JP5428772B2 - Power control device, computer system, power control method, computer program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for using a common power supply among a plurality of computers.

  A system including a plurality of computers may be configured to supply power to each computer using a common power source. In such a system, the power consumption of each computer is adjusted when the total power consumption of each computer must be equal to or lower than a predetermined power (for example, the maximum power supply power).

  In Patent Document 1 below, when the power consumption of the entire system configured by a plurality of server blades exceeds a predetermined value, the power consumption for each server blade is determined as a predetermined power consumption (minimum guaranteed power value). ) Has been disclosed.

  Patent Document 2 below discloses a technique for controlling the power consumption of each physical server by reducing the CPU drive frequency of each physical server based on the unused CPU amount of each physical server. .

JP 2007-213167 A JP 2009-175788 A

  However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, a minimum guaranteed power value must be set in advance.

  Moreover, the technique of patent document 2 only adjusts power consumption for every physical server, and does not distribute power according to the situation of a plurality of physical servers.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a new framework for using a common power supply among a plurality of computers.

  The power control apparatus according to the present invention includes a unit that acquires information indicating a resource amount used by a plurality of computers that operate by receiving power from a power source, and a usage set for each computer based on the acquired information. Means for obtaining a resource usage rate with respect to the possible resource amount and controlling power distribution between computers in accordance with the obtained resource usage rate.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, the controlling means may proportionally distribute power between computers in accordance with the obtained resource usage rate.

  In another embodiment, the controlling means weights the obtained resource usage rate using a priority set in advance for each computer, and powers between computers according to the weighted resource usage rate. May be proportionally distributed.

  The computer system of the present invention includes a plurality of computers that operate by receiving power from a power source, and a power control device configured to be able to communicate with the computers, wherein the plurality of computers is information indicating the amount of resources used. And a means for adjusting power consumption of the device based on control by the power control device, wherein the power control device indicates the resource amount from each of the plurality of computers. Based on the acquired information and a means for acquiring information, a resource usage rate for the amount of available resources set for each computer is obtained, and power distribution among the computers is controlled according to the obtained resource usage rate. Means.

  The power control method of the present invention includes a step of acquiring information indicating the amount of resources used in a plurality of computers operating by receiving power from a power source, and a usage set for each computer based on the acquired information Determining a resource usage rate with respect to the possible resource amount, and controlling power distribution between computers in accordance with the determined resource usage rate.

  The computer program of the present invention is a computer program for causing an information processing apparatus to execute the power control method.

  In the present invention, the term “means” does not simply mean a physical means, but includes a case where the functions of the means are realized by software. Also, the functions of one means or device may be realized by two or more physical means or devices, or the functions of two or more means or devices may be realized by one physical means or device.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to control power distribution between computers based on information indicating the amount of resources used in each computer. Thereby, the limited electric power can be appropriately distributed among a plurality of computers and used effectively. In addition, since the user does not need to make any settings in advance, the convenience for the user is not impaired.

It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the computer system of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the information memorize | stored in a movement information storage means. It is a flowchart of the electric power distribution control process by an electric power control apparatus. It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the computer system of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the computer system of 3rd Embodiment.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows an overall configuration of a computer system 1 according to the first embodiment.

  The computer system 1 includes a plurality of computers 101a to 101c and a power control apparatus 103 configured to be able to communicate with each of the plurality of computers 101a to 101c. As the communication line, a line configured using a well-known technique such as LAN, WAN, or BlueTooth can be used.

  In addition, the computer system 1 is configured to use a common power supply for a plurality of computers, for example, and controls the distribution of power required for the operation of each computer within a range that is less than or equal to the maximum supply power of the power supply. It has a power control function. For this reason, each of the plurality of computers 101a to 101c includes an operation state monitoring unit 111 and a power consumption adjustment unit 113, and the operation state monitoring unit 111, the power consumption adjustment unit 113, and the power control apparatus 103 cooperate with each other. By operating, such a power control function is realized.

  The computer 101a includes, for example, a CPU, a memory, an I / O port (such as a PCI slot or a SCSI connection slot), a hard disk drive, a communication device, and the like (not shown), and provides a predetermined application service to the user. It shall be used as a server.

  Further, the computer 101a includes an operation state monitoring unit 111 and a power consumption adjusting unit 113 as functional units realized by the CPU reading a program stored in the hard disk drive onto the memory and executing the program. .

  The operation status monitoring unit 111 acquires the resource amount (power consumption in the first embodiment) used by the entire apparatus (computer 101a) at a predetermined time interval (for example, every 5 seconds), and operates the apparatus itself. Information is transmitted to the power control apparatus 103 as information. For example, such operation information may be obtained by BMC (Baseboard Management Controller), or may be calculated based on data obtained by installing a voltage sensor or a current sensor as appropriate. Note that the setting of the time interval between acquisition and transmission of the operation information may be appropriately changed by the user.

  The power consumption adjusting unit 113 adjusts the power consumption of the own device based on a control signal described later transmitted by the power control device 103. As a method for adjusting the power consumption, for example, a method of adjusting the power consumption by adjusting the CPU operating frequency, the CPU operating voltage, the memory bandwidth, and the I / O port bandwidth can be considered.

  The other computers 101b and 101c can be configured similarly to the computer 101a.

  The power control apparatus 103 can be configured using, for example, a general personal computer or server computer including a CPU, a memory, a hard disk drive, a communication device, and the like (not shown).

  In addition, the power control apparatus 103 includes an operation information storage unit 121, an operation information acquisition unit 125, and a power distribution control unit 127. The operation information storage unit 121 is functionally realized by, for example, a hard disk drive, and the operation information acquisition unit 125 and the power distribution control unit 127 read, for example, a program stored in the hard disk drive and executed by the CPU. Is functionally realized.

  As illustrated in FIG. 2, the operation information storage unit 121 associates each of the operation information (here, information indicating power consumption) of each of the computers 101 a to 101 c with the date and time when the power control apparatus 103 acquires the operation information. Remember. The unit of power consumption is W (Watt).

  The operation information acquisition unit 125 acquires the operation information transmitted by each of the computers 101a to 101c, and stores it in the operation information storage unit 121 in association with the acquisition date.

  Based on the operation information acquired from each of the computers 101a to 101c, the power distribution control unit 127 uses a resource usage rate with respect to the available resource amount set for each of the computers 101a to 101c (for example, the ratio of the power consumption to the maximum power consumption) ) And control power distribution between computers according to the obtained resource usage rate. For example, the distribution of power among computers is determined, and information indicating the distribution is transmitted as a control signal to each computer. It is assumed that information indicating the amount of usable resources of each of the computers 101a to 101c is stored in the operation information storage unit 121 or the like.

  FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of the power distribution control process by the power control apparatus 103.

  The power control apparatus 103 executes such power distribution control processing periodically or when the maximum supply power of the power source used in common by the computers 101a to 101c fluctuates (increases or decreases). Note that when the maximum power supply of the power supply fluctuates, the overall system power consumption may be due to a problem with one of the multiple power supply units that make up the power supply, or because the overall system heat generation exceeds the threshold. There are cases where it is necessary to reduce the power or when the maximum power supply is forcibly changed by the user.

  Hereinafter, the flow of the power distribution control process will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the operation information acquisition unit 125 of the power control apparatus 103 acquires information indicating the power consumption of each of the computers 101a to 101c as the operation information of each of the computers 101a to 101c (step 301), and associates it with the acquisition date and time. Store in the motion information storage means 121 (step 302).
Based on the operation information received from each of the computers 101a to 101c and stored in the operation information storage unit 121, the power distribution control unit 127 applies the resource usage rate, that is, the maximum power consumption set for each of the computers 101a to 101c. The ratio of power consumption is obtained, and the distribution of power between computers is determined according to the obtained resource usage rate (step 303).

  Specifically, in the first embodiment, the power consumption of each of the computers 101a to 101c is not used as it is for the calculation of the resource usage rate, but is obtained based on the operation information in a certain past period. The average value (average power consumption) of the power consumption of each 101c is used. Then, power distribution is determined based on a first rule that proportionally distributes power among computers in accordance with the obtained resource usage rate. For example, in this embodiment, the maximum power consumption of the computer 101a is 600W, the maximum power consumption of the computer 101b is 400W, and the maximum power consumption of the computer 101c is 500W. The current date and time is assumed to be 17:05 on October 20, 2009. Also, assuming that the “predetermined period” is within the past 30 minutes, each motion information acquired from 16:25 to 17:05 on the same day shown in FIG. 2 is used for calculating the average value. become. Thus, it can be seen that the average power consumption of the computer 101a during this period is 450W, the average power consumption of the computer 101b is 300W, and the average power consumption of the computer 101c is 250W.

  From the above, the ratio of the average power consumption to the maximum power consumption of each of the computers 101a to 101c is 75% (450W / 600W) for the computer 101a, 75% (300W / 400W) for the computer 101b, and for the computer 101c. 50% (250 W / 500 W).

  Also, assuming that the newly set maximum supply power of the power supply is 900 W, the power of 900 W is distributed in proportion to the ratio of the average power consumption to the maximum power consumption of each of the computers 101a to 101c, that is, “ If it is distributed at a ratio of “75:75:50”, the computer 101a is 338W, the computer 101b is 338W, and the computer 101c is 225W. Note that the newly set maximum supply power is the same power as the power distribution control process executed immediately before or the power that has fluctuated since that time (the power after the fluctuation).

  Then, the power distribution control unit 127 of the power control apparatus 103 controls the operation of each of the computers 101a to 101c so that the power is used in the determined distribution in each of the computers 101a to 101c (step 304).

  Specifically, the power distribution control unit 127 of the power control apparatus 103 transmits a control signal for operating each computer 101a to 101c under the allocated power to each computer 101a to 101c. Each power consumption adjusting means 113 is controlled based on the control signal, and the power consumption of each of the computers 101a to 101c is adjusted.

  As described above, according to the computer system 1 of the first embodiment, in the power control apparatus 103, based on the operation information of each of the computers 101a to 101c, the maximum supply power of the power source commonly used by the computers 101a to 101c. In this range, the power can be proportionally distributed among the computers in accordance with the ratio of the power consumption to the maximum power consumption (resource usage rate) set for each of the computers 101a to 101c. This makes it possible to appropriately allocate the limited power to each of the computers 101a to 101c by effectively allocating the limited power to each of the computers 101a to 101c, for example, by allocating more power to a computer that requires more power. In addition, the performance of the entire system per electric energy can be further increased.

  In addition, since the distribution of power among computers is automatically controlled based on the operation information of each of the computers 101a to 101c, unlike the conventional framework for controlling the power, the user needs to set each of the computers 101a to 101c. Assuming power consumption, there is no need to set parameters such as the minimum guaranteed power value in advance, so the convenience for the user can be further enhanced.

The first embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be variously modified and applied.
[Modification]
As a second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the power control apparatus 103 described in the first embodiment is provided with a priority designation unit 133 that accepts designation of priority for each of the computers 101a to 101c from the user. Also good.

  In the second embodiment, the power distribution control unit 127 uses the priorities of the computers 101a to 101c received by the priority designation unit 133 to weight the resource usage rates of the respective computers 101a to 101c, and weights them. Proportional distribution of power among computers according to the resource usage rate.

  As described above, by providing the priority specifying means 133 in the power control apparatus 103, it is possible to determine the power distribution among the computers 101a to 101c reflecting the user's wishes.

  Further, as a third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the user specifies a rule to be used when determining power distribution in the power distribution control process to the power control apparatus 103 described in the first embodiment or the second embodiment. A rule specifying means 129 for accepting may be provided.

  As a rule specifying method, a plurality of rules (for example, first to fourth rules described later) may be described in advance in the program, and one of them may be selected by the user.

  As a rule to be specified, in addition to the first rule described above, a second rule for preferentially allocating power to a computer having a high resource usage rate, a power to be given priority to a computer whose resource usage rate is increasing. The fourth rule for allocating power and the fourth rule for allocating power with priority given to the resource usage rate can be considered (the fourth rule is adopted only when priority is used in power distribution control processing) can do).

  The second rule for preferentially allocating power to computers with a high resource usage rate is to set the minimum power required for each of the computers 101a to 101c in advance, and to each computer other than the computer with the highest resource usage rate. The minimum power is allocated, and the remaining power is allocated to the computer having the highest resource usage rate. It is conceivable that the minimum power can be specified at the same time when the user specifies the second rule.

  The third rule for preferentially allocating power to computers whose resource usage rate is increasing is that a minimum power required for each of the computers 101a to 101c is set in advance, and the computer whose resource usage rate is increasing It is a rule that each minimum power is allocated to computers other than those (computers whose resource usage rate is decreasing or leveling), and the remaining power is allocated to computers whose resource usage rate is increasing. As in the case of specifying the second rule, the minimum power can be specified at the same time when the user specifies the third rule.

The fourth rule for allocating power with priority on resource usage rate is to set the minimum power required for each computer in advance, and set the minimum power for each computer other than the computer with the highest priority. And the remaining power is allocated to the computer with the highest priority. Note that it is conceivable that the minimum power can be specified at the same time when the user specifies the fourth rule, as in the case of specifying the second or third rule.

Thus, when determining the power distribution among the computers 101a to 101c, it is possible to reflect the user's wish and flexibly determine the power distribution policy. Further, when any one of the second to fourth rules is used, power can be appropriately distributed in consideration of both the setting value by the user and the actual resource usage rate of each of the computers 101a to 101c. .

  Further, unlike the above-described embodiment, the operation status monitoring unit 101a of each of the computers 101a to 101c uses the amount of resources (power consumption) used by each individual component such as the CPU, memory, and I / O port of its own device. And the power control apparatus 103 determines the distribution of power among the computers 101a to 101c based on the operation information and controls the power consumption for each individual component. Thus, the power consumption of each of the computers 101a to 101c may be controlled. Note that the amount of resources used by each individual component in each of the computers 101a to 101c is to execute a well-known program that realizes an operation information monitoring function in the above-described BMC (Baseboard Management Controller) or its own device. Can be obtained by

  In the first embodiment, in the power distribution control process, when calculating the ratio (resource usage rate) of the power consumption to the maximum power consumption of each of the computers 101a to 101c, the average power consumption in a past fixed period is used. However, for example, only power consumption included in one piece of operation information acquired at a predetermined timing may be used. In this case, for example, the power consumption included in the operation information acquired when the power distribution control process is executed or just before that can be used.

  In the first embodiment, the operation status monitoring unit 203 of each of the computers 101a to 101c monitors the operation status of its own device and transmits the operation information at a predetermined time interval. The operation information transmission function may be realized by another information processing apparatus (the power control apparatus 103 or another apparatus).

  In the first embodiment, the ratio of the power consumption (average power consumption) to the maximum power consumption of each of the computers 101a to 101c is calculated as the resource usage rate. For example, the maximum power supply at the time of the immediately preceding power distribution control process is calculated. The ratio of the power consumption of each of the computers 101a to 101c to the supplied power may be calculated as the resource usage rate.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Computer system 101a, 101b, 101c ... Computer 103 ... Power control apparatus 111 ... Operation condition monitoring means 113 ... Power consumption adjustment means 121 ... Operation information storage means 125 ... Operation information acquisition means 127 ... Power distribution control means 129 ... Rule specification Means 133 ... Priority designation means

Claims (7)

Means for obtaining information indicating the amount of resources used by a plurality of computers operating by receiving power from a power source;
Based on the acquired information, a resource usage rate for an available resource amount set for each computer is obtained, and means for controlling power distribution between computers according to the obtained resource usage rate;
Equipped with a,
The power control apparatus characterized in that the means for controlling distributes power proportionally between computers in accordance with the obtained resource usage rate . Means for obtaining information indicating the amount of resources used by a plurality of computers operating by receiving power from a power source;
Based on the acquired information, a resource usage rate for an available resource amount set for each computer is obtained, and means for controlling power distribution between computers according to the obtained resource usage rate;
Equipped with a,
The control means weights the obtained resource usage rate using a priority set in advance for each computer, and proportionally distributes power among the computers according to the weighted resource usage rate. A power control device. In a computer system including a plurality of computers that operate by receiving power from a power source, and a power control device configured to be communicable with the computers,
The plurality of computers are:
Means for transmitting information indicating the amount of used resources to the power control apparatus;
Based on control by the power control device, and means for adjusting the power consumption of the device itself,
The power control device
Means for acquiring information indicating the resource amount from each of the plurality of computers;
Based on the acquired information, a resource usage rate for an available resource amount set for each computer is obtained, and means for controlling power distribution between computers according to the obtained resource usage rate ,
The computer system is characterized in that the means for controlling distributes power proportionally between computers in accordance with the obtained resource usage rate . In a computer system including a plurality of computers that operate by receiving power from a power source, and a power control device configured to be communicable with the computers,
The plurality of computers are:
Means for transmitting information indicating the amount of used resources to the power control apparatus;
Based on control by the power control device, and means for adjusting the power consumption of the device itself,
The power control device
Means for acquiring information indicating the resource amount from each of the plurality of computers;
Based on the acquired information, a resource usage rate for an available resource amount set for each computer is obtained, and means for controlling power distribution between computers according to the obtained resource usage rate ,
The control means weights the obtained resource usage rate using a priority set in advance for each computer, and proportionally distributes power among the computers according to the weighted resource usage rate. Computer system. Obtaining information indicating the amount of resources used by a plurality of computers operating by receiving power from a power source;
Obtaining a resource usage rate for an available resource amount set for each computer based on the acquired information, and controlling power distribution between computers according to the obtained resource usage rate;
It includes,
The control step distributes power proportionally among computers according to the obtained resource usage rate . Obtaining information indicating the amount of resources used by a plurality of computers operating by receiving power from a power source;
Obtaining a resource usage rate for an available resource amount set for each computer based on the acquired information, and controlling power distribution between computers according to the obtained resource usage rate;
It includes,
The controlling step weights the obtained resource usage rate using a priority set in advance for each computer, and proportionally distributes power among the computers according to the weighted resource usage rate. A power control method. Computer program for executing the power control method according to an information processing apparatus to claim 5 or 6.

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