Dynamic Power Budgeting for Redundant PSU Configurations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information handling systems face inefficiencies due to over-budgeting for maximum power usage, leading to unnecessary costs and reduced power efficiency, as they often require power supply units (PSUs) to be sized for peak performance scenarios that rarely occur.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that determines whether the system is powered by a redundant PSU configuration, allowing for a lower power rating to be used by utilizing unused margins during peak demand periods, and ensuring sufficient power allocation for transient spikes through dynamic power budgeting and autonomous allocation of reserve power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If PSUs are sized for peak performance scenarios, then system reliability is improved, but power efficiency deteriorates and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts power allocation based on actual operating conditions. The power manager continuously monitors system state and reallocates power from the secondary PSU to the primary PSU when peak demand is not required, allowing PSUs to operate at optimal efficiency points rather than being statically sized for maximum capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the PSU configuration by introducing dynamic power budgeting that adjusts power distribution ratios between primary and secondary PSUs based on actual load requirements. This allows the system to transition between different power allocation states, optimizing efficiency while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If PSUs are sized for peak performance scenarios, then system reliability is improved, but costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic power allocation system allows the use of smaller, more cost-effective PSUs that can be dynamically coordinated to provide the necessary power capacity. Rather than requiring oversized PSUs that sit partially idle, the system uses multiple smaller PSUs working in coordination, reducing overall cost while maintaining the ability to handle peak loads.
3Loss of energy
If dynamic power allocation is implemented, then power efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system operates autonomously, with the power manager automatically monitoring system state and adjusting power allocation between PSUs without requiring manual intervention or complex external control systems. The system self-regulates to optimize efficiency while maintaining stability.
4Quantity of substance
If power budgeting is reduced below maximum capacity, then PSU cost is reduced, but risk of shutdown during transients increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures a secondary PSU that serves as a power buffer or cushion for handling transient power demands. When transient spikes occur, the power manager can temporarily draw from the secondary PSU's allocated budget, preventing shutdowns while allowing the primary PSU to be sized smaller than the absolute maximum capacity would require.
Data Source
AI summary
A method that budgets power allocation for an information handling system (IHS) includes: in response to determining that the IHS is to be powered by a redundant configuration of PSUs, budgeting a first amount of power that is less than a maximum power that can be utilized by the system, and configuring the system to autonomously utilize unused operating margin of the secondary PSU(s) in a redundant configuration of the PSUs during periods in which the system requires greater than the first amount of power; and in response to the information handling system not being powered by a redundant configuration of multiple PSUs, budgeting a second amount of power for the system that is at least equal to the maximum power that can be utilized by the system and is within the output of the primary PSU.