[ale] [OT]Random wonderings

[Tom Freeman]

I needed to bring a machine back up and recommission it yesterday. A few 
random thoughts occured to me which I thought I'd toss out. Nothing really 
commercial, but a DIY might blaze a trail.

Big thing was, why do we put up with a separate UPS  for a desktop style 
computer? Although not cheaper, moving the UPS components into the system 
case could eliminate a cord or two, help with the housekeeping by reducing 
the exposed "thing" count, and encourage better power for the equipment. 
Of course, I've never seen such a thing offered commercially, and I'm sure 
I'm overlooking something important. I do know that thermal management is 
a potiential headache. Simple overall weight is another. How big those two 
issues are I just don't know.

Of course, there could also be advantages to such a scheme. Aren't some 
data centers switching to DC power, which is little more than battery 
power. Such a change might (maybe?) improve the power efficiency just a 
mite also although the improvement would be pretty minor.

Another idea, probably born of ignorance, is why are consumer UPS's setup 
with just one battery? OK, the UPS can be built for a pretty hefty 
battery, but still. Why cann't the end user drop in another battery to 
extend run times? Are the circuits that much different? I am assuming 
maintaining the same peak current draw here.

In fact, are we actually limited to just batteries in our UPS's? Both 
graphite flywheels and super capacitors appear to have longer lifetimes 
with similar levels of care as the modern lead acid battery. Plus less 
hazardous disposal procedures.

Last psychotic thought. Is there a nonX-86 derived motherboard out there 
suitable for desktop/server use? One with the power levels of some of the 
embeded chips, but with memory expansion and access to the bus and 
periferal (sp?) boards? I cann't remember such since about 1996 and the 
Rebel line of servers.

I'm probably missing something important at each point here. Education 
will be welcomed.