Electricity: electrical systems and devices – Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical... – For electronic systems and devices
Reexamination Certificate
2001-10-31
2003-11-18
Nguyen, Matthew V. (Department: 2838)
Electricity: electrical systems and devices
Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical...
For electronic systems and devices
Reexamination Certificate
active
06650537
ABSTRACT:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a power supply unit for a plurality of computer equipment (e.g., a rack of computers). More particularly, the invention relates to a power supply unit for a rack of computers that has a low profile direct current (“DC”) module which facilitates servicing and maintaining the power supply unit and assists in maximizing air flow through the unit.
2. Background of the Invention
Computer equipment is often deployed in a “rack.” Generally, a rack is a structure in which one or more computers, electronic switches, and other such equipment is installed. Racks are particularly useful to organizations that require a great deal of computing capability, such as Internet Service Providers (“ISPs”), Application Service Providers (“ASPs”), various corporations with relatively large internal networks and the like.
Also, depending on the power load required, power supplies generally generate a great deal of heat that must be removed. The heat generated is generally a result of the relatively larger power consumption demands for a rack of server equipment. Heat removal is typically performed by blowing air over the hot components and out of the unit, thereby transferring heat from the hot component to the surrounding environment. As computer equipment becomes smaller and smaller, more equipment can be housed in a rack which, in turn, increases the electrical load on the power supply. As power supplies are designed that generate more electrical current, the power supplies become hotter. Racks of servers typically have a large number of relatively large data and power cables that often block air flow. Thus, current computer racks have a significant thermal problem that must be addressed. Anything that can be done to provide a better heat removal capability is highly desirable.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The problems noted above are solved in large part by a DC distribution module for a power supply unit. The power supply unit preferably includes a housing in which one or more power supply modules and the DC distribution module can be inserted. The DC distribution module preferably comprises two power conductors laminated and bonded to a ground conductor. The DC distribution module is relatively thin compared to the power supplies inserted into the power supply unit. By being relatively thin, the DC distribution module, which may carry substantial amounts of current, does not substantially interfere with air movement through the power supply unit for thermal cooling purposes.
These and other advantages will become apparent upon reviewing the following description in relation to the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3828301 (1974-08-01), Neidecker
patent: 6290514 (2001-09-01), McHugh et al.
patent: 6482016 (2002-11-01), McHugh et al.
Pereira Robert A.
Varghese Paily T.
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