An energy management system for cluster infrastructures

Abstract

This paper presents a general energy management system for High Performance Computing (HPC) clusters and cloud infrastructures that powers off cluster nodes when they are not being used, and conversely powers them on when they are needed. This system can be integrated with different HPC cluster middleware, such as Batch-Queuing Systems or Cloud Management Systems, and can also use different mechanisms for powering on and off the computing nodes. The presented system makes it possible to implement different energy-saving policies depending on the priorities and particularities of the cluster. It also provides a hook system to extend the functionality, and a sensor system in order to take into account environmental information.

The paper describes the successful integration of the system proposed with some popular Batch-Queuing Systems, and also with some Cloud Management middlewares, presenting two real use-cases that show significant energy/costs savings of 27% and 17%.