Patent attributes
A system of fans ventilates heated air from within an IHS (Information Handling System), such as a rack-mounted server, when operated during normal conditions at a rated fan speed. A controller detects a failure of a fan of this fan system and identifies the functioning fans of the system. One or more of the functioning fans are selected for boosting by operation of a fan failure compensation circuit that has been configured for delivery of additional power to the selected boost fans. The fan failure compensation circuit delivers an output voltage that boost the airflow output of the system to compensate for the failed fan. By increasing the output voltage by approximately twenty percent, the boosted fans operate at approximately fifteen percent above rated speeds, which has been demonstrated to compensate for a failed fan while avoiding further failures during the expected lifespan of the fan system.