Elastic DC cabin with airflow distribution system

Abstract

The invention discloses an elastic DC cabin with an airflow distribution system, and belongs to the technical field of heat dissipation and ventilation of a data center, the elastic DC cabin comprises a pair of cabinet units arranged in parallel and a closed cold channel arranged between the two columns of cabinet units, each column of cabinet unit is composed of a plurality of cabinets, an airflow adjusting unit is arranged between the cabinets and the closed cold channel, and the airflow adjusting unit is connected with the airflow distribution system. The cabinet comprises a frame body and a plurality of supporting seat plates arranged in the frame body, and the supporting seat plates are provided with temperature sensors used for detecting the temperature of a server area; the airflow adjusting unit comprises a containing frame and a plurality of flow control plates arranged in the containing frame in a sliding mode, ventilation hole channels are formed in the flow control plates, wind shields are rotationally installed in the ventilation hole channels, and the swing amplitude of the wind shields is adjusted according to the detection value of the temperature sensor. Through the synergistic effect of the real-time temperature monitoring unit and the airflow adjusting unit, cold air can be accurately distributed according to the actual heat dissipating capacity of the server, the optimal temperature requirement of the data center is met, and energy is remarkably saved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention mainly relates to the technical field of heat dissipation and ventilation of data centers, and in particular to a flexible DC cabin with an airflow distribution system. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the rapid development of new technologies such as 5G and the Industrial Internet, as well as the accelerated construction of new smart cities, has created massive storage and processing demands, driving rapid growth in demand for data center services. As a new type of digital infrastructure, data centers are increasingly becoming a crucial component of this new infrastructure. DC pods are a type of modular data center infrastructure, typically consisting of a frame structure, network cabinets, air conditioners, power supply cabinets, and other components. Designed as enclosed spaces, they provide efficient power and cooling solutions suitable for a variety of data center environments.

[0003] Due to the long-term operation of server equipment, the heat density is high and the heat generation time is long. The energy consumption of the data center air conditioning system is very large, even accounting for 30% to 40% of the total energy consumption of the data center. The closed cold channel method adopted by existing technologies to reduce energy consumption only prevents the initial diffusion of cold airflow. The problem of reasonable distribution of airflow organization in the cold channel has not been effectively improved, resulting in poor temperature uniformity in the data center. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical solution of the present invention addresses the technical problem that the existing technical solutions are too single, and provides a solution that is significantly different from the existing technology. Specifically, the present invention mainly provides a flexible DC cabin with an airflow distribution system to solve the technical problems raised in the above background technology.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the above technical problems is: A cabin with an airflow distribution system includes a pair of cabinet units arranged side by side and used to carry servers, and an enclosed cold aisle provided between the two rows of cabinet units. Each row of cabinet units is composed of multiple cabinets arranged in a front-to-back relationship along the length of the cabinet units. An airflow adjustment unit is provided between the cabinets and the enclosed cold aisle. The cabinet includes a frame body and a plurality of support base plates provided within the frame body. The support base plates are provided with temperature sensors for detecting the temperature of the server area. The airflow regulating unit includes a receiving frame and a plurality of flow control plates slidably arranged inside the receiving frame, the flow control plates are provided with evenly distributed ventilation channels, each of the ventilation channels is rotatably provided with a wind shield, and a linkage assembly for synchronously driving all wind shields to rotate is provided inside the flow control plates, and the linkage assemblies of adjacent flow control plates are connected by a connecting assembly; The flow control plate is detachably connected to a driving assembly, which includes a follower gear coaxially connected to the linkage assembly, a power gear meshing with the follower gear, and a swinging member driving the power gear to rotate back and forth; The swing amplitude of the windshield is adjusted according to the detection value of the temperature sensor.

[0006] Preferably, closed doors are provided at both ends of the closed cold channel, and a sealed skylight is provided on the top along its direction.

[0007] Preferably, the accommodating frame is hinged to a side of the cabinet facing the closed cold channel.

[0008] Preferably, a plurality of columns with positioning holes are provided inside the frame body, and the support base plate is connected to the positioning holes by fixing bolts.

[0009] Preferably, the linkage assembly includes a vertical channel arranged inside the flow control plate, a rotating main shaft is rotatably installed in the vertical channel, and is coaxially connected to the follower gear, the rotating main shaft is connected to the central axis of several windshields through a sprocket chain transmission, and blocks are detachably connected to both ends of the vertical channel.

[0010] Preferably, the connecting assembly includes a docking shaft, both ends of which are connected to the end of the rotating main shaft through a snap-fit ​​structure; the snap-fit ​​structure includes a snap column and a snap groove that cooperate with each other.

[0011] Preferably, the drive assembly further includes two upper and lower fixing frames, both of which are fixed to the surface of the flow control plate by bolts, the power gear is rotatably mounted on the fixing frames, the upper and lower power gears are coaxially connected by a telescopic rod, one of the fixing frames is provided with an accommodation box, the swinging member is provided inside the accommodation box, and the flow control plate is provided with a through groove for accommodating the follower gear and the power gear.

[0012] Preferably, the swinging member includes a rotatably mounted rotating shaft, a transmission gear rotatably mounted through a bracket, a rack slidably mounted and meshing with the transmission gear, a vertical slot column slidably mounted and connected to the rack, and a rotating disk rotatably mounted and driven to rotate by a motor, the rotating disk is provided with a connected electric push rod and an insertion rod, one end of the insertion rod extends to a slide groove inside the vertical slot column, the rotating shaft and the transmission gear are connected by two mutually meshing bevel gears, and the extension length of the electric push rod changes with the detection value of the temperature sensor.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: (1) In a closed cold channel system, differences in heat dissipation between different servers in the same cabinet (due to factors such as hardware configuration, workload, age, and health status) are very common. The existing system needs to supply cooling according to the highest temperature demand, which can easily lead to over-cooling in low-load areas and cause energy waste. In particular, flexible DC cabins require more refined cooling control due to their compact space and dynamic load changes. In the present invention, cold air from the closed cold aisle is distributed to the cabinet unit space via an airflow control unit and enters the cabinet interior through ventilation ducts. A windshield is installed within the ventilation duct, and its swing amplitude (opening degree) directly controls the flow of cold air: the larger the opening, the more the ventilation duct is blocked, and the less cold air enters. The opening degree of the windshield is driven by the real-time detection value of the temperature sensor: when the detected temperature rises, indicating that the cooling capacity required by the server increases, the windshield opening degree decreases accordingly to ensure sufficient cooling supply. Conversely, when the detected temperature decreases, the cooling capacity required decreases, and the windshield opening degree increases, reducing the inflow of cold air to this area, allowing more cold air to be dynamically distributed to the high-load server area. Through this real-time temperature monitoring and real-time coordinated control mechanism of the airflow adjustment unit, cooling air can be precisely distributed according to the actual heat dissipation of the server, which not only meets the needs of the flexible DC cabin to quickly respond to load fluctuations, but also significantly reduces the risk of hot and cold mixing caused by space limitations, while ensuring temperature stability and maximizing energy utilization efficiency.

[0014] (2) To accommodate servers of different specifications, this device uses an adjustable support base. The space between the upper and lower support bases corresponds to the server's heat dissipation area, and the cooling air flow rate of the ventilation duct corresponding to this area is the actual cooling air intake. During installation, the lower fixing bracket must be installed on the flow control plate corresponding to the lower support base, and the upper fixing bracket must be installed on the flow control plate corresponding to the upper support base, depending on the position of the upper and lower support bases. This linkage design ensures that the opening of the windshield corresponding to the server's heat dissipation area remains consistent, thereby achieving compatibility with servers of different specifications and greatly improving the practicality and adaptability of the device.

[0015] (3) The reciprocating swing of the air baffle not only effectively regulates the flow of cold air, but also dynamically changes the direction of cold air entering. This disturbance effect makes it easier for cold air to spread to every corner of the cabinet, improves local airflow distribution, and enhances overall heat dissipation efficiency.

[0016] The present invention will be explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the DC cabin of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the DC cabin framework of the present invention; Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the cabinet and the air flow adjustment unit of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the cabinet of the present invention; Figure 5 For the present invention Figure 4 Enlarged view of point A in the middle; Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the airflow regulating unit of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the flow control plate and the drive assembly of the present invention; Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the internal structure of the flow control plate of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the drive assembly of the present invention; Figure 10 It is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the placement box of the present invention.

[0018] Reference numerals: 1. Cabinet unit; 2. Enclosed cold aisle; 3. Enclosed door; 4. Enclosed skylight; 10. Cabinet; 101. Frame; 102. Support plate; 103. Column; 104. Positioning hole; 105. Fixing bolt; 20. Airflow adjustment unit; 201. Accommodation frame; 202. Flow control plate; 2021. Ventilation duct; 2022. Wind deflector; 203, linkage assembly; 2031, rotating spindle; 2032, vertical channel; 2033, sprocket chain; 2034, clamping block; 204, connection components; 205. Drive assembly; 2051. Follower gear; 2052. Power gear; 2053. Telescopic rod; 2054. Fixed frame; 2055. Placement box; 2056. Rotating shaft; 2057. Transmission gear; 2058. Rack; 2059. Vertical slot column; 20510. Bevel gear; 20511. Rotating disk; 20512. Insert rod; 20513. Electric push rod. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, the present invention will be described more comprehensively below with reference to the relevant drawings. Several embodiments of the present invention are given in the drawings. However, the present invention can be implemented in different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described in the text. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided to make the content disclosed in the present invention more thorough and comprehensive.

[0020] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed on" another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be a central element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be a central element at the same time. The terms "vertical", "horizontal", "left", "right" and similar expressions used in this article are for illustrative purposes only.

[0021] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly used by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. The terminology used in the specification of the present invention is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. The term "and / or" used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items.

[0022] Example 1: Please refer to the attached drawings Figure 1 - Figure 3 As shown, a flexible DC cabin with an airflow distribution system includes a pair of cabinet units 1 arranged side by side and used to hold servers, and an enclosed cold aisle 2 disposed between the two rows of cabinet units 1. Each row of cabinet units 1 is composed of multiple cabinets 10 arranged in a front-to-back relationship along the length of the cabinet units 1. An airflow control unit 20 is disposed between the cabinets 10 and the enclosed cold aisle 2. The enclosed cold aisle 2 is provided with closed doors 3 at both ends and a sealed skylight 4 arranged along its top. Cold air is delivered by an air conditioner into the enclosed cold aisle 2 (enclosed cold pool). The cold air in the enclosed cold aisle 2 is distributed to the space containing the cabinet units 1 by the airflow control unit 20. The cold air enters through the front of the cabinets 10, cools the equipment, and then forms hot air that is discharged from the rear of the cabinets 10 into the hot aisle. The air in the hot aisle then returns to the air conditioner return vents, completing this cycle, forming the enclosed cold aisle system of the DC cabin.

[0023] The cabinet 10 includes a frame body 101 and several support base plates 102 arranged inside the frame body 101. The support base plates 102 are provided with temperature sensors for detecting the temperature of the server area; the server is located on the support base plates 102, and the area between the upper and lower support base plates 102 is the server heat dissipation area. The temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature of this area, and the temperature sensor is connected to the DC cabin master control telecommunications.

[0024] Example 2: Based on the first embodiment, please refer to the attached drawings Figure 3 - Figure 8As shown, the airflow control unit 20 includes a housing frame 201 and a plurality of flow control plates 202 slidably disposed within the housing frame 201. The housing frame 201 is hingedly connected to the side of the cabinet 10 facing the enclosed cold aisle 2. The airflow control unit 20 is hingedly mounted so that it does not interfere with staff maintenance operations on the servers.

[0025] The flow control plate 202 is provided with evenly distributed ventilation channels 2021, and a windshield 2022 is rotatably installed in each ventilation channel 2021. A linkage component 203 is provided inside the flow control plate 202 for synchronously driving all windshields 2022 to rotate. The linkage components 203 of adjacent flow control plates 202 are connected through a connecting component 204. The swing amplitude of the windshield 202 is adjusted according to the detection value of the temperature sensor.

[0026] In the same cabinet 10, it is a very common phenomenon that different servers have different heat dissipation. The factors include hardware configuration differences, workload imbalance, server age and health status, etc. However, in the existing closed cold channel system, the air conditioner needs to output cooling capacity according to the highest temperature demand, which may cause the low-load server area to be over-cooled and waste energy. In this DC cabin, the cold air in the closed cold channel 2 is distributed to the space where the cabinet unit 1 is located through the air flow adjustment unit 20, that is, the cold air enters the interior of the cabinet 10 through the ventilation duct 2021. Since the windshield 2022 is set in the ventilation duct 2021, the swing amplitude of the windshield 2022 affects the amount of cold air intake. The larger the swing amplitude of the windshield 2022, the greater the shielding of the ventilation duct 21, which reduces the amount of cold air intake. In addition, since the swing amplitude of the windshield 2022 responds to the detection value of the temperature sensor, the higher the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, the lower the temperature in the cabinet 10. The amount of cooling air required by the servers in the cabinet 10 is greater, and accordingly, the swing amplitude of the wind shield 2022 is smaller, ensuring a good amount of cooling air intake. Conversely, the lower the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, the less cooling air is required by the servers inside the cabinet 10. Accordingly, the swing amplitude of the wind shield 2022 is greater, so that the cooling air can be distributed to the other server areas with larger heat dissipation. Through real-time monitoring of the temperature and adjustment of the airflow adjustment unit 20, the cooling air is distributed according to the different heat dissipated by the servers, so as to meet the optimal temperature requirements of the data center and save energy.

[0027] When windshield 2022 is positioned in a blade-like configuration within ventilation duct 2021, its impact on the flow of cold air is minimal. Its swing is reset to 0°, and the initial swing amplitude of windshield 2022 is 60°, meaning it deflects 30° left and right in its blade-like configuration. The temperature sensor's temperature detection should be designed based on the type of DC cabin. For example, if the current DC cabin temperature range is 10-25°C, the corresponding standard temperature detected by the temperature sensor should be 15-20°C. If the temperature is below the standard, the swing amplitude of windshield 2022 should be increased, and if the temperature is above the standard, the swing amplitude should be reduced.

[0028] Example 3: Based on the second embodiment, please refer to the attached drawings Figure 3 - Figure 8 As shown, the linkage assembly 203 includes a vertical channel 2032 disposed within the flow control plate 202. A rotating spindle 2031 is rotatably mounted within the vertical channel 2032 and coaxially connected to a follower gear 2051. The rotating spindle 2031 is connected to the central axes of the plurality of windshields 2022 via a sprocket chain 2033. Clamps 2034 are detachably connected to both ends of the vertical channel 2032. Because the rotating spindle 2031 is connected to the central axes of the plurality of windshields 2022 within the same flow control plate 202 via the sprocket chain 2033, the windshields 2022 on the same flow control plate 202 all swing with the same amplitude.

[0029] The connecting assembly 204 includes a docking shaft, both ends of which are connected to the ends of the rotating main shaft 2031 via a locking structure; the locking structure includes a mutually cooperating locking column and a locking slot. The windshields 2022 of the upper and lower flow control plates 202 connected by the connecting assembly 204 have the same swing amplitude.

[0030] Example 4: Based on the third embodiment, please refer to the attached drawings Figure 3 - Figure 10 As shown, the driving component 205 includes a follower gear 2051 coaxially connected to the linkage component 203, a power gear 2052 meshing with the follower gear 2051, and a swinging member driving the power gear 2052 to rotate reciprocatingly; the swinging member is arranged inside the placement box 2055, and the flow control plate 202 is provided with a through groove for accommodating the follower gear 2051 and the power gear 2052.

[0031] The swinging member includes a rotatably mounted rotating shaft 2056, a transmission gear 2057 rotatably mounted through a bracket, a rack 2058 slidably mounted and meshing with the transmission gear 2057, a vertical slot column 2059 slidably mounted and connected to the rack 2058, and a rotating disk 20511 rotatably mounted and driven by a motor. The rotating disk 20511 is provided with a connected electric push rod 20513 and an insertion rod 20512, one end of the insertion rod 20512 extends to the slide groove inside the vertical slot column 2059, the rotating shaft 2056 and the transmission gear 2057 are connected by two mutually meshing bevel gears 20510, and the extension length of the electric push rod 20513 changes with the detection value of the temperature sensor.

[0032] When the electric push rod 20513 is not extended, the axis line of the insertion rod 20512 coincides with the axis line of the rotating disk 20511; in the initial state, the electric push rod 20513 is extended to a certain length, so that the insertion rod 20512 is in an eccentric position on the rotating disk 20511. As the rotating disk 20511 rotates, the insertion rod 20512 drives the vertical slot column 2059 to swing back and forth, so that the rack 2058 drives the transmission gear 2057 to rotate back and forth, so that the rotating shaft 2056 rotates back and forth, and the follower gear 2051 follows the rotating shaft 2056 to rotate back and forth through the power gear 2052, thereby realizing the swinging of the wind shield 2022. The back and forth swinging of the wind shield 2022 can not only limit the amount of cold air entering, but also the swinging method can change the direction of cold air entering, so that the cold air can be more easily distributed to every part of the cabinet 10.

[0033] In Example 2, the swing amplitude of the wind shield 2022 responds to the detection value of the temperature sensor. As a specific implementation method, the swing amplitude of the wind shield 2022 is changed by changing the extension length of the electric push rod 20513. The extension length of the electric push rod 20513 decreases as the detection standard temperature of the temperature sensor increases. The DC cabin master control changes the extension length of the electric push rod 20513 according to the temperature of the temperature sensor. It can be achieved through simple programming by technicians in this field. It is common knowledge in this field and is only used without modification. Therefore, the control method and circuit connection are not described in detail.

[0034] Embodiment 5: Based on the fourth embodiment, please refer to the attached drawings Figure 3 - Figure 10As shown, the frame 101 is internally provided with multiple columns 103 with positioning holes 104. The support base plate 102 is connected to the positioning holes 104 via fixing bolts 105. Since servers vary in specifications, the adjustable support base plate 102 allows the cabinet to accommodate servers of different specifications. The space between the upper and lower support base plates 102 serves as the heat dissipation area for the servers, and the amount of cold air passing through the corresponding ventilation ducts 2021 represents the amount of cold air entering this area.

[0035] The flow control plate 202 is detachably connected to a drive assembly 205. The drive assembly 205 also includes upper and lower fixing brackets 2054, both of which are bolted to the surface of the flow control plate 202. The power gear 2052 is rotatably mounted on the fixing brackets 2054. The upper and lower power gears 2052 are coaxially connected via a telescopic rod 2053. One of the fixing brackets 2054 is provided with a placement box 2055. Based on the positions of the upper and lower support base plates 102, the lower fixing bracket 2054 is mounted on the flow control plate 202 corresponding to the lower support base plate 102, while the upper fixing bracket 2054 is mounted on the flow control plate 202 corresponding to the upper support base plate 102. This ensures that the swing amplitudes of the windshield plates 2022 corresponding to the heat dissipation areas of the servers are consistent, thereby accommodating different types of servers and improving the applicability of the device.

[0036] The above description of the present invention is exemplified in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is obvious that the specific implementation of the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned method. As long as such non-substantial improvements are made using the method concept and technical solution of the present invention, or the concept and technical solution of the present invention are directly applied to other occasions without improvement, they are all within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A flexible DC cabin with an airflow distribution system, characterized by: The invention comprises a pair of cabinet units (1) arranged in parallel and used for carrying servers, and a closed cold channel (2) arranged between the two rows of cabinet units (1), wherein each row of the cabinet units (1) is composed of a plurality of cabinets (10) arranged in a front-to-back relationship along the length direction of the cabinet units (1), an air flow adjustment unit (20) is arranged between the cabinets (10) and the closed cold channel (2), and the cabinet (10) comprises a frame body (101) and a plurality of support base plates (102) arranged inside the frame body (101), and a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the server area is provided on the support base plate (102); The airflow regulating unit (20) comprises a containing frame (201) and a plurality of flow control plates (202) slidably arranged inside the containing frame (201); the flow control plates (202) are provided with evenly distributed ventilation ducts (2021); a windshield plate (2022) is rotatably installed in each of the ventilation ducts (221); a linkage assembly (203) for synchronously driving all windshield plates (222) to rotate is provided inside the flow control plates (202); and the linkage assemblies (203) of adjacent flow control plates (202) are connected in transmission via a connecting assembly (204); The flow control plate (202) is detachably connected to a driving assembly (205), wherein the driving assembly (205) comprises a follower gear (2051) coaxially connected to the linkage assembly (203), a power gear (2052) meshing with the follower gear (2051), and a swinging member driving the power gear (2052) to rotate back and forth; The swing amplitude of the windshield (2022) is adjusted according to the detection value of the temperature sensor.

2. The flexible DC cabin with an airflow distribution system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The closed cold channel (2) is provided with closed doors (3) at both ends, and a sealed skylight (4) arranged along the top thereof.

3. The flexible DC cabin with an airflow distribution system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The accommodating frame (201) is hinged to a side of the cabinet (10) facing the closed cold channel (2).

4. The flexible DC cabin with an airflow distribution system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A plurality of columns (103) with positioning holes (104) are provided inside the frame body (101), and the support base plate (102) is connected to the positioning holes (104) via fixing bolts (105).

5. The flexible DC cabin with an airflow distribution system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The linkage assembly (203) comprises a vertical channel (2032) arranged inside the flow control plate (202); a rotating main shaft (2031) is rotatably installed in the vertical channel (2032) and is coaxially connected to a follower gear (2051); the rotating main shaft (2031) is connected to the central axes of the plurality of windshields (2022) via a sprocket chain (2033); and blocks (2034) are detachably connected to both ends of the vertical channel (2032).

6. The flexible DC cabin with an airflow distribution system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The connecting assembly (204) comprises a docking shaft, both ends of which are connected to the end of the rotating main shaft (2031) via a snap-fit ​​structure; the snap-fit ​​structure comprises a snap column and a snap groove that cooperate with each other.

7. The flexible DC cabin with an airflow distribution system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The driving assembly (205) further comprises two upper and lower fixing frames (2054), both of which are fixed to the surface of the flow control plate (202) by bolts, the power gear (2052) being rotatably mounted on the fixing frames (2054), the upper and lower power gears (2052) being coaxially connected via a telescopic rod (2053), one of the fixing frames (2054) being provided with a placement box (2055), the swinging member being arranged inside the placement box (2055), and the flow control plate (202) being provided with a through slot for accommodating the follower gear (2051) and the power gear (2052).

8. The flexible DC cabin with an airflow distribution system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The swing member comprises a rotatably mounted rotating shaft (2056), a transmission gear (2057) rotatably mounted via a bracket, a rack (2058) slidably mounted and meshing with the transmission gear (2057), a vertical slot column (2059) slidably mounted and connected to the rack (2058), and a rotating disk (20511) rotatably mounted and driven by a motor. The rotating disk (20511) is provided with a connected electric push rod (20513) and an insertion rod (20512). One end of the insertion rod (20512) extends into a sliding groove inside the vertical slot column (2059). The rotating shaft (2056) and the transmission gear (2057) are connected to each other via two mutually meshing bevel gears (20510). The extension length of the electric push rod (20513) changes with the detection value of the temperature sensor.

Images