Power Management Server Dynamic Allocation Logic

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power management techniques in data processing systems are inefficient in coordinating power consumption among multiple servers sharing a single power source, leading to excessive power consumption and potential power shortages, especially in rack servers and server farms.

Innovation Solution

A power management server and method that utilizes a system management processor with power management logic to communicate and manage power consumption data among server data processing systems, enabling dynamic power allocation and regulation based on static and dynamic priority levels, thereby reducing overall power usage without compromising application performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the number of server modules in a rack server is increased to improve rack density, then the productivity and data processing capability are improved, but the power consumption increases disproportionately and may exceed the capacity of a single power input/source

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processing capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the power management system into multiple independent power sources, each capable of supplying power to a subset of server modules. This segmentation allows the system to scale power capacity by adding more power sources rather than increasing the load on a single power source, thereby supporting higher productivity without proportional increases in power consumption from a single source.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic power allocation where power sources can be dynamically assigned to different server modules based on current power needs and availability. The system can reconfigure power distribution in real-time, allowing flexible adaptation to changing power requirements as server modules are added or removed, thus managing power consumption efficiently while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If conventional power management techniques are used to reduce power consumption by reducing voltage or frequency, then power consumption is reduced, but system performance is compromised and user input is required which may not accurately reflect actual power needs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidsystem performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where power management logic continuously monitors the actual power consumption of server modules and uses this information to dynamically adjust power allocation. This feedback loop allows the system to optimize power consumption without compromising performance, as power is adjusted based on actual needs rather than static voltage/frequency reductions that blindly sacrifice performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables server modules to self-report their power requirements and performance status to the power management logic. Each module can autonomously indicate its power needs based on current workloads, allowing the system to allocate power efficiently without requiring user input or manual performance degradation. The modules essentially manage their own power consumption needs through self-service reporting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If a single power input/source is used to supply power to all server modules, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability and flexibility to manage power for varying numbers and types of modules are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower distribution system complexityVSAvoidpower allocation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs power sources and power management logic that can universally interface with different types and numbers of server modules. Each power source is designed to be flexible in its output configuration, and the power management logic can dynamically adapt to various module types and quantities. This multi-functionality allows the same power distribution system to handle diverse configurations without requiring complex custom wiring or control logic for each scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If power management logic dynamically allocates power based on priority levels, then the adaptability and responsiveness to different power scenarios are improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional communication and control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower allocation responsivenessVSAvoidpower management system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the power management logic with the existing system management processor in each server module, eliminating the need for separate dedicated power management hardware. The communication port used for general system management is also used for power management communications, merging multiple functions into existing infrastructure. This reduces the overall device complexity while maintaining the adaptability of dynamic power allocation based on priority levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8108703B2Power management server for managing power consumption
Publication Date: 2012.01.31 LENOVO GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES SWITZERLAND INTERNATIONAL GMBH
  • US8108703B2 patent drawing
  • US8108703B2 patent drawing
  • US8108703B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A power management server and method for managing power consumption is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a power management server data processing system is provided, where the power management server data processing system comprises a power management communication port to communicatively couple the power management server data processing system to a power-managed server data processing system and a system management processor coupled to the power management communication port. In the described embodiment, the system management processor comprises power management logic configured to receive power management data from the power-managed server data processing system, to generate a power management command utilizing the power management data, and to transmit the power management command to the power-managed server data processing system utilizing the power management communication port. Moreover, the power management data of the described embodiment comprises power management capability data.