A machine room partitioned air supply device based on differential pressure feedback

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of data center air supply technology and discloses a data center zoned air supply device based on differential pressure feedback. The device includes a precision air conditioner installed in the data center. The cold air outlet of the precision air conditioner is connected to an air duct. Several air supply mechanisms are installed below the air duct. Each air supply mechanism supplies air to the server racks in its designated area for cooling. Each air supply area is equipped with a set of pressure sensors, located at the cold aisle inlet and hot aisle outlet of the server rack, to monitor the air pressure in the cold and hot aisles. Louvered air vents are installed at the ends of each air supply mechanism, corresponding to each air supply area. The airflow from the louvered air vents is adjusted based on the air pressure difference monitored by each set of pressure sensors within the cold and hot aisles of the server rack. This dynamic adjustment of airflow according to the actual heat load of the server rack avoids uneven cooling caused by uniform air supply, improves cooling efficiency, and reduces energy consumption.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of computer room air supply technology, specifically to a computer room zoned air supply device based on differential pressure feedback. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of information technology, the integration and power density of equipment in data centers, computer rooms, and other similar locations are constantly increasing. Traditional computer room air supply systems typically employ a unified air supply method, where cold air is delivered to the entire computer room space via fixed ducts and vents through precision air conditioning units. This method makes it difficult to flexibly adjust to the actual heat load of different areas within the computer room, resulting in widespread uneven heating and cooling. On the one hand, some areas experience localized overheating due to concentrated equipment and high heat loads, severely impacting the normal operation and lifespan of the equipment; on the other hand, some low-load areas suffer from overcooling, leading to significant energy waste. Summary of the Invention

[0003] (a) Technical problems to be solved

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this application provides a computer room zoned air supply device based on differential pressure feedback.

[0005] (II) Technical Solution

[0006] To address the aforementioned problems, this application provides the following technical solution: a computer room zoned air supply device based on differential pressure feedback, comprising a precision air conditioner installed in the computer room, the cold air outlet of the precision air conditioner connected to an air duct, the air duct being suspended from the ceiling of the computer room, and several server racks also installed in the computer room, the server racks located on the left and right sides below the air duct, and several air supply mechanisms installed below the air duct, each air supply mechanism being used to supply air and cool the server racks in its respective area, thereby dividing the computer room into several air supply zones based on the number of air supply mechanisms.

[0007] Each air supply area is equipped with a set of pressure sensors, and each set of pressure sensors consists of two sensors. The two pressure sensors are respectively located at the cold aisle inlet and the hot aisle outlet of the cabinet to monitor the air pressure in the cold and hot aisles of the cabinet.

[0008] The air supply mechanism is equipped with a louvered grille air outlet at its end. The louvered grille air outlet is set for each air supply area. The air supply volume of the louvered grille air outlet is adjusted based on the air pressure difference monitored by each group of pressure sensors in the hot and cold aisles of the cabinet.

[0009] Preferably, the air duct is connected to the cold air outlet of the precision air conditioner in the computer room via a connecting pipe, and the inner diameter of the air duct channel gradually decreases along the channel axis towards the end of the air duct.

[0010] Preferably, the air supply mechanism includes an air supply duct, one end of which is installed at the bottom of the duct via a flange and connected to the inside of the duct. The end of the air supply duct is fitted with a louvered grille air outlet via bolts or screws. An extension and retraction adjustment mechanism is provided between the air supply ducts to adjust the extension and retraction length of the air supply duct so that the louvered grille air outlet is located above the cabinet.

[0011] Preferably, the telescopic adjustment mechanism includes a corrugated pipe, which is connected to the air supply pipe via a flange. Several sets of mounting blocks are fixedly installed on the side of the air supply pipe. The mounting blocks are located on the upper and lower sides of the air supply pipe. Each set of upper and lower mounting blocks is connected by adjusting bolts. The telescopic movement of the corrugated pipe can be adjusted by rotating the nut.

[0012] Preferably, a number of grille blades are rotatably connected to the center of the louvered grille vent, and rotating shafts are connected to both sides of the grille blades. The two rotating shafts are rotatably connected inside the louvered grille vent through bearings, which is used to adjust the opening of the grille blades at the air outlet of the louvered grille vent.

[0013] Preferably, a groove is provided on one side of the louvered grille air outlet, and a rotating shaft on one side of the grille fan blade passes through the groove. The rotating shaft passes through the groove, and a driven gear is provided at the end of the rotating shaft. The driven gear drives multiple rotating shafts to rotate through a rack and pinion transmission mechanism to adjust the opening of the grille fan blade at the air outlet of the louvered grille air outlet.

[0014] Preferably, the rack and pinion transmission mechanism includes a rack that slides within a groove. One side of the driven gear meshes with the rack, and one side of the rack meshes with a driving gear. The driving gear is driven to rotate within the groove by a servo motor. The servo motor drives the driving gear to rotate in both directions, causing the rack to slide back and forth within the groove, thereby adjusting the opening of the grille blades.

[0015] Preferably, the driven gear is an incomplete gear, and the length of the teeth on the driven gear is 1 / 4 of its circumference.

[0016] Preferably, the air supply device further includes a central controller, which is used to adjust the opening degree of the grille fan blades at the air outlet of the louvered grille in different areas based on the pressure difference feedback from the pressure sensor in the hot and cold aisles of the cabinet.

[0017] Preferably, a control method for a computer room zoned air supply device based on differential pressure feedback includes the following steps:

[0018] Pressure sensors in each air supply area are used to collect real-time pressure difference data between the cold aisle inlet and the hot aisle outlet of each air supply area in the computer room.

[0019] The differential pressure data is transmitted to the central controller, and the differential pressure is compared with a preset threshold in the controller to calculate the target air volume required for each air supply area.

[0020] The central controller generates control commands based on the target air volume, and adjusts the opening of the dynamic air valve of the corresponding area louver grille air outlet within the range of 0%-100%. At the same time, it controls the adjustment of the total air volume of the main air duct of the precision air conditioner in the computer room, so that the air volume of each independent air supply area reaches the target air volume.

[0021] (III) Beneficial Effects

[0022] Compared with the prior art, this application provides a computer room zoned air supply device based on differential pressure feedback, which has the following advantages:

[0023] 1. This differential pressure feedback-based server room zoned air supply device monitors the air pressure of the hot and cold aisles in real time through differential pressure sensors, and dynamically adjusts the air volume according to the actual heat load of the cabinets. This avoids uneven cooling and heating caused by uniform air supply, improves cooling efficiency, and reduces energy consumption. At the same time, it extends the service life of server room equipment and ensures stable operation of the equipment.

[0024] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this application will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 This is a top view of the structural diagram of the computer room zoned air supply device in this application;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a front view of the structural schematic diagram of the computer room zoned air supply device in this application;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of the computer room zoned air supply device of this application, viewed from the left.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the air supply mechanism in this application;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram of the louvered grille air outlet of this application;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the rack and pinion transmission mechanism for the louvered grille vent in this application;

[0032] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the rack and pinion transmission mechanism of this application;

[0033] Figure 8 For this application Figure 7 Enlarged structural diagram at point A in the middle.

[0034] Reference numerals: 100, Precision air conditioner for computer room; 101, Air duct; 102, Connecting pipe; 200, Air supply mechanism; 201, Air supply duct; 202, Corrugated pipe; 203, Mounting block; 204, Adjusting bolt; 300, Cabinet; 400, Pressure sensor; 500, Louvered grille air outlet; 501, Grille fan blade; 502, Rotating shaft; 503, Bearing; 510, Servo motor; 511, Groove; 512, Passive gear; 513, Rack; 514, Driving gear. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0036] The terms "first" and "second" in the specification and claims of this application may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more. Furthermore, "and / or" in the specification and claims indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0037] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0038] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0039] Please see Figures 1-8 This application provides a novel technical solution: a data center zoned air supply device based on differential pressure feedback, comprising a data center precision air conditioner 100, which is installed inside the data center. The cold air outlet of the data center precision air conditioner 100 is connected to an air duct 101, which is suspended from the ceiling of the data center. Several server racks 300 are also installed inside the data center, located on the left and right sides below the air duct 101. Several air supply mechanisms 200 are installed below the air duct 101, each of which supplies air to the server racks 300 in its designated area for cooling. Based on the number of air supply mechanisms 200, the data center is divided into several air supply zones.

[0040] Each air supply area is equipped with a set of pressure sensors 400. Each set of pressure sensors 400 consists of two sensors, which are respectively located at the cold aisle inlet and the hot aisle outlet of the cabinet 300 to monitor the air pressure in the cold and hot aisles of the cabinet 300.

[0041] The air supply mechanism 200 is provided with a louvered grille vent 500 at its end. The louvered grille vent 500 is provided for each air supply area. The air supply volume of the louvered grille vent 500 is adjusted based on the air pressure difference monitored by each pressure sensor 400 in the hot and cold aisles of the cabinet 300.

[0042] In this embodiment, the pressure sensor 400 is a high-precision MEMS differential pressure sensor with a measurement range of -500 to 500 Pa.

[0043] In operation, the precision air conditioner 100 in the computer room generates cool air, which is delivered to each air supply mechanism 200 through the air duct 101 and then to the server racks 300 through the louvered air vents 500. Pressure sensors 400 are installed at the cold and hot aisle inlets of the server racks 300 to monitor the air pressure within the aisles in real time. When the load of a server rack in a certain area changes, causing fluctuations in heat load, the pressure difference between the cold and hot aisles changes. Based on the pressure difference data, the system adjusts the air supply volume by adjusting the opening of the louvered air vents 500, achieving precise temperature control. This enables independent air supply to different zones within the computer room, dynamically adjusting the air volume according to the actual heat load of the server racks, avoiding uneven cooling and heating caused by traditional uniform air supply, improving cooling efficiency, and reducing energy consumption. At the same time, it extends the lifespan of the computer room equipment and ensures stable equipment operation.

[0044] In some embodiments, the duct 101 is connected to the cold air outlet of the precision air conditioner 100 in the computer room via a connecting pipe 102. The inner diameter of the duct 101 decreases gradually towards the end of the duct along the axial direction. This axial decrease in the inner diameter of the duct 101, based on fluid dynamics principles, allows the flow velocity of the cold air within the duct to gradually increase during flow, thereby maintaining sufficient air pressure and airflow at the end to ensure a stable cooling supply to each air delivery area.

[0045] In some embodiments, the air supply mechanism 200 includes an air supply duct 201. One end of the air supply duct 201 is installed at the bottom of the air duct 101 via a flange and communicates with the inside of the air duct 101. The end of the air supply duct 201 is fitted with a louvered grille vent 500 via bolts or screws. An extension adjustment mechanism is provided between the air supply ducts 201 to adjust the extension length of the air supply duct 201 so that the louvered grille vent 500 is located above the cabinet 300.

[0046] In this embodiment, the telescopic adjustment mechanism includes a bellows 202, which is connected to the air supply pipes 201 via flanges. Several sets of mounting blocks 203 are fixedly installed on the side of the air supply pipes 201. The mounting blocks 203 are located on the upper and lower sides of the air supply pipes 201. Each set of upper and lower mounting blocks 203 is connected by adjusting bolts 204. The telescopic movement of the bellows 202 can be adjusted by rotating the nuts.

[0047] In this embodiment, the corrugated pipe 202 is made of stainless steel corrugated material, with a telescopic range of ±300mm and a working pressure ≤200Pa.

[0048] In use, the expansion and contraction characteristics of the corrugated pipe 202, together with the mounting block 203 and adjusting bolt 204, allow for flexible adjustment of the length of the air supply pipe 201 according to the actual height and layout of the cabinet 300. This ensures that the louvered grille vent 500 is precisely positioned above the cabinet 300, effectively delivering cool air. The cool air acts directly on the air inlet of the cabinet, enhancing the air supply effect and improving cooling efficiency. At the same time, it facilitates installation and subsequent maintenance and adjustment.

[0049] In some embodiments, a plurality of sets of grille blades 501 are rotatably connected to the middle of the louvered grille vent 500, and rotating shafts 502 are connected to both sides of the grille blades 501. The two rotating shafts 502 are rotatably connected inside the louvered grille vent 500 through bearings 503, and are used to adjust the opening degree of the grille blades 501 at the air outlet of the louvered grille vent 500.

[0050] In this embodiment, a groove 511 is provided on one side of the louvered grille vent 500, and a rotating shaft 502 on one side of the grille fan blade 501 passes through the groove 511. A driven gear 512 is provided at the end of the rotating shaft 502. The driven gear 512 drives multiple rotating shafts 502 to rotate through a rack and pinion transmission mechanism to adjust the opening of the grille fan blade 501 at the air outlet of the louvered grille vent 500.

[0051] In this embodiment, the rack and pinion transmission mechanism includes a rack 513, which is slidably disposed in a groove 511. One side of the driven gear 512 meshes with the rack 513, and one side of the rack 513 meshes with a driving gear 514. The driving gear 514 is driven to rotate inside the groove 511 by a servo motor 510. The servo motor 510 drives the driving gear 514 to rotate forward and backward, causing the rack 513 to slide back and forth in the groove 511, thereby adjusting the opening of the grille fan blade 501.

[0052] In operation, the servo motor 510 receives a control signal and rotates in both directions, driving the drive gear 514 to rotate. The rack 513, which meshes with the drive gear 514, slides back and forth within the groove 511. Since the rack 513 meshes with the driven gear 512, the driven gear 512 drives the shaft 502 of the grille fan blade 501 to rotate, thereby precisely adjusting the opening of the grille fan blade 501 at the air outlet of the louvered grille vent 500, achieving dynamic adjustment of the air volume.

[0053] In this embodiment, the passive gear 512 is an incomplete gear, and the length of the teeth on the passive gear 512 is 1 / 4 of its circumference. The incomplete gear structure limits the rotation angle range of the grille fan blades 501, making the airflow adjustment more stable and controllable.

[0054] In some embodiments, the air supply device further includes a central controller, used to adjust the opening degree of the grille blades 501 at the air outlets of the louvered grille vents 500 in different areas based on the differential pressure feedback from the pressure sensors 400 in the hot and cold aisles of the cabinet 300. The central controller receives differential pressure data collected by the pressure sensors 400 in each area in real time, calculates the target air volume required for each area based on a preset algorithm and threshold, and then generates control commands based on the target air volume, which are transmitted to the servo motors 510 of the corresponding area's louvered grille vents 500 to drive the grille blades 501 to adjust their opening degree, thereby achieving precise control of the air supply volume.

[0055] In this embodiment, the central controller adopts an industrial-grade PLC controller with a built-in PID control algorithm. The parameters are adjustable and the control cycle is ≤1s. It can quickly calculate the target air volume based on the pressure difference data and perform data interaction and collaborative control with equipment such as the computer room precision air conditioner 100, pressure sensor 400, and servo motor 510.

[0056] A control method for a computer room zoned air supply device based on differential pressure feedback includes the following steps:

[0057] The pressure difference data between the cold aisle inlet and the hot aisle outlet of each air supply area in the computer room is collected in real time by pressure sensors 400 in each air supply area.

[0058] The differential pressure data is transmitted to the central controller, and the differential pressure is compared with a preset threshold in the controller to calculate the target air volume required for each air supply area.

[0059] The central controller generates control commands based on the target air volume, and controls the dynamic air valve opening of the corresponding area louver grille vent 500 to adjust within the range of 0%-100%. At the same time, it controls the adjustment of the total air volume of the main air duct of the precision air conditioner 100 in the computer room, so that the air volume of each independent air supply area reaches the target air volume.

[0060] Working Principle: In operation, a computer room zoned air supply device based on differential pressure feedback generates cold air from the precision air conditioner 100, which is then delivered to each zone via the variable diameter duct 101. Pressure sensors 400 collect real-time data on the cold aisle inlet and hot aisle outlet, transmitting this data to the central controller. The central controller analyzes and processes the differential pressure data based on preset algorithms and thresholds, calculates the target airflow required for each zone, and then generates control commands to drive the servo motor 510 of the louvered air vent 500 to adjust the opening of the louvered fan blades 501. It also controls the precision air conditioner 100 to adjust the total airflow of the main duct, achieving precise dynamic adjustment of the airflow in each zone.

[0061] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0062] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this application, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A zoned air supply device for a computer room based on differential pressure feedback, characterized in that, The system includes a precision air conditioner for the computer room, which is installed within the computer room. The cold air outlet of the precision air conditioner is connected to an air duct, which is suspended from the ceiling of the computer room. Several server racks are also installed within the computer room, located on the left and right sides below the air duct. Several air supply mechanisms are installed below the air duct, each mechanism supplying air to cool the server racks in its designated area. Based on the number of air supply mechanisms, the computer room is divided into several air supply zones. Each air supply area is equipped with a set of pressure sensors, and each set of pressure sensors consists of two sensors. The two pressure sensors are respectively located at the cold aisle inlet and the hot aisle outlet of the cabinet to monitor the air pressure in the cold and hot aisles of the cabinet. The air supply mechanism is equipped with a louvered grille air outlet at its end. The louvered grille air outlet is set for each air supply area. The air supply volume of the louvered grille air outlet is adjusted based on the air pressure difference monitored by each group of pressure sensors in the hot and cold aisles of the cabinet.

2. The room zoned air supply device based on differential pressure feedback according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air duct is connected to the cold air outlet of the precision air conditioner in the computer room through a connecting pipe, and the inner diameter of the air duct channel decreases gradually towards the end of the air duct along the channel axis.

3. The differential pressure feedback based air distribution device for computer room partition according to claim 1, wherein, The air supply mechanism includes an air supply duct. One end of the air supply duct is installed at the bottom of the duct via a flange and is connected to the inside of the duct. The end of the air supply duct is fitted with a louvered grille air outlet via bolts or screws. An extension and adjustment mechanism is provided between the air supply ducts to adjust the extension and retraction length of the air supply duct so that the louvered grille air outlet is located above the cabinet.

4. The differential pressure feedback based air distribution device for computer room partition according to claim 3, wherein, The telescopic adjustment mechanism includes a corrugated pipe, which is connected to the air supply pipe via a flange. Several sets of mounting blocks are fixedly installed on the side of the air supply pipe. The mounting blocks are located on the upper and lower sides of the air supply pipe. Each set of upper and lower mounting blocks is connected by adjusting bolts. The telescopic movement of the corrugated pipe can be adjusted by rotating the nut.

5. A room zoning air supply device based on differential pressure feedback according to claim 1, characterized in that, The louvered air vent is rotatably connected to several sets of grille blades in the middle. The grille blades are connected to two rotating shafts on both sides. The two rotating shafts are rotatably connected inside the louvered air vent through bearings, which is used to adjust the opening of the grille blades at the air outlet of the louvered air vent.

6. A computer room zoned air supply device based on differential pressure feedback according to claim 5, characterized in that, A groove is provided on one side of the louvered air vent, and a rotating shaft on one side of the louvered fan blade passes through the groove. A driven gear is provided at the end of the rotating shaft. The driven gear drives multiple rotating shafts to rotate through a rack and pinion transmission mechanism to adjust the opening of the louvered fan blade at the air outlet of the louvered air vent.

7. The differential pressure feedback based air distribution device for computer room partition according to claim 6, wherein, The rack and pinion transmission mechanism includes a rack that slides within a groove. One side of the driven gear meshes with the rack, and one side of the rack meshes with a driving gear. The driving gear is driven to rotate within the groove by a servo motor. The servo motor drives the driving gear to rotate in both directions, causing the rack to slide back and forth within the groove, thus adjusting the opening of the grille blades.

8. The differential pressure feedback based air distribution device for computer room partition according to claim 7, wherein, The passive gear is an incomplete gear, and the length of the teeth on the passive gear is 1 / 4 of its circumference.

9. The differential pressure feedback based air distribution device for computer room partition according to claim 1, wherein, The air supply device also includes a central controller, which is used to adjust the opening degree of the grille fan blades at the air outlet of the louvered grille in different areas based on the pressure difference feedback from the pressure sensors in the hot and cold aisles of the cabinet.

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