Thermal load locator

Abstract

A centralized cooling system can selectively deliver individualized cooling to individual electrical load units. The system can provide direct cooling from a manifold of cooling outlets in a controlled manner based on the sensed electrical loads of particular load units. A branch monitoring system monitors the load on electrical feeds that are coupled to electrical load units. A controller is coupled to the branch monitoring system and provides output to control a cooling unit. At least one control valve is further coupled to the controller downstream of the cooling unit generally at each cooling outlet to control an amount of cooling fluid, such as air or liquid, directed to one or more of the units. If a load changes for a given unit, the controller can actuate a cooling valve coupled to a corresponding cooling outlet and alter the amount of cooling fluid flowing into or around the unit(s).

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Appl. No. 60 / 862,538, filed Oct. 23, 2006, and is incorporated herein by reference.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not applicable.REFERENCE TO APPENDIX[0003]Not applicable.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]1. Field of the Invention.[0005]The present invention relates generally to electronic equipment cabinets and housings, and, more particularly to electronic equipment cabinets having cooling systems.[0006]2. Description of the Related Art.[0007]With the expansion of telecommunication and computer technology, increasing amounts of electronic equipment are required at businesses and other facilities. Large amounts of electronic equipment are often stored in a room devoted to that purpose. As shown in FIG. 1, the equipment is generally organized in a cabinet 2 of standard dimensions with multiple horizontal trays 4 to support multiple rows of equipme...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Because advances in technology have lead to an increased density of the amount of electronic equipment that can be provided in a set amount of space, it has become increasingly difficult to remove this heat by means of the conventional room air conditioning sized according to traditional practices.

General purpose cooling systems for rooms and open spaces now are either oversized and inefficient to handle the additional cooling requirements or inadequate for single racks of critical electronic

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