Circulation suppression device, circulation suppression method, and air conditioning system

Abstract

A technology is provided that can efficiently cool electronic devices in a computer room in which cold aisles and hot aisles are formed. [Solution] The backflow suppression device comprises a fixed part that is fixed to the rack and a partition part that extends from the fixed part side toward the cold aisle side so as to separate the cold aisle from the space above the cold aisle, and is configured so that a predetermined gap is secured between the partition part and a structure facing the partition part in the extension direction of the partition part.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a reflux suppression device, a reflux suppression method, and an air conditioning system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in computer rooms such as server rooms, containment-type air conditioning systems have been adopted to efficiently cool electronic devices such as servers and network devices placed in the room (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). This air conditioning system is configured, for example, to line up multiple racks storing electronic devices in the width direction to form a rack row, dividing the room into a cold aisle and a hot aisle at the boundary of the rack row, supplying cold air from the cold aisle into the racks, and exhausting the warm air from the racks to the hot aisle after cooling the electronic devices.

[0003] In a containment-type air conditioning system, if warm air exhausted into the hot aisle returns to the cold aisle via the space above the racks, the temperature of the air supplied to the racks will rise, which could result in a decrease in cooling efficiency and an excessive rise in temperature of electronic devices.In this regard, for example, Patent Document 3 describes a technology in which a flat, permeable return prevention panel extending toward the ceiling board of the server room is installed on the top surface of the server racks to prevent warm air exhausted from a row of server racks from returning to the cold aisle and being supplied to the row of server racks. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3113793 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 7227880 [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 5698029 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The technology disclosed herein aims to provide a technology that can efficiently cool electronic devices in a computer room in which cold aisles and hot aisles are formed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the technology according to the present disclosure employs the following configuration. That is, the gist of the technology according to the present disclosure is as follows.

[0007] (Aspect 1) In a computer room in which racks are arranged so that a cold aisle for supplying cool air to the racks storing electronic devices is formed on the front side of the racks and a hot aisle for discharging warm air after cooling the electronic devices is formed on the rear side of the racks, a reflux suppression device is installed in the racks to suppress the warm air from refluxing from the hot aisle side to the cold aisle side, a fixing portion fixed to the rack; a partition wall portion extending from the fixed portion side to the cold aisle side so as to separate the cold aisle from a space above the cold aisle; a predetermined gap is secured between the partition wall portion and a structure facing the partition wall portion in an extending direction of the partition wall portion; Reflux suppression device.

[0008] (Aspect 2) At least the partition wall portion has transparency. 2. The reflux suppression device according to claim 1.

[0009] (Aspect 3) The reflux suppression device is entirely transparent. 3. The reflux suppression device according to claim 2.

[0010] (Aspect 4) the fixing portion is fixed to an upper surface of the rack, The reflux suppression device is a rising portion provided between the fixing portion and the partition wall and extending upward from the fixing portion, The reflux suppression device according to any one of aspects 1 to 3.

[0011] (Aspect 5) the partition wall portion has an inclined portion that includes a tip end of the partition wall portion in the extension direction and is inclined downward toward the tip end, A reflux suppression device according to any one of aspects 1 to 4.

[0012] (Aspect 6) A flexible sealing member that closes the gap except for a portion thereof can be attached to the partition wall. A reflux suppression device according to any one of aspects 1 to 5.

[0013] (Aspect 7) In the computer room, a rack row is formed in which a plurality of the racks are lined up in a width direction so as to partition the cold aisle and the hot aisle, The racks adjacent in the width direction in the rack row are connected by connecting members arranged so as to straddle the upper surfaces of the adjacent racks and screwed to the upper surfaces of the adjacent racks, a notch capable of receiving a screw member for screwing the connecting member is formed at a rear end of the fixing portion; The fixing portion is sandwiched between the upper surface of the rack and the connecting member with the screw member received in the notch portion. A reflux suppression device according to any one of aspects 1 to 6.

[0014] (Aspect 8) A method for suppressing warm air from returning from the hot aisle to the cold aisle in a computer room in which racks are arranged so that a cold aisle for supplying cool air to the racks storing electronic devices is formed on the front side of the racks and a hot aisle for discharging warm air after cooling the electronic devices is formed on the rear side of the racks, the method comprising: A reflux suppression device is installed on the rack, the reflux suppression device including a fixed portion fixed to the rack and a partition portion extending from the fixed portion side to the cold aisle side so as to separate the cold aisle from a space above the cold aisle; a predetermined gap is secured between the partition wall portion and a structure facing the partition wall portion in an extending direction of the partition wall portion; Reflux suppression method.

[0015] (Aspect 9) In the computer room, at least one pair of rack rows, in which a plurality of the racks are arranged side by side in a width direction, are formed on either side of the cold aisle with front faces of the racks facing each other, The backflow suppression device is installed in each of the pair of rack rows, the predetermined gap is secured between the partition walls that are installed in each of the pair of rack rows and face each other, A reflux suppression method according to aspect 8.

[0016] (Aspect 10) a rack for storing electronic devices, the rack being arranged in a computer room so that a cold aisle for supplying cool air to the rack is formed on the front side of the rack and a hot aisle for discharging warm air after cooling the electronic devices is formed on the rear side of the rack; A cold air supply means for supplying cold air to the cold aisle; a reflux suppression device that is installed on the rack to suppress the warm air from refluxing from the hot aisle side to the cold aisle side, The reflux suppression device includes a fixing portion fixed to the rack; a partition wall portion extending from the fixed portion side to the cold aisle side so as to separate the cold aisle from a space above the cold aisle, a predetermined gap is secured between the partition wall portion and a structure facing the partition wall portion in an extending direction of the partition wall portion; Air conditioning system. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the technology disclosed herein, it is possible to efficiently cool electronic devices in a computer room in which cold aisles and hot aisles are formed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a server room according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a server room to which the reflux suppression device according to the embodiment is applied. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an installation state of the reflux suppression device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view (1) showing the installation state of the reflux suppression device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a side view (2) showing the installation state of the reflux suppression device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a reflux suppression device according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side view of the reflux suppression device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a plan view of the reflux suppression device according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a plan view for explaining a method of installing a reflux suppression device according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a plan view of components for fixing the reflux suppression device to the rack. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. However, such descriptions should not be interpreted in a limiting sense, and do not limit the subject matter described in the claims. Furthermore, various changes, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, different embodiments can be combined as appropriate.

[0020] In the following, an example of a computer room will be described in which the technology according to the present disclosure is applied to a server room in which electronic devices such as servers and network devices are installed, but the application of the technology according to the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the technology according to the present disclosure may be applied to a computer room in which a high-performance supercomputer is installed.

[0021] [Overall configuration] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a server room 100 (computer room) to which a backflow suppression device according to an embodiment is applied. The Z direction shown in FIG. 1 is the height direction (vertical direction) of the server room 100. The X and Y directions are directions perpendicular to the Z direction (height direction) and perpendicular to each other. FIG. 1(A) is a plan view of the server room 100. FIG. 1(B) is a cross-sectional view of the server room 100 perpendicular to the Y direction. FIG. 1(C) is a cross-sectional view of the server room 100 perpendicular to the X direction. The server room 100 is a room in a data center, for example, where electronic devices 1 such as servers and network devices are operated. In FIG. 1, the arrows indicated by the symbol C represent the flow of cool air, and the arrows indicated by the symbol H represent the flow of warm air.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the server room 100 has a floor 101, a ceiling 102, a pair of side walls 103, 103, and a pair of side walls 104, 104. Lighting equipment (not shown) is installed on the ceiling 102 to ensure workability in the server room 100. The pair of side walls 103, 103 are orthogonal to the X direction, spaced apart from each other, and extend along the Y direction. The pair of side walls 104, 104 are orthogonal to the Y direction, spaced apart from each other, and extend along the X direction. The floor 101, the ceiling 102, the pair of side walls 103, 103, and the pair of side walls 104, 104 define the server room 100 as a substantially rectangular parallelepiped interior space.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of racks 2 for storing electronic devices 1 are arranged on a floor surface 101 of a server room 100. The racks 2 are formed in the shape of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box. FIG. 1A shows the front-rear and width directions of the racks 2. In the racks 2, the surface facing forward is called the front surface 2a, the surface facing backward is called the back surface 2b, and the surface facing in the width direction (lateral direction) is called the side surface 2c. The front surface 2a of the racks 2 is provided with an air intake port (not shown) and configured as an intake surface for taking air into the racks 2. The back surface 2b of the racks 2, which is opposite the front surface 2a in the front-rear direction, is provided with an exhaust port (not shown) and configured as an exhaust surface for exhausting air from the racks 2. As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, the racks 2 store a plurality of electronic devices 1 (three in this example) in multiple layers.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C, a rack row 3 is formed in a server room 100 by arranging a plurality of racks 2 (five in this example) side by side in the width direction with the front 2a and rear 2b oriented in the same direction (i.e., with the front-to-rear directions aligned). The rack row 3 extends along the Y direction of the server room 100. That is, the racks 2 are arranged side by side in the Y direction with their width directions aligned in the Y direction. In addition, in the rack row 3, the racks 2 are lined up without gaps, with the side surfaces 2c of adjacent racks 2 abutting and connected to each other. Hereinafter, the front-to-rear direction of a rack 2 constituting the rack row 3 will be defined as the front-to-rear direction of the rack row 3, and the width direction of the rack 2 will be defined as the width direction of the rack row 3, corresponding to the front-to-rear direction and width direction of the racks 2 constituting the rack row 3. In addition, the front 2a side of the rack 2 that constitutes the rack row 3 is set as the front side (intake side) of the rack row 3, and the back 2b side of the rack 2 that constitutes the rack row 3 is set as the back side (exhaust side) of the rack row 3.

[0025] 1(A) and 1(B), multiple (six in this example) rack rows 3 are arranged side by side in the front-to-back direction (i.e., the X direction of the server room 100) in the server room 100. In this case, adjacent rack rows 3 in the front-to-back direction are arranged at intervals from each other with their front faces or their back faces facing each other. Furthermore, of the multiple rack rows 3, the rack rows 3 located at both ends in the front-to-back direction are arranged at intervals from the side wall 103 with their front faces or back faces (front faces in this example) of the rack rows 3 facing the side wall 103 of the server room 100.

[0026] By arranging the racks 2 as described above, a cold aisle 4, which is a space for supplying cool air C to the racks 2, is formed on the front side of the rack row 3 (the front surface 2a side of the racks 2) within the server room 100, with the rack row 3 as the boundary. A hot aisle 5, which is a space for exhausting warm air H after cooling the electronic devices 1, is formed on the rear side of the rack row 3 (the rear surface 2b side of the racks 2). More specifically, the cold aisle 4 is formed between a pair of rack rows 3 whose front surfaces 2a face each other, and between a rack row 3 whose front surfaces 2a face a side wall 103 of the server room 100 and the side wall 103. Furthermore, the hot aisle 5 is formed between a pair of rack rows 3 whose rear surfaces 2b face each other. The cold aisle 4 and the hot aisle 5 also function as work spaces where workers (e.g., an administrator of the server room 100) can operate and maintain the electronic devices 1 stored in the racks 2.

[0027] 1(B) and 1(C), the racks 2 are formed lower than the ceiling 102, thereby forming a space 6 between the racks 2 (rack row 3) and the ceiling 102 of the server room 100. The space 6 is adjacent to and above the cold aisle 4 and the hot aisle 5.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 1 , the server room 100 is provided with a cold air supply unit 7 that supplies cold air C to the cold aisle 4. The cold air supply unit 7 includes an air conditioner 71 that generates the cold air C, an underfloor chamber 72 that guides the cold air C sent out from the air conditioner 71 to an underfloor area of ​​the cold aisle 4, and an air vent 73 that blows the cold air C from the underfloor chamber 72 into the cold aisle 4. The air conditioner 71 draws in and cools air in the server room 100, and sends the cooled air, or cold air C, to the underfloor chamber 72. The air conditioner 71 may also take in outside air, cool it, and use it as the cold air C. The underfloor chamber 72 is configured as a space that extends from under the floor of the air conditioner 71 to under the floor of the cold aisle 4. The air vent 73 is formed in a floor surface 101 in the cold aisle 4, and connects the underfloor chamber 72 to the cold aisle 4. For example, in order to supply sufficient cool air C into the cold aisle 4, a plurality of vents 73 are formed over substantially the entire area of ​​the floor surface 101 in the cold aisle 4 in the extension direction of the cold aisle 4 (i.e., the Y direction). The vents 73 are formed, for example, by holes in a grating plate installed on the floor surface 101. Note that the cool air supply means 7 may be configured to supply cool air C directly from the air conditioner 71 into the cold aisle 4 without having an underfloor chamber 72.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C, the cold air C generated by the air conditioner 71 passes through an underfloor chamber 72 and is supplied to the cold aisle 4 via an air vent 73. The cold air C in the cold aisle 4 is supplied into the rack 2 from the front surface 2a (intake surface) of each rack 2 in the row of racks 3, thereby cooling the electronic devices 1 stored in the rack 2. The air (warm air H) in the rack 2 that has been warmed by cooling the electronic devices 1 is exhausted to the hot aisle 5 from the rear surface 2b (exhaust surface) of the rack 2. The warm air H exhausted to the hot aisle 5 is drawn into the air conditioner 71 and cooled, thereby generating the cold air C again. By performing air conditioning in this manner, the electronic devices 1 in the server room 100 are cooled, and an excessive rise in temperature due to heat generation by the electronic devices 1 is suppressed.

[0030] The cold air C in the cold aisle 4 may be prevented from flowing out from the end of the cold aisle 4 by blocking the end of the cold aisle 4 (the entrance and exit of the passage) with a blocking member such as a transparent sheet.

[0031] There is no particular limitation on the number of racks 2 and rack rows 3 arranged in the server room 100. For example, there may be only one rack 2, and the rack 2 may have a cold aisle 4 formed on the front side 2a thereof and a hot aisle 5 formed on the rear side 2b thereof.

[0032] [Reflux suppression device] 2 to 5 show application examples of the backflow suppression method according to the embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 2 is a plan view of a server room 100 to which a backflow suppression device 8 according to the embodiment is applied. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an installed state of the backflow suppression device 8 according to the embodiment. FIGS. 4 and 5 are side views showing an installed state of the backflow suppression device according to the embodiment. FIGS. 3 and 4 show a state in which the backflow suppression device 8 is installed on rack 2 in a pair of rack rows 3, 3 arranged opposite each other with a cold aisle 4 in between. FIG. 5 also shows a state in which the backflow suppression device 8 is installed on rack 2 in rack row 3 arranged opposite a side wall 104 of the server room 100 with the cold aisle 4 in between.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, a plurality of backflow suppression devices 8 are installed in the server room 100. More specifically, one canopy-shaped backflow suppression device 8 is installed for each of a plurality of racks 2 constituting a rack row 3. The top surface of the cold aisle 4 is covered except for gaps G1 by the plurality of backflow suppression devices 8 lined up without gaps in the width direction, thereby preventing the warm air H from the hot aisle 5 from flowing into the cold aisle 4 (i.e., preventing the warm air H from returning). In addition, a sealing member 9 is attached to the backflow suppression device 8. The racks 2, the cold air supply means 7, the backflow suppression device 8, and the sealing member 9 constitute an air conditioning system 10. The configuration of the backflow suppression device 8 will be described below.

[0034] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the reflux suppression device 8 according to the embodiment. Fig. 7 is a side view of the reflux suppression device 8 according to the embodiment. Fig. 8 is a plan view of the reflux suppression device 8 according to the embodiment. In the following description, the front-rear direction of the rack 2 on which the reflux suppression device 8 is installed is set as the front-rear direction of the reflux suppression device 8, and the width direction of the rack 2 on which the reflux suppression device 8 is installed is set as the width direction of the reflux suppression device 8, corresponding to the front-rear direction and width direction of the rack 2 on which the reflux suppression device 8 is installed.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 , the reflux suppression device 8 is formed by joining multiple plate-like members. Specifically, the reflux suppression device 8 includes a fixed panel 81, an upright panel 82, a partition panel 83, a first reinforcing rib 84, and a second reinforcing rib 85, which are integrally formed. The reflux suppression device 8 is formed of a transparent resin material and is entirely transparent. Here, "transparent" refers to, for example, transparency sufficient to allow light from a lighting fixture (not shown) installed on the ceiling 102 to enter the cold aisle 4 and ensure workability within the cold aisle 4, and may be colorless transparent, colored transparent, or translucent. Furthermore, the reflux suppression device 8 does not need to be entirely transparent; it is sufficient that at least the partition panel 83 is transparent. Examples of materials that can be used for the reflux suppression device 8 include transparent resins such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and polycarbonate (PC). The reflux suppression device 8 may be formed of, for example, an acrylic plate. However, the material of the reflux suppression device 8 is not particularly limited.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 4 and other figures, the fixed panel 81 is a portion fixed to the rack 2. The fixed panel 81 corresponds to an example of a "fixing portion" according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 6 and other figures, the fixed panel 81 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape in a plan view and is provided in a position perpendicular to the up-down direction (i.e., horizontal position). Two notches 811 for fixing the fixed panel 81 to the upper surface 21 of the rack 2 are formed at the rear end of the fixed panel 81, corresponding to the positions of male screw members S (see FIG. 9) for screwing the connecting plate P1 (described later) to the rack 2. These pair of notches 811, 811 open to the rear of the fixed panel 81 and can receive the shafts of the male screw members S (described later). Note that the fixed portion according to the present disclosure does not have to be plate-shaped.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 6 and other figures, the standing panel 82 is provided between the fixed panel 81 and the partition panel 83 and extends upward from the front end of the fixed panel 81. The standing panel 82 corresponds to an example of a "standing portion" according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 6 and other figures, the standing panel 82 is formed in a plate shape and is provided in a position perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction (i.e., a vertical position). The partition panel 83 is connected to the upper end of the standing panel 82. The vertical width of the standing panel 82 is set taking into consideration the distance between the upper surface 21 of the rack 2 and the ceiling 102 of the server room 100, workability in the cold aisle 4, and the like. Note that the standing portion according to the present disclosure does not have to be plate-shaped. Furthermore, the backflow suppression device according to the present disclosure does not have to have a standing portion. In that case, the fixed portion and the partition portion may be directly connected.

[0038] As shown in Figure 4 and other figures, the partition panel 83 is a portion that extends from the fixed panel 81 side toward the cold aisle 4 side (i.e., forward) so as to separate the cold aisle 4 from the space 6, which is the space above the cold aisle 4, when the backflow suppression device 8 is installed in the rack 2. The partition panel 83 corresponds to an example of a "partition portion" according to the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 6 and other figures, the partition panel 83 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape in a plan view, and extends forward from the upper end of the upright panel 82. The tip of the partition panel 83 in the extension direction is configured as a free end.

[0039] The partition panel 83 has a horizontal portion 831 at its base end and an inclined portion 832 at its tip end in its extension direction (i.e., forward direction). The horizontal portion 831 is connected to the upper end of the upright panel 82 and is provided in a horizontal position. The inclined portion 832 is connected to the tip end (i.e., front end) of the horizontal portion 831 and is provided at an incline. More specifically, the inclined portion 832 includes the tip end of the partition panel 83 in the extension direction and is inclined downward toward the tip end. In other words, the tip end of the partition panel 83 in the extension direction is bent diagonally downward. As shown in FIG. 4 and other figures, a seal member 9 can be attached to the inclined portion 832. Note that the partition panel according to the present disclosure does not have to be plate-shaped. Furthermore, the partition panel does not have to have an inclined portion.

[0040] The length dimension in the width direction (hereinafter simply referred to as width) of the upright panel 82 and the partition panel 83 is approximately equal to the width of the rack 2. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3 etc., the multiple backflow suppression devices 8 are installed in the rack row 3 side by side with no gaps in the width direction.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 6 and other figures, the first reinforcing ribs 84 are provided at the corners formed by the fixed panel 81 and the standing panel 82 in order to ensure the strength of the reflux suppression device 8. The first reinforcing ribs 84 are formed in a plate shape and are provided in an orientation perpendicular to the width direction (i.e., vertical orientation). In this example, three first reinforcing ribs 84 are provided at intervals in the width direction. By providing the first reinforcing ribs 84 between the fixed panel 81 and the standing panel 82, the standing panel 82 is prevented from tipping forward or being broken due to the weight of the partition panel 83. The number of first reinforcing ribs 84 is not particularly limited, and can be any number taking into consideration the strength required for the reflux suppression device 8, etc.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 6 and other figures, the second reinforcing rib 85 is provided at the corners formed by the upright panel 82 and the partition wall panel 83 to ensure the strength of the backflow suppression device 8. The second reinforcing rib 85 is formed in a plate shape and is provided in an orientation perpendicular to the width direction (i.e., vertical orientation). The second reinforcing rib 85 extends from the base end of the horizontal portion 831 to near the tip in the extension direction of the partition wall panel 83. The lower edge of the second reinforcing rib 85 is inclined upward so that the vertical width of the second reinforcing rib 85 decreases toward the tip of the partition wall panel 83. In this example, one second reinforcing rib 85 is provided near each end of the partition wall panel 83 in the width direction. The provision of the second reinforcing rib 85 between the upright panel 82 and the partition wall panel 83 prevents the partition wall panel 83 from sagging downward or breaking due to its own weight or the like. The number of the second reinforcing ribs 85 is not particularly limited, and can be any number taking into consideration the strength required for the reflux suppression device 8, etc.

[0043] [Installation method] A method for installing the backflow suppression device 8 will be described below. Fig. 9 is a plan view for explaining a method for installing the backflow suppression device 8 according to the embodiment. Fig. 9 shows the state in which the backflow suppression device 8 is installed on a rack 2 of a rack row 3. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 9. Fig. 11 is a plan view of components for fixing the backflow suppression device 8 to the rack 2. Fig. 11(A) shows a connecting plate P1 used in a location where racks 2 are adjacent to each other in the rack row 3, and Fig. 11(B) shows a fixing plate P2 used at the end of the rack row 3 in the width direction.

[0044] As shown in Figure 9, near both ends of the width direction on the upper surface 21 of the rack 2, there are formed screw holes 211 into which the shank of a male screw member S (an example of a "screw member" according to the present disclosure), such as a bolt, can be screwed.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 9 , the connecting plate P1 connects adjacent racks 2 in the rack row 3 and fixes the backflow suppression device 8. The connecting plate P1 is a plate-like member having a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view, and is placed on the upper surfaces of the adjacent racks 2 so as to straddle the adjacent racks 2. As shown in FIG. 11(A) , the connecting plate P1 has a pair of through holes h1, h1 that penetrate the connecting plate P1 in the thickness direction and are spaced apart in the width direction. The pair of through holes h1, h1 are formed at positions corresponding to the screw holes 211 formed in the adjacent racks 2 in the rack row 3, through which the shanks of the male screw members S can be inserted but not the heads of the male screw members S. The connecting plate P1 is an example of a “connecting member” according to the present disclosure. Note that the connecting member according to the present disclosure does not have to be plate-shaped.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 9, the fixing plate P2 is provided at an end of the rack row 3 in the width direction and fixes the backflow suppression device 8. The fixing plate P2 is a plate-like member that is approximately rectangular in plan view, and is placed on the upper surface of the rack 2 at an end of the rack row 3 in the width direction where there are no adjacent racks 2. As shown in Fig. 11(B), the fixing plate P2 has through holes h2 that penetrate the fixing plate P2 in the thickness direction and are formed at intervals in the width direction. The through holes h2 are formed at positions corresponding to the screw holes 211 formed at the end of the rack row 3 in the width direction, and are capable of receiving the shanks of the male screw members S but not the heads of the male screw members S.

[0047] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, where racks 2 are adjacent to each other, the shaft portion of the male screw member S, which is inserted into the through hole h1 of the connecting plate P1 and screwed into the screw hole 211 of the rack 2, is received in the cutout portion 811 of the fixing panel 81, and the connecting plate P1 is fastened to the upper surface 21 of the rack 2 by the male screw member S, thereby sandwiching the fixing panel 81 between the upper surface of the rack 2 and the connecting plate P1.

[0048] Also, as shown in Figure 10, at the widthwise end of the rack row 3 where there are no adjacent racks 2, the shaft portion of the male screw member S inserted into the through hole h2 of the fixing plate P2 and screwed into the screw hole 211 of the rack 2 is received in the cutout portion 811 of the fixing panel 81, and the fixing plate P2 is fastened to the upper surface 21 of the rack 2 by the male screw member S, thereby sandwiching the fixing panel 81 between the upper surface of the rack 2 and the fixing plate P2.

[0049] Therefore, when installing a reflux suppression device 8 on a rack 2 other than the racks 2 at both ends of the rack row 3, i.e., on a rack 2 connected to other racks 2 on both sides, the fixing panel 81 is fixed using connecting plates P1 that connect the rack 2 to the adjacent racks 2 on both sides. On the other hand, when installing a reflux suppression device 8 on a rack 2 located at both ends of the rack row 3, the fixing panel 81 is fixed using connecting plates P1 on the side adjacent to the other racks 2, and using fixing plates P2 on the side where there are no adjacent racks 2 (i.e., the end side in the width direction of the rack row 3).

[0050] In this manner, the fixing panel 81 is fixed to the top surface of the rack 2, and the reflux suppression device 8 is installed on the rack 2. Because the reflux suppression device 8 is installed for each of a plurality of racks 2, that is, because the reflux suppression device 8 is installed on a rack 2 basis rather than on a rack row 3 basis, it is easy to add or remove the reflux suppression device 8 in response to an increase or decrease in the number of racks 2. Furthermore, because the installation is on a rack 2 basis, reflux can be suppressed at a relatively low cost.

[0051] [Reflux suppression method] Next, a description will be given of a reflux suppression method using the reflux suppression device 8 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, in the reflux suppression method according to the embodiment, the reflux suppression device 8 is installed on the rack 2 so that the cold aisle 4 is separated from the space 6 above the cold aisle 4 by a partition panel 83 extending from the fixed panel 81 side toward the cold aisle 4 side.

[0052] By separating (separating) the cold aisle 4 from the space above the cold aisle 4 with the partition panel 83, the partition panel 83 prevents warm air that has been exhausted to the hot aisle 5 and has made its way into the space above the cold aisle 4 from flowing into the cold aisle 4. In other words, the return flow of warm air (recirculation of exhaust air) is suppressed, and the supply air (cold air C) and the exhaust air (warm air H) are separated. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in the supply air temperature to the rack 2, and to relax the temperature setting of the air conditioner 71. As a result, cooling efficiency can be improved and air conditioning power consumption can be reduced.

[0053] In the backflow suppression method according to the embodiment, the backflow suppression device 8 is installed in the rack 2 so that a predetermined gap G1 is secured between the partition panel 83 and a structure (hereinafter also referred to as an opposing structure) facing the partition panel 83 in the extension direction (i.e., the forward direction) of the partition panel 83. Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 4 , if a pair of racks 2, 2 are arranged facing each other in the front-to-back direction across the cold aisle 4 and a backflow suppression device 8 is installed in each rack 2, the "structure facing the partition panel 83" refers to the partition panel 83 installed in the rack 2 facing the rack 2 on which the partition panel 83 is installed. Also, for example, as shown in FIG. 5 , if a rack 2 and a side wall 103 of a server room 100 are arranged facing each other in the front-to-back direction across the cold aisle 4, the "structure facing the partition panel 83" refers to the side wall 103 facing the rack 2 on which the partition panel 83 is installed. Note that the structure facing the partition section according to the present disclosure is not limited to the above.

[0054] By ensuring the gap G1 without abutting the partition panel 83 against the opposing structure, the upper surface of the cold aisle 4 is not entirely closed (sealed), but is open at least at the gap G1. This makes it relatively easy to comply with requirements for fire extinguishing equipment, ventilation, and the like, imposed by regulations such as the Fire Service Act, when using the backflow suppression device 8. Furthermore, by ensuring the gap G1 between the partition panel 83 and the opposing structure, the partition panel 83 is prevented from coming into contact with the opposing structure due to the shaking of the rack 2 during disasters such as earthquakes or during work in the server room 100. As a result, damage to the backflow suppression device 8 and the opposing structure can be suppressed. Furthermore, because the partition panel 83 is not connected to the opposing structure, workability is improved, such as when installing or removing the rack 2.

[0055] The width a1 of the gap G1 (width in the front-rear direction) is not particularly limited as long as it is large enough to suppress the return of the warm air H by the partition panel 83. The width a1 of the gap G1 is preferably set to, for example, 50 mm to 100 mm.

[0056] [Sealing material] As shown in FIG. 4 and other figures, the sealing member 9 is attached to an inclined portion 832 formed at the tip of the partition panel 83. The sealing member 9 is made of a flexible material and is flexible as a whole. The sealing member 9 is preferably transparent. Examples of materials for the flexible and transparent sealing member include resin materials such as silicone, polypropylene, and vinyl chloride. For example, silicone tape may be used as the sealing member 9.

[0057] 2 and other figures, the sealing member 9 is formed in a strip shape that is long in the width direction, and is attached to the inclined portion 832 of the partition panel 83 so as to straddle the multiple backflow suppression devices 8 installed in the rack row 3. The sealing member 9 is attached to the inclined portion 832 so that the lower surface of the rear region of the sealing member 9 rests on the upper surface of the inclined portion 832 and the front region of the sealing member 9 extends in the extension direction (i.e., forward) beyond the partition panel 83. For example, an adhesive layer (not shown) is provided on the lower surface of the rear region of the sealing member 9 to adhere the sealing member 9 to the inclined portion 832.

[0058] The sealing member 9 closes all but a portion of the gap G1. In other words, the sealing member 9 is attached so as to partially close the gap G1. This makes it difficult for the warm air H from the space 6 to flow into the cold aisle 4 through the gap G1, and the return flow of the warm air H is more effectively suppressed.

[0059] Furthermore, because the sealing member 9 is flexible, even if the sealing member 9 comes into contact with the opposing structure of the return current suppression device 8 on which the sealing member 9 is installed due to the shaking of the rack 2 during a disaster such as an earthquake or during work in the server room 100, the sealing member 9 will deform, thereby preventing damage to the return current suppression device 8 or the opposing structure.

[0060] The technology of the present disclosure does not require the installation of a sealing member. The user of the system can choose to install a sealing member at his or her discretion.

[0061] [Actions and Effects] As described above, in a server room 100 in which racks 2 are arranged so that a cold aisle 4 for supplying cold air C to the racks 2 is formed on the front 2a side of the racks 2 and a hot aisle 5 for exhausting warm air H is formed on the back 2b side of the racks 2, a reflux suppression device 8 according to the embodiment is installed in the racks 2 to suppress the warm air H from flowing back from the hot aisle 5 side to the cold aisle 4 side.

[0062] The reflux suppression device 8 according to the embodiment includes a fixed panel 81 fixed to the rack 2, and a partition panel 83 extending from the fixed panel 81 toward the cold aisle 4 so as to separate the cold aisle 4 from the space 6 above the cold aisle 4. The reflux suppression device 8 is configured so that a predetermined gap G1 is maintained between the partition panel 83 and the structure opposite the partition panel 83 in the extension direction of the partition panel 83 (i.e., the forward direction).

[0063] In addition, in the reflux suppression method of the embodiment, the cold aisle 4 is separated from the space above the cold aisle 4 by a partition panel 83 extending from the fixed panel 81 side toward the cold aisle 4 side, and the reflux suppression device 8 is installed on the rack 2 so that a predetermined gap G1 is secured between the partition panel 83 and the structure facing the partition panel 83 in the extension direction of the partition panel 83.

[0064] According to the recirculation suppression device 8 and recirculation suppression method configured as described above, the partition panel 83 suppresses the recirculation of warm air (recirculation of exhaust air), thereby improving cooling efficiency and reducing power consumption of the air conditioner. As a result, it becomes possible to efficiently cool the electronic device 1. Furthermore, by ensuring a gap G1 between the partition panel 83 and the opposing structure, it becomes possible to improve compliance with regulations such as the Fire Service Act, prevent contact between the partition panel 83 and the opposing structure, and improve workability such as installing and removing the rack 2.

[0065] Furthermore, since at least the partition panel 83 of the reflux suppression device 8 is transparent, it is possible to allow light to enter the cold aisle 4 through the partition panel 83, thereby improving workability within the cold aisle 4.

[0066] Furthermore, the entire backflow suppression device 8 is transparent. For example, if a lighting device (not shown) is not placed above the cold aisle 4, some of the light traveling from the lighting device toward the cold aisle 4 or the hot aisle 5 will hit parts of the backflow suppression device 8 other than the partition panel 83 that covers the upper part of the cold aisle 4. Even in such a case, because the entire backflow suppression device 8 is transparent, it is possible to prevent a shadow of the backflow suppression device 8 from being cast within the cold aisle 4 or the hot aisle 5.

[0067] The backflow suppression device 8 further includes an upright panel 82 that is provided between a fixed panel 81 fixed to the upper surface 21 of the rack 2 and the partition panel 83 and extends upward from the fixed panel 81. This allows the partition panel 83 to be positioned higher than the upper surface 21 of the rack 2. As a result, work efficiency in the cold aisle 4 can be improved. For example, when working on electronic devices 1 stored on the top shelf of the rack 2, the worker's head can be prevented from coming into contact with the partition panel 83. In other words, work near the top of the rack 2 is prevented from being hindered by the partition panel 83.

[0068] Furthermore, the partition panel 83 has an inclined portion 832 that includes the tip of the partition panel 83 in the extension direction and is inclined downward toward the tip. As a result, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the cold air in the cold aisle 4 that flows along the partition panel 83 toward the tip side of the partition panel 83 can be guided downward by the inclined portion 832. As a result, it is possible to prevent the cold air in the cold aisle 4 from flowing through the gap G1 into the space above the cold aisle 4.

[0069] Furthermore, a flexible sealing member 9 that closes the gap G1 except for a portion thereof can be attached to the leading end (inclined portion 832) of the partition panel 83. By partially closing the gap G1 with the sealing member 9, the return flow of the warm air H can be more effectively suppressed.

[0070] The server room 100 is also formed with a rack row 3 in which multiple rack rows 3 are lined up in the width direction so as to divide the server room 100 into a cold aisle 4 and a hot aisle 5. Adjacent racks 2 in the rack row 3 in the width direction are connected by screwing a connecting plate P1, which is arranged so as to straddle the upper surfaces of the adjacent racks 2, to the respective upper surfaces 21 of the adjacent racks 2. The rear end of the fixing panel 81 of the backflow suppression device 8 is formed with a notch 811 capable of receiving a male screw member S for screwing the connecting plate P1. The fixing panel 81 is sandwiched between the upper surface 21 of the rack 2 and the connecting plate P1 with the male screw member S received in the notch 811. Thus, by using the notch 811 capable of receiving the male screw member S, the backflow suppression device 8 can be installed on the rack 2 by inserting the fixing panel 81 of the backflow suppression device 8 between the upper surface 21 of the rack 2 and the connecting plate P1. This makes it easy to attach and detach the backflow suppression device 8 to and from the rack 2, thereby reducing the time required to install and remove the backflow suppression device 8. In addition, since the backflow suppression device 8 can be installed on the rack 2 using a member that connects adjacent racks 2 in the rack row 3, the number of parts can be reduced.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 4 and other figures, the server room 100 includes at least one pair of rack rows 3, 3, each of which includes a plurality of racks 2 arranged side by side in the width direction. The front faces 2a of the racks 2 face each other, sandwiching a cold aisle 4 between them. In the backflow suppression method according to this embodiment, a backflow suppression device 8 is installed in each of the pair of rack rows 3, 3, and the predetermined gap is secured between the opposing partition panels 83 installed in each of the pair of rack rows 3, 3. By installing the backflow suppression device 8 in both of the pair of rack rows 3, 3, the weight of the backflow suppression device 8 can be reduced compared to installing the backflow suppression device 8 in only one of the pair of rack rows to suppress backflow. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and a backflow suppression device may be installed in only one of the pair of rack rows. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1:Electronic equipment 2: Rack 3:Rack row 4: Cold aisle 5: Hot aisle 6: Space 7: Cool air supply means 71:Air conditioner 72: Underfloor chamber 73: Ventilation hole 8:Reflux suppression device 81: Fixed panel (an example of a fixed part) 82: Standing panel (an example of a standing part) 83: Partition panel (an example of a partition wall) 831:Horizontal part 832: Inclined part 84: First reinforcing rib 85: Second reinforcing rib 9: Sealing material 10:Air conditioning system 100: Server room

Claims

1. In a computer room in which racks are arranged so that a cold aisle for supplying cool air to the racks storing electronic devices is formed on the front side of the racks and a hot aisle for discharging warm air after cooling the electronic devices is formed on the rear side of the racks, a reflux suppression device is installed in the racks to suppress the warm air from refluxing from the hot aisle side to the cold aisle side, a fixing portion fixed to an upper surface of the rack; a partition wall portion extending from the fixed portion side to the cold aisle side so as to separate the cold aisle from a space above the cold aisle; a rising portion provided between the fixing portion and the partition wall portion and extending upward from the fixing portion, a predetermined gap is secured between the partition wall and a structure facing the partition wall in an extending direction of the partition wall, the partition wall portion has an inclined portion that includes a tip end of the partition wall portion in the extension direction and is inclined downward toward the tip end, The tip of the inclined portion is configured as a free end, The position of the tip of the inclined portion is configured to be higher than the position of the upper surface of the rack. Reflux suppression device.

2. At least the partition wall portion has transparency. The reflux suppression device according to claim 1 .

3. A flexible sealing member that closes the gap except for a portion thereof can be attached to the tip of the partition wall. The reflux suppression device according to claim 1 .

4. In the computer room, a rack row is formed in which a plurality of the racks are lined up in a width direction so as to partition the cold aisle and the hot aisle, The racks adjacent in the width direction in the rack row are connected by connecting members arranged so as to straddle the upper surfaces of the adjacent racks and screwed to the upper surfaces of the adjacent racks, a notch capable of receiving a screw member for screwing the connecting member is formed at a rear end of the fixing portion; The fixing portion is sandwiched between the upper surface of the rack and the connecting member with the screw member received in the notch portion. The reflux suppression device according to claim 1 .

5. a rack for storing electronic devices, the rack being arranged in a computer room so that a cold aisle for supplying cool air to the rack is formed on the front side of the rack and a hot aisle for discharging warm air after cooling the electronic devices is formed on the rear side of the rack; A cold air supply means for supplying cold air to the cold aisle; a reflux suppression device that is installed on the rack to suppress the warm air from refluxing from the hot aisle side to the cold aisle side, The reflux suppression device includes a fixing portion fixed to an upper surface of the rack; a partition wall portion extending from the fixed portion side to the cold aisle side so as to separate the cold aisle from a space above the cold aisle; a rising portion provided between the fixing portion and the partition wall portion and extending upward from the fixing portion, a predetermined gap is secured between the partition wall and a structure facing the partition wall in an extending direction of the partition wall, the partition wall portion has an inclined portion that includes a tip end of the partition wall portion in the extension direction and is inclined downward toward the tip end, The tip of the inclined portion is configured as a free end, The position of the tip of the inclined portion is configured to be higher than the position of the upper surface of the rack. Air conditioning system.

Images