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GoogleGranted patentBatteries & energyInterest 4/10

Google patents backup power system that safely connects spare batteries

Google has been granted a patent for a backup power system that manages how spare energy sources connect to a shared power line. The system uses controllers to check if a transformer is active before connecting a backup supply, using specific timing to prevent electrical surges.

Why it mattersThis improves the reliability of data centers by ensuring backup power sources connect smoothly without damaging equipment during power outages.

In the filing’s own words

A system and method for power pooling, the system including a shared power line, a plurality of backup power supplies connected to the shared power line through respective transformers and one or more controllers configured to, for each respective backup power supply, after passage of a different respective predetermined amount of time, determine whether a transformer connected to the backup power supply is energized. In response to the transformer being energized, the controllers synchronize the backup power supply with the transformer and then set a switch positioned between the backup power supply and the transformer to a fully closed state. In response to the transformer not being energized, the controllers transition the switch from a fully open state to the fully closed state according to an inrush current limiting scheme.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. A backup power supply comprising: one or more main backup energy sources configured to supply first backup power to a plurality of loads, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of loads are switchably electrically connectable to the backup power supply over a first electrical path; and one or more auxiliary energy sources configured to supply second backup power to a respective load of the backup power supply over a second electrical path separate from the first electrical path.

Facts

Company
Google (Google LLC)
Official title
System and method for transitioning to backup power pooling
Patent number
US12732016B2
Application number
18795379
Filed
Aug 6, 2024
Granted
Sep 8, 2026
Inventors
2
Claims
23

Classified under

H02J 9/062 Electricity & electronicsH02J 3/0012 Electricity & electronicsH02J 3/32 Electricity & electronicsH02J 3/381 Electricity & electronicsH02J 3/388 Electricity & electronicsH02J 2101/20 Electricity & electronics
Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.