Processor Cooling Control for Minimum Power Dissipation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cooling and voltage compensation techniques in computer processors lead to increased dynamic power and leakage current, resulting in higher electrical energy costs and reduced performance, while also increasing system cooling and electrical energy costs.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that dynamically adjusts cooling subsystems based on real-time data and part-specific parameters to optimize processor power dissipation by maintaining an efficient temperature corresponding to minimum power dissipation, using a register to store power differences and control cooling subsystems accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If voltage compensation techniques are used to maintain higher operating frequencies at lower temperatures, then processor operating frequency is improved, but dynamic power and leakage current increase resulting in higher processor power dissipation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating frequencyVSAvoidprocessor power dissipation

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operating temperature parameter to optimize power dissipation. By allowing the processor to operate at a controlled higher temperature rather than aggressively cooling it, the system reduces leakage current and overall power dissipation while using voltage compensation to maintain acceptable operating frequencies

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic thermal management where the cooling system and voltage compensation work together in real-time. The system dynamically adjusts cooling intensity and voltage levels based on actual temperature and performance requirements, rather than using fixed aggressive cooling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If aggressive cooling is applied to reduce junction temperature, then processor reliability is improved, but system cooling costs and electrical energy costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessor operation reliabilityVSAvoidcooling system power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of applying full aggressive cooling continuously, the patent uses partial cooling action only when necessary. The cooling intensity is modulated to maintain temperature within an optimal range rather than aggressively pushing to minimum temperatures, reducing cooling system power consumption while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback-based thermal management system that monitors junction temperature and dynamically adjusts cooling intensity. The cooling system responds to actual temperature conditions and processor workload, applying cooling only when and where needed, thereby reducing overall cooling power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Use of energy by stationary object

If junction temperature is allowed to increase, then cooling system power consumption is reduced, but leakage current increases resulting in higher electrical energy costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling system power consumptionVSAvoidleakage current

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the temperature parameter by establishing an optimal temperature range rather than minimizing it. By controlling temperature to stay within this optimal range through coordinated voltage compensation and selective cooling, the system minimizes leakage current while avoiding excessive cooling power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This approach reduces power dissipation and cooling costs while maintaining high performance by avoiding overcooling, enabling efficient operation at higher turbo frequencies and reduced overall power consumption.

Implementation Method 1

Cooling systems may reduce the junction temperature (e.g., the highest internal transistor operating temperature) of computer processors to ensure proper operation of the processors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

voltage compensation techniques may be used to maintain higher operating frequencies of processors at lower temperatures

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage compensation:

Implementation Method 3

The voltage compensation techniques, however, may also result in higher dynamic power and leakage current, which in turn creates a substantial increase in processor power dissipation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3844591B1Processor power optimization in terms of system cooling overhead

Publication Date: 2026.03.18 INTEL CORP

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AI summary

Systems, apparatuses and methods may provide for technology that determines an efficient temperature of a processor based on real-time data and one or more part-specific parameters associated with the processor, determines a set of power differences between other temperatures and the efficient temperature, and stores the set of power differences to a register. In one example, a cooling subsystem is controlled based on the set of power differences in the register.