Sequential Power-Up of Cluster Devices to Prevent Inrush Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
High performance computing clusters face issues with inrush currents during power-up, which can trip circuit breakers, leading to disruptions and potential damage, as existing methods do not effectively manage the sequential powering of devices to prevent cumulative current overload.
Innovation Solution
A method that identifies and sequences the power-on of devices in a computing cluster, prioritizing network switches and external data storage devices before server nodes, while ensuring the cumulative inrush current does not exceed the current rating of the circuit breakers, using a central management entity to control the power-up sequence and manage inrush currents across the cluster.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If all devices are powered on simultaneously, then power-up speed is improved, but inrush current exceeds circuit breaker rating causing tripping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments devices into multiple groups based on their power requirements and dependencies. By dividing devices into groups that can be powered on in different batches, the inrush current is distributed over time rather than occurring simultaneously, preventing circuit breaker tripping while maintaining acceptable power-up speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary identification and classification of devices before power-up. Devices are pre-sorted into groups based on their power characteristics and dependencies, allowing the power management system to execute a predetermined sequential power-up sequence that prevents inrush current problems.
2Reliability
If devices are powered on sequentially to limit inrush current, then circuit breaker reliability is improved, but power-up time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different power-up sequencing strategies to different device groups based on their specific characteristics. Critical infrastructure devices receive prioritized power-up sequences, while less critical devices are powered on in subsequent batches. This localized differentiation allows reliable circuit breaker operation while minimizing overall power-up time through parallel processing of independent device groups.
3Reliability
If inductors are added to limit inrush current, then circuit breaker reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a power management system as an intermediary between the power source and devices. This intermediary controller coordinates the sequential power-up sequence and monitors inrush current levels, eliminating the need for physical inductors in each power supply while maintaining circuit breaker reliability through centralized control.
4Ease of operation
If random power-up sequence is used, then ease of operation is improved, but inrush current management becomes uncontrolled causing disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the power management system continuously monitors inrush current levels and adjusts the power-up sequence accordingly. This feedback control allows the system to maintain simple operation while preventing inrush current disruptions through real-time monitoring and adaptive sequencing.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of powering on a plurality of devices includes identifying a plurality of power distribution units disposed in a rack, wherein each power distribution units is connected to receive power from a main power source, and wherein each power distribution unit includes a circuit breaker. The method further includes identifying a plurality of devices disposed in the rack, wherein each device is connected to receive power from one of the power distribution units, and wherein the plurality of devices are selected from server nodes, network switches and external data storage devices. For each of the power distribution units, the plurality of devices that are connected to the power distribution unit are powered on in a sequence to prevent an inrush current from tripping the circuit breaker within the power distribution unit. The sequence powers on the devices identified as network switches and external data storage devices prior to powering on the devices identified as server nodes.