Shared Fan and Power Modules in Rack-Level Server Chassis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data centers face challenges with excessive heat generation leading to high cooling costs and increased maintenance needs due to server failures, which affect system performance and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A modular rack-level server and storage framework that includes a shared fan module for cooling, a shared power module for power distribution, and a management module for centralized monitoring and control, allowing for efficient resource sharing and reduced maintenance costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple server systems are placed in a data center to increase information processing capacity, then productivity is improved, but heat generation increases leading to higher cooling costs and performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple server systems into a single integrated rack-mounted framework where servers share common cooling infrastructure, power distribution, and management systems. This merging approach allows increased processing capacity within the same physical space while reducing overall heat generation per unit of computation through shared cooling resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack-level framework provides universal cooling and power distribution systems that serve multiple server functions simultaneously. The cooling system acts as a shared resource across all servers in the rack, and the power distribution unit provides multi-functional power management, thereby improving productivity without proportionally increasing cooling capacity requirements.
2Productivity
If traditional server installation methods are used, then servers can be quickly deployed, but maintenance costs increase and system efficiency decreases due to lack of resource sharing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges individual server maintenance functions into centralized rack-level management systems. The shared cooling system, power distribution unit, and domain controller provide unified management and monitoring capabilities that reduce maintenance costs while improving overall system efficiency through centralized control and resource optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack-level framework incorporates self-monitoring and self-management capabilities through the domain controller and shared management module. These systems automatically monitor server status, manage power distribution, and coordinate cooling resources, reducing the need for manual intervention and lowering maintenance costs while improving system efficiency.
3Temperature
If individual cooling systems are assigned to each server, then each server can be cooled effectively, but device complexity and cooling costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges individual server cooling systems into a single rack-level cooling framework. The shared cooling system uses common fans and airflow management to cool multiple servers simultaneously, reducing device complexity while maintaining effective temperature control through centralized cooling resource allocation.
4Productivity
If separate power supplies are used for each server, then power distribution is simple, but system efficiency decreases and resource sharing is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges individual server power supplies into a shared power distribution system at the rack level. The power distribution unit provides centralized power management for multiple servers, improving system efficiency through resource sharing while managing complexity through unified power control and monitoring capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular rack-level server and storage framework is disclosed. The modular rack system includes a plurality of chassis placed in one or more racks and a plurality of sleds placed in each chassis. Each sled includes an information handling system, a shared fan module, a shared power module, and a shared management module. The shared fan module cools the plurality of sleds in each chassis and the shared power module supplies power to one or more sleds in one or more chassis. The shared management module manages the operation of the plurality of chassis.