Cooling Performance Determination Using Temperature Differential Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems for information processors, such as computers, face challenges in accurately determining the performance of heat radiation modules due to load variations, leading to potential misidentification of performance deterioration, as temperature changes are not solely indicative of module performance and require continuous measurement during normal operation.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising temperature sensors and a cooling performance determination module that monitors temperature differences between the heat generation device and the housing, using thresholds based on power consumption and normal operating temperatures to assess the heat radiator's performance, allowing for continuous monitoring and accurate determination of performance deterioration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature monitoring is performed to determine heat radiation module performance, then cooling performance can be assessed, but load variations cause false positives where temporary temperature increases are misidentified as performance deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the evaluation criteria for cooling performance based on real-time load conditions. By monitoring power consumption alongside temperature, the system adapts its assessment threshold to match current operational demands, preventing false deterioration detection during high-load periods while maintaining sensitivity during low-load periods
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces power consumption as an additional parameter to the temperature-only monitoring system. By combining temperature data with power consumption data, the system creates a more nuanced evaluation model that distinguishes between temperature increases caused by high load (normal) versus those caused by cooling failure (abnormal), thereby improving detection reliability
2Measurement precision
If dedicated inspection programs are used to measure heat radiation performance, then performance can be measured during the inspection period, but continuous monitoring during normal operation cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature and power consumption monitoring system serves dual purposes: it monitors cooling performance continuously during normal operation and provides data for deterioration detection. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated inspection programs while maintaining measurement capability throughout the system's operational lifetime
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous monitoring of temperature and power consumption during normal operation rather than periodic inspections. This continuous data collection enables real-time assessment of cooling performance and immediate detection of deterioration trends, extending the monitoring duration from brief inspection periods to the entire operational lifecycle
3Ease of operation
If simple temperature comparison is used to determine cooling performance, then the system is easy to operate, but it cannot distinguish between temporary load-induced temperature increases and actual performance deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
Power consumption acts as an intermediary parameter that mediates between the simple temperature reading and the complex cause analysis. By introducing this intermediate variable, the system maintains operational simplicity while enabling accurate differentiation between load-induced temperature changes and cooling failures, as power consumption provides context for interpreting temperature variations
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
Enables accurate and continuous assessment of heat radiation module performance, preventing misidentification of performance issues and ensuring reliable cooling even under varying loads, thereby maintaining optimal operating conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a first temperature sensor (31) mounted on the printed-circuit board (20) and configured to sense a temperature (T1) at a first position on the printed-circuit board (20), a second temperature sensor (32) mounted on the printed-circuit board (20) and configured to sense a temperature (Tref) at a second position on the printed-circuit board (20)
Implementation Method 2
a heat radiator (21) in the housing configured to radiate heat of the heat generation device (22) to the outside of the housing (11)
Implementation Method 3
a cooling fan (23) arranged near the heat radiation fin (24) and configured to cool the heat radiation fin (24)
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus, includes a heat generator on the printed-circuit board in the housing, a heat radiator in the housing configured to radiate heat of the heat generator to the outside of the housing, a first thermometer configure to sense a first temperature at a first position on the board, a second thermometer on the board configured to sense a second temperature at a second position away from the heat generator than the first position, a cooling performance determination module configured to monitor whether a temperature difference between the first temperature and the second temperature is above a threshold, and to determine whether performance of the heat radiator is deteriorated based on a result of the monitoring.