IT Equipment Energy Efficiency Rating Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating information technology equipment, such as servers, do not account for energy efficiency relative to performance, leading to a lack of standardized and forward-looking comparisons, especially considering the exponential improvements driven by Moore's Law.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to calculate energy efficiency ratings using both absolute and normalized ratings, with the PAR4 rating measuring transactions per kWh and the Vintage PAR4 rating adjusting for performance increases over time, allowing for logarithmic scaling to reflect exponential growth, and enabling the creation of efficiency standards like Platinum, Gold, and Silver ratings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional performance indicators (transactions per second) are used to evaluate IT equipment, then performance comparison is simplified, but energy efficiency information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines performance measurement (transactions per second) with energy consumption measurement (kWh) into a unified energy efficiency rating system. The PAR4 rating merges these two previously separate metrics into a single composite indicator that simultaneously reflects both performance capability and energy efficiency, allowing users to evaluate equipment on both dimensions without requiring separate assessment systems.
2Measurement precision
If absolute energy efficiency ratings (PAR4) are used, then current performance is accurately measured, but future technological improvements cannot be accounted for
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic adjustment mechanism through the Vintage PAR4 rating that adapts to technological progress over time. This rating incorporates Moore's Law to dynamically adjust the baseline for comparison, allowing the evaluation system to remain relevant as technology advances. The Vintage PAR4 recalibrates expectations based on historical improvement trends, making the measurement system adaptive rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the reference parameter from a fixed absolute standard to a time-adjusted standard that evolves with technology. By incorporating Moore's Law projections and adjusting the baseline performance expectations over time, the system transforms from measuring against a static benchmark to measuring against a dynamically evolving benchmark that reflects technological maturity and industry progress.
3Ease of manufacture
If equipment is evaluated only on performance and price, then purchasing decisions are straightforward, but long-term operational costs are underestimated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary evaluation of energy efficiency characteristics during the purchasing phase rather than waiting until operational phase. By providing energy efficiency ratings (both PAR4 and Vintage PAR4) upfront, the system enables buyers to anticipate and compare long-term operational energy costs before making purchasing decisions, preventing energy cost surprises later and allowing for more informed total cost of ownership analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a METHOD TO CALCULATE AN ENERGY EFFICIENCY RATING for information technology equipment. This method specifically pertains to information technology equipment that doubles its capabilities in a predetermined timeframe according to Moore's Law. This method uses a formula to calculate an energy efficiency rating based on power consumption and transactions per second. It further calculates a normalized rating where the absolute rating is adjusted based on Moore's Law prediction of improvements. As a result the method invented is the first and only method to compare information technology from various generations of hardware, processor and component architecture with each other in terms of their energy efficiency.