Fan Speed Control via Approximated Ambient Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
In data centers, existing technologies face challenges in accurately monitoring CPU workload to efficiently adjust cooling systems, as they rely on direct ambient temperature readings, which can be impractical and inefficient without external sensors.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines an internal temperature, power consumption factor, and airflow factor to generate an approximated ambient air temperature, allowing for fan speed control based on these calculations, thereby optimizing cooling without the need for external temperature sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If direct ambient temperature readings are used for cooling control, then cooling system adjustment is simplified, but external temperature sensors are required which increases device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses its own internal temperature sensors and operational data (power consumption, airflow measurements) to calculate ambient temperature, eliminating the need for external sensors. The computing device serves itself by leveraging its existing components for environmental monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a calculation model that acts as an intermediary, deriving ambient temperature from internal temperature, power consumption, and airflow data. This mathematical model substitutes the need for direct external sensing.
2Device complexity
If internal temperature sensors are used to approximate ambient temperature, then external sensors become unnecessary reducing device complexity, but temperature approximation accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors internal temperature, power consumption, and airflow, then uses this feedback to dynamically calculate and update the ambient temperature approximation. This ongoing adjustment improves accuracy over static methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters used for temperature determination from direct external sensing to a combination of internal temperature, power consumption level, and airflow rate. This multi-parameter approach compensates for the lack of external sensors.
3Device complexity
If fan speed is controlled based solely on internal temperature, then control logic is simplified, but cooling efficiency is reduced due to lack of ambient condition consideration
Solution Approach 1:
The control system changes from considering only internal temperature to considering the calculated ambient temperature (derived from internal temperature, power consumption, and airflow). This allows more efficient fan control by accounting for environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts fan speed based on the calculated ambient temperature and real-time workload conditions, creating a more responsive and efficient cooling control system that adapts to changing environmental and operational conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and computer program product for determining an internal temperature of a computing device, a power consumption factor for the computing device, and an airflow factor for the computing device. An approximated ambient air temperature is generated based upon the internal temperature, power consumption factor, and the airflow factor. A workload factor is determined for the computing device and a fan speed for the computing device is controlled based at least in part upon the approximated ambient air temperature and the workload factor.