Server Chassis Airflow Estimation Using Fan Power Curves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for estimating volumetric airflow rate in information handling systems require labor-intensive characterization of each unique server system platform configuration, limiting flexibility and increasing development time and expenses, as they are only valid for specific configurations and rely solely on cooling fan speed.
Innovation Solution
Implementing real-time measurement of cooling fan power consumption and using standalone or system-level cooling fan power characteristics to determine the volumetric airflow rate through the chassis enclosure, allowing for continuous measurement without the need for static data collection for each configuration, and enabling estimation regardless of differences in system components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional predefined correlation of system airflow as a function of system cooling fan speed is used, then airflow estimation is achieved for a given configuration, but the method requires separate laboratory characterization for each unique server system platform configuration, increasing development time and expenses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the airflow determination from configuration-specific correlations and bases it instead on power consumption measurements and standalone fan characteristics. This removes the need for repeated system-level characterization while maintaining accuracy by focusing on the fundamental relationship between power consumption and airflow that is independent of system configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal method for airflow determination that works across different server system platform configurations. By using power consumption measurements and standalone fan characteristics curves rather than configuration-specific correlations, the same approach can be applied to any system with the given fan types, eliminating the need for separate characterization of each unique configuration.
2Measurement precision
If laboratory characterization is performed for each unique server system platform configuration, then accurate airflow correlation is obtained, but the process must be repeated multiple times for different fan configurations and system configurations, increasing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the airflow determination from complex system-level correlations and bases it on simpler power consumption measurements and standalone fan characteristics. This reduces the characterization complexity by focusing on measurable electrical parameters and pre-obtained fan curves rather than requiring complex system-level airflow measurements for each configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own power consumption measurements to determine airflow, eliminating the need for external laboratory characterization equipment and processes. The BMC controller measures power consumption directly and uses this self-generated data with stored fan characteristics to determine airflow, making the system self-sufficient.
3Measurement precision
If conventional predefined correlation based on fan speed is used, then airflow estimation is achieved, but the method is only valid for a single unique given server system platform configuration, reducing adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal airflow determination method that works across different server system platform configurations. By using power consumption measurements and standalone fan characteristics curves rather than configuration-specific correlations, the same approach can be applied to any system with the given fan types, eliminating the need for separate characterization of each unique configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the basis of airflow determination from fan speed to power consumption. This parameter change enables adaptability because power consumption measurements can be obtained for any fan configuration, and the relationship between power consumption and airflow can be captured through standalone fan characteristics, making the method versatile across different configurations.
4Measurement precision
If separate characterization is performed for each fan type and system configuration, then accurate correlations are obtained, but development expenses increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the airflow determination from expensive system-level characterization and bases it on power consumption measurements and standalone fan characteristics. This reduces development expenses by eliminating the need for repeated laboratory testing and correlation development for each system configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses standalone fan characteristics curves that can be obtained once for each fan type and then reused across multiple system configurations. Instead of performing expensive system-level characterization for each configuration, the method copies and applies the same power consumption-based approach with appropriate fan characteristics to different systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are systems and methods that may be implemented in real time to determine the total volumetric rate of airflow through a chassis enclosure of an information handling system platform directly from real time measured cooling fan power consumption in combination with standalone or system-level cooling fan power characteristics (e.g., expressed as cooling fan power curves) that relate cooling fan volumetric airflow rate to cooling fan power consumption at the current fan rotation speed. This determined value of total real time volumetric airflow rate may then be used, for example, by individual system level thermal control algorithms and/or data center level thermal control algorithms.