conductor, configured to provide flow of electricity between an electrical source and a load, and a resistive element, operatively coupled to the conductor, to resist flow of electricity during a state of partial connection with the electrical source or the load. The resistive element may be not in contact with a terminal of the source or load during a state of full connection. The resistive element may be a coating of an anodized material on a pin of the conductor. The coating provides a resistance sufficient to prevent sparking during connection of the conductor and at least one of the electrical source and the load. Techniques disclosed herein benefit users and manufacturers in the areas of safety, cost, simplicity, and reliability. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110026193 | ADJUSTABLE SCALABLE RACK POWER SYSTEM AND METHOD - Systems and method for installing computer equipment and power distribution equipment in facilities is provided. In one aspect, the present invention provides a power distribution rack, and uninterruptible power supply rack and a plurality of equipment racks. A plurality of power cables are run from the power distribution rack to each of the plurality of equipment racks using power cable tracks located on the roofs of the equipment racks. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110008697 | FUEL CELL SENSORS AND METHODS - Control systems, sensors and methods for controlling the fuel concentration in a fuel cell or a fuel cell stack are provided. In certain examples, the control system may be configured to detect a performance degradation, and the fuel concentration provided to the fuel cell may be adjusted in response to detection of the performance degradation. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20100317213 | ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR - An electrically conductive fork includes first and second arm members each having an electrical contact and a pivot portion, the pivot portion configured to receive a portion of a rod, where the first and second arm members are configured to pivot around the rod, and a connector mechanically connecting the first and second arm members in fixed relation to each other prior to insertion of a busbar between the electrical contacts, where the connector is configured to yield to a force imparted on the connector and allow the first and second arm members to pivot around the rod in response to insertion of the busbar between the electrical contacts, and the insertion of the bus bar causes the electrical contacts to separate and pivot the first and second arm members around the rod and impart the force on the connector. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100315849 | POWER SUPPLY CONTROL - Systems and methods for operating an uninterruptable power supply are provided. The uninterruptable power supply may include a rectifier that has a transistor and an inductor. The uninterruptable power supply may also include a controller. A current sensor can be configured to detect inductor current and to provide a detected inductor current value to the controller to generate a current error value based and to generate a pulse width modulation control signal based in part on the current error value. The controller can apply the pulse width modulation control signal to the transistor to adjust a switching frequency of the transistor. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100315775 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INSTALLATION AND REMOVAL OF OVERHEAD COOLING EQUIPMENT - Disclosed is a data center comprising a first row of equipment racks, a second row of equipment racks, a hot aisle defined by a space between the first row of equipment racks and the second row of equipment racks, and a track system above the hot aisle of the data center upon which cooling units may be mounted. Cooling units may be moved along the track system. The track system may include portions of track secured to the top sides of one or more cooling units. Also disclosed is a method for installing a cooling unit above a hot aisle of a data center including a plurality of equipment racks. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100314944 | INPUT AND OUTPUT POWER MODULES CONFIGURED TO PROVIDE SELECTIVE POWER TO AN UNINTERRUPTIBLE POWER SUPPLY - An uninterruptible power supply (“UPS”) includes an input module having a plurality of inputs, and at least one jumper element configured to selectively couple at least one input of the plurality of inputs to at least one other input of the plurality of inputs. The plurality of inputs and the at least one jumper element may be constructed and arranged to selectively achieve the following configurations: single power feed, single phase input and single phase output; dual power feed, single phase input and single phase output; single power feed, three phase input and single phase output; dual power feed, three phase input and single phase output; single power feed, three phase input and three phase output; and dual power feed, three phase input and three phase output. Other embodiments and methods of selectively achieving multiple power configurations are also disclosed. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100307716 | HOT AISLE CONTAINMENT COOLING UNIT AND METHOD FOR COOLING - A cooling unit, which is configured to contain and cool air between two rows of equipment racks defining a hot aisle, includes a housing configured to be secured mounted on the two rows of equipment racks such that the housing spans the hot aisle, a heat exchanger supported by the housing and coupled to and in fluid communication with a coolant supply and a coolant return, and an air movement assembly supported by the housing and configured to move air over the heat exchanger. Other embodiments of the cooling unit and methods of cooling are further disclosed. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20100305775 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING LOAD DYNAMICS IN A PUMPED REFRIGERANT COOLING SYSTEM - A pumped refrigerant cooling system for use in a row of equipment racks is configured to contain electronic equipment. The system includes a communication network and a refrigerant distribution unit in fluid communication with a chilled refrigerant supply and a heated refrigerant return. A cooling module is in fluid communication with the refrigerant distribution unit by a supply line and a return line. The cooling module is coupled to the communication network, and includes an evaporator and a fan configured to direct air over the evaporator. A sensor package is configured to monitor temperature and pressure reference points provided in the pumped refrigerant cooling system and the equipment racks. The system further includes a controller forming part of the cooling module and coupled to the communication network and the sensor package. The controller, based on information obtained from the sensor package, is configured to manipulate the flow of refrigerant through the evaporator by controlling the delivery of refrigerant to the evaporator and is configured to manipulate the flow of air over the evaporator by controlling the speed of the fan. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100300650 | CONTAINER AIR HANDLING UNIT AND COOLING METHOD - A modular cooling system configured to treat IT air generated by a data center includes a frame and a plurality of cooling sub-system modules supported by the frame. The plurality of cooling sub-system modules are configured to operate in parallel to achieve total cooling effect or a lesser cooling effect with some level of redundancy within the data center. Each cooling sub-system module includes a housing configured to support cooling equipment, an air-to-air heat exchanger supported by the housing to cool IT air generated by the data center, the air-to-air heat exchanger having at least one tube configured to direct IT from one end of the air-to-air heat exchanger to an opposite end of the air-to-air heat exchanger and configured so that outdoor air circulates around the at least one tube, and a mechanical cooling system supported by the housing. The mechanical cooling system is configured to receive IT air treated by the air-to-air heat exchanger and to provide further cooling to the treated IT air. Other embodiments of the cooling system and methods of cooling are further disclosed. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100300648 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ATTACHMENT AND REMOVAL OF FANS WHILE IN OPERATION AND WITHOUT THE NEED FOR TOOLS - Disclosed is an air containment cooling system for containing air between two rows of equipment racks. The air containment cooling system comprises a canopy assembly configured to enclose a hot aisle defined by two rows of equipment racks and a cooling system embedded within the canopy assembly, the cooling system being configured to cool air disposed within the hot aisle, the cooling system including a heat exchanger, a mounting plate coupled to the canopy assembly, and a fan assembly configured to move air to the heat exchanger, the fan assembly being releasably mounted on the mounting plate. The fan assembly may include a fan unit having a fan and a motor and a mounting ring configured to mount the fan unit thereon. The mounting ring may have at least one mounting post configured to pass through a key slot formed in the mounting plate. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100300129 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING REFRIGERANT LEAKS IN COOLING SYSTEMS - A method of detecting loss of refrigerant within a cooling system of the type having a condenser, a refrigerant receiver in fluid communication with the condenser, a sensor configured to detect a level of refrigerant within the receiver, an evaporator in fluid communication with the receiver, and a pump or compressor in fluid communication with the evaporator and the condenser, includes establishing a baseline measurement of refrigerant mass contained in the receiver with the sensor during certain power loads applied to the cooling system, monitoring a mass of refrigerant in the receiver with the sensor at a certain power load applied to the cooling system, and identifying whether the monitored mass of refrigerant is less than the baseline measurement of refrigerant mass over a predetermined period of time. Systems for detecting loss of refrigerant are further disclosed. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100295374 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING UNINTERRUPTIBLE POWER - At least one aspect is directed to an uninterruptible power supply that includes a first input having an input line connection and an input neutral connection to receive a first input voltage from a first voltage source, a second input to receive a second input voltage from a second voltage source, and a boost circuit configured to provide a positive output DC voltage with respect to the input neutral connection and a negative output DC voltage with respect to the input neutral connection in both a line mode of operation and a backup mode of operation. The power supply also includes a first connection circuit to couple the first input to the boost circuit in the line mode of operation, and a second connection circuit to couple the second input to the boost circuit in the backup mode of operation, the second connection circuit being configured to isolate the second voltage source from the input neutral connection in the line mode of operation. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100290195 | Power Semiconductor Heatsinking - A heatsink includes a thermally conductive body including a plurality of fins configured to conduct and dissipate heat. The body is configured to receive a circuit board containing heat-producing electrical components along a width of the body. The heatsink further includes a pivot mechanism pivotally coupled to the body and configured and disposed to contact the heat-producing electrical components. The heatsink further includes a bias device connected to the body and the pivot mechanism and configured to change from a first state to a second state to cause the pivot mechanism to rotate relative to the body to move a contact portion of the pivot mechanism toward the body. The heatsink is configured to receive the heat-producing electrical components between the contact portion of the pivot mechanism and the body, and the bias device is configured to bias the contact portion of the pivot mechanism to urge the heat-producing electrical components against the body when the bias device is in the second state. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100287018 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ARRANGING EQUIPMENT IN A DATA CENTER - A system and method for providing a layout of equipment in a data center, the equipment including a plurality of equipment racks, and at least one rack-based cooling provider. In one aspect, the method includes receiving data regarding airflow consumption for each of the plurality of equipment racks and cooling capacity of the at least one cooling provider, storing the received data, determining a layout of the data center, displaying the layout of the data center. In the method determining a layout can include pairing each equipment rack of the plurality of equipment racks with another equipment rack of the plurality of equipment racks based on airflow consumption of each of the plurality of equipment racks to create a plurality of pairs of equipment racks, determining a combined airflow consumption value for each of the pairs of equipment racks, arranging the pairs of equipment racks to form a two-row cluster of equipment racks based on the combined airflow consumption value of the equipment racks, wherein each pair includes an equipment rack in a first row of the cluster and an equipment rack in a second row of the cluster, and determining a location of the at least one cooling provider in the cluster. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100286956 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PREDICTING COOLING PERFORMANCE OF ARRANGEMENTS OF EQUIPMENT IN A DATA CENTER - A system and method for evaluating equipment in an improper cluster in a data center, the equipment including a plurality of equipment racks, and at least one cooling provider. In one aspect, the method includes receiving data regarding each of the plurality of equipment racks and the at least one cooling provider, the data including a layout of the improper cluster of equipment racks and the at least one cooling provider, storing the received data, identifying at least one gap in the layout, determining cooling performance of at least one of the plurality of equipment racks based, at least in part, on characteristics of the at least one gap, and displaying the layout of the data center, wherein the layout includes an indication of the cooling performance of the at least one of the plurality of equipment racks. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100286955 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PREDICTING MAXIMUM COOLER AND RACK CAPACITIES IN A DATA CENTER - A system and method for evaluating equipment in a data center, the equipment including a plurality of equipment racks, and at least one cooling provider. In one aspect, a method includes receiving data regarding each of the plurality of equipment racks and the at least one cooling provider, the data including a layout of the equipment racks and the at least one cooling provider, a power draw value for each of the equipment racks, and a maximum cooler capacity value for the at least one cooling provider; storing the received data; determining cooling performance of at least one of the plurality of equipment racks based on the layout; determining a cooling load for the at least one cooler and a difference between the cooling load and the maximum cooler capacity value; for each equipment rack, determining a maximum rack capacity based on the layout and the difference between the cooling load and the maximum cooler capacity value; and displaying an indication of the maximum rack capacity for each equipment rack. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100281147 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING CONFIGURATIONS OF NCPI DEVICES - A system and method for configuring network critical physical infrastructure (NCPI) devices is provided. In one example, a method is provided including acts of gathering, by a data center management appliance, at least one device configuration from an NCPI device via a network, modifying the at least one device configuration and providing the modified at least one device configuration to the NCPI device via the network. In another example, a data center management appliance is provided that includes a storage medium, a network interface and a controller coupled to the storage medium and the network interface and configured to gather at least one device configuration from a first NCPI device via the network interface, modify the at least one device configuration and provide the modified at least one device configuration to the first NCPI device via the network interface. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100277892 | POWER DEVICE WITH LIGHTED OUTLETS - A power device having illuminated power outlets is disclosed. The power device includes a housing, a power input interface to the housing, and a plurality of power outlets on the housing for distributing power from the input. Within the housing of the power device, a printed circuit board has at least one LED positioned adjacent to at least one of the plurality of outlets to illuminate the openings of the outlets from within the interior housing. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100275441 | ADJUSTABLE SCALABLE RACK POWER SYSTEM AND METHOD - Systems and method for installing computer equipment and power distribution equipment in facilities is provided. In one aspect, the present invention provides an uninterruptible power supply system for use with a plurality of devices, each of the plurality of devices having a power input to receive power. The uninterruptible power supply system includes an equipment rack, an input to receive input power, a DC power source mounted in the equipment rack that provides DC power, an output that provides output power derived from at least one of the input power and the DC power, power distribution circuitry, mounted within the equipment rack, having a plurality of distribution devices each having an input coupled to the output to receive the output power, and a plurality of output power cables each having a first end coupled to one of the plurality of distribution devices to receive output power and a second end that mates with the power input of one of the plurality of devices. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100270977 | NON-ISOLATED CHARGER WITH BI-POLAR INPUTS - Systems and methods are provided for an uninterruptable power supply having a positive DC bus, a neutral DC bus, and a negative DC bus. The uninterruptible power supply includes a battery charger circuit having an inductor, a first charger output, and a second charger output. A first switch connected to a first end of the inductor is configured to couple the positive DC bus with the first charger output. A second switch connected to a second end of the inductor is configured to couple the negative DC bus with the inductor. The neutral DC bus can be coupled to the second charger output. The battery charger circuit can be configured to draw power from at to least one of the positive DC bus and the negative DC bus to charge a battery coupled to the first charger output and the second charger output. | 10-28-2010 |
| 20100250192 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ESTIMATING AN EFFICIENCY OF A POWER DEVICE - A method for estimating an efficiency of a power device includes identifying a state of operation of the power device, measuring power-related information produced by the power device, and determining an estimated efficiency of the power device based in part on the state of operation of the power device and power loss parameters associated with the power device by using the measured power-related information. Other methods and devices for measuring efficiency are further disclosed. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100250162 | BATTERY LIFE ESTIMATION - A method of estimating battery lifetime includes monitoring a charge characteristic of a battery during a first time period, monitoring an operating condition of the battery, determining a first battery life value for the first time period based on the operating condition of the battery, the charge characteristic, and a duration of the first time period, determining an overall battery life value using the first battery life value and a second battery life value for a second time period, and estimating a remaining battery lifetime for the battery based on the overall battery life value. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100250160 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GATHERING INFORMATION USING A POWER DEVICE - A power device, such as a UPS, and a method for gathering system information using the power device are provided. In one aspect, a UPS receives system information associated with at least one other device, the system information including configuration management information, stores, in data storage, the system information associated with the at least one other device and provides the system information to an external entity. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100246101 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ALTERING A USER INTERFACE OF A POWER DEVICE - A system and method for altering a user interface of a power device is provided. The user interface includes an interface structure. The method includes acts of receiving user preference information, determining additional configuration information of the power device, adapting the interface structure based at least in part on the user preference information and the additional configuration information and providing at least a portion of the adapted interface structure to a user via the user interface. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100244641 | DOOR ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF REPLACING A DOOR OF AN ELECTRONICS CABINET - Disclosed are rack enclosures for electronic equipment including at least one door configured to define a space between an edge of the door and a wall or frame of the cabinet, kits for retrofitting rack enclosures to include such a door, and methods of installing such, | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100244571 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CHANGING POWER STATES OF A POWER DEVICE - Aspects in accord with the present invention are directed to a system or method for changing power states of an uninterruptible power supply. In one aspect, the present invention features a method of monitoring a power state of a power device. The method may comprise receiving from one of a plurality of sources a request to change the power state of the power device, initiating a change of power state based on the request, logging an identity of the one of the plurality of sources requesting the change of power state, a type of change of power state, and a time of change of power state, and communicating through a user interface the identity of the one of the plurality of sources requesting the change. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100244567 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REPLACING A BATTERY IN AN UNINTERRUPTIBLE POWER SUPPLY - A system for guiding a user through a procedure corresponding to installing a battery in a UPS that is associated with the system. The system includes at least one programmed processor embedded within the UPS. The programmed processor is configured to retrieve at least one stored procedure corresponding to installing the battery in the UPS including at least one step to be performed by the user. The system further includes at least one device embedded within the UPS to provide information regarding a status indicator of the battery of the UPS. The programmed processor and the device are operatively coupled such that the programmed processor receives at least a portion of the information of the battery from the device. The system further includes a user interface forming part of the UPS. The user interface is coupled to the programmed processor for displaying the step of the stored procedure. The programmed processor is configured to prompt the user via the user interface to install a battery and reset at least one battery performance indicator. Other systems, devices and methods for replacing a battery within a device are further disclosed. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100244566 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONFIGURING A POWER DEVICE - A system and method for directing a user to configure a power device via an alphanumeric user interface is provided. The power device may include data storage storing a plurality of operational parameters. The method includes acts of prompting, during an initial power-up of the power device, a user to enter an indication of quality of power supplied to the power device, receiving the indication via the user interface, determining a first value for each of the plurality of operational parameters of the power device based at least in part on the indication and applying each first value of the plurality of operational parameters to the power device. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100232189 | METHOD FOR PORTIONING OUTPUT CURRENT OF A DC-DC CONVERTER - At least some aspects of the invention are directed to methods and apparatus for controlling an uninterruptible power supply and subsystems of a UPS. A first aspect of the invention is directed to a method of controlling a DC-DC converter having a predetermined maximum peak load current value. The DC-DC converter has first and second outputs to couple to a load with a capacitor coupled across the first and second outputs. The method includes in a first mode of operation, charging the capacitor to a predetermined output voltage value, and in a second mode of operation, providing output current having the maximum peak load current value to a load coupled to the output of the DC-DC converter, wherein a first portion of the output current is provided by the DC-DC converter and a second portion of the output current is provided by discharging the capacitor to a voltage value that is less than the predetermined output voltage value. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100225170 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING UNINTERRUPTIBLE POWER - Methods and apparatus for providing uninterruptible power are provided by aspects of the invention. One aspect is more particularly directed to an uninterruptible power supply for providing power to a load. The uninterruptible power supply includes an input to receive input power, an output to provide output power, a plurality of battery modules that provide backup power, a power circuit coupled to the input, coupled to the plurality of battery modules and coupled to the output to provide power derived from at least one of the input power and the backup power to the output, a controller, a return line coupled to the controller and coupled to each of the battery modules, and a first sense line coupled to the controller and coupled to the plurality of battery modules. The controller and each of the battery modules are configured and arranged such that at least one characteristic of the battery modules is determined by the controller based on signals detected by the controller on the first sense line. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100221941 | ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR - An electrically conductive fork includes first and second arm members each having an electrical contact and a pivot portion, the pivot portion configured to receive a portion of a rod, where the first and second arm members are configured to pivot around the rod, and a connector mechanically connecting the first and second arm members in fixed relation to each other prior to insertion of a busbar between the electrical contacts, where the connector is configured to yield to a force imparted on the connector and allow the first and second arm members to pivot around the rod in response to insertion of the busbar between the electrical contacts, and the insertion of the bus bar causes the electrical contacts to separate and pivot the first and second arm members around the rod and impart the force on the connector. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100211810 | POWER SUPPLY AND DATA CENTER CONTROL - Systems and methods for data center power supply control are provided that identify a parameter of at least one of a plurality of servers that form at least part of a data center that includes an uninterruptable power supply. An estimated parameter of a virtual server can be identified, and one of the plurality of servers can be selected based at least in part on the parameter and the estimated parameter. The virtual server can be provided to the selected server, and the power provided to at least one of the plurality of servers can be reduced, shut down, or otherwise adjusted. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100211669 | DATA CENTER CONTROL - Systems and methods for data center control are provided that identify parameters of one or more data centers, where each data center includes a plurality of devices. The systems and methods receive a command to execute an application, and identify a selected data center from the one or more data centers as a location to run the application based at least in part on an evaluation of the parameters. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100201194 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING UNINTERRUPTIBLE POWER - Power supply systems and methods are provided. In one aspect, a power supply system includes a frame, a power input to receive input power from a power source, a power output to provide output power to a load, at least one battery module mounted in the frame and having a battery output that provides battery power, at least one power module mounted in the frame and coupled to the power input to receive the input power, coupled to the battery output to receive the battery power, and coupled to the power output to provide the output power from at least one of the battery power and the input power, a first controller coupled to the at least one power module, and a second controller, substantially similar to the first controller, coupled to the first controller, and coupled to the at least one power module, wherein each of the first controller and the second controller are configured to determine operational parameters of the power supply system and store a first set of parameters determined by the first controller and a second set of parameters determined by the second controller. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100191882 | COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND PROTOCOL - A communication system and protocol that permits a first device to communicate a plurality of messages in a predetermined order to a user of the first device, where the plurality of messages, their content, and their predetermined order need not be known to the first device until the messages are provided to the first device by a second device. The user of the first device is permitted to move backward or forward through the messages in the predetermined order while utilizing a minimal amount of resources of the first device, such as processor power and memory. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100188816 | HOT AISLE CONTAINMENT COOLING SYSTEM AND METHOD - An air containment cooling system for containing and cooling air between two rows of equipment racks includes a canopy assembly configured to enclose a hot aisle defined by the two rows of equipment racks, and a cooling system embedded within the canopy assembly. The cooling system is configured to cool air disposed within the hot aisle. Other embodiments and methods for cooling are further disclosed. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100188066 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LIMITING LOSSES IN AN UNINTERRUPTIBLE POWER SUPPLY - Aspects of the invention are directed to systems and method for limiting losses in an uninterruptible power supply. In one aspect, the present invention provides an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) comprising an input to receive input power having an input voltage, an output to provide output power having an output voltage, a neutral line, an automatic voltage regulation (AVR) transformer coupled to the input and the output of the UPS and having an input, an output, a core and at least one switch controllably coupled to at least one of the core, the input and the output, and a means for isolating the core of the AVR transformer from the neutral line when the input voltage is substantially equal to a defined output voltage. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100186517 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETECTING AIR PRESSURE NEUTRALITY IN AIR CONTAINMENT ZONES - An airflow detecting system includes a tubular structure having an inner surface defining an interior of the tubular structure, one open end and an opposite open end. The tubular structure is configured to receive and expel air through both the one end and the opposite end. The system further includes a flap connected to the inner surface of the tubular structure by a hinge. The flap is configured to impede airflow within the interior of the tubular structure upon the application of differential pressure across the two ends of the tubular structure. The system further includes a device attached to the flap in a position in which the device spans the hinge. The device is configured to measure a parameter associated with the movement of the flap in response to airflow within the interior of the tubular structure. Other embodiments and methods are further disclosed. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100170663 | MODULAR ICE STORAGE FOR UNINTERRUPTIBLE CHILLED WATER - A backup cooling storage system comprising at least one cooling and storage unit configured to cool a liquid supply using a quantity of cooled material when a main chiller of the liquid supply is not operational, and at least one chilling element configured to generate the quantity of cooled material for the at least one cooling and storage unit when the main chiller of the liquid supply is operational. Additional embodiments and methods are further disclosed. | 07-08-2010 |
| 20100165572 | DATA CENTER COOLING - A system for restricting mixing of air in a data center includes a plurality of racks, each of the racks having a front face, and a back face. The system includes an enclosure for collecting air released from the back faces of the plurality of racks, the enclosure configured to substantially contain the air in an area between the first row and the second row and having a roof panel coupled to the first row of racks and the second row of racks configured to span a distance between the first row of racks and the second row of racks. The enclosure is configured to maintain a first air pressure inside of the enclosure that is substantially equal to a second air pressure outside the enclosure. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100156354 | 3-PHASE HIGH POWER UPS - A 3-phase uninterruptible power supply (UPS) including first, second, and third AC/DC converters, a DC/DC converter, and at least one DC/AC converter coupled to multiple electrical buses. The first, second, and third AC/DC converters each being configured to receive AC power and to provide multiple DC signals to the multiple electrical buses. The DC/DC converter being configured to convert DC voltages present on the multiple electrical buses to a DC voltage that can be used to charge a battery. The DC/AC converter being configured to receive DC power from the multiple electrical buses and to provide an AC output. The 3-phase UPS being configured such that when suitable AC power is provided to the AC/DC converters, the DC/DC converter is configured to charge a battery, and when suitable AC power is not provided to the AC/DC converters, the DC/DC converter is configured to provide DC power to the multiple electrical buses using power provided by the battery. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100154438 | ICE THERMAL STORAGE - A system, configured to be disposed in a information technology equipment rack for providing ice thermal storage, includes a tank configured to hold water, a heat exchanger disposed in water in the tank and configured to convey a two-phase liquid and vapor refrigerant and to transfer heat between the water and the refrigerant, a first valve connected to a liquid and a vapor refrigerant line and configured to selectively connect the liquid refrigerant line to a first port and the vapor refrigerant line to a second port in a first mode and to connect the liquid refrigerant line to the second port and the vapor refrigerant line to the first port in a second mode, a thermostatic expansion valve connected to an inlet of the heat exchanger, and a liquid/vapor pump connected to an outlet of the heat exchanger and to the second port of the first valve. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100145884 | ENERGY SAVINGS AGGREGATION - A power reduction aggregation system includes a central server and a plurality of power reduction devices. The central server of the power reduction aggregation system includes: a network interface configured to transmit and receive information to and from a communication network; a power grid status module coupled to the network interface and configured to transmit a power status message to the network, via the network interface, toward at least two power reduction devices connected to the network; and a power savings compensation module configured to determine an aggregate compensation earned for providing an aggregate energy reduction induced by the at least two power reduction devices in response to receiving the power status message, and further configured to determine individual portions of the aggregate compensation associated with each of the at least two power reduction devices. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100141046 | ENERGY REDUCTION - A power reduction system includes a central server and a plurality of power reduction devices. The central server of the power reduction aggregation system includes: a network interface configured to transmit and receive information to and from a communication network; a power grid status module coupled to the network interface and configured to transmit a power status message to the network, via the network interface, toward at least two power reduction devices connected to the network; and a power savings compensation module configured to determine an aggregate compensation earned for providing an aggregate energy reduction induced by the at least two power reduction devices in response to receiving the power status message, and further configured to determine individual portions of the aggregate compensation associated with each of the at least two power reduction devices. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100138505 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR NETWORK DEVICE COMMUNICATION - The disclosure is directed to a method for communicating with a monitoring device. The method includes sending an unsolicited-type message from a client program resident on the monitoring device coupled to a first secure network. The unsolicited-type message is sent to a computing system coupled to a second network separated from the first secure network by a firewall. The method also includes receiving a response message to the unsolicited-type message from the computing system. The response message includes an embedded unsolicited-type message. The client program is resident on the monitoring device receiving the response message. The method further includes providing the embedded unsolicited-type message to a server program resident on the monitoring device. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20100131109 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ASSESSING AND MANAGING DATA CENTER AIRFLOW AND ENERGY USAGE - A system and method for providing energy assessment and optimization in a data center that includes at least one cooling provider, and at least one cooling consumer, the at least one cooling consumer having cooling requirements. The method according to one aspect includes receiving data regarding cooling availability and power consumption for the at least one cooling consumer, cooling capacity of the at least one cooling provider, and a physical relationship between the at least one cooling consumer and the at least one cooling provider in the data center, storing the received data, determining airflow distribution effectiveness between the at least one cooling consumer and the at least one cooling provider, and displaying at least one value representative of the effectiveness of the distribution of airflow in the data center between the at least one cooling consumer and the at least one cooling provider. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100061057 | HOT AISLE CONTAINMENT PANEL SYSTEM AND METHOD - An air containment system includes a plurality of panel assemblies configured to be arranged in side-to-side relation to form a ceiling. In one embodiment, each panel assembly includes a flexible panel having a first end, a second opposite end, a first side and a second opposite side, a first end connector configured to secure the first end of the flexible panel to one of a rack and a wall, and a second end connector configured to secure the second end of the flexible panel to one of a rack and a wall. Other embodiments of the air containment system and related methods are further disclosed. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100049457 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MONITORING ENERGY STORAGE DEVICES - An improved battery, monitoring circuit and method for communicating with the battery is provided. Such batteries and communication methods are particularly useful in UPS systems that use such batteries to provide back-up power to electrical loads. In one aspect, performance, manufacturing, trend and/or other data are stored in non-volatile memory of the battery and are communicated to an external system such as a UPS. In another aspect, a method for communicating via single-wire interface is provided. In one aspect, a same interface is used to communicate with both conventional batteries and improved batteries having increased monitoring capabilities. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100045107 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DISTRIBUTING LOAD TRANSFERS IN POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS - A power supply system includes an AC power line with an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) device coupled to receive power from the AC power line. The UPS includes control circuitry that couples power conversion circuitry of the UPS to the AC power line when the available AC power is acceptable. The power supply system also includes a second UPS device coupled to receive power from the AC power line. The second UPS includes a timer delay, such that the control circuitry is configured to couple power conversion circuitry to the AC power line when the available AC power is acceptable, and upon expiration of the timer. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100020475 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SCALABLE POWER DISTRIBUTION - According to one aspect of the invention, a plug-in module is provided for installing in a power distribution assembly. In one embodiment, the plug-in module may include an overcurrent protection device, a power cable, which may include a first end coupled to the overcurrent protection device, and a second end coupled to the first end, one or more receptacle outlets attached to the second end and electrical contacts coupled to the overcurrent protection device and configured to couple the plug-in module to a plurality of stationary electrical conductors of the power distribution assembly. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20090323258 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SCALABLE POWER DISTRIBUTION - According to one aspect of the invention, a plug-in module is provided for installation in a power distribution assembly. In one embodiment, the plug-in module includes a housing, an electrical isolation and overcurrent protection device located in the housing and a current sensing device located in the housing and adapted to sense a current carried by the electrical isolation and overcurrent protection device. The plug-in module may further include a power cable including a first end that is pre-terminated at the plug-in module to connect the power cable to the electrical isolation and overcurrent protection device, and electrical contacts adapted to removably couple the plug-in module to a plurality of stationary electrical conductors of the power distribution assembly. According to one embodiment, the electrical isolation and overcurrent protection device includes a circuit breaker. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090309570 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MANAGING FACILITY POWER AND COOLING - A method and corresponding apparatus provide a determination of available power capacity of a phase of a power supply in a data center rack. The method includes metering the power of a power supply and calculating an average peak power draw per phase of the power supply. Using average peak power draw per phase of the power supply and the expected power draw data corresponding to data center equipment coupled to the power supply, the available power capacity can be calculated on a per phase of the power supply. A method and corresponding apparatus for managing data center equipment may use the phase based available power capacity calculations to determine the optimal placement of new data center equipment within a data center configuration. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20090308579 | EXHAUST AIR REMOVAL SYSTEM - An exhaust air removal system and method for use with a rack or enclosure containing equipment is provided. The system and method are configured for removal of exhaust air vented from equipment during operation to thereby remove heat from the equipment. In one aspect, the system includes a fan unit preferably configured to serve as a back door of an equipment rack or enclosure and configured to provide access to an interior of the rack or enclosure. The fan unit provides multiple fans coupled to internal exhaust ducts that are arranged to draw and to remove exhaust air vented from rack-mounted equipment. The fan unit is further configured to vent exhaust air to an area external to a rack or enclosure, such as an external exhaust duct or plenum. Removal of hot and warm exhaust air vented from rack-mounted equipment enables the equipment to operate effectively, drawing sufficient amounts of cooling air to meet its cooling requirements. The fan unit is constructed for portability and for easy attachment to and removal from a rack or enclosure, providing flexibility in handling equipment exhaust needs. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20090277605 | COLD AISLE ISOLATION - A data center cooling solution providing techniques for using baffles, doors and roof sections to prevent warm air from being entrained into a cold aisle in a data center, wherein the data center generally contains an air cooling system and a raised floor structure. The raised floor structure is configured to deliver cool air into the data center through a plurality of grates and perforated tiles in the floor. Electronic equipment racks are disposed around the grates and perforated tiles, such that the front faces of the equipment racks face the grates and perforated tiles. A collection of baffles, doors or roof sections inhibit the mixing of the cool air delivered by the air cooling system and the warm air exhausted by the electronic equipment. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090259343 | COOLING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method of manipulating a cooling system of a data center includes designing a cooling system to address cooling needs in the data center, selecting components for the cooling system including one or more distribution boxes adapted to distribute coolant, one or more cooling racks, and flexible tubing to connect the one or more distribution boxes to the one or more cooling racks, assembling the components for the cooling system in the data center, operating the cooling system, identifying hot spots within the data center, and adjusting the location of one or more cooling racks in the data center based on the indentified hot spots in the data center. | 10-15-2009 |
| 20090251106 | NON-ISOLATED CHARGER WITH BI-POLAR INPUTS - Systems and methods are provided for an uninterruptable power supply having a positive DC bus, a neutral DC bus, and a negative DC bus. The uninterruptible power supply includes a battery charger circuit having an inductor, a first charger output, and a second charger output. A first switch connected to a first end of the inductor is configured to couple the positive DC bus with the first charger output. A second switch connected to a second end of the inductor is configured to couple the negative DC bus with the inductor. The neutral DC bus can be coupled to the second charger output. The battery charger circuit can be configured to draw power from at least one of the positive DC bus and the negative DC bus to charge a battery coupled to the first charger output and the second charger output. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090251002 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A UPS - According to one aspect of the invention, a UPS includes an input configured to be coupled to an AC power source, a DC power source, an output configured to receive power from at least one of the AC power source and the DC power source, a first switched receptacle outlet coupled to the output and configured to be coupled to a first electrical load and a second receptacle outlet coupled to the output and configured to be coupled to a second electrical load. According to some embodiments, the UPS also includes a control unit configurable to provide a first configuration associated with the first switched receptacle outlet, where the first configuration is employed by the control unit to control a connection of the first switched receptacle outlet to the output independent of the second receptacle outlet. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090231892 | UNINTERRUPTIBLE POWER SUPPLY - An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system includes an AC power input configured to receive AC power from a single-phase AC power source or a multi-phase AC power source, a DC power source, an output circuit including a power output, a controllable switch configured to selectively couple at least one of the AC power input and the DC power source to the output circuit, and a processor coupled and configured to affect operation of the output circuit depending upon which of single-phase and multi-phase operation of the UPS is indicated. | 09-17-2009 |
| 20090229784 | OPTICALLY DETECTED LIQUID DEPTH INFORMATION IN A CLIMATE CONTROL UNIT - Systems and methods for determining liquid depth information in a condensate pan of a climate control unit are provided. The systems and methods radiate a light beam into a liquid contained in a condensate pan associated with a climate control unit. The light beam is detected at a point of the condensate pan that is below a surface of the liquid. Information related to the depth of the liquid is determined based at least in part on the detected light beam. The systems and methods disclosed herein can determine if liquid depth in a condensate pan is greater than a threshold depth and can control evacuation of the liquid from the condensate pan. | 09-17-2009 |
| 20090195977 | DATA CENTER COOLING - A system for restricting mixing of air in a data center includes a plurality of racks, each of the racks having a front face and a back face. The system includes an enclosure for collecting air released from the back faces of the plurality of racks, the enclosure configured to substantially contain the air in an area between the first row and the second row and having a roof panel coupled to the first row of racks and the second row of racks configured to span a distance between the first row of racks and the second row of racks. The enclosure is configured to maintain a first air pressure inside of the enclosure that is substantially equal to a second air pressure outside the enclosure. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090195379 | ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING DEVICE - The disclosure is directed to a sensor device including processing circuitry, at least one sensor coupled to the processing circuitry, a serial data interface coupled to the processing circuitry and memory responsive to the processing circuitry. The memory includes a static unique identification number. The serial data interface provides access to retrieve the static unique identification number and sensed data measured with the at least one sensor from the memory. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090195075 | AUTOMATIC BATTERY RECONNECTION - An uninterruptible power supply system includes power converter circuitry configured to convert AC input power to a first DC power and a second DC power to the first DC power, a battery pack configured to provide the second DC power, a power relay mechanism coupled to the power converter circuitry and to the battery pack that selectively moves between an open position and a closed position, the power relay mechanism coupling the battery pack to the power converter circuitry when in the closed position and isolating the battery pack from the power converter circuitry when in the open position, and control circuitry configured to provide a control signal, where the power relay mechanism includes a motor actuator coupled to the control circuitry, the motor actuator being responsive to the control signal to change the power relay mechanism from the open position to the closed position. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090178991 | BLANKING PANEL FOR EQUIPMENT RACK OR ENCLOSURE - “A blanking panel is provided for use with equipment racks or enclosures that house electronic components, and is configured to facilitate installation of the panel with a pair of vertical mounting rails or flanges of a rack or enclosure without the use of tools or other hardware. The blanking panel is constructed of one or more materials and/or defines one or more configurations such that when the blanking panel is installed into a rack or enclosure, portions of a body of the blanking panel interface with a surface of an equipment component or another blanking panel installed above or below the blanking panel to thereby form an air seal there between, which helps to reduce or prevent hot exhaust air from mixing with cooling air within a rack or enclosure, and further helps to reduce or prevent cooling air from bypassing equipment components.” | 07-16-2009 |
| 20090173473 | DATA CENTER COOLING - A system includes a substantially sealed, substantially airtight cabinet sized for housing a vertical array of heat-producing units, the cabinet having an exterior shell and the system including an interior divider wall disposed inside the cabinet, the shell and divider wall providing an equipment chamber adapted to support the array such that the array cooperates with the shell and divider wall in use to define a first plenum, the first plenum having a first inlet defined by the divider wall for receiving a flow of cooling gas and having a first outlet defined by a plurality of openings through the array whereby the first plenum communicates with the openings in use to exhaust substantially all of the flow of cooling fluid through the openings and hence through the array, wherein the divider wall is configured to allow the first inlet to admit the gas to the first plenum in a substantially horizontal direction. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090160254 | SYSTEMS FOR AND METHODS OF CONTROLLING OPERATION OF A UPS - A UPS includes an AC output, power factor control circuitry; and a DC bus coupled to the power factor control circuitry where the power factor control circuitry is configured to determine a difference in instantaneous power supplied to the AC output and to adjust a voltage of the DC bus based, at least partly, on the difference. In one embodiment, the UPS includes a single phase AC input. In another embodiment, the power factor control circuitry is configured to determine a cumulative difference in instantaneous power supplied to the AC output. | 06-25-2009 |
| 20090138313 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MANAGING FACILITY POWER AND COOLING - Systems and methods are provided for determining data center resource requirements, such as cooling and power requirements, and for monitoring performance of data center resource systems, such as cooling and power systems, in data centers. At least one aspect provides a system and method that enables a data center operator to determine available data center resources, such as power and cooling, at specific areas and enclosures in a data center to assist in locating new equipment in the data center. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090121547 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ALLOCATING POWER TO LOADS - A system and method for adaptive control of power among a plurality of loads based on a categorization of the loads as either delayable or non-delayable, wherein the non-delayable loads are preferably supplied power over the delayable loads. In one aspect, the system may be used to allocate limited power from a backup power source. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090112522 | ELECTRICAL EFFICIENCY MEASUREMENT FOR DATA CENTERS - A method of managing power efficiency of a data center includes conducting initial power measurements at a plurality of locations in the data center, establishing an efficiency model for the data center based on the initial power measurements, establishing benchmark performance levels using the efficiency model, conducting ongoing power measurements, and comparing results of the ongoing power measurements to benchmark performance levels. Other methods and systems of managing power efficiency and modeling power efficiency are further disclosed. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090107652 | COLD AISLE ISOLATION - A data center cooling solution providing techniques for using baffles, doors and roof sections to prevent warm air from being entrained into a cold aisle in a data center, wherein the data center generally contains an air cooling system and a raised floor structure. The raised floor structure is configured to deliver cool air into the data center through a plurality of grates and perforated tiles in the floor. Electronic equipment racks are disposed around the grates and perforated tiles, such that the front faces of the equipment racks face the grates and perforated tiles. A collection of baffles, doors or roof sections inhibit the mixing of the cool air delivered by the air cooling system and the warm air exhausted by the electronic equipment. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090087695 | BIPOLAR PLATE FOR USE IN FUEL CELL STACKS AND FUEL CELL ASSEMBLIES - A fuel cell assembly comprising two similar bipolar plates with a first bipolar plate being aligned opposite to a second bipolar plate is provided. In certain examples, the second bipolar plate comprises a flow field in a substantially similar direction to a flow field of the first bipolar plate during operation of the fuel cell assembly. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090068517 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR VERIFYING FUEL CELL FEED LINE FUNCTIONALITY - Systems and methods for verifying fuel cell system functionality are provided. Various tests and/or exercises may be executed while the fuel cell system is in standby mode to detect potential sources of malfunction. In some examples, one or more tests may be designed to detect leaks or ruptures in various reactant supply lines and/or to test the functionality of various valves associated therewith. A controller may be provided to automatically perform the disclosed tests. In certain examples, the disclosed tests may be conducted without the need to provide each component of a fuel cell system with individual electrical feedback. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090068504 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR VERIFYING FUEL CELL FEED LINE FUNCTIONALITY - Systems and methods for verifying fuel cell system functionality are provided. Various tests and/or exercises may be executed while the fuel cell system is in standby mode to detect potential sources of malfunction. In some examples, one or more tests may be designed to detect leaks or ruptures in various reactant supply lines and/or to test the functionality of various valves associated therewith. A controller may be provided to automatically perform the disclosed tests. In certain examples, the disclosed tests may be conducted without the need to provide each component of a fuel cell system with individual electrical feedback. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090064046 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REPLAY OF HISTORICAL DATA - The invention is directed to a system and method for displaying data associated with network appliances. Icons may be arranged in a display area in accordance with a characteristic associated with the network appliances. This characteristic may be related to location, alarm state, sensor value, or others. Further, the icons may display visual indication associated with network appliance parameters. Moreover, the icons may be superimposed on a graphical element. This element may be a map, blueprint, image, or plot. Further, a set of historical data may be replayed through the display by altering the visual indications of the icons and the graphical element in accordance with a sequence of values contained in the historical data. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090055897 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENFORCING NETWORK DEVICE PROVISIONING POLICY - Systems and methods are provided for enforcing a network device provisioning policy. In one embodiment, a method may employ a computer based system to restrict access to data center resources, receive provisioning requests for access to the data center resources, authorize the provisioning requests after compliance with the network provisioning policy and allow the network device to access authorized data center resources. In another embodiment, a system includes interfaces for provisioning policy, request and task status information. The information provided by these interfaces is then used to determine compliance with applicable network device provisioning policies and restrict or allow access to the data center resources according to the provisioning policy. | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090046415 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING AND DISTRIBUTING STANDBY POWER - Aspects of the invention are directed to power distribution systems and methods for distributing power from a primary power source and a backup power source to a load. In one particular aspect, a power distribution system includes a first input to receive input power from the primary power source, a second input to receive input power from the backup power source, an output that provides output power from at least one of the primary power source and the backup power source, a first switch operatively coupled to the first input and the output and operative to selectively couple the first input to the output, a second switch operatively coupled to the second input and the output and operative to selectively couple the second input to the output, and a controller operatively coupled to the first switch and to the second switch and configured to control the first switch and the second switch to provide an electrical interlock. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090039706 | INPUT AND OUTPUT POWER MODULES CONFIGURED TO PROVIDE SELECTIVE POWER TO AN UNINTERRUPTIBLE POWER SUPPLY - An uninterruptible power supply (“UPS”) includes an input module having a plurality of inputs, and at least one jumper element configured to selectively couple at least one input of the plurality of inputs to at least one other input of the plurality of inputs. The plurality of inputs and the at least one jumper element may be constructed and arranged to selectively achieve the following configurations: single power feed, single phase input and single phase output; dual power feed, single phase input and single phase output; single power feed, three phase input and single phase output; dual power feed, three phase input and single phase output; single power feed, three phase input and three phase output; and dual power feed, three phase input and three phase output. Other embodiments and methods of selectively achieving multiple power configurations are also disclosed. | 02-12-2009 |
| 20090034167 | TOOLLESS MOUNTING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AN ADJUSTABLE SCALABLE RACK POWER SYSTEM - Systems and method for installing computer equipment and power distribution equipment in facilities is provided. In one aspect, the present invention provides a power distribution rack, and uninterruptible power supply rack and a plurality of equipment racks. A plurality of power cables are run from the power distribution rack to each of the plurality of equipment racks using power cable tracks located on the roofs of the equipment racks. A plurality of data cables run between the plurality of equipment racks using data cable tracks located on the roofs of the equipment racks. The power cable tracks and data cable tracks are designed to be installed on the roofs of the equipment racks without the need for tools. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090034166 | ADJUSTABLE SCALABLE RACK POWER SYSTEM AND METHOD - Systems and method for installing computer equipment and power distribution equipment in facilities is provided. In one aspect, the present invention provides a power distribution rack, and uninterruptible power supply rack and a plurality of equipment racks. A plurality of power cables are run from the power distribution rack to each of the plurality of equipment racks using power cable tracks located on the roofs of the equipment racks. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090027932 | ALTERNATIVE-SOURCE ENERGY MANAGEMENT - A power converter system includes a power converter system including: a DC-to-AC power converter; a first output configured to be coupled to a power grid; a first input configured to be coupled to the power grid; second outputs each configured to be coupled to a corresponding AC load; a power-grid switch coupled to the converter and to the first output; load switches coupled to the converter, the second outputs, and the first input; and a controller coupled to the load switches and to the first output and configured to determine whether energy from the power grid satisfies at least one criterion, the controller being further configured to control the power-grid switch and the load switches to couple the converter to the first output and to couple the first input to the second outputs if the at least one criterion is satisfied and otherwise to control the power-grid switch and the load switches to isolate the converter from the first output and to couple the converter to at least one of the second outputs. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090019875 | A/V COOLING SYSTEM AND METHOD - An audio-visual support and cooling system to maintain A/V equipment at a desired condition. The system comprises a housing unit configured to support at least one unit of A/V equipment. The housing includes a refrigerant inlet, a refrigerant outlet, and a plurality of structural elements configured to define a configuration of the housing, wherein at least one structural element of the plurality of structural elements includes a refrigerant path configured to direct a refrigerant through the at least one structural element between the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet. Other embodiments and methods are disclosed. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090007591 | SUB-COOLING UNIT FOR COOLING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system for cooling a medium includes a line having coolant flowing therein, and a sub-cooling unit in fluid communication with the line. The sub-cooling unit receives a portion of the coolant diverted from the line to cool coolant flowing in the line. A method of cooling a medium is further disclosed. | 01-08-2009 |
| 20080317021 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING PHYSICAL LOCATION OF EQUIPMENT - Systems and methods are provided for automatically determining certain physical characteristics of a network device. In one embodiment, a method is employed to automatically determine the physical location of a network device. This method may employ a computer based system to acquire network device information, instruct the network devices to change power consumption, detect the changes and determine the physical location of the network device based on the changes detected. In another embodiment, a method is employed to automatically determine the functional type of a network device. This method may employ a computer based system to monitor the power drawn by the network device at a power distribution device and determine the network device functional type based on the power drawn. | 12-25-2008 |
| 20080292936 | MANIFOLD FOR FUEL CELLS - A manifold for use with fuel cell and fuel cell stacks is provided. In certain examples, the manifold may be constructed and arranged to provide air to all cathodes in a first fuel cell stack fluidically coupled to the manifold and configured to provide fuel to all anodes in the first fuel cell stack. In some examples, the manifold may be constructed and arranged to provide air to all cathodes in a first fuel cell stack and a second fuel cell stack and to provide fuel to all anodes in the first fuel cell stack and the second fuel cell stack. | 11-27-2008 |
| 20080280167 | FUEL CELL STACK PERFORMANCE MONITORING - A fuel cell system comprising a first fuel cell and a second fuel cell is provided. In certain examples, the fuel cell system may be configured to provide an operating variable to monitor fuel cell system performance is disclosed. A fuel cell assembly comprising the fuel cell system and methods of monitoring the fuel cell system are also disclosed. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080278889 | MODULAR UPS - A modular UPS system is provided wherein UPS systems may be constructed using a number of different frame components. In one example, a core UPS frame is provided that can accept different combinations of power and battery modules, and an extension frame is provided that can be combined with the core frame to provide a larger UPS system. According to one example, both the core and extension frame types may be used in either a standalone or rack-mounted configuration. Another aspect relates to packaging of UPS components such that the UPS frame need not include serviceable items. In another aspect, a rail system is provided that allows for easier installation of heavy components into rack-mount systems. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080278006 | BATTERY COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - An uninterrupted power supply (“UPS”) system is disclosed which uses a battery communication system to communicate to a UPS processor information concerning the status of a battery pack in an array of parallel coupled battery packs. The battery packs provide back-up power for the UPS system. Information about the battery packs is collected by a monitor associated with each of the battery packs. The monitors measure battery pack voltage, currents and temperature and compile information about the battery pack from the measured values. Each monitor prepares a data word representing information about its battery pack. The data words are transmitted to the UPS in response to commands issued by the UPS processor to the monitors. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080263150 | METHODS FOR DISPLAYING PHYSICAL NETWORK TOPOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS BY LOCATION, ORGANIZATION, OR RESPONSIBLE PARTY - The invention is directed to a system for remote monitoring of a space and equipment. The space and equipment may, for example, be a sever room and associated network equipment. The system has network appliances, a server, and a client machine. The server receives data from a network appliance. The server may then deliver an application and data to the client machine for viewing and manipulating the data. The client machine may display the data as a mapping, displaying icons associated with the network appliances. The client machine may also graph the data. Further, the client machine may manipulate the organization of the data, the configuration settings of the network appliances, and store map and graph configurations. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080245083 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COOLING - A method of calculating net sensible cooling capacity of a cooling unit includes measuring a discharge pressure from of fluid from a compressor and a suction pressure from an evaporator, calculating a condensing temperature of fluid flowing from the compressor and an evaporating temperature of fluid flowing from the evaporator, calculating a mass flow rate of fluid flowing from the compressor, calculating enthalpy of fluid flowing from the compressor, of fluid flowing from the thermal expansion valve, and of fluid flowing from the evaporator, calculating a mass flow rate of fluid flowing through the hot gas bypass valve, and calculating net sensible cooling capacity. Embodiments of cooling units and other methods are further disclosed. | 10-09-2008 |
| 20080215727 | REMOTE MONITORING SYSTEM - A method for monitoring and reporting information regarding status of a power supply/management device operated by a user comprises detecting the status of the device using a monitoring device having an application interface configured to communicate over a communication network, generating a status update indication using a self-describing computer language and sending the status update indication over the communication network to a remote computer, and associating the user with the status update information for the remote device using the remote computer. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080202599 | FUEL LEVEL MEASUREMENT AND RUN TIME INTERPOLATION - At least one aspect of the invention provides an improved fuel sensing system for a generator, in addition, one or more other aspects of the invention provide improved systems and methods for determining remaining run-time of a generator system. | 08-28-2008 |
| 20080198549 | COOLING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system for cooling a data center includes a plurality of cooling racks, with each cooling rack including a housing and cooling system components supported by the housing. The system further includes a fluid communication system coupled to the cooling system components of the plurality of racks. The fluid communication system is configured to provide chilled coolant to and exhaust heated coolant from coolant system components of each cooling rack. The system also includes at least one controller coupled to each cooling rack of the plurality of cooling racks to control the operation of each cooling rack. The plurality of cooling racks and the fluid communication system are configured to be modular to allow placement of cooling racks in different locations in a row of equipment racks within the data center. Methods of cooling a data center are further disclosed. | 08-21-2008 |
