Dynamic PoE Power Allocation for Enterprise PCs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Power over Ethernet (PoE) systems in enterprise environments face challenges in dynamically managing and classifying power to personal computing devices, leading to increased noise, cooling issues, and high costs due to the inability to adjust power supply efficiently as power needs change.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an intelligent PoE system that dynamically allocates and prioritizes power using algorithms, allowing personal computing devices to communicate their power requirements through a data link layer (Layer 2) protocol, enabling real-time power management and optimization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If PoE systems provide high power to personal computing devices, then power availability is improved, but noise and cooling issues worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower availabilityVSAvoidnoise and cooling issues
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power allocation where the PSE continuously monitors power consumption of each PD and adjusts power distribution in real-time based on actual needs. This dynamic approach allows the system to provide high power when necessary while reducing power to minimize noise and cooling requirements during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes power delivery parameters dynamically by monitoring current power consumption levels and adjusting voltage/current allocation. The PSE modifies power delivery parameters based on monitored consumption patterns, enabling optimal balance between power availability and noise/heat generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If PoE systems allocate maximum power to all ports, then power availability is improved, but cost and power supply size worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower availabilityVSAvoidpower supply size and cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by allocating power selectively based on actual consumption rather than providing maximum power to all ports simultaneously. The PSE monitors each PD's power needs and provides only the necessary amount, avoiding excessive power allocation that would require larger, more expensive power supplies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the PSE monitors power consumption from each PD and uses this information to adjust power allocation. This closed-loop feedback enables the power supply to be sized appropriately for actual usage patterns rather than worst-case scenarios, reducing cost and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional PoE classification is used, then device compatibility is improved, but power management flexibility worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidpower management flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent maintains continuous power management by monitoring power consumption throughout operation rather than performing one-time classification. This continuous monitoring enables ongoing adjustment of power allocation while maintaining compatibility with traditional PoE devices, combining the benefits of both approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary power classification compatible with traditional devices while simultaneously preparing for dynamic adjustment. The PSE initially classifies devices using standard methods ensuring compatibility, then transitions to continuous monitoring and dynamic allocation for enhanced flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8301918B2Intelligent power over ethernet power management for personal computing devices in enterprise environments
Publication Date: 2012.10.30 AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL SALES PTE LTD
  • US8301918B2 patent drawing
  • US8301918B2 patent drawing
  • US8301918B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) communication system dynamically provides power and data communications over a communications link. In an enterprise environment made up of one or more personal computing devices (e.g., personal or laptop computers), a switch determines an allocated amount of power to be supplied to each device. The system includes a switch, a power supply, and one or more personal computing devices having a PoE control module. The PoE control module can be part of, for example, a Power Source Equipment/Powered Device (PSE/PD) system or a LAN-On-Motherboard/Powered Device (LOM/PD) system. A method of dynamically providing power to personal computing devices includes determining the power requirements of each device based on one or more factors, which can include, for example, battery charge status, power load, power mode, etc., of each device. Various algorithms can be used to decide priority in providing power to the devices.