Server Power Limit Adjustment for Backup Uptime Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information handling systems, such as servers, face challenges in extending uptime during power outages due to limited uninterruptible power supply (UPS) capacity, as existing methods do not efficiently manage power distribution and component usage to maximize backup power utilization.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where controllers communicate with UPSs to dynamically adjust power limits for servers based on reserve power capacity, allowing for flexible allocation and reduction of power consumption by disabling non-essential components, and redistributing power among servers as needed to extend uptime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the server operates at full power capacity, then processing performance is maximized, but the duration of backup power operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the power consumption of server components based on the remaining backup power capacity. The controller continuously monitors the UPS status and modifies operational parameters in real-time, transitioning from static full-power operation to dynamic adaptive power management that extends backup duration while maintaining essential functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes operational parameters by disabling non-essential components and reducing power consumption of essential components during backup power operation. This parameter adjustment allows the system to operate within the limited power capacity of the UPS while extending the overall operational duration beyond what would be possible at full power.
2Duration of action of moving object
If non-essential components are disabled to reduce power consumption, then backup power duration is extended, but system functionality is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by selectively disabling only non-essential components while maintaining full or reduced operation of essential components. This partial disabling approach extends backup power duration without completely sacrificing system functionality, achieving a balanced compromise between duration and capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments system components into essential and non-essential categories, allowing independent control of power allocation. By segmenting the component hierarchy and applying different power management strategies to different segments, the system extends backup duration while preserving critical functionalities.
3Duration of action of moving object
If power is redistributed among multiple servers, then overall system uptime is extended, but individual server performance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the power management of multiple servers into a unified controlled environment. By coordinating power consumption across multiple servers and redistributing available backup power centrally, the overall system uptime is extended beyond what any single server could achieve independently, even though individual server performance is reduced.
Solution Approach 2:
The UPS system performs multiple functions by serving as both a power source and a central power management controller. It dynamically allocates power to multiple servers based on their essential functionality needs, creating a universal power distribution system that optimizes total system survival time rather than individual server performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A server chassis includes an uninterruptible power supply, and a server including a controller. The uninterruptible power supply is configured to provide a reserve power when a primary power is lost, and to send a power loss signal when the primary power is lost. The controller is configured to receive a desired server uptime, to receive an indication that a power limit for the server is fixed or decreasing over the desired server, to receive the power loss signal from the uninterruptible power supply, to send a power capacity query to the uninterruptible power supply, to receive a reserve power capacity of the uninterruptible power supply in response to the power capacity query, to calculate the power limit for the server based on the reserve power capacity of the uninterruptible power supply and on the desired server uptime, and to enforce the power limit on the server.