HPC Cluster Design Method Using 3D Virtual Modeling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Designing high-performance computing (HPC) clusters is challenging due to the difficulty in mentally managing large-scale spreadsheets for thousands of components, leading to potential architectural mismatches with physical premises, resulting in high costs and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A method that geometrically defines the premises, accounts for physical constraints, and uses a library of data center components with installation rules to generate a list of necessary components, allowing for early detection of installation issues and cost estimation, including a graphical interface for visualization and optimization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a spreadsheet-based design method is used to manage HPC cluster components, then detailed component tracking is possible, but the complexity of managing thousands of components mentally and the difficulty of integrating physical installation constraints increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent tracking precisionVSAvoiddesign management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual 3D model (a digital copy) of the HPC cluster that mirrors the physical installation. This virtual model allows designers to track and manage all components in an intuitive visual format rather than spreadsheets, maintaining precise component information while eliminating the mental burden of managing thousands of items in tabular form.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from 2D spreadsheet representation to 3D virtual modeling. By adding the spatial dimension, the system can simultaneously display component quantities, positions, and physical constraints in a visually intuitive manner, making it easier to manage complexity while maintaining precise tracking capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the HPC cluster architecture is designed first and then adapted to physical premises, then the technical requirements are met, but the cost of adaptation works increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetechnical requirement satisfactionVSAvoidinstallation feasibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary verification of installation feasibility by creating and validating the virtual 3D model against the actual premises geometry before physical installation begins. This early detection of spatial conflicts and constraint violations allows architects and designers to adjust the HPC cluster configuration proactively, avoiding expensive on-site adaptation works while ensuring technical requirements are met.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system preemptively identifies and prevents installation conflicts by validating the virtual model against physical constraints before deployment. By detecting potential problems in advance and applying corrective adjustments to the design, the system counteracts future installation difficulties and cost overruns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Measurement precision

If a detailed spreadsheet is used to list all components, then component inventory is accurate, but the time required for integration and management of linear data increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent inventory accuracyVSAvoiddata integration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a visual 3D representation that automatically generates from the component inventory data. This virtual model provides an intuitive overview of all components and their relationships, allowing designers to quickly grasp the overall configuration without manually navigating through extensive spreadsheet data, thereby reducing data integration and management time while maintaining inventory accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

4Productivity

If the physical premises are not considered during design, then the design process is simpler, but the final installation may be impossible or require complete architectural revision

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign process efficiencyVSAvoidinstallation feasibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates physical premises constraints into the design phase by creating a virtual 3D model that integrates both the HPC cluster architecture and the premises geometry. This preliminary integration allows designers to verify installation feasibility early in the design process, ensuring that the final installation can proceed without requiring complete architectural revision, thus maintaining both design efficiency and installation reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11455584B2Method of aiding the design of a data center
Publication Date: 2022.09.27 LE COMMISSARIAT À LÉNERGIE ATOMIQUE & AUX ÉNERGIES ALTERNATIVES
  • US11455584B2 patent drawing
  • US11455584B2 patent drawing
  • US11455584B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of aiding the design of a data center is disclosed. In one aspect, the method refers to generating a list of components from a library that satisfy a defined list of needs.