WO2013145272A1

WO2013145272A1 - Information processing device and program

Info

Publication number: WO2013145272A1
Application number: PCT/JP2012/058639
Authority: WO
Inventors: 山口裕二
Original assignee: 富士通株式会社
Priority date: 2012-03-30
Filing date: 2012-03-30
Publication date: 2013-10-03

Abstract

In one system in which the present invention is applied it is possible for DC power to be supplied from each of a plurality of power source devices, and this system has: a setting unit which sets, as a condition, a relationship between a DC power amount requested with respect to each of the plurality of power source devices, and a conversion efficiency indicating the efficiency of conversion from AC power source input of each of the plurality of power source devices to DC power source output; and a specifying unit which specifies, in such a way that the condition is satisfied, a power source device group that supplies DC power, from among the plurality of power source devices.

Description

Information processing apparatus and program

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus equipped with a plurality of power supply apparatuses.

Among electronic devices, there are electronic devices equipped with a plurality of power supply devices to supply necessary power. The power consumption of the electronic device varies depending on the load. For this reason, in an electronic apparatus equipped with a plurality of power supply devices, one or more power supply devices are selectively operated in accordance with the required amount of power. For example, in a blade server that is an electronic device equipped with multiple server blades each capable of operating as a single server, operate as many power supply units as necessary to supply the required amount of power according to the number of server blades to be operated Is done. By selecting the power supply device that is actually operated among the power supply devices, in other words, by not operating the power supply device that does not need to be operated, the power consumption of the entire electronic device can be suppressed.

In electronic devices such as blade servers, reliability and processing capacity have been questioned so far, and power consumption has not been relatively important. Recently, however, consideration for the environment has been demanded. In consideration of the environment, in electronic devices, it may be considered to place importance on further reducing power consumption even if the manufacturing cost increases.

The conversion efficiency of the power supply device varies depending on the load, that is, output power. In terms of power saving of the electronic device, it is desirable to increase the conversion efficiency of the entire power supply device. For this reason, among conventional electronic devices, there is an electronic device that specifies a combination of power supply devices that achieves optimum conversion efficiency in accordance with a required amount of power, and operates the power supply device of the specified combination. In the conventional electronic device, since the combination power supply device that achieves the optimum conversion efficiency is operated according to the required electric energy, the power consumption can be suppressed.

The combination of the power supply devices that are actually specified varies depending on the amount of power required, and the conversion efficiency of the combination of the specified power supply devices varies depending on the amount of power and the content of the combination. For this reason, high conversion efficiency in an electronic device is not always realizable even if the optimal combination is specified from among the mounted power supply devices. For this reason, there is a possibility that an electronic device equipped with a plurality of power supply devices is desired to always maintain a desired conversion efficiency.

JP 2009-201244 A JP 2010-16921 A

In one aspect, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique for enabling a desired conversion efficiency to be maintained in an electronic device including a plurality of power supply devices.

In the first proposal, one system to which the present invention is applied can supply DC power from each of a plurality of power supply devices, and the amount of DC power required for each of the plurality of power supply devices and the plurality of power supply devices. A setting unit that sets the relationship between the conversion efficiency indicating the efficiency of conversion from each AC power supply input to a DC power supply output as a condition, and a power supply device group that supplies DC power from a plurality of power supply devices, And a specifying unit that specifies to satisfy

In one system to which the present invention is applied, a desired conversion efficiency can be maintained in an electronic device equipped with a plurality of power supply devices.

It is a figure explaining the function structural example of the power supply optimization assistance apparatus by this embodiment. It is a figure explaining the output-conversion efficiency characteristic of the power supply device which satisfy | fills 80PLUS GOLD standard. It is a figure explaining the change of the output-conversion efficiency characteristic by the number of the power supply devices to be operated when the number of the power supply devices satisfying the 80PLUS GOLD standard is two. It is a figure explaining the change of the output-conversion efficiency characteristic implement | achieved by the power supply device of the number, when the number of the power supply devices which satisfy | fill the 80PLUS GOLD standard is two. It is a figure explaining the change of the output-conversion efficiency characteristic by the number of the power supply devices to be operated when the number of the power supply devices satisfying the 80PLUS GOLD standard is eight. It is a figure explaining the change of the output-conversion efficiency characteristic implement | achieved by the power supply device of the number, when the number of the power supply devices which satisfy | fill the 80PLUS GOLD standard is eight. It is a figure explaining the example of the content of a power supply module table. It is a figure explaining the content of the required number determination table. It is a flowchart of a 1st power supply module determination process. It is a flowchart of a 2nd power supply module determination process. It is a figure showing an example of the hardware constitutions of the computer which can apply this embodiment. It is a figure explaining the example of composition of the electronic equipment by this embodiment. It is a figure explaining the example of functional composition of a power management device. It is a figure explaining the example of the content of a power management table. It is a flowchart of a power management process. It is a figure explaining the structural example of the power supply device by this embodiment. It is a flowchart of a lifetime stress value calculation process. It is a flowchart of a request response process. It is a flowchart of an output balance adjustment process.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a power optimization support device according to the present embodiment. The power supply optimization support apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment supports the user (designer or user of an electronic device) to determine a power supply device that is appropriate as a power supply device to be mounted on the electronic device. It has been realized.

Before explaining the power optimization support device 1 according to the present embodiment, refer to FIGS. 2 to 6 for the conversion efficiency obtained by the selective operation of the power device mounted on the electronic device and the plurality of power devices. Will be described in detail.

In recent years, 80PLUS has been established as a standard for power conversion efficiency of a power supply for a computer, which is one of electronic devices. The 80PLUS standard requires that a conversion efficiency of 80% or more be satisfied when converting from an AC input to a DC output in a power supply apparatus that requires a plurality of different power supplies. The 80PLUS standards include 80PLUS, 80PLUS BRONZE, 80PLUS SILVER, 80PLUS GOLD, and 80PLUS PLATINUM.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the conversion efficiency characteristics corresponding to the output of a power supply device that satisfies the 80PLUS®GOLD standard. In FIG. 2, the vertical axis represents conversion efficiency (ratio) and the horizontal axis represents output (%). As shown in FIG. 2, the power supply device that satisfies the 80PLUS GOLD standard has a relatively flat conversion efficiency from the low output region to the high output region. 3 to 6 described later, similarly, the vertical axis represents the conversion efficiency (ratio) and the horizontal axis represents the output (%). The output (%) is the percentage obtained by dividing the actual output by the rating.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a change in output-conversion efficiency characteristics depending on the number of power supply devices to be operated when the number of power supply devices satisfying the 80PLUS GOLD standard is two. The conversion efficiency is expressed as “power supply efficiency” in FIG. P1 represents an output-conversion efficiency characteristic when one power supply apparatus operates, and P2 represents a conversion efficiency characteristic (composite characteristic) corresponding to an output when two power supply apparatuses operate. The output (%) represents the rating of one power supply device as 100%. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, “characteristic” is used to mean “conversion efficiency characteristic corresponding to output”. Characteristics obtained by a plurality of power supply devices are hereinafter referred to as “composite characteristics”. Note that the description of “power efficiency” and output (%) in the diagrams for explaining changes in the conversion efficiency characteristics corresponding to the outputs of FIGS. 4 to 6 described later are the same as those in FIG.

In an electronic device equipped with a plurality of power supply devices, a number of power supply devices capable of supplying the required power amount are operated according to the required power amount. For this reason, the operation of the power supply apparatus is started or stopped (ON (ON) / OFF (OFF)) in accordance with a change in the required electric energy. In order to keep the conversion efficiency of the entire power supply device high, it is desirable to start or stop the operation of the power supply device at the intersection of the characteristics P1 and P2, that is, the amount of power at which the characteristics P1 and P2 match. When the operation of one power supply device is started or stopped at the intersection of the characteristics P1 and the characteristics P2, the combined characteristics of the entire power supply apparatus (here, power is supplied by selectively operating the two power supply apparatuses) Characteristics in the entire range (hereinafter referred to as “overall combined characteristics” in order to distinguish from combined characteristics when a plurality of fixed power supply devices are operated) are as shown in FIG.

The overall composite characteristic shown in FIG. 4 corresponds to the highest change in conversion efficiency depending on the amount of power supplied. As is apparent from FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the overall combined characteristics in the range in which power is supplied by one power supply apparatus match the characteristics of one power supply apparatus, and power is supplied by two power supply apparatuses. The overall combined characteristics in the range coincide with the combined characteristics of the two power supply devices. From this, the total composite characteristic is the number of power supply devices used for power supply for each number of power supply devices used for power supply (for each range in which power is supplied depending on the number of power supply devices used for power supply). It changes to the composite characteristics of the power supply.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a change in output-conversion efficiency characteristics depending on the number of power supply devices to be operated when there are eight power supply devices satisfying the 80PLUS GOLD standard. P1 to P8 represent characteristics when 1 to 8 power supply devices operate. The output (%) assumes that the rating of one power supply device is 100%. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining output-conversion efficiency characteristics obtained by the entire power supply apparatus when there are eight power supply apparatuses satisfying the 80PLUS GOLD standard.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, when two power supply devices are selectively operated, points at which the power supply devices are stopped or started, that is, the intersections of the characteristics P1 and the composite characteristics P2, and the characteristics P1 and the composite characteristics There is a valley having a relatively large conversion efficiency in the vicinity of the intersection of P2, and the conversion efficiency is relatively lowest in the valley portion. However, as the number of power supply devices increases, the overall composite characteristic becomes flatter, and the position of the intersection of the characteristic P1 and the composite characteristic P2 moves to a relatively low output region. For this reason, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the conversion efficiency can be maintained higher in a wider range as the number of operating power supply devices increases.

For the above reasons, it is desirable to increase the number of power supply devices in order to maintain high conversion efficiency over a wide range of electric energy. The range of the amount of power required by the electronic device can be estimated from the hardware resources installed in the electronic device. For this reason, the power optimization support device 1 according to the present embodiment allows the user to specify the range of power amount and the lower limit value of the conversion efficiency to be maintained within the range as a condition, and satisfy the specified condition. It is realized as a combination of power supply devices.

A user who is presented with a combination of power supply devices that satisfies the condition can maintain the conversion efficiency at or above the desired conversion efficiency even if the power consumption fluctuates by installing the power supply device of the presented combination in an electronic device. Will be able to. Since the conversion efficiency of the electronic device can be maintained higher than the desired conversion efficiency, the power consumption of the electronic device can be further suppressed. The relationship between the electric energy presented as the condition and the conversion efficiency may be different from the above.

Returning to the description of FIG.
A power optimization support device 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a main body 2, an operation unit 3, and an output processing unit 4. The main body 2 includes an input unit 21, a control unit 22, an output unit 23, a power supply specifying unit 24, and a storage unit 25.

The operation unit 3 is a device that a user (designer) of the power optimization support device 1 operates to input various instructions or data. Specifically, the operation unit 3 corresponds to, for example, a keyboard and a pointing device such as a mouse. The combination of the conditions to be satisfied by the power supply device to be mounted on the electronic device, that is, the assumed power amount range and the conversion efficiency to be maintained within the range is specified by an operation on the operation unit 3. . In the present embodiment, only one set of the electric energy range and conversion efficiency is specified, but a plurality of sets may be specified. This is because, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, it is difficult to maintain higher conversion efficiency in the low output region than in the high output region.

The output processing unit 4 is a device that processes data output from the main body 2. Specifically, the output processing unit 4 corresponds to, for example, a display device and a medium driving device capable of writing data on a recording medium such as an optical disk device. The output processing unit 4 and the operation unit 3 may be a terminal device connected to the main body 2 via a cable or a network.

The operation unit 3 outputs information (operation information) indicating the content of the operation performed by the user. The input unit 21 of the main body 2 inputs the operation information output from the operation unit 3 and outputs the input operation information to the control unit 22. The control unit 22 analyzes the operation information input from the input unit 21 to recognize the instruction requested by the user or the data requested to be input, and performs control according to the recognized instruction or data. The control unit 22 instructs the output unit 23 to create a screen to be displayed and output the created screen so that the user can perform various instructions or data input. Thus, the user can perform various instructions or data input through operations on the operation unit 3 while confirming the screen displayed on the output processing unit 4.

In the present embodiment, the input of the above condition is performed when the user requests to present a combination of power supply devices, for example. When the user makes a request through the operation unit 3, the control unit 22 causes the output unit 23 to output a condition input screen for inputting conditions. Although not specifically shown, the condition input screen includes an input area for inputting conditions, a button for requesting (instructing) presentation of a combination of power supply devices that satisfy the input conditions (hereinafter referred to as “execution button”), A button for instructing cancellation (hereinafter referred to as “cancel button”) and the like are arranged.

The control unit 22 analyzes the operation information input from the input unit 21, specifies data (numerical values) to be displayed in the input area, controls the output unit 23, and the specified data is stored in the input area. The arranged condition input screen is displayed on the output processing unit 4. Accordingly, when the user clicks the execution button by the operation unit 3, the control unit 22 regards the data displayed in the input area of the condition input screen as a condition and outputs it to the power supply specifying unit 24.

As input conditions, as described above, the range of electric energy and the conversion efficiency (lower limit value) to be maintained within the range are specified. Hereinafter, the power value that is the lower limit value of the power amount range is expressed as the required minimum power value Ps, the power value that is the upper limit value of the power amount range is expressed as the required maximum power value Pb, and the conversion efficiency is expressed as the required power supply efficiency ηA. The conversion efficiency is hereinafter referred to as “power supply efficiency”.

The power supply specifying unit 24 specifies a combination of power supply devices that satisfy the conditions input from the control unit 22. The combination is specified with reference to the power supply module table 25a stored in the storage unit 25. The specific result is stored in the storage unit 25 as the necessary number determination table 25b.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of the contents of the power module table.
The type of power supply device that can be mounted on an electronic device is usually different for each electronic device. In addition, the procurement of the power supply device is usually limited to the types selected in advance. The power supply module table 25a is a table representing the types of power supply devices that can be mounted on the electronic device. As shown in FIG. 7, the power supply module table 25a defines a capacity (W) for each power supply device. The capacity (W) is a rated power value. Unless otherwise specified, capacity is used to indicate rating. “PA”, “PB”, and “PN” in FIG. 7 represent the types of power supply modules. In FIG. 7, the power supply device is described as “power supply module”. Hereinafter, the power supply device is referred to as a power supply module.

In the present embodiment, in order to avoid confusion and facilitate understanding, an 80PLUS GOLD power supply module is assumed in which the characteristics, that is, changes due to the output of the power supply efficiency η are expressed as follows. FIG. 7 shows power supply modules having different capacities (ratings). This is because the characteristics of power supply modules having the same capacity cannot be distinguished based on the above assumption.
η = F (p, x) = − 0.2 × (x / p) ² + 0.24 × (x / p) +0.83
... (1)
Here, p is a rated power value of the power supply module, and x is an arbitrary output power value (0 ≦ x ≦ p).

In the plurality of power supply modules, an accumulated value of the rated power values of the plurality of power supply modules may be used as p in the expression (1). Therefore, Equation (1) can be used for calculating the power supply efficiency η regardless of the number of power supply modules.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the contents of the necessary number determination table.
The required number determination table is a table representing the types of power modules to be operated and the number of power modules to be operated according to the amount of power to be supplied. As shown in FIG. 8, in the required number determination table, a capacity (W) and a required number are defined for each power consumption reference value. The power consumption reference value is a power value at which the operation of one power supply module is newly started or one power supply module is to be stopped. The capacity (W) is the capacity of the power supply module that is the target of operation start or stop. The required number is the number of power supply modules to be operated in a situation where the power consumption is below the reference value. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 8, for example, one power supply module having a capacity of 400 W is operated until the power consumption value is 310.0 W, and when the power consumption value exceeds 310.0 W, the capacity is 400 W. This means that one power supply module should be newly operated. In addition, for example, five power supply modules with a capacity of 400 W are operated up to a power consumption value of 1066.7 W. If the power consumption value exceeds 1066.7 W, one power supply with a capacity of 800 W is used. Indicates that the module should be run anew.

The power consumption reference value corresponds to the output at the intersection of two different characteristics in FIG. 3 and FIG. When the characteristics of the power supply module (here, including the combined characteristics) are expressed by Expression (1), the power consumption reference value is an output power value x that satisfies the following relationship.
F (Po, x) = F (Pn, x) = η (2)
Here, Po is a rated power value when an arbitrary number of power supply modules is assumed, and Pn is a rated power value when one power supply module is further added.

For example, the power consumption reference value x for operating one power supply module with a capacity of 400 W and a second power supply module with a capacity of 400 W needs to satisfy the following relationship from equations (1) and (2).
−0.2 × (x / 400) ² + 0.24 × (x / 400) +0.83
= −0.2 × (x / 800) ² + 0.24 × (x / 800) + 0.83 = η
(3)

From this equation (3), 310 W is obtained as the power consumption reference value x, and the power supply efficiency η at 310 W is about 0.894.

Here, the average power efficiency (%) from the minimum power value a to the maximum power value b is defined as a value obtained by dividing the integral value of the power efficiency η of the power width (= ba) by the power width. To do. When the minimum power value a is 100 W and the maximum power value b is 2000 W, the average power supply efficiency is about 88.6% in a 2000 W rated power supply module in which the power supply efficiency η can be calculated by Equation (1). On the other hand, instead of the 2000 W rated power supply module, when only eight 400 W rated power supply modules whose power efficiency η can be calculated by Equation (1) are used, the average power supply efficiency is about 90.1%. About 1.5% improvement. The improvement, power cost, and carbon dioxide emission can be suppressed.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, a combination of multiple types of power supply modules can be presented. This is because it is desirable to reduce the number of power supply modules mounted on the electronic device in consideration of the cost required for the power supply modules.

As shown in FIG. 1, the power supply specifying unit 24 includes a first power supply selection unit 24a, a second power supply selection unit 24b, and a table creation unit 24c.

The first power supply selection unit 24a assumes only the same type of power supply modules, selects one type of power supply module that satisfies the conditions input from the control unit 22, and specifies the required number of the selected power supply modules. One type of the selected power supply module is one of the types of power supply modules represented in the power supply module table 25a stored in the storage unit 25.

The second power supply selection unit 24b selects another type of power supply module to be combined with the type of power supply module selected by the first power supply selection unit 24a. What is selected as another type of power supply module is a power supply module having a capacity larger than that of the already selected type of power supply module. Hereinafter, the type of the power supply module extracted first is referred to as a “first type”, and the type of the power supply module extracted next is referred to as a “second type”. In the present embodiment, the maximum number of types of power supply modules is two so that many types of power supply modules are not mounted on the electronic device. Three or more types of power supply modules may be extracted.

In the required number determination table shown in FIG. 8 as an example, two types of power supply modules with capacities of 400 W and 800 W are shown. A power supply module having a capacity of 400 W is a first type power supply module, and a power supply module having a capacity of 800 W is a second type power supply module.

In the example shown in FIG. 8, the power supply module having a capacity of 800 W is the power supply module to be operated in the sixth. The selection of the second type power supply module to be combined with the first type power supply module is premised on the specified condition being satisfied. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 8, when Po is 2000 (= 400 × 5) W and Pn is 2800 (= 2000 + 800) W, the power efficiency η satisfying the formula (2) is equal to or higher than the required power efficiency ηA. It represents that.

As described above, the power consumption reference value satisfying the expression (2) corresponds to the output at the intersection of two different characteristics with one power supply module in FIGS. The power supply efficiency η at the intersection of the two characteristics is lower than the power supply efficiency in the periphery. Therefore, by checking whether or not the power supply efficiency η at the power value x satisfying Expression (2) is equal to or greater than the required power supply efficiency ηA, the power supply module that can be the second type, the second type of power supply The power consumption reference value for starting the operation of the module can be specified.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the power supply efficiency η has a relatively large local decrease in the low output range and a relatively small local decrease in the high output range. The reason why the first power supply selection unit 24a and the second power supply selection unit 24b select the type of the power supply module is that the overall combined characteristics are taken into consideration.

More specifically, the first power supply selection unit 24a specifies the type and number of power supply modules that can satisfy the required power supply efficiency ηA with the required minimum power value Ps. In the output range exceeding the required minimum power value Ps, it is relatively easy to satisfy the required power supply efficiency ηA. This means that there is a possibility that the required power efficiency ηA can be satisfied even when a power module having a larger capacity than that of the first type power module is combined. Therefore, the second power source selection unit 24b is allowed to specify the power modules that can be combined as the second type power source modules. The combination of the power supply modules is determined by the specification by the second power supply selection unit 24b.

The table creation unit 24c receives the combination result of the power supply modules from the second power selection unit 24b, creates a necessary number determination table 25b as shown in FIG. The necessary number determination table 25 b is output to the output processing unit 4 via the output unit 23 under the control of the control unit 22. In the present embodiment, the necessary number determination table 25b is displayed in order to present a combination of power supply devices that satisfy the conditions specified by the user, and in addition to the power supply module in the electronic device on which the power module of the presented combination is mounted. It can be output as management data. Therefore, the output processing unit 4 has a configuration including a medium driving device capable of writing data on a recording medium, or a terminal device connected to the main body 2 via a cable or a network.

The power supply specifying unit 24 is realized, for example, by causing a computer to execute a program for assisting a user in determining a power supply module to be mounted on an electronic device (hereinafter referred to as “power supply optimization support software”). FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a computer to which the present embodiment can be applied. Here, with reference to FIG. 11, a configuration example of a computer that can be used as the main body 2 of the power optimization support device 1, that is, a computer that is a target for executing the power optimization support software will be specifically described.

The computer shown in FIG. 11 includes a CPU 61, a memory 62, an input device 63, an output device 64, an external storage device 65, a medium drive device 66, and a network connection device 67, which are connected to each other via a bus 68. It has become. The configuration illustrated in FIG. 11 is an example, and is not limited to the configuration illustrated in FIG.

The CPU 61 controls the entire computer. Although only one is shown in FIG. 11, a plurality of CPUs 61 may be mounted.
The memory 62 is a semiconductor memory such as a RAM that temporarily stores a program or data stored in the external storage device 65 (or portable recording medium 69) during program execution, data update, or the like. The CPU 61 performs overall control by reading the program into the memory 62 and executing it.

The input device 63 is, for example, a device that enables connection with an operation device operated by an operator such as a keyboard and a mouse, that is, the operation unit 3 in FIG. The operation device outputs operation information representing the content of the operation performed by the user. The input device 63 inputs operation information from the operation device, converts the input operation information into a form that can be recognized by the CPU 61, and outputs the converted operation information to the CPU 61.

The output device 64 is, for example, a display control device connected to a display device. When a display device exists as a part of the output processing unit 4 illustrated in FIG. 1, the display device is connected to the output device 64. The external storage device 65 is a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk device. The power module table 25a and the necessary number determination table 25b are stored in the external storage device 65, for example. As programs, an OS (Operating System), the power optimization support software, and the like are stored in the external storage device 65.

The medium driving device 66 accesses a portable recording medium 69 such as an optical disk or a magneto-optical disk. The medium driving device 66 can be used as a part of the output processing unit 4 shown in FIG. The network connection device 67 enables communication with an external device via a communication network, for example. This network connection device 67 can be used as the output unit 23 shown in FIG.

1 can be realized by causing the CPU 61 to execute the power optimization support software under the control of the OS. Assuming that the power optimization support software is stored in the external storage device 65 together with the OS, each component of the main body 2 of the power optimization support device 1 shown in FIG. It corresponds to a component or is realized by a combination of components. The power optimization support software may be recorded on the recording medium 69 or may be acquired from an external device via the network connection device 67. Therefore, the storage device or recording medium in which the power optimization support software is stored is not particularly limited.

The input unit 21 corresponds to the input device 63. The control unit 22 is realized by the CPU 61, the memory 62, the external storage device 65, and the bus 68. The output unit 23 is realized by the CPU 61, the memory 62, the output device 64, the external storage device 65, the network connection device 67, and the bus 68. The output unit 23 is realized by the CPU 61, the memory 62, the output device 64, the external storage device 65, the medium driving device 66, and the bus 68. Assuming that the required number determination table 25b is stored in the recording medium 69 mounted on the medium driving device 66, a part of the output processing unit 4 includes a CPU 61, a memory 62, an external storage device 65, a medium driving device 66, And the bus 68. The storage unit 25 corresponds to the external storage device 65. The power supply specifying unit 24 is realized by the CPU 61, the memory 62, the external storage device 65, and the bus 68.

Hereinafter, the operation of the power supply optimization support apparatus 1 for realizing the power supply specifying unit 24 will be described in detail with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. The processing shown in the flowcharts in FIGS. 9 and 10 is realized by the CPU 61 executing the power optimization support software.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the first power supply module determination process. This first power supply module determination process is a process for determining a power supply module of the first type from among the power supply modules represented in the power supply module table 25a shown in FIG. The first power supply module determination process is executed when the user clicks the execution button in a state where the condition is input in the input area of the condition input screen. The first power supply selection unit 24a is realized by the CPU 61 executing the first power supply module determination process. In FIG. 9, the power consumption reference value is expressed as “Px”.

First, the CPU 61 selects a power supply module having the maximum capacity among the power supply modules shown in the power supply module table 25a as an investigation target (S1). Next, the CPU 61 assigns 1 to a variable N1 for specifying the minimum required number of the first type power supply modules (S2). Thereafter, the CPU 61 uses the formula (1) and the formula (2), and the power consumption reference value Px when the power module currently being investigated is operated by the number obtained by adding 1 to the value of the variable N1, and the power supply Calculate the efficiency η. When the value of the variable N1 is 1, the calculated power consumption reference value Px is a value for starting the operation of one more power supply module in a situation where one power supply module is operating. That is, when the capacity of the power supply module to be investigated is Pu and the number of power supply modules is N1, the power consumption reference value Px is Po × N1 and Pu × (N1 + 1), respectively, in Equation (2). ).

The CPU 61 that has calculated the power consumption reference value Px and the power supply efficiency η next determines whether or not the calculated power consumption reference value Px is less than the required minimum power value Ps (S4). If the power consumption reference value Px is smaller than the required minimum power value Ps, the determination in S4 is Yes, and then the CPU 61 increments the value of the variable N1 (S5). After the increment, the process returns to S3. As a result, the number necessary for the output exceeding the required minimum power value Ps in the power module to be investigated is counted using the variable N1.

On the other hand, if the power consumption reference value Px is equal to or greater than the required minimum power value Ps, the determination in S4 is No and the process proceeds to S7. In S7, the CPU 61 determines whether or not the calculated power efficiency η is less than the required power efficiency ηA. If the calculated power efficiency η is smaller than the required power efficiency ηA, the determination is yes and the process proceeds to S8. If the calculated power efficiency η is equal to or greater than the required power efficiency ηA, the determination is no and the process proceeds to S6.

The determination of No in S7 means that the power module having the maximum capacity that can satisfy the required power efficiency ηA with the required minimum power value Ps is identified among the power modules represented in the power module table 25a. . Accordingly, in S6, the CPU 61 determines the identified power supply module as the first type power supply module, and determines the value of the variable N1 as the necessary minimum number of the first type power supply modules. Thereafter, the first power supply determination process ends.

In S8, the CPU 61 refers to the power supply module table 25a and determines whether or not there is a power supply module having a capacity smaller than that of the power supply module to be investigated. If there are other power supply modules to be investigated, the determination in S8 is Yes. Thus, the CPU 61 newly selects a power module having the next smallest capacity after the power module to be investigated as a new investigation object (S9). Thereafter, the process returns to S2. Accordingly, a search for a power supply module that can satisfy the required power supply efficiency ηA with the required minimum power value Ps while sequentially changing the investigation target is performed.

If there are no other power supply modules to be investigated, the determination in S8 is No. The determination of No here means that there is no power supply module that can satisfy the specified condition. Thus, the CPU 61 determines that the condition cannot be satisfied (S10), and outputs a result for notifying the user that the condition cannot be satisfied (S11). Thereafter, the first power supply determination process ends.

The above result output is performed on the display device when the display device exists as a part of the output processing unit 4 shown in FIG. As a result, the user reviews the conditions or selects a power supply module that can be mounted.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the second power supply module determination process. The second power supply module determination process is a process for determining a second type of power supply module to be combined with the first type of power supply module determined by the execution of the first power supply module determination process. Therefore, the execution condition is that S6 is executed and the first power supply module determination process is ended. The necessary number determination table 25b is also created by executing the second power supply module determination process. It is assumed that the determined necessary minimum number of power supply modules of the first type is assigned to the variable N1.

First, the CPU 61 selects a power supply module having a capacity larger than that of the first type power supply module from among the power supply modules represented in the power supply module table 25a (S21). For example, the power supply module having the maximum capacity is selected as the investigation target. This is because there is a possibility that the total number of power supply modules can be reduced more as the capacity of the power supply modules is larger.

There is a possibility that the power module with the largest capacity has been determined as the first type power module. When the power module having the largest capacity is determined as the first type power module, the power module to be investigated cannot be selected in S21. For this reason, although not particularly shown, when the power module to be investigated cannot be selected, the process proceeds to S28 described later.

Next, the CPU 61 assigns 0 to a variable N2 for specifying the further required number of the first type power supply modules. When 0 is substituted into the variable N2, the CPU 61 uses the formula (1) and the formula (2) to calculate the power consumption reference value Px when the power module currently being investigated is assumed to be the second type power module. , And the power supply efficiency η is calculated. The calculated power consumption reference value Px is Po × Pn in Equation (2), where Pu is the capacity of the first type power supply module and Pv is the capacity of the power supply module to be investigated. It is a value calculated by setting (N1 + N2), Pu × (N1 + N2) + Pv.

The CPU 61 that has calculated the power consumption reference value Px and the power efficiency η next determines whether the calculated power efficiency η is less than the required power efficiency ηA (S24). When the calculated power supply efficiency η is smaller than the required power supply efficiency ηA, the determination in S24 is Yes and the process proceeds to S25. When the calculated power supply efficiency η is equal to or greater than the required power supply efficiency ηA, the determination in S24 is No and the process proceeds to S29.

In S25, the CPU 61 determines whether or not the calculated power consumption reference value Px is greater than the required maximum power value Pb. If the power consumption reference value Px is greater than the required maximum power value Pb, the determination in S25 is Yes and the process proceeds to S27. If the power consumption reference value Px is less than or equal to the required maximum power value Pb, the determination in S25 is No. If the determination in S25 is No, the CPU 61 increments the value of the variable N2 (S26) and returns to S23. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the power supply module that can be determined as the second type of power supply module is checked in consideration of the possibility of supplying power larger than the required maximum power value Pb.

In S27, the CPU 61 refers to the power supply module table 25a and determines whether or not there is a power supply module having a capacity smaller than that of the power supply module to be investigated. If there is a power module having a capacity larger than that of the first type power module and currently having a smaller capacity than the power module to be investigated, the determination in S27 is Yes and the process returns to S21. As a result, the power module having the next smallest capacity after the power module to be investigated is newly selected as the investigation object.

If the power module to be investigated does not exist, the determination in S27 is No. The determination of No here means that there is no power module as the second type power module. Accordingly, the CPU 61 creates and outputs the necessary number determination table 25b assuming only the first type of power supply module (S28). After outputting the necessary number determination table 25b, the second power supply module determination process ends.

The required number determination table 25b is stored in the external storage device 65, and is output via the output device 64 or the network connection device 67, for example. Thereby, the user can visually confirm the combination result of the power supply modules and can use the output necessary number determination table 25b.

The determination of No in S24 above means that the second type power supply module has been identified. In S29, in which the determination in S24 is No and shifts, the CPU 61 substitutes 1 for a variable N3 for specifying the required number of the second type power supply modules. Next, the CPU 61 calculates the power consumption reference value Px when the number of the second type power supply modules is increased by one using the equations (1) and (2) (S30). The power consumption reference value Px is expressed as Pu × (N1 + N2), where Po and Pn in Equation (2) are Pu and Pv, respectively, when the capacity of the first type power supply module is Pu and the capacity of the second type power supply module is Pv. ) + Pv × N3, Pu × (N1 + N2) + Pv × (N3 + 1). The power efficiency η at the calculated power consumption reference value Px is not less than or equal to the required power efficiency ηA (FIGS. 5 and 6). Therefore, the power supply efficiency η is not calculated.

Next, the CPU 61 determines whether or not the calculated power consumption reference value Px is less than the requested maximum power value Pb (S31). When the power consumption reference value Px is smaller than the required maximum power value Pb, the determination in S31 is Yes. If the determination in S31 is Yes, the CPU 61 increments the value of the variable N3 (S32) and returns to S30. Thereby, the confirmation of the required number of the second type power supply modules is continued. If the power consumption reference value Px is greater than or equal to the required maximum power value Pb, the determination in S31 is No and the process proceeds to S28. In S28 of the transfer destination, the necessary number determination table 25b assuming two types of power supply modules is created and output.

In the present embodiment, the second type power supply module is determined based on the determination of No in S24, but the second type power supply module may be determined using another method. For example, the power supply module for which the determination in S24 is No is extracted from all the power supply modules to be investigated, and the power supply module having the smallest total number of power supply modules among the extracted power supply modules is the second type power supply module. It is also good. Assuming the upper limit of the number of power supply modules mounted on the electronic device, the type of power supply module and the number of power supply modules of each type may be determined so as to be equal to or less than the specified upper limit number.

In addition, although the condition designation is performed by the user, the condition designation may be arbitrarily performed by setting the condition in advance. That is, the control unit 22 may be able to specify the condition without specifying the condition by the user.

Next, the electronic apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the electronic device according to the present embodiment. The electronic device 120 according to the present embodiment includes a main device 121 and a power supply system 122. The power supply system 122 is a system that receives AC (Alternating Current) power from the outside, converts it into DC (Direct Current) power, and supplies it to the main device 121. The type of the electronic device 120 is not particularly limited, but when the electronic device 120 is a blade server, the main device 121 is a processing system including a plurality of server blades.

The power supply system 122 includes a power management device 125, a power supply module 126, a power meter 127, and a plurality of power supply modules 128 (128-1 to 128-N).

The power module 126 is dedicated to supplying power to the power management device 125. The power management apparatus 125 operates by supplying power from the power supply module 126, and includes an interface (denoted as “I / F” in FIG. 12) 1251, a CPU 1252, and a memory 1253.

The memory 1253 is nonvolatile, and stores the necessary number determination table 25b and the power management table 1253a in addition to the firmware that is a program executed by the CPU 1252. The CPU 1252 refers to the necessary number determination table 25b and the power management table 1253a to manage the mounted power supply module 128.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the contents of the power management table. The power management table 1253a is used by the CPU 1252 to grasp the current state of each power module 128 and to select the power module 128 to be operated / stopped according to the amount of power to be supplied to the main device 121. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the power management table 1253 a stores information on a power module number, a capacity, a life stress, and a state for each power module 128.

Identification information is assigned to the power supply module 128 mounted on the electronic device 120. The power module number information is identification information, and the numbers “1” to “7” shown in FIG. 14 represent the power module numbers actually assigned to the respective power modules 128. The capacity information represents the capacity (rated) of the corresponding power supply module 128. The status information represents the status of the corresponding power supply module 128. “ON” and “OFF” in FIG. 14 represent operation and stop, respectively. The status information can also indicate a failure or the like.

In the power management table 1253a shown in FIG. 14, when the necessary number determination table 25b has the contents as shown in FIG. 8, it is assumed that only the necessary minimum number of power supply modules 128 are mounted on the electronic device 120. Actually, it is desirable to make each type of power supply module 128 redundant so as to cope with a problem occurring in the mounted power supply module 128. That is, it is desirable to mount 5 + β (β is an integer of 1 or more), 2 + β or more power supply modules 128 having capacities of 400 W and 800 W, respectively, on the electronic device 120.

The lifetime of semiconductor devices depends on temperature stress. For this reason, the lifetime of a power supply module also changes with temperature stress. The dependence of the lifetime on the semiconductor device due to temperature stress can be evaluated using, for example, Arrhenius's law, that is, the Arrhenius model.

In this Arrhenius model, the acceleration coefficient α representing the degree to which the lifetime of the semiconductor device changes is obtained by the following equation.
α = L1 / L2 = exp (Ea / k · (1 / T1-1 / T2))
(4)
Here, T1: Temperature of the semiconductor device (K)
T2: Temperature of the semiconductor device (K)
L1: Device life at temperature T1 L2: Device life at temperature T2 k: Boltzmann constant (= 8.6173 × 10 ⁻⁵ (eV / K)
Ea: activation energy (eV): a specific value that varies depending on the component used

As the T1, the operating temperature in designing the semiconductor device is used. An actual temperature may be used as T2. If the value of the acceleration coefficient α obtained by the above equation (4) is 2, for example, if the state where the value of 2 is obtained continues permanently, the expected life is that the state where the temperature is T1 is permanent. Therefore, it is half of the life L1 when it is assumed to continue continuously.

The temperature of the power supply module 128 changes depending on the environmental temperature, the output status such as the usage rate, the usage time, and the like. The acceleration coefficient α obtained from the equation (4) represents that the expected life is shortened as the value increases. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the acceleration coefficient α is obtained at regular intervals, and the accumulated value St of the obtained acceleration coefficient α is calculated, whereby the calculated accumulated value St is used as the stress that the power supply module 128 has received. It is used as information indicating the size of, that is, the remaining life. The life stress information represents the calculated accumulated value St. Hereinafter, the accumulated value St is expressed as “lifetime stress value”.

The life stress value St can be obtained by the following equation, for example, where D is the time interval for obtaining the acceleration coefficient α.
St = Σα / D (5)

When time interval D is constant, D in equation (5) can be ignored. Therefore, the actual calculation of the life stress value St may be performed by adding the newly obtained acceleration coefficient α to the current life stress value St.

The calculated life stress value St is stored in the power management table 1253a as life stress information. “A2”, “B2”, “C2” and the like shown in FIG. 14 represent life stress values St actually stored in the power management table 1253a as life stress information.

It is desirable that the power supply module 128 does not fail during operation. Therefore, when the power supply module 128 is newly operated, it is desirable to select the power supply module 128 having the minimum life stress value St among the types of power supply modules 128 to be operated. When the power supply module 128 is newly stopped, it is desirable to select the power supply module 128 having the maximum life stress value St among the types of power supply modules 128 to be stopped. For this reason, the CPU 1252 refers to the power management table 1253a and reflects the life stress value St stored in the table 1253a in the selection of the power module 128 to be newly operated or stopped.

The occurrence of the power supply module 128 to be newly operated or stopped is specified with reference to the necessary number determination table 25b. As the amount of power to be supplied to the main device 121, the power value measured by the wattmeter 127 is used. The power value measured by the wattmeter 127 is used for management of the power supply module 128 by enabling the power value consumed by the main device 121 to be confirmed in real time so that appropriate management can be quickly performed. Because. The CPU 1252 refers to the required number determination table 25b and operates the necessary power supply module 128 according to the power value measured by the power meter 127, thereby maintaining the power supply efficiency equal to or higher than the required power supply efficiency ηA. A necessary amount of power can be supplied to the device 121.

The power management device 125 is connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) (not shown) and an external device, for example. The interface 1251 can communicate with such an external device. Thereby, the required number determination table 25b is acquired from the external device and stored in the memory 1253. The power management table 1253a can be acquired from an external device and can be updated from the external device. This is to cope with replacement of the power supply module 128 mounted on the electronic device 120.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the power management apparatus. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the power management apparatus 125 includes an information acquisition unit 131, a power selection unit 132, and a power control unit 133 as functional configurations.

The information acquisition unit 131 acquires the power management table 1253a, a part of the power management table 1253a, or the necessary number determination table 25b, stores the acquired power management table 1253a or the necessary number determination table 25b in the memory 1253, and each table. Update according to need of 1253a and 25b is realized. The lifetime stress value St is calculated by each power supply module 128. Thus, the information acquisition unit 131 also acquires the life stress value St from each power supply module 128 and the power value measured by the wattmeter 127.

The power supply selection unit 132 refers to the power management table 1253a and the necessary number determination table 25b, and selects a power supply module 128 to be newly operated or stopped according to the power value measured by the wattmeter 127. The power supply control unit 133 operates or stops the power supply module 128 to be operated or stopped according to the selection result by the power supply selection unit 132.

For this reason, the electronic device 120 according to the present embodiment is realized by mounting the power management device 125. The components 131 to 133 provided as the functional configuration of the power management apparatus 125 may be mounted in a form distributed to two or more components in the electronic device 120. For this reason, the electronic apparatus 120 according to the present embodiment can be variously modified.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the power management process. This power management process is a process for operating or stopping any one of the power supply modules 128 according to the power value measured by the wattmeter 127. The CPU 1252 executes the firmware stored in the memory 1253. Realized. FIG. 15 shows a flow of extracted processing after extracting power to be managed for power management after power is supplied to the power management device 125, that is, after the CPU 1252 starts executing firmware. Next, the power management process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

First, the CPU 1252 instructs all the power supply modules 128 to operate (S51). Next, the CPU 1252 acquires the lifetime stress value St from each power supply module 128 (S52), and stores the acquired lifetime stress value St as lifetime stress information in the power management table 1253a (S53). Thereafter, the CPU 1252 acquires the measured power value from the wattmeter 127 and presents the currently set power consumption reference value (referred to as “current reference value” in FIG. 15; hereinafter, distinguished from the power consumption reference value that is not set). Therefore, the relationship between the notation and the power value is checked (S54).

In FIG. 15, the measured power value is described as “power consumption value”. Hereinafter, the notation “power consumption value” is used. The power consumption reference value currently set is indicated as “current reference value” in FIG. Hereinafter, in order to distinguish from the power consumption reference value that is not being set, the notation “power consumption value” is used.

When the power supply module 128 is operated or stopped depending on the magnitude relationship between the power consumption value and the power consumption reference value, the power supply module 128 may be frequently operated or stopped due to slight fluctuations in the power consumption value. There is. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the operation of the power supply module 128 or the stoppage of the power supply module 128 is frequently performed by giving a practical range to the power consumption reference value. I have to. As a result, the operation of the new power supply module is started when the upper limit of the power consumption reference value is exceeded, and the new power supply module is stopped when it is less than the lower limit of the power consumption reference value. Yes. Hereinafter, the value specifying the width is referred to as “SH value”. When the SH value is used, the upper side of the power consumption reference value is represented by the power consumption reference value + SH value, and the lower side of the power consumption reference value is represented by the product power reference value−SH value.

In S55 to which the process proceeds after the check in S54, the CPU 1252 determines the content of the check result. If the power consumption value is less than the current power consumption reference value set by subtracting the SH value, that is, if the relationship of power consumption value <current reference value−SH value is satisfied, this is determined in S55. , The process proceeds to S57. If the power consumption value exceeds the currently set power consumption reference value plus the SH value, that is, if the relationship of power consumption value> current reference value + SH value is satisfied, this is the case in S55. The determination is made and the process proceeds to S59. When the power consumption value is not less than a value obtained by subtracting the SH value from the power consumption reference value currently being set and does not exceed the value obtained by adding the SH value to the power consumption reference value currently being set, that is, the power supply If it is not necessary to perform either operation or stop of the module, this is determined in S55, and the process returns to S54. In FIG. 15, the power consumption value is not less than a value obtained by subtracting the SH value from the currently set power consumption reference value, and does not exceed a value obtained by adding the SH value to the currently set power consumption reference value. The case is described as “Other”.

In S57, the CPU 1252 refers to the necessary number determination table 25b and newly sets a power consumption reference value that is one lower than the current reference value as the current reference value. Next, the CPU 1252 refers to the necessary number determination table 25b and the power management table 1253a and selects and stops the power supply module 128 having the highest life stress value St among the types of power supply modules 128 to be stopped. In accordance with the new stop, the CPU 1252 updates the status information of the power supply module 128 to be stopped from “ON” to “OFF” (S58). Thereafter, the process returns to S54.

On the other hand, in S59, the CPU 1252 refers to the necessary number determination table 25b, and sets a power consumption reference value that is one higher than the current reference value as the current reference value. Next, the CPU 1252 refers to the necessary number determination table 25b and the power management table 1253a, selects and activates the power supply module 128 having the lowest life stress value St among the types of power supply modules 128 to be activated. In accordance with the new activation, the CPU 1252 updates the state information of the power supply module 128 to be activated from “OFF” to “ON” (S60). Thereafter, the process returns to S54.

The process of S54 is actually executed at a predetermined time interval, for example. The life stress information in the power management table 25b is updated each time the life stress value St is acquired from the power module 128. Thereby, the life stress value St of each power supply module 128 updated as needed is reflected in the selection of the power supply module 128 to be operated or stopped.

Hereinafter, the power supply device according to the present embodiment will be described in detail.
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the power supply device according to the present embodiment.
The power supply device can be mounted on the electronic device 120 according to the present embodiment as the power supply module 128. As shown in FIG. 16, the DC power supply unit 161, the control unit 162, the memory 163, the program ROM 164, and the DC power supply unit 165. , And a battery 166.

The DC power supply unit 165 is a dedicated power supply that supplies power to be supplied to the control unit 162. On the other hand, the DC power supply unit 161 is a power supply for supplying power to the main device 121. Since the power supply module 128 is required to supply power stably to the main device 121, the temperature sensor 161 a for measuring the temperature used for calculating the life stress value St is provided in the DC power supply unit 161.

The control unit 162 is a device that controls the entire power supply module 128, and is, for example, a CPU. The control unit 162 controls the power supply module 128 by executing a program (firmware) stored in the program ROM 164. The memory 163 is used for a work for executing a program and for storing a life stress value St.

The calculation of the life stress value St is realized by executing a life stress value calculation process shown in FIG. The life stress value calculation process is a process that is executed each time a predetermined time elapses by a timer interrupt function installed in the control unit 162, for example.

In the life stress value calculation process, first, the control unit 162 obtains temperature information representing the measured temperature from the temperature sensor 161a (S71). Next, the control unit 162 calculates the acceleration coefficient α from Expression (4) using the temperature represented by the obtained temperature information, and adds the calculated acceleration coefficient α to the life stress value St stored in the memory 163. Thus, a new life stress value St is obtained, and the newly obtained life stress value St is stored in the memory 163 (S72). Thereby, the latest life stress value St is always stored in the memory 163.

In the present embodiment, by installing the battery 166, the life stress value St can be calculated without the input of AC power from the outside. This is to evaluate the influence of temperature stress when there is no AC power input, in other words, to always calculate the life stress value St. Since the life stress value St can always be updated, the power management apparatus 125 can select the power supply module 128 to be newly operated or newly stopped with higher accuracy. Thereby, an advantage is obtained for more stable operation of the electronic device 120.

The control unit 162 has a function of communicating with the power management device 125 and other power supply modules 128. Thereby, processing for responding to a request from the power management device 125 or another power supply module 126 is performed.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a request response process for responding to a request from the power management apparatus. The control unit 162 responds to the request from the power management apparatus 125 by executing a request response process as shown in FIG.

First, the control unit 162 checks the request from the power management apparatus 125 and confirms the request content (S81). When the request from the power management device 125 is transmission of the life stress value St, this is determined in S81 and the process proceeds to S82.

In S82, the control unit 162 reads the life stress value St from the memory 163. Next, the control unit 162 transmits the read life stress value St to the power management apparatus 125. After the transmission of the life stress value St, the request handling process ends.

If the request from the power management apparatus 125 is a start, that fact is determined in S81 and the process proceeds to S84. In S84, the control unit 162 sends out a control signal, for example, and activates the DC power supply unit 161. After the DC power supply unit 161 is activated, the request handling process ends.

When the request from the power management apparatus 125 is a stop, that is determined in S81 and the process proceeds to S85. In S85, the control unit 162 stops the DC power supply unit 161, for example, by terminating the transmission of the control signal. After the DC power supply unit 161 is stopped, the request handling process ends.

In power supply in which multiple types of power supply modules 128 having different characteristics are multiplexed, the output balance may vary depending on the power supply module 128. It is desirable that the output balance is equal or almost the same for each power supply module 128 that is operated. From this, the control part 162 of each power supply module 128 performs the output balance adjustment process as shown in FIG.

First, the control unit 162 obtains the rated capacity of the own DC power supply unit 161 and the current output capacity as information indicating the power supply status of the own DC power supply unit 161. The rated capacity is stored in, for example, the program ROM 164, and the output capacity is obtained from the DC power supply unit 161.

Next, the control unit 162 determines the output rate C (= output capacity / rated capacity) by dividing the output capacity by the rated capacity (S92). After calculating the output rate C, the control unit 162 acquires the rated capacity and the current output capacity for each of the other power supply modules 162 as information from the other power supply modules 162 in operation (S93). Thereafter, the control unit 162 obtains the total M of the rated capacities acquired from the respective power supply modules 128 and the total S of the output capacities (S94, S95), and average output rate CC (= S / M) is obtained (S96). After calculating the average output rate CC, the process proceeds to S97.

In S97, the control unit 162 compares the output rate C and the average output rate CC, and determines the relationship between the output rate C and the average output rate CC. Accordingly, if the output rate C is less than the average output rate CC, this is determined in S97. As a result, the control unit 162 performs control to increase power, that is, output capacity (S98). The control for increasing the output capacity is performed by increasing the output voltage, for example. After the control for increasing the output capacity is performed, the output balance adjustment process ends.

If the output rate C matches the average output rate CC within an allowable range, this is determined in S97. As a result, assuming that there is no need to perform any control, the output balance adjustment process ends here.

If the output rate C exceeds the average output rate CC, this is determined in S97. When the output rate C exceeds the average output rate CC, the control unit 162 performs control for reducing the power, that is, the output capacity (S98). The control for reducing the output capacity is performed by, for example, lowering the output voltage. After the control for reducing the output capacity is performed, the output balance adjustment process ends.

The controller 162 of the operating power supply module 128 executes the output balance adjustment process as described above as needed. Thereby, the output balance of the operating power supply module 128 is maintained within a relatively narrow range. As a result, power supply in which multiple types of power supply modules 128 are multiplexed can be performed more stably.

It should be noted that the adjustment of the output balance as described above may be performed by causing each power supply module 128 to monitor the power supplied from each power supply module 128 by another device and control the device.

Claims

An information processing apparatus capable of supplying DC power from each of a plurality of power supply devices,
Setting that sets as a condition the relationship between the amount of DC power required for each of the plurality of power supply devices and the conversion efficiency indicating the efficiency of conversion from the AC power supply input to the DC power supply output of each of the plurality of power supply devices And
Among the plurality of power supply devices, a power supply device group that supplies DC power to the information processing device, a specifying unit that specifies the condition to satisfy the condition,
An information processing apparatus comprising:
The specifying unit specifies the power supply device group and specifies the relationship of the power supply devices to be operated in the power supply device group according to the amount of DC power to be supplied to the information processing device.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.
The setting unit can set, as the condition, a range of direct-current power supplied to the information processing apparatus, and a lower limit value of conversion efficiency required in the range.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.
An output unit that outputs operation information indicating a relationship of power supply devices to be operated in the power supply device group according to a DC power amount to be supplied to the information processing device specified by the setting unit;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising:
In an information processing apparatus to which DC power is supplied from each of a plurality of power supply devices,
A storage unit that stores operation information representing a relationship of power supply devices to be operated among the plurality of power supply devices according to the amount of DC power to be supplied to the information processing device;
An electric energy specifying unit for specifying the DC electric energy to be supplied to the information processing apparatus;
A power supply specifying unit that refers to the operation information stored in the storage unit, and specifies a combination of power supply devices to be used for supplying the DC power amount specified by the power amount specifying unit;
A control unit for operating a combination of power supply devices specified by the power supply specifying unit;
An information processing apparatus comprising:
An acquisition unit for acquiring values related to the expected lifetime of the power supply device from the plurality of power supply devices,
The power supply specifying unit further refers to values acquired by the acquisition unit from the plurality of power supply devices, respectively, and specifies a combination of the power supply devices;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 5.
In power supply,
A measuring section for measuring the temperature;
Using the temperature measured by the measurement unit, a calculation unit that calculates a value related to the expected lifetime of the power supply device;
A storage unit for storing the value calculated by the calculation unit;
An electric power supply unit that supplies electric power when the electric power is not supplied from the outside to the power supply device, enables calculation of a value by the calculation unit, and update of a value stored in the storage unit;
An information processing apparatus comprising:
An information acquisition unit for acquiring information representing the supply status of power in other power supply devices in operation;
Using the information acquired by the information acquisition unit, adjusting means for adjusting the amount of power supplied from the power supply device;
An information processing apparatus further comprising:
On the computer,
Setting as a condition the relationship between the amount of DC power required for each of the plurality of power supply devices and the conversion efficiency indicating the efficiency of conversion from the AC power supply input to the DC power supply output of each of the plurality of power supply devices,
From among the plurality of power supply devices, a power supply device group that supplies DC power to the computer is specified so as to satisfy the condition.
A program that executes processing.