Blade Server Power Capping via Current Threshold Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power capping systems in blade servers cap power consumption based on the presence or absence of power supply module failures, leading to unnecessary performance reduction even when power can be supplied by operational modules, without considering excess or deficient supply power.
Innovation Solution
A power capping system for blade servers that includes current monitor units, threshold value holders, and signal notification units to assess and manage output current excess, allowing power-saving control units to adjust processor frequency and voltage to cap power consumption based on supply power availability, ensuring power consumption does not exceed set thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power capping is implemented based on power supply module failure status, then system reliability is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to unnecessary performance reduction when power is available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from binary failure status to continuous output current value monitoring. By monitoring the actual output current of power supply modules and comparing it with threshold values, the system dynamically adjusts power consumption caps based on real-time power availability rather than static failure status, thus maintaining productivity when power is sufficient while ensuring reliability when power is limited
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the management module continuously monitors output current values from power supply modules, compares them with threshold values, and adjusts power consumption caps accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system ensures that power capping is applied only when necessary (when output current exceeds thresholds indicating power deficiency), preventing unnecessary performance reduction while maintaining system reliability
2Loss of energy
If power consumption is capped to match supply power from operational modules, then loss of energy is reduced, but device complexity increases due to additional monitoring and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The management module performs multiple functions: it monitors output current values from power supply modules, compares them with threshold values, determines power supply status, and controls power consumption caps. By consolidating these functions in a single management module rather than distributing them across multiple components, the patent reduces overall system complexity while achieving effective power management and energy optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically monitors its own power supply status and self-regulates power consumption without external intervention. The management module independently detects when output current exceeds thresholds and autonomously applies power consumption caps, eliminating the need for complex external control systems while reducing energy waste
Data Source
AI summary
A data processing system includes a plurality of power supply modules each having a comparing unit for comparing an output-current value supplied to a computer with a threshold value, the plurality of power supply modules continue the comparison when the output-current value is equal to or less than the threshold value and outputs an output-current excess signal to a plurality of server blades when the output-current value is equal to or greater than the threshold value, and the plurality of server blades control respectively power consumptions of the server blades to make a power consumption value of the server blades to an equal to or less than a predetermined value on a power source non-redundancy.