Abstract: A method for powering a computer system is disclosed. The method supplies power to a power distribution system in the computer using power components in the power supply when the power supply in the computer system is receiving AC power. When the AC power to the power supply is interrupted, at least one component in the computer system coupled to the power distribution system is powered down and power to the power distribution system is supplied using an energy storage device in the power supply for a holdup time H.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided. A system includes two or more power supplies receiving electrical energy from respective independent sources. One of the power supplies detects an anomalous condition of the associated energy source and provides an alert signal. At least one of the other power supplies transitions from a standby mode to a normal output mode in response to the alert signal. The failing power supply provides operating level energy to an electrical load while the one or more other power supplies transition from standby to normal output level.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for supplying power to a load using deep-sleep-mode power supplies. Each of plural switching power supplies includes an input converter, an output converter and a standby converter. Each is configured to have its output converter connected to the load, and each is configured to operate in at least an online mode in which the input, output and standby converters are enabled for switching, and a deep sleep mode in which the input, output and standby converters are disabled from switching. A system controller is configured to place a first set of the plural switching power supplies in the online mode and a second set of the plural switching power supplies in the deep sleep mode while the load is operating and the power supplies in the first set are supplying power to the load.

Abstract: A system is provided for powering electronic system modules in an equipment rack. A circuit breaker is mounted to the rack and configured to receive a rack AC power feed. An AC-DC converter module is mounted to the rack and configured to receive the rack AC power feed from the circuit breaker and to convert it to a first DC voltage at an output. A set of switching DC-DC output converters is provided. Each is disposed physically proximate to or within one of the electronic system modules and is configured to convert the first DC voltage to a second DC voltage suitable for consumption by the proximate electronic system module. A bus is configured to distribute the first DC voltage from the output to each of the switching DC-DC output converters.

Abstract: A redundant power supply method is provided. The method includes communicatively coupling a load to a first source via a plurality of first power supplies and to a second source via a plurality of second power supplies. The method further includes bi-directionally communicatively coupling a controller to the plurality of first power supplies and to the plurality of second power supplies. The method includes activating a first portion of the plurality of first power supplies to supply power to the load, wherein the controller determines the number (“N”) of first power supplies activated, and activating at least one of the plurality of second power supplies to supply power to the load. The method also includes monitoring for at least one fault condition in each of the active first power supplies and in each of the active second power supplies.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided. A system includes two or more power supplies receiving electrical energy from respective independent sources. One of the power supplies detects an anomalous condition of the associated energy source and provides an alert signal. At least one of the other power supplies transitions from a standby mode to a normal output mode in response to the alert signal. The failing power supply provides operating level energy to an electrical load while the one or more other power supplies transition from standby to normal output level.

Abstract: Plural electric power supplies are connected in parallel to an output bus. The plural supplies include a primary power supply and a redundant switching power supply. The primary power supply is configured to provide output current to a load when the primary power supply is operating normally. The redundant supply is configured to remain online while not providing output current to the load when the primary power supply is operating normally, but to begin providing output current to the load when the primary power supply is not operating normally.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment is a server that includes multiple power supplies. When the server is in a standby state, one power supply is in a standby state and another power supply is in a deep sleep state.

Abstract: A nickel stripping composition is disclosed. The composition can be contacted with a nickel plated article in an aqueous solution in order to remove the nickel. In accordance with the present invention, besides an oxidizing agent, the composition includes the combination of an organic amine and citric acid or salt. Alternatively, other amines containing particular substituent groups can be present in the solution in order to increase the nickel holding capacity of the solution.

Abstract: A nickel stripping composition is disclosed. The composition can be contacted with a nickel plated article in an aqueous solution in order to remove the nickel. In accordance with the present invention, besides an oxidizing agent, the composition includes the combination of an organic amine and citric acid or salt. Alternatively, other amines containing particular substituent groups can be present in the solution in order to increase the nickel holding capacity of the solution.