Dynamic PSU Management for Server Power Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
In server or high-speed computing systems, power supply units (PSUs) often operate at suboptimal loads during idle periods, leading to inefficiencies and unnecessary power loss.
Innovation Solution
A power management system and method that dynamically adjusts the number of active PSUs and manages system fans based on current loads and device statuses, ensuring each PSU operates at a target load close to optimal efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple PSUs are continuously operated in a system power supply, then the system can meet power supply requirements during high load, but the PSUs fail to maintain optimal work efficiency during idle periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power supply unit management where PSUs are switched between active and idle states based on real-time load detection. The management circuit continuously monitors system load and activates or deactivates PSUs accordingly, transforming the static power supply configuration into a dynamic one that adapts to changing power demands, thereby maintaining optimal efficiency across varying operational conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs automatic load detection and PSU activation/deactivation controlled by a management circuit that autonomously monitors power consumption and adjusts the number of active PSUs without manual intervention. This self-service mechanism ensures PSUs operate at optimal efficiency points by matching active PSU count to actual system needs
2Adaptability or versatility
If power is continuously supplied to all connection interfaces, then all slots remain ready for device operation, but unnecessary power loss occurs during idle states due to transmission and transformation processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes power supply from idle connection interfaces by detecting which slots are actually in use and selectively deactivating power to unused interfaces. This extraction approach eliminates unnecessary power transmission and transformation losses in idle slots while maintaining power availability only where devices are actually connected and operational
Solution Approach 2:
The management circuit implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring connection status and power consumption at each interface, using this information to dynamically adjust power distribution. The system receives feedback about which interfaces are actively used and adjusts power supply accordingly, reducing energy loss in idle interfaces while ensuring adequate power to active ones
Data Source
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AI summary
A power management system (100) includes connection interfaces (110), a system power supply (120), and a power management circuit (130). Each connection interface (140) is connected to one power consumption device. The system power supply (120) includes power supply units (122) (PSUs). The system power supply (120) supplies electricity power to each power consumption device via one connection interface (140). The power management circuit (130) is connected to each power consumption device via the connection interfaces (110). The power management circuit (130) obtains a current total load of PSUs, determines a target load of each PSU, and determines whether each connection interface (140) is connected to one power consumption device. The power management circuit (130) turns off power supply to the connection interface (140) that is not connected to the power consumption devices (140). According to the current total load and the target load, the power management circuit (130) determines an enabled number of the PSUs, thereby turning on or turning off each PSU accordingly.