Configuration-Based Thermal Control for Information Handling Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal control techniques for information handling systems face challenges in efficiently managing cooling fan speeds due to direct mapping issues with HDD and RAID hardware temperatures, leading to performance impacts and acoustic noise, especially when temperature response times vary among components.
Innovation Solution
Implementing configuration-based temperature feedback systems that use real-time measured component temperatures to control cooling fan speeds and power capping in a closed loop fashion, rather than relying solely on system inlet ambient temperature, allowing for more precise and stable thermal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If cooling fan speeds are directly mapped to HDD and RAID hardware temperatures using traditional PID control, then thermal control responsiveness is improved, but fan speeds quickly go to full speed causing acoustic noise and power consumption issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from direct temperature mapping to a configured response curve that maps temperature to fan speed with damping characteristics. This transforms the system response from aggressive (full speed at minor temperature deviations) to controlled (gradual speed increases), resolving the contradiction between responsiveness and noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic damping factors that adjust fan speed changes based on temperature trends and component thermal response times. Instead of static PID control that reacts immediately to temperature changes, the system dynamically modulates fan acceleration and deceleration rates, maintaining responsiveness while preventing full-speed excursions during transient conditions.
2Speed
If cooling fan speeds are directly mapped to HDD and RAID hardware temperatures using traditional PID control, then thermal control responsiveness is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the control parameter from direct temperature mapping to a configured response curve that maps temperature to fan speed with damping characteristics. This transforms the system response from aggressive (full speed at minor temperature deviations) to controlled (gradual speed increases), resolving the contradiction between responsiveness and noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic damping factors that adjust fan speed changes based on temperature trends and component thermal response times. Instead of static PID control that reacts immediately to temperature changes, the system dynamically modulates fan acceleration and deceleration rates, maintaining responsiveness while preventing full-speed excursions during transient conditions.
3Measurement precision
If temperature polling rate is increased to 1-5 seconds for PID thermal control, then control precision is improved, but HDD throughput and latency are adversely impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using a lower temperature polling rate (5-300 seconds) than traditional PID control requires, combined with configured response curves and damping factors that compensate for the slower measurement rate. This partial approach to measurement frequency, when combined with predictive response modeling, achieves adequate thermal control without the performance penalty of high-frequency polling.
4Measurement precision
If temperature polling rate is increased to 1-5 seconds for PID thermal control, then control precision is improved, but system performance on hardware RAID card deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using a lower temperature polling rate (5-300 seconds) than traditional PID control requires, combined with configured response curves and damping factors that compensate for the slower measurement rate. This partial approach to measurement frequency, when combined with predictive response modeling, achieves adequate thermal control without the performance penalty of high-frequency polling.
5Object-generated harmful factors
If fan speed response time is slowed to match component thermal response time, then acoustic noise is reduced, but PID control causes fan speed oscillation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through configured response curves that incorporate damping factors based on component thermal response times. The system continuously monitors temperature trends and adjusts fan speed changes to match the thermal inertia of the components, providing stabilizing feedback that prevents oscillation while maintaining slow, quiet operation. The damping factor acts as a feedback mechanism that counteracts the natural tendency toward overshoot and oscillation.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for information handling system thermal control that employ configuration-based temperature feedback, e.g., by using configuration-based fan speed control based on real time individual measured component temperatures. In one example, the disclosed systems and methods may be implemented to allow inputs from one or more hardware temperature sensors to set cooling fan speeds and/or power capping levels in a closed loop fashion, rather than relying solely (or at all) on system inlet ambient temperature.