Dynamic Cooling Control for Computing Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cooling methods for computer systems are inflexible and reactive, failing to provide users with the ability to tailor cooling based on specific operational needs, as they rely solely on temperature detection and discrete fan speed settings.
Innovation Solution
A computing apparatus configured to operate under multiple operational policies, including thermal management, energy optimization, performance, sustainability, and warranty and maintenance policies, using a processor to control sensors and actuators through a PID controller and sensor-actuator correlation to dynamically adjust cooling based on various inputs and policy objectives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current cooling approaches use temperature-based discrete fan control, then the cooling system is simple to implement, but the system lacks flexibility and user control capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic cooling control by transitioning from static temperature-based fan speed selection to a continuous, adaptive control system. The processor dynamically adjusts fan speed in real-time based on thermal feedback and policy requirements, enabling the cooling system to adapt flexibly to varying operational conditions while maintaining manageable complexity through software-based control logic.
2Use of energy by moving object
If reactive cooling based on temperature thresholds is used, then the control logic is simple, but the cooling efficiency and energy optimization are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback-based cooling control where the processor continuously monitors thermal conditions and adjusts fan speed accordingly. The system uses feedback from temperature sensors to dynamically optimize cooling efficiency, selecting from multiple operational policies (thermal management, energy optimization, performance, sustainability) to balance energy consumption with cooling requirements, thereby improving cooling energy efficiency while maintaining reasonable control complexity.
3Measurement precision
If discrete fan speed settings are used, then the actuator control is simple, but the cooling precision and adaptability to different operational needs are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from discrete fan speed settings to continuous fan speed control. The system dynamically adjusts the fan speed parameter across a continuous range rather than selecting from fixed discrete levels, thereby achieving precise cooling control that can be tailored to different operational needs while maintaining ease of operation through automated processor-based control.
Data Source
AI summary
A computing apparatus is configured to operate under multiple operational policies. In a method for controlling the computing apparatus, a plurality of sensors are correlated with a plurality of actuators. An operational policy of the multiple operational policies is selected to implement and input from the plurality of sensors is received. The inputs are analyzed to identify at least one of the plurality of actuators to be manipulated based upon the correlation and the selected operational policy to implement. In addition, at least one of the identified plurality of actuators is manipulated based upon the selected operational policy.