Re-thinking data center power delivery: Regulating series-connected voltage domains in software

Josiah McClurg, Yujia Zhang, Jeff Wheeler, Robert Pilawa-Podgurski

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

In this paper, the fundamental advantages of series-connected voltage domains are briefly discussed in light of existing power distribution architectures for data centers. The key technical challenges of this architecture are addressed; and results from a working prototype system are presented as a proof of concept. In particular, a straightforward software-only solution is presented which eliminates the need for power conversion hardware between the distribution bus and server. Based on power-aware load balancing of web traffic and server frequency, this design is shown to provide adequate voltage regulation for a cluster of four web servers sharing the same line current. Compared with measurements of maximum server performance, the series-connected configuration shows only a minor reduction in net throughput. As a step toward improving system reliability and performance, a hardware supplement for over-voltage protection is presented along with measurements verifying its operation at full server load.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2013 IEEE Power and Energy Conference at Illinois, PECI 2013
Pages147-154
Number of pages8
DOIs
StatePublished - 2013
Externally publishedYes
Event2013 IEEE Power and Energy Conference at Illinois, PECI 2013 - Champaign, IL, United States
Duration: Feb 22 2013Feb 23 2013

Publication series

Name2013 IEEE Power and Energy Conference at Illinois, PECI 2013

Other

Other2013 IEEE Power and Energy Conference at Illinois, PECI 2013
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityChampaign, IL
Period2/22/132/23/13

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Fuel Technology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Re-thinking data center power delivery: Regulating series-connected voltage domains in software'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this