Fan Control via Power Ratio and Variable Acceleration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fan control systems for computer systems inadequately manage the time-variable rate of fan rotation speed, leading to energy inefficiency and noise issues due to poor control of acceleration and deceleration rates, which are not adequately considered in relation to operating conditions such as temperature and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A fan control system that uses a controller to determine and adjust the time-variable rate of fan rotation speed based on operating parameters like the ratio of consumed power to rated power, employing different acceleration and deceleration rates to optimize energy efficiency and reduce noise, with specific rates chosen based on the load conditions of the target device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the fan rotation speed is increased to improve heat dissipation, then the cooling effect is improved, but the energy consumption and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic fan speed adjustment by continuously monitoring the operating parameters (temperature, power consumption) of the target device and adjusting the fan rotation speed in real-time. The controller dynamically changes the fan speed according to the actual cooling demand, avoiding constant high-speed operation and thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective heat dissipation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the fan system by introducing time-variable acceleration and deceleration rates. The controller adjusts not only the target speed but also the rate of speed change based on operating conditions. This parameter optimization allows the fan to reach optimal speeds efficiently and maintain them with minimal energy expenditure, resolving the contradiction between cooling effectiveness and energy use.
2Speed
If the fan acceleration rate is increased to respond quickly to temperature changes, then the response speed is improved, but the noise and mechanical stress increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic control to the acceleration process by making the acceleration rate itself a variable parameter. The controller adjusts the acceleration rate based on the current operating state - using higher acceleration when rapid cooling is needed and lower acceleration during normal operation. This dynamic approach maintains quick response capability while minimizing noise and mechanical stress during routine speed adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic monitoring and adjustment of fan acceleration parameters. The controller continuously evaluates operating parameters and periodically adjusts the acceleration rate accordingly. This periodic control ensures that high acceleration is applied only when necessary (when temperature thresholds are exceeded) while using gentler acceleration during stable operating conditions, thereby reducing overall noise and mechanical stress.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the fan deceleration rate is increased to reduce energy consumption quickly, then the energy efficiency is improved, but the temperature control stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic deceleration control where the deceleration rate is adjusted based on real-time temperature and power consumption data. When the target device is under high load, the controller maintains higher fan speeds with reduced deceleration to ensure stable cooling. When the load decreases, the controller allows faster deceleration to reduce energy consumption. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making deceleration rate contingent on actual cooling requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback control mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors temperature and power consumption parameters and uses this information to adjust the fan deceleration rate. The feedback loop ensures that deceleration is modulated according to the actual thermal state of the system, preventing excessive temperature fluctuations while optimizing energy efficiency. The controller balances the competing requirements by adjusting deceleration based on real-time system state.
4Reliability
If the fan operates at high speed continuously to prevent overheating, then the reliability is improved, but the energy consumption and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static high-speed operation mode into a dynamic speed adjustment mode. The controller continuously adapts the fan speed to match the actual cooling demand based on real-time monitoring of temperature and power consumption. This dynamic operation allows the fan to maintain high speed only when necessary for overheating prevention while operating at lower speeds during normal conditions, thereby maintaining reliability while significantly reducing noise during non-critical periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the fan system by introducing time-variable acceleration and deceleration rates. The controller adjusts not only the target speed but also the rate of speed change based on operating conditions. This parameter optimization allows the fan to reach optimal speeds efficiently and maintain them with minimal energy expenditure, resolving the contradiction between cooling effectiveness and energy use.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a fan is described and includes controlling a rotation speed of a fan according to a first rotation speed time-variable rate by a controller, and controlling the rotation speed of the fan according to a second rotation speed time-variable rate by the controller in response to a change in an operating parameter of a target device, where the fan and target device are for use in a computer system.