Plenum partition baffle system

Abstract

A system for directing airflow within a plenum comprising sizeable, shapeable and interconnectable baffles that can be nondestructively attached to plenum support structures. The system includes means for removably interconnecting the baffles and also for removably and non-destructively attaching the baffles to plenum support structure without tools.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 790,883, filed on Apr. 11, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not applicable.SEQUENCE LISTING, TABLE OR COMPUTER PROGRAM ON COMPACT DISC[0003]Not applicable.FIELD OF INVENTION[0004]This invention relates generally to a system that directs airflow. More specifically, it relates to an assembly of baffles that direct airflow in a plenum, and a method of using same.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0005]Underfloor air distribution (UFAD) is a method of delivering conditioned air inside offices and commercial buildings. UFAD is an alternative to ceiling-based heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) methods. The open space between the sub-floor (usually a structural concrete slab) and the underside of a raised access floor is called the plenum or air handling space. UFAD s...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015]When installed, the system directs airflow from CRAC units to equipment within the data center. The system can also direct airflow away from workstations, corridor spaces and command control console areas where cooled air is not required or desired. By directing airflow, the system allows data centers to save electricity and costs associated with electricity usage. In some circumstances, installation of the system may lower costs associated with the purchase of one or more CRACs. The present invention provides a system to direct cool airflow under the raised floor to more effectively control the high heat temperature zones within a data center. By increasing efficiency the invention may lower electricity costs. The system may reduce the number of CRACs required to cool a data center. The system can also be used to partition off areas under workstations, corridor stations and command control console areas where cooled air is not required or desired. The system can also be used to separate hot aisles of air from cold aisles of air. The system provides a solution to airflow distribution problems without major reconstruction of the existing structure and without adding sheet metal ducting within the plenum spaces of data centers. The system is removable and repositionable thereby allowing data center managers increased flexibility in arranging equipment within a data center. The system according to the present invention is constructed of material that is more flexible and easier to work with than sheet metal or ductwork. The cost of labor for installation of the system may also be less expensive than the installation of sheet metal ductwork. It is a feature and advantage of the invention disclosed herein that the baffles can be adapted for use within any plenum, including the plenum of a hung or drop ceiling, and can be mounted to any plenum support structures including but not limited to floor pedestals or ceiling tile framework supports. These and other advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

disclosed herein that the baffles can be adapted for use within any plenum, including the plenum of a hung or drop ceiling, and can be mounted to any plenum support structures including but not limited to floor pedestals or ceiling tile framework supports. These and other advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Problems solved by technology

Controlling high temperatures within data centers is very difficult and complex.

Yet, keeping computers and data center equipment at the right temperature is critical for the life of the equipment.

Because rigid building structural members often define the lateral confines of the plenum, the configuration of a plenum cannot easily change to meet airflow demands.

This is particularly a concern when dealing with a data center that was built many years ago, and has not been upgraded to meet current standards.

However, after thermal demands are calculated and cooling parameters set, airflow rates are often unintentionally changed.

Modifications, such as holes, in the plenum can also cause drastic changes to the airflow rates by creating a low-resistance bypass for the high-pressure cooling air.

Conditions and modifications within the plenum space and imprecise calculations and measurements often produce undesirable airflow distribution through the perforated floor tiles, which could, in turn, harm electronic equipment.

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