Staggered Power-Up Management Controller for Data Center Surge Mitigation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Information handling systems face challenges in efficiently managing power-up sequences, leading to high power demands and potential power surges in data centers, as existing solutions lack a systematic approach to delay power-up times across multiple systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a management controller and power distribution circuit to detect and implement a delay power-up setting within the BIOS, enabling a delayed power-up sequence for information handling systems, which can be configured through settings like 'DELAY', 'RANDOM DELAY', or 'STAGGER DELAY', reducing power consumption and mitigating power surges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If information handling systems power up simultaneously after power restoration, then all systems can resume operation quickly, but power surges and high power demands occur that may damage equipment or trip circuit breakers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the simultaneous power-up event into staggered, sequential power-up events. Each information handling system is assigned a delayed power-up time based on its identifier, spreading the power demand over time rather than concentrating it at a single moment. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining system resume capability while eliminating power surge hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing delayed power-up times for each information handling system before power restoration occurs. The management controller prepares the power-up sequence in advance, ensuring that when power is restored, systems activate in a predetermined staggered sequence rather than simultaneously, thus preventing power surges before they can occur.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a delayed power-up sequence is implemented across multiple information handling systems, then power surges are reduced and equipment safety is improved, but system complexity increases due to coordination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling each information handling system to autonomously determine its own delayed power-up time based on its unique identifier and the power-up sequence algorithm. Rather than requiring centralized coordination or complex communication protocols between systems, each system independently calculates and executes its power-up timing, significantly reducing overall system complexity while still achieving power surge mitigation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If delayed power-up times are configured for each information handling system, then power demands are spread out and power surges are minimized, but power-up time for individual systems is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing delayed power-up only for systems that are restoring from a power loss condition, while allowing systems that were already powered on to continue operating without interruption. Additionally, the delay is minimized to the extent necessary to prevent power surges, rather than implementing excessive delays. This resolves the contradiction by applying the time delay selectively and minimally, reducing overall time loss while still achieving power demand spreading.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of delaying power-up of an information handling system is disclosed. According to an aspect, a method of powering an information handling system can include detecting a delay power-up setting within a basic input output system (BIOS) of a particular information handling system using a management controller. The management controller can be configured to delay power-up of the particular information handling system. The method can further include enabling a power-up of the particular information handling system in response to the delay power-up setting using the management controller.