Rack Power Supply Unit Switching for Conversion Efficiency

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power management systems in rack systems for Internet data centers suffer from inefficient energy conversion, leading to energy waste when servers operate at varying utilization rates, as the power distribution units or built-in power supply units do not maintain optimized conversion efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that includes a rack management controller to monitor and adjust the number of active power supply units based on real-time conversion efficiency, using a conversion efficiency table to ensure optimal operation by turning units on or off as needed, thereby maintaining efficient energy conversion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the number of power supply units is reduced to save energy, then energy consumption decreases, but power supply reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidpower supply reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the number of active power supply units based on real-time server workload and power consumption. The rack management controller monitors power usage and activates or deactivates power supply units as needed, transitioning the power supply configuration from static to dynamic to optimize energy efficiency while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the rack management controller continuously monitors server power consumption and compares it against thresholds. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically adjusts the number of active power supply units, creating a closed-loop control system that balances energy savings with power supply reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If all power supply units are kept on to ensure reliability, then power supply reliability is maintained, but energy waste increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidenergy waste

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of keeping all power supply units continuously active, the system applies partial action by activating only the necessary number of power supply units based on current power demands. The rack management controller calculates the optimal number of active units and activates only that portion, avoiding the excessive energy consumption of running all units at full capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameter of power supply units from a fixed 'always on' state to a variable state where the number of active units is adjusted based on real-time conditions. This parameter change enables the system to optimize the balance between reliability and energy efficiency by adapting to varying power demands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If power supply units are frequently adjusted to optimize efficiency, then energy efficiency improves, but system stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidsystem stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic monitoring and adjustment of power supply units rather than continuous changes. The rack management controller checks power consumption at regular intervals and makes adjustments only when necessary, preventing excessive or unstable fluctuations in the power supply configuration while still achieving energy efficiency improvements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares for potential power supply changes by establishing threshold values and adjustment rules in advance. Before making any changes to power supply unit activation, the controller evaluates whether the change is necessary and appropriate, cushioning against unnecessary or destabilizing adjustments while allowing beneficial efficiency improvements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS12592567B2Power management method of system and related internet data center

Publication Date: 2026.03.31 WIWYNN CORP

AI summary

A system includes at least one server and a power supply having multiple power supply units. After system boot-up, all power supply units in the power supply are turned on for supplying power to the at least one server. Next, the maximum output power value of the power supply and the conversion efficiency table containing the relationship between the loading rate and the conversion efficiency of the power supply are acquired, and the real-time conversion efficiency of the power supply is calculated. When it is determined based on the real-time conversion efficiency and the conversion efficiency table of the power supply that the power supply is not currently operating with an optimized conversion efficiency, one or more power supply units in the power supply are turned off or turned on according to a predetermined rule.