Programmable Power Profiles for Redundant Storage Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
High availability storage systems often operate at maximum power consumption continuously, leading to increased costs and inefficient energy use, as they are typically configured for maximum redundancy without consideration for varying availability needs over time.
Innovation Solution
Implementing programmable power profiles for redundant modules in storage systems, allowing for temporary power down during periods of reduced availability, with controllers ensuring immediate restoration upon need, thereby reducing overall power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If storage systems are configured with maximum redundancy for high availability, then system reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of redundant modules based on real-time availability requirements. Controllers monitor system state and automatically power down redundant modules when full redundancy is not needed, then power them up when availability requirements increase, making the redundancy configuration flexible and adaptive rather than static
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of redundant modules by transitioning them between powered-on and powered-off states. This parameter change (power state) allows the system to optimize power consumption while maintaining the capability to provide high availability when required, effectively managing the trade-off between reliability and energy use
2Productivity
If storage systems operate continuously at maximum power consumption, then system response time and I/O performance are improved, but cost of ownership increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic monitoring of availability requirements and adjusts the power state of redundant modules accordingly. Rather than operating continuously at maximum power, the system periodically assesses whether full redundancy is needed and adjusts its operational state, achieving cost savings while maintaining performance when required
3Loss of energy
If redundant modules are powered down to reduce power consumption, then power efficiency is improved, but system availability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where controllers continuously monitor system state, availability requirements, and operational conditions. This feedback enables intelligent decision-making about when to power down or power up redundant modules, ensuring that power efficiency is optimized without compromising availability when it is actually needed
Solution Approach 2:
The redundant modules are designed to be self-managing, with controllers that automatically determine when to transition between powered-on and powered-off states based on system needs. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual intervention while maintaining the balance between power efficiency and availability
Data Source
AI summary
Storage systems include a plurality of enclosures interconnected to provide a network. Each enclosure includes a first power supply module, a redundant power supply module, a first electronics module, and a redundant electronics module in electrical communication with the first electronics module and providing redundant functionality of the first electronics module. Each of the modules of each enclosure is individually associated with a separate power profile dedicated to that module. The power profile of each given module includes one or more programmable power parameters that determine when to power down and power up that given module during operation of the storage system.