Multi-Node Computer Shared Power and Cooling Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data centers face significant energy consumption and cooling challenges due to increasing demand for computer resources, leading to higher energy costs, emissions, and infrastructure strain, with existing incremental improvements not sufficient to reduce power consumption to 2000 levels.
Innovation Solution
The GreenMachine multi-node computer system, which comprises a plurality of nodes, a system control unit, and a carrier board, providing integrated shared resources, efficient power management, and cooling control, using sub-5 W processors and flash memory technology to achieve a compact, energy-efficient architecture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If data centers increase computer resources to meet growing demand, then processing capability is improved, but energy consumption increases five-fold since 2000
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the data center into multiple independent blade servers, each capable of autonomous operation. This segmentation allows for granular power management where individual blades can be powered down or placed in low-power states when not needed, while maintaining overall system processing capability through selective activation of only necessary blades.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements shared resources including a common power supply unit, cooling infrastructure, and storage systems that serve multiple blade servers simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces redundant components and lowers overall energy consumption while maintaining the processing capability of individual blades.
2Productivity
If data centers expand power and cooling infrastructure to support increased server density, then processing capability is improved, but capital expenses and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple blade servers into a single integrated chassis with shared power supplies, cooling systems, and management infrastructure. This consolidation increases server density while reducing the overall complexity of infrastructure components, as single shared resources replace multiple redundant systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade server architecture transitions from horizontal rack mounting to vertical stacking within standardized chassis units. This dimensional change allows for higher density placement while maintaining standardized power and cooling connections, reducing infrastructure complexity through modular design.
3Productivity
If traditional cooling systems are used for high-density server racks, then processing capability is maintained, but cooling efficiency becomes insufficient and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements zone-based cooling control where different regions of the chassis receive customized cooling based on local heat generation patterns. Each blade server or group of blades can have independent cooling adjustments, optimizing cooling efficiency by directing refrigerant or airflow precisely to high-heat areas rather than uniformly cooling the entire system.
4Use of energy by moving object
If blade servers are used to improve energy efficiency, then power consumption is reduced incrementally, but the reduction is not sufficient to reach 2000 energy levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management that automatically adjusts the operational state of individual blade servers based on real-time workload demands. Blades can be dynamically activated, deactivated, or shifted to low-power modes, enabling much more aggressive energy reduction than static configurations while maintaining productivity through on-demand resource allocation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The GreenMachine system achieves a 10× or more improvement in power, space, and cooling efficiency over current computer architectures, enabling a compact and cost-effective design that reduces energy consumption and emissions while maintaining high performance.
Implementation Method 1
A cooling system forces air flow between the nodes to cool the nodes
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-node computer system, comprising: a plurality of nodes, a system control unit and a carrier board. Each node of the plurality of nodes comprises a processor and a memory. The system control unit is responsible for: power management, cooling, workload provisioning, native storage servicing, and I/O. The carrier board comprises a system fabric and a plurality of electrical connections. The electrical connections provide the plurality of nodes with power, management controls, system connectivity between the system control unit and the plurality of nodes, and an external network connection to a user infrastructure. The system control unit and the carrier board provide integrated, shared resources for the plurality of nodes. The multi-node computer system is provided in a single enclosure.