Methods and systems for using a storage device to control and manage external cooling devices

Abstract

The present invention is directed toward methods and systems for cooling electronics. More particularly, in various embodiments, the present invention provides systems and methods for cooling a data storage device. In some embodiments, a multiple data storage device enclosure might include a first data storage device and a second data storage device. Both data storage devices may be within the multiple data storage device enclosure. In various embodiments, a first cooling device, external to the first and second data storage device may be coupled to the multiple data storage device enclosure. Additionally, in some embodiments, a controller, may be coupled to the cooling device and configured to receive control signals from the first and second data storage devices.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to data storage systems, and more particularly, some embodiments relate to methods and systems for managing external cooling devices in a data storage system.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Electronic equipment generally generates heat during normal operation. In many cases, it is advantageous to remove this heat to prevent premature equipment failure. The electronic equipment generally generates heat because various electronic components that are part of the electronic device may generate heat. As electricity flows through electronic components heat is generally given off due to resistance to the flow of electricity within the components.[0003]The heat given off by the electronic components will tend to raise the temperature of the electronic equipment if the heat is not removed. If the temperature inside the electronic equipment is raised high enough the reliability of the device might suffer. For example, during...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]In accordance with some embodiments of the systems and methods described herein, the first data storage device may transmit an on / off control signal to the controller. In some embodiments, the cooling device might comprise a fan and the control signal may control the speed of the fan. Additionally, the controller may be configured to control the fan based on the need for cooling and to lower noise, power consumption, or contamination.

Problems solved by technology

The heat given off by the electronic components will tend to raise the temperature of the electronic equipment if the heat is not removed.

If the temperature inside the electronic equipment is raised high enough the reliability of the device might suffer.

If the heat is not removed the data storage device might fail prematurely.

In addition to the loss of the actual device, data stored on the device might be lost or it might be difficult or expensive to access the data.

The data storage device, for example, a tape drive does not control these independent cooling devices.

Some of these disadvantages may include contamination of the data storage device if a cooling device is run more often than necessary.

For example, if a fan is used to cool a data storage device, the fan might bring dirty or dusty air into the storage device.

A fan that is run longer than necessary may bring in dirty or dusty air at a faster rate.

This might contaminate the storage device faster than if the fan is run only when needed.

Additionally, many cooling devices consume power when used.

In a device that contains many such fans, the power consumption may waste not only money, but also natural resources.

This internal cooling device, in many cases, may be redundant to the data storage device.

This might tend to waste materials for the extra fan as well as additional electric power to drive the fan.

Additionally, running more fans than needed to cool the data storage device may generate a great deal of noise.

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