Dual Redundant RAID Controller Power Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dual redundant RAID controllers in information handling systems often operate at full power even during periods of low utilization, leading to decreased power efficiency due to the need for high uptime and availability, which results in significant energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

Implement a method to dynamically switch one controller into a low power mode when performance characteristics fall below a predetermined threshold, reassigning logical unit numbers (LUNs) to the second controller, allowing for reduced power consumption without interrupting system operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dual redundant RAID controllers are kept powered on at all times to ensure high uptime and availability, then system reliability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem availabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts controller power states based on real-time workload conditions. Controllers transition between active and low-power states according to performance thresholds, enabling adaptability between reliability and power efficiency requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters of controllers by switching them between different power states (active, standby, low-power). This parameter change allows the system to optimize power consumption while maintaining availability through controlled state transitions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If controllers are placed in low power mode during low utilization periods, then power efficiency is improved, but system response time may worsen during reactivation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower efficiencyVSAvoidcontroller reactivation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Controllers are kept in a standby state with minimal functionality maintained, allowing for quick reactivation when needed. This preliminary preparation reduces the time penalty associated with full cold reactivation while still achieving significant power savings

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Use of energy by moving object

If one controller is switched to low power mode, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases due to LUN reassignment requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcontroller management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements universal LUN access capabilities where either controller can service any LUN. This multi-functionality simplifies the reassignment process by making controllers interchangeable, reducing the management complexity despite the dynamic power state changes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8145932B2Systems, methods and media for reducing power consumption in multiple controller information handling systems

Publication Date: 2012.03.27 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

An information handling system (IHS) provides a method for conserving power. The method includes monitoring at least one performance characteristic of the IHS and determining if the at least one performance characteristic is below a low performance threshold. If the at least one performance characteristic is below the low performance threshold, a first controller is switched into a low power mode, wherein a first set of logical unit numbers (LUNs) are reassigned to a second controller.