UPS Shutdown Sequencing for Virtualized Server Runtime Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) face challenges in managing shutdown procedures for servers, particularly when the predicted shutdown time exceeds the available runtime, leading to potential power interruptions and data loss, as they lack efficient mechanisms to dynamically update shutdown times and assess energy capacity.
Innovation Solution
A UPS system with a controller that receives indications of server shutdown procedures, determines the baseline shutdown time, and updates it based on actual execution times, energy capacity, and service changes, enabling continuous power provision and suggesting energy-storage device additions to match energy demands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the UPS system uses a fixed baseline shutdown time, then the system operation is simple, but the shutdown time accuracy deteriorates when actual shutdown duration varies
Solution Approach 1:
The UPS controller monitors actual shutdown durations and uses this feedback to dynamically update the baseline shutdown time. When a shutdown procedure is completed, the actual duration is measured and compared with the predicted baseline, and the baseline is adjusted accordingly to improve future predictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The baseline shutdown time is transformed from a static fixed value to a dynamic parameter that automatically adjusts based on observed shutdown patterns. The system adapts the baseline timing to match actual shutdown durations, enabling accurate prediction without manual reconfiguration.
2Reliability
If the UPS system dynamically updates baseline shutdown time, then the shutdown time prediction accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UPS controller automatically performs the updates to baseline shutdown time without requiring external intervention or complex configuration. The system self-adjusts by monitoring its own shutdown performance and autonomously refining its timing predictions.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual configuration and adjustment of shutdown timing parameters is replaced by an automated electronic control system that dynamically calculates and updates baseline times based on real-time monitoring and prediction algorithms.
3Reliability
If the UPS system provides power for extended shutdown procedures, then the data integrity is improved, but the energy capacity is consumed faster
Solution Approach 1:
The UPS controller predicts the shutdown time in advance and uses this prediction to determine whether to initiate and support the shutdown procedure. By anticipating the required duration, the system can make informed decisions about energy allocation before the shutdown begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts operational parameters including baseline shutdown time and runtime thresholds based on observed patterns and current conditions, allowing optimization of the balance between maintaining data integrity and conserving energy capacity.
4Loss of energy
If the runtime threshold is set low, then the energy capacity is conserved, but the risk of power interruption during shutdown increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary assessment of predicted shutdown time before committing energy resources. By evaluating whether the predicted duration exceeds the runtime threshold in advance, the system can prevent power interruptions while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption for procedures that will complete within available capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure include a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions for controlling at least one uninterruptible power supply (UPS) configured to provide power to at least one server executing one or more services, the instructions instructing at least one processor to receive an indication of the services initiating a shutdown procedure, determine that a predicted shutdown time (PST) of the shutdown procedure exceeds a baseline shutdown time (BST) to perform the shutdown procedure, the BST being less than an available runtime of the UPS, control the UPS to continue providing power to the server responsive to determining that the PST is less than the available runtime and that the PST exceeds the BST, receive an indication that the shutdown procedure is successfully executed over an actual shutdown time (AST), and update the BST responsive to determining that the AST is different than the BST.