Dynamic Cooling Control for Data Center Power Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Information processing systems face high power costs due to constant supply of sufficiently cooled air, even when the workload is below maximum capacity, as existing cooling methods do not adapt to varying load conditions.

Innovation Solution

The system determines the allowable intake air temperature based on intake and exhaust air temperatures, power consumption, and allowable exhaust air temperature, allowing for dynamic adjustment of cooling air supply to reduce power consumption by elevating air temperature or reducing air volume according to the system's workload.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If sufficiently cooled air is supplied with sufficient air volume to the information processing apparatus, then the apparatus is adequately cooled and prevented from overheating, but the power cost increases due to continuous operation of air-conditioning equipment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintake air temperatureVSAvoidpower consumption of air-conditioning system
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of cooling parameters by continuously monitoring the workload of the information processing apparatus and adjusting the intake air temperature and air volume accordingly. When workload is low, the system allows higher intake air temperatures and reduces air volume, while maintaining adequate cooling when workload is high, thereby resolving the contradiction between adequate cooling and energy consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameters of cooling air (temperature and volume) based on the actual workload conditions of the information processing apparatus. By dynamically adjusting these parameters rather than maintaining constant cooling conditions, the system reduces power consumption while ensuring adequate cooling when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If cold air at 24°C is supplied with sufficient air volume, then the information processing apparatus is adequately cooled, but power consumption increases due to continuous air-conditioning operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling adequacyVSAvoidpower cost of air-conditioning installation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial cooling action by supplying cold air only when the information processing apparatus requires it based on workload conditions. Instead of continuous full-capacity cooling, the system provides cooling proportional to the actual heat generation, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining cooling adequacy when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

This approach reduces power consumption by optimizing cooling air supply, minimizing the need for additional air-conditioning and lowering overall power usage in information processing systems.

Implementation Method 1

an air-conditioner that is taken into the information processing apparatus mounted on a rack

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat removal: Cooling

Data Source

PatentEP2605628B1Information processing system, operation management method of information processing system, and data center
Publication Date: 2020.05.27 HITACHI LTD
  • EP2605628B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2605628B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2605628B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An information processing system (101) which determines an allowable temperature of intake air to an information processing apparatus (104, 602, 603) based on information of a temperature of intake air to the information processing apparatus (104, 602, 603), information of a temperature of exhaust air of the information processing apparatus (104, 602, 603), information of a power consumption of the information processing apparatus (104, 602, 603), and information of an allowable temperature of exhaust air of the information processing apparatus (104, 602, 603) to thereby save power of the information processing system (101).