Power Controllers Adjusting Voltage and Frequency in Server Racks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large-scale computing facilities face high power consumption costs due to the operation of numerous servers and devices, necessitating efficient power management to reduce energy expenditure without compromising system performance.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that alters power characteristics such as frequency, voltage, and current in real-time using power controllers embedded in power distribution units (PDUs) or external components, allowing for dynamic adjustment based on consumption thresholds to optimize power usage and prevent spikes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If power consumption is increased to operate computing devices at full capacity, then productivity is improved, but use of energy worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts power delivery characteristics (voltage, frequency, current) in real-time based on actual computing device power consumption needs. Power distribution units modify power parameters dynamically rather than providing constant maximum power, enabling the system to operate at full capacity when needed while reducing power consumption during normal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes power parameters (voltage, frequency, current) to optimize power delivery. By monitoring power consumption and adjusting these parameters in response, the system can prevent power spikes and reduce overall power usage while maintaining computing device performance when required.
2Use of energy by moving object
If power consumption is reduced to lower operational costs, then use of energy is improved, but productivity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors power consumption of computing devices and uses this feedback to adjust power delivery characteristics. When power consumption exceeds thresholds or anomalies are detected, the power distribution units modify power parameters to prevent spikes and optimize energy usage, ensuring productivity is maintained within safe power limits.
3Use of energy by moving object
If real-time power monitoring and adjustment systems are implemented, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution units perform multiple functions: they distribute power to computing devices, monitor power consumption in real-time, analyze power parameters, and adjust power delivery characteristics. By consolidating these functions into the power distribution units rather than adding separate systems, the patent reduces overall system complexity while achieving power optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are described for managing power in a computing system using power controller(s). Power consumption information may be received from power sensors that measure power consumption of computing devices in a rack computing system, or that measure the power received or distributed by power distribution components such as power distribution units (PDUs) in the racks. A determination may be made whether the amount of power being currently consumed within a computing system exceeds a predetermined threshold. If so, control signal(s) may be sent to instruct the power controller(s) to alter characteristic(s), such as frequency, voltage, current, and so forth, of the power being supplied to one or more computing devices or other component(s). The power alteration may occur at one or more points in the power distribution system of one or more racks, such as at one or more PDUs, distribution circuits, breakers, and so forth.