System, method, and program for controlling air conditioner output for rack pressure regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioner control systems in large computer systems, such as data centers, have room for cost improvement as they rely on air movers, which can lead to inefficient power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize pressure sensors at each rack's air inlet to set target pressure values, calculate pressure drop values, and adjust airflow rates based on the maximum pressure drop across multiple racks, allowing for optimized airflow control by the air conditioner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If air movers are used at each rack to control airflow distribution, then uniform cooling distribution is achieved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the air mover component from each rack and extracts only the essential function of airflow control. Instead of active air movers, the system uses passive pressure sensing combined with centralized air conditioner control to achieve the same airflow distribution objective, thereby eliminating unnecessary hardware costs while maintaining cooling uniformity
Solution Approach 2:
The air conditioner's control system is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it not only provides cooling but also actively manages airflow distribution across all racks by responding to pressure sensor feedback. This centralized control mechanism replaces the need for individual rack-level air movers, achieving uniform cooling distribution through a multi-functional control system rather than dedicated hardware at each rack
2Reliability
If air movers are installed at each rack to regulate cooling airflow, then adequate cooling flow is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the air conditioner to self-regulate airflow distribution based on real-time pressure feedback from sensors at each rack. The pressure sensors continuously monitor airflow conditions, and the air conditioner automatically adjusts its output to maintain adequate cooling flow, eliminating the need for energy-consuming air movers at each rack while preserving cooling reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control loop where pressure sensors at each rack inlet continuously monitor airflow pressure conditions and transmit this information to the air conditioner's controller. The controller processes this feedback and dynamically adjusts the air conditioner's airflow output to maintain adequate cooling distribution, replacing energy-intensive air movers with an efficient feedback-based control system that maintains cooling reliability with minimal power consumption
3Reliability
If airflow rate from air conditioner is increased to ensure sufficient cooling, then cooling adequacy is improved, but power consumption of air conditioner increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air conditioner's airflow rate is transformed from a static, fixed setting to a dynamic, adjustable parameter that responds to real-time cooling demands. The controller continuously monitors pressure sensor feedback and dynamically modulates the airflow rate to match actual cooling requirements, ensuring cooling adequacy while avoiding the excessive power consumption associated with maintaining constantly high airflow
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach effectively suppresses power consumption while ensuring sufficient cooling is provided to the racks at a lower cost.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of pressure sensors, each positioned at an air inlet of each of the racks, and a controller configured to receive pressure values from the pressure sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A system (20) for controlling an air conditioner (12) includes a plurality of pressure sensors (19) and a controller (13). Each of the pressure sensors (19) is positioned at an air inlet (15) of each of the racks (11). The controller (13) is configured to receive pressure values from the pressure sensors (19) and control an airflow rate of the cooling air supplied from the air conditioner (12) based on the pressure values. The controller (13) is configured to set a target pressure value for each pressure sensor (19) (S300), acquire a current pressure value for each pressure sensor (S401), calculate a pressure drop value for each pressure sensor (19) between the current pressure value and the target pressure value (S402), and adjust the airflow rate based on a maximum value among the plurality of the pressure drop values (S403 to S410).