Dynamic Power Allocation in Modular Chassis Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modular information handling systems often have allocated power that is not utilized by higher priority modules, leading to lower priority modules operating in throttled modes despite available power, as the chassis power system cannot operate all modules at maximum power consumption levels simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic power allocation system where a power manager in the chassis reallocates unused power from higher priority modules to lower priority modules, ensuring that higher priority modules operate at their power needs while lower priority modules receive additional power by throttling less critical modules when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the chassis power system allocates power based on worst case sustained power need (powermax), then higher priority modules are guaranteed adequate power, but lower priority modules operate in throttled modes even when power is available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power allocation that transitions from static worst-case power allocation to real-time utilization-based allocation. The chassis management controller continuously monitors actual power consumption of higher priority modules and dynamically adjusts power distribution to lower priority modules based on available headroom, allowing lower priority modules to operate above their powermin thresholds when power is available.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the power allocation parameter from fixed worst-case values (powermax/powermin) to dynamic values based on actual utilization. The chassis management controller calculates available power headroom by comparing allocated power against actual consumption, and uses this information to adjust power delivery to lower priority modules in real-time.
2Productivity
If the chassis power supply allocates maximum available power to all modules, then all modules can operate at full capacity, but the system cannot sustain maximum power consumption levels simultaneously across all modules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the chassis management controller continuously monitors actual power consumption of higher priority modules and uses this information to adjust power allocation to lower priority modules. The system measures the difference between allocated power and actual consumption, then feeds this information back to determine additional power that can be safely allocated to lower priority modules without exceeding power supply capacity.
3Device complexity
If the system uses static power allocation based on powermax and powermin values, then power distribution is simplified, but allocated power cannot be dynamically reused when not utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The higher priority modules effectively 'self-service' by consuming only the power they actually need from their allocated powermax, creating available headroom that automatically becomes available for lower priority modules. The system requires minimal additional complexity as it simply monitors actual consumption and reallocates the naturally available headroom without complex intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
Power from a modular chassis to plural modular information handling systems contained by the chassis is dynamically allocated according to power consumed at each modular information handling system and a priority associated with each modular information handling system. A power manager of the modular chassis allocates power by setting a maximum power for each modular information handling system based upon a priority for each modular information handling system. A power monitor on a modular information handling system requests additional power allocation if power consumed is within a predetermined amount of the maximum power for that system. The power manager allocates additional power in response to the request if another modular information handling system has excess power allocated or if the requesting modular information handling system has a higher priority than another modular information handling system. The requesting system's maximum power is increased and the other system maximum power is decreased so that the maximum power available from the chassis is not exceeded.