In-Band Power Allocation Transfer for Fluctuating Compute Loads
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Allocating fixed power allocations to processing devices in computing systems, such as Data Centers or HPC clusters, is sub-optimal due to fluctuating power consumption peaks that rarely coincide, leading to inefficient use of power resources.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for dynamically transferring power-consumption allocations between processing devices using in-band communication protocols, such as InfiniBand, to balance power usage by reporting available allocations and demands, enabling adaptive power redistribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed power allocations are allocated to processing devices based on maximal possible power consumption, then power supply reliability is ensured, but power resource utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power allocation by allowing processing devices to report their actual power consumption and by enabling transfer of power allocations between devices. The system transitions from static fixed allocations to dynamic adjustments based on real-time power demands, resolving the contradiction between ensuring reliability and improving efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where processing devices report their actual power consumption to the system. This feedback enables the system to understand real power needs and adjust allocations accordingly, preventing both over-provisioning and under-provisioning of power resources.
2Device complexity
If fixed power allocations are allocated to processing devices, then power allocation simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to fluctuating power consumption deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables processing devices to self-report their power consumption and power allocation needs. This self-service approach allows the system to adapt to fluctuating power consumption without requiring complex centralized control, maintaining relative simplicity while improving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static fixed power allocations to dynamic allocations that automatically adjust to power consumption fluctuations. The power allocations can be transferred between devices based on their current needs, providing adaptability without significantly increasing system complexity.
3Loss of energy
If power allocations are transferred between processing devices, then power resource utilization efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power allocation management with the existing communication infrastructure. By using the same communication channels and protocols for both data transmission and power allocation management, the system avoids adding separate complex control infrastructure, thus improving power utilization without proportionally increasing system complexity.
4Productivity
If in-band communication protocol is used for power allocation transfer, then communication efficiency is improved, but protocol complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the communication infrastructure multi-functional by using the same in-band communication channels for both data transmission and power allocation management. This universal use of communication resources improves efficiency by eliminating redundant communication paths while the added protocol complexity is minimized through reusing existing communication frameworks.
Data Source
AI summary
A power allocation method includes allocating power-consumption allocations to multiple processing devices. Available power allocations, which are offered for transfer to other processing devices, are reported by one or more over-allocated processing devices among the processing devices. Power demands, which are required by one or more under-allocated processing devices among the processing devices, are reported by the under-allocated processing devices. At least some of the available power allocations are transferred from one or more of the over-allocated processing devices to one or more of the under-allocated processing devices.