Mixed-mode data center control system for cooling optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data centers face significant energy inefficiencies due to inefficient operation of support systems, such as cooling and lighting, which can lead to excessive power consumption and waste, highlighting the need for improved automation to optimize these systems.
Innovation Solution
An automated control system is deployed within data centers, comprising a computer cluster, managing terminals, and interface devices that use different control logic to generate and relay control signals to manage cooling devices, allowing for precise regulation of data center components based on feedback signals and constraints, enabling efficient operation by switching between control modes based on triggering events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If automated control systems are deployed to optimize cooling systems, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into multiple independent components: interface devices at the component level, managing terminals at the support system level, and computer clusters at the data center level. Each segment operates with its own control logic and can function independently, reducing the complexity burden on any single component while achieving system-wide optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical control architecture that adds a vertical dimension to the control system. Instead of a flat control structure, it creates multiple levels (interface device → managing terminal → computer cluster) that operate simultaneously, allowing energy optimization without overwhelming any single control element with excessive complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control signals with different control logic are used to regulate cooling devices, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically switches between different control logic modes based on operational conditions. The interface device can receive and execute control signals from either the managing terminal or the computer cluster depending on which system is currently active, allowing the system to adapt to different operational scenarios without requiring complex multi-mode control circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface device acts as an intermediary between the cooling device and the two different control systems (managing terminal and computer cluster). It receives control signals from either source and translates them into appropriate commands for the cooling device, simplifying the adaptation process by providing a standardized interface layer that handles the complexity of multiple control logic sources.
3Use of energy by moving object
If precision control is applied to cooling systems, then energy consumption is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control systems (managing terminal and computer cluster) automatically monitor cooling performance and adjust control signals without requiring manual calibration or precise manufacturing tolerances. The system self-regulates by receiving feedback from cooling devices and dynamically adjusting control parameters, reducing the need for high manufacturing precision in the control hardware while still achieving precise energy optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The control architecture incorporates feedback loops where cooling device performance is continuously monitored and used to adjust control signals. This feedback mechanism allows the system to achieve precise energy control through software-based adjustments rather than relying on precise hardware manufacturing, as the control logic can compensate for manufacturing variations through continuous optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus are provided for controlling the operation of a data center wherein a computer cluster, managing terminal, and an interface device are deployed to control the operation of a data center component. The computer cluster, managing terminal, and the interface device take turns in controlling the operation of the data center component in dependence upon changes in the state of a the data center component, or changes in the states of various other groups of data center components. Objectives for the data center may be broken down into sub-objectives to be performed by portions of the data center.