Server Module Thermal Management via Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing server devices with multiple modules face challenges in executing control strategies that consider the life extension and optimal operation of the device, particularly in managing temperature and fan usage effectively, leading to potential increased failure rates.
Innovation Solution
A server device with a management unit and temperature measurement parts that decide which server modules to run based on temperature measurements, ensuring operation within optimal temperature ranges and balancing fan usage to prevent overheating and undercooling, thereby extending the device's lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a blade server is decided to turn on based on power supplied to the cooling fan, then power efficiency is improved, but the server module may operate in inappropriate temperature conditions leading to increased failure rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by measuring the actual temperature of server modules and using this information to adjust fan operation and server module activation decisions. Temperature sensors provide real-time feedback to the control unit, which then optimizes both cooling fan operation and server module power supply based on actual thermal conditions rather than predetermined patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables server modules to self-regulate their operational state based on their own temperature measurements. Each server module's temperature is monitored independently, and the control unit decisions are based on this self-reported thermal status, allowing the system to autonomously maintain optimal operating conditions without external intervention.
2Loss of energy
If cooling fan operation is optimized for power efficiency, then energy consumption is reduced, but temperature distribution becomes uneven causing some server modules to overheat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing individualized cooling control for different regions of the chassis based on local temperature conditions. Each server module's temperature is measured independently, and fan operation is adjusted to address specific thermal hotspots rather than applying uniform cooling across all areas, thereby achieving both energy efficiency and appropriate temperature distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic cooling control where fan speed and operation are continuously adjusted based on real-time temperature measurements from multiple server modules. This dynamic adaptation allows the cooling system to respond to changing thermal conditions, maintaining optimal temperature distribution while minimizing energy consumption.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively manages server module operation and fan usage to maintain optimal temperatures, reducing failure rates and extending the server device's lifespan by preventing extreme temperature conditions and ensuring uniform cooling.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature measurement part configured to perform measurement of temperatures of the server modules
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of cooling fans in a chassis... The management unit is configured to control the server modules
Data Source
AI summary
A server device having a plurality of server modules and a plurality of cooling fans in a chassis includes: a management unit configured to control the server modules; and a temperature measurement part configured to perform measurement of temperatures of the server modules. The management unit is configured to decide a server module to run on a basis of a result of the measurement by the temperature measurement part.