Storage Array Power Management via Storage Area Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Redundant storage arrays consume more power due to the need for a redundant storage resource, and traditional power management methods, such as powering down one resource, leave the array in a degraded state, compromising data integrity and recoverability.
Innovation Solution
The method involves segmenting physical storage resources into a first storage area and a second storage area, activating a first logical unit for the first storage area, placing a designated resource in powersave mode, and storing write operations in a second logical unit, allowing for power savings without compromising data integrity or recoverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a redundant storage resource is maintained in a powered-on state, then data integrity and recoverability are improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments each physical storage resource into two distinct storage areas: a first storage area that remains accessible for normal operations and a second storage area that can be powered down. This segmentation allows the system to maintain data integrity in the first storage area while reducing power consumption by placing the second storage area in a powered-off state, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic power management by allowing the storage resource to transition between different power states. The controller can dynamically determine when to power on or off the second storage area based on system needs, enabling the array to adapt its power consumption levels while maintaining the capability to recover data when needed, thus balancing reliability and energy efficiency.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a physical storage resource is powered down to reduce power consumption, then power usage decreases, but the storage array enters a degraded state compromising data recoverability
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing each physical storage resource into a first storage area and a second storage area, the patent enables selective powering down of only the second storage area. This segmentation ensures that the first storage area remains operational and accessible, preventing the array from entering a degraded state while still achieving power savings from the powered-off second storage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different functional roles and power states to different parts of the storage resource. The first storage area maintains full functionality and remains powered on for critical operations, while the second storage area can be powered down to save energy. This localized differentiation allows the system to optimize power consumption without compromising overall data recoverability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If write operations are redirected to a powered-off resource, then power consumption is reduced, but data storage capability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary that manages write operations to powered-off storage resources. The controller can retrieve data from the powered-off second storage area when needed, process it, and make it available to the system. This intermediary mechanism enables the system to utilize storage capacity from powered-off resources without requiring those resources to remain powered on, thus reducing power consumption while maintaining storage capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for managing a storage array are disclosed. A method may include segmenting each of a plurality of physical storage resources into a first storage area and a second storage area. The method may also include activating a first logical unit including each first storage area of the plurality of physical storage resources. The method may additionally include placing at least one designated physical resource of the plurality of physical storage resources in a powersave mode. The method may further include activating a second logical unit including the second storage areas of some of the plurality of physical storage resources but not the at least one designated physical storage resource. Moreover, the method may include storing data associated with a write operation intended for the at least one designated physical storage resource to the second logical unit.