PDU-Based Server Room Power Management Without Independent Servers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power management systems for server rooms require an independent server device, extra power supply, and higher apparatus costs, making them inefficient for calculating Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) and unsuitable for small server rooms, as they fail to account for the power consumption of the server devices themselves and network apparatus.
Innovation Solution
A power management apparatus and method that connects power distribution equipment (PDEs) and digital meters via a network hub, allowing a processor to collect and calculate PUE without an independent server device, thereby reducing power consumption and costs, and accurately accounting for the power usage of all connected devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If an independent server device is used to collect power consumption information and calculate PUE, then the system can perform centralized power management, but the power consumption increases due to extra power supply requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power management function into the existing PDU system. The first PDU is configured to collect power consumption information from multiple second PDUs and calculate PUE, eliminating the need for an independent server device. This integration allows centralized power management capability while avoiding the additional power consumption that would be required to operate separate server, database, and web management infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an independent server device with database and web server is used, then comprehensive power management functionality is achieved, but apparatus costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The first PDU is designed to perform multiple functions: it collects power consumption information from multiple second PDUs, stores the data in its memory, calculates PUE metrics, and provides web-based access to power management information. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate server, database, and web server components, thereby reducing apparatus costs while maintaining comprehensive power management functionality.
3Measurement precision
If traditional power management systems are used, then power consumption data can be collected, but the power consumption of the management system itself is not accounted for in PUE calculations
Solution Approach 1:
The first PDU monitors and measures its own power consumption as well as the power consumption of connected second PDUs. By using its internal power measuring unit, the system achieves self-service capability where the management system accounts for its own energy usage. This ensures that PUE calculations include the power consumption of the management infrastructure itself, providing accurate and comprehensive power usage information.
Data Source
AI summary
A server room power management apparatus and method, the power management apparatus comprising a first PDE (power distribution equipment), at least one second PDE and at least one DM (digital meter); wherein a first network interface unit of the first PDE, a second network interface unit of the second PDE and the DM can be connected to become a network; the power management method uses a first processor of the first PDE to collect power consumptions of the second PDE and the DM; wherein, the first processor can work out power usage effectiveness; thus, the apparatus and method do not need an independent server device, that will reach power saving and reduce apparatus costs.