Data Center Energy Control for Granular Load Shedding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data center control systems often require vendor-specific hardware and logic, leading to integration challenges, delayed maintenance, and inefficient energy management at granular levels such as workflow or network configuration.
Innovation Solution
An energy control system (ECS) with a standardized interface and virtualized computing environment that integrates with various energy sources and loads, using measurement sensors and control algorithms to manage energy distribution efficiently without vendor-specific hardware, allowing for granular control and adaptive energy management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vendor-specific control systems are used to manage energy sources and loads, then integration with specific hardware is achieved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to multiple custom hardware interfaces and vendor-specific logic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control system that can manage multiple types of energy sources and loads through standardized interfaces. The system uses a common communication protocol and hardware architecture that works across different vendor equipment, eliminating the need for multiple vendor-specific control systems while maintaining reliable integration with diverse energy management components
2Reliability
If vendor-specific hardware and logic are used, then compatibility with specific equipment is improved, but ease of repair and loss of time worsen due to specialized training requirements and delayed maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs standardized control hardware and logic that can be replicated across different vendor equipment. By using universal components rather than proprietary ones, the system allows maintenance personnel to work with consistent hardware architectures that require standardized training, enabling faster repairs and reducing dependency on vendor-specific expertise
3Device complexity
If control systems are not configured for granular energy management, then system simplicity is maintained, but energy efficiency and productivity worsen due to inability to control energy at workflow or network configuration levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data center energy management into controllable units at multiple levels including workflow, network configuration, and individual energy-consuming components. This segmentation enables granular control of energy distribution while using a standardized platform that maintains overall system simplicity through modular architecture and uniform management interfaces
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple vendor control systems are deployed, then adaptability to different equipment is achieved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to integrating different hardware and logic types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single universal control system capable of interfacing with multiple vendor equipment through standardized protocols. This approach maintains adaptability to different energy sources and loads while simplifying operation through a unified interface, eliminating the need for operators to learn multiple vendor-specific systems
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosed technology include techniques and mechanisms for controlling energy usage within data centers. An energy control system (ECS) may use measurement sensors that are integrated within different energy sources and different sources of energy consumption to gather energy usage information. The ECS may analyze the energy usage information using control algorithms. The control algorithms may analyze a current operational state of the data center and identify control modes containing control actions for enhancing and managing the performance of the data center. The ECS may elect an identified control mode and may transmit, via the measurement sensors, instructions for the energy sources and the sources of energy consumption to execute the control actions outlined within the elected control mode.