Dynamic Fan Shadowing for Power Reduction in Server Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooling fan management in information handling systems is inefficient due to static fan speed control methods that do not account for component variations or steady-state conditions, leading to sub-optimal power savings and potential airflow recirculation risks.
Innovation Solution
Implementing dynamic and adaptive fan shadowing, where secondary cooling fans adjust their speed in real-time based on the speed of primary cooling fans, using a processing device to optimize fan shadowing values and minimize the power-to-cool ratio (PTCR) through multi-level shadowing algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If discrete mapping of thermal sensors directly to a cooling fan zone is employed, then localized component cooling requirements are directly coupled to discrete fan/s, minimizing system acoustic and fan power, but thermal requirements for the component can only be affected by increasing cooling fan speeds for this single zone which limits local airflow potential and can lead to higher fan power for component cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the cooling fan population into primary fans directly mapped to thermal sensors and secondary fans assigned to shadow specific primary fans. This segmentation allows independent control of secondary fans based on primary fan performance, enabling enhanced local airflow potential without directly increasing primary fan power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces shadow fans as intermediary cooling devices that indirectly support component cooling by augmenting airflow from primary fans. The shadow fans are controlled based on primary fan speed and thermal conditions, acting as a mediator to enhance cooling effectiveness without directly responding to thermal sensor readings.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If weighted fan zone mapping is applied to optimize cooling for power consumption by reducing maximum fan speeds, then system fan power is reduced, but this may lead to insufficient cooling capacity under high thermal loads
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts secondary fan speeds based on real-time primary fan performance and thermal conditions. The shadow fan control algorithm continuously adapts secondary fan operation to match primary fan speed changes and thermal requirements, ensuring adequate cooling capacity is maintained while optimizing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where secondary fan operation is controlled based on monitoring primary fan speed and thermal sensor readings. This feedback loop ensures that shadow fans provide supplemental cooling capacity when needed while maintaining reduced power consumption during normal operating conditions.
3Device complexity
If static fixed percentage values are used to control secondary fan speed based on primary fan speed, then implementation is simple, but this does not account for component variation or different steady state conditions leading to sub-optimal power savings and potential airflow recirculation risks
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static fixed percentage control to dynamic shadow fan control where secondary fan speed is continuously adjusted based on primary fan speed and thermal conditions. This dynamic approach adapts to different operating states and component variations, optimizing power savings while preventing airflow recirculation issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from a fixed static percentage to a dynamic shadowing relationship that varies with primary fan speed and thermal conditions. This parameter change enables the system to adapt to different steady states and component variations, achieving better power efficiency while maintaining reliable cooling performance.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces cooling fan power consumption while maintaining system performance by dynamically adjusting fan speeds according to real-time operating conditions, thereby enhancing cooling efficiency and reducing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
at least two separate variable speed cooling fans configured to provide different flow rates of cooling air within the chassis enclosure
Implementation Method 2
cooling fans consume power, create noise, and create airflow
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of controlling the fan speed of one or more secondary variable speed cooling fans of an information handling system in real time by dynamically and adaptively shadowing the fan speed of another primary variable speed cooling fan or by so shadowing the fan speed of the variable cooling fan/s of a primary cooling fan zone including other variable speed primary cooling fans of the same information handling system.