Method and apparatus for efficiently coordinating data center cooling units

摘要

Methods and systems for controlling environmental maintenance modules (e.g. HVAC units) using sensors are provided. Values measured by the sensors can be used to determine a change in operation levels of the modules to keep the sensor values within a desired range. For example, a stopped module can be increased or started for more cooling when a sensor temperature is too hot. The module predicted to have the greatest effect on the temperature of hot sensor can be started. As another example, a module can be stopped (or otherwise have an operation level decreased), if the sensor temperatures are within range, and the decrease in operation level is predicted not to cause an out-of-range condition.

主权项

1. A method of controlling an environmental maintenance system including a plurality of environmental maintenance modules currently running and a plurality of sensors that measure a value of a physical condition of an environment, the method comprising:
for at least one of the plurality of the modules currently running:
estimating sensor values of the sensors resulting if an operation level of the module were decreased by at least a predetermined amount; determining a first set of one or more of the plurality of the modules currently running that have none of the estimated sensor values outside of a first range; and decreasing an operation level of at least one module of the first set in response to the determination that one or more of the plurality of the modules currently running have none of the estimated sensor values outside of the first range.