Air conditioning system

Abstract

To disclose one example of an air conditioning system for supplying cool air from a cool air supply path provided under a floor to a server room while suppressing the flow of high-temperature air from the cool air supply path into the server room during power outage.SOLUTION: A backflow prevention device 10 utilizes bi-metals 12C, 13C and magnetic force working between first permanent magnets 12A, 13A and second permanent magnets 12B, 13B to open / close an air passage ranging from the internal of the cool air supply path to a number of blowout ports. Accordingly, even in power source loss due to power outage, the backflow prevention device 10 is actuated to suppress the flow of hot air from the cool air supply path into the server room when the air conditioning system is stopped by the power outage.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning system that supplies cool air to a server room from a cool air supply channel provided under a floor. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, in the air conditioning system described in Patent Document 1, the opening degree of the air outlet is automatically adjusted in accordance with the temperature by utilizing the shape change of a shape memory alloy. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-7639 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure discloses an example of an air conditioning system that supplies cool air to a server room from a cool air supply duct installed under the floor, and that can prevent hot air from flowing from the cool air supply duct into the server room during a power outage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The air conditioning system that supplies cool air to the server room from the cool air supply path (3) provided under the floor preferably has at least one of the following components.

[0006] That is, the constituent elements are a oscillating body (11A) that oscillates between a position that opens the air passage leading to the cold air outlet of the cold air supply path (3) and a position that closes the air passage; a displaceable first permanent magnet (12A) connected to the oscillating body (11A), the first permanent magnet (12A) being capable of exerting a force that oscillates the oscillating body (11A) when displaced; a second permanent magnet (12B) that is capable of exerting a magnetic force that displaces the first permanent magnet (12A), the second permanent magnet (12B) being displaceable between a position where the magnetic force can be exerted and a position where the magnetic force does not reach; and a displacement mechanism that has a shape-changing member (12C) that deforms in accordance with the air temperature in the cold air supply path (3), and displaces the second permanent magnet (12B) by utilizing the deformation of the shape-changing member (12C).

[0007] As a result, in the air conditioning system, even if the power supply is lost due to a power outage, the air passage can be closed by utilizing the magnetic force acting between the shape-changing member (12C) and the first permanent magnet (12A) and the second permanent magnet (12B). Therefore, even if the air conditioning system stops due to a power outage, it is possible to prevent high-temperature air from flowing into the server room from the cool air supply path (3).

[0008] Incidentally, the symbols in each of the parentheses above are examples showing the correspondence with the specific configurations, etc. described in the embodiments described below, and the present disclosure is not limited to the specific configurations, etc. shown by the symbols in the parentheses above. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing a backflow prevention device according to a first embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The following "embodiments of the invention" are examples of embodiments that fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. In other words, the invention-specific matters described in the claims are not limited to the specific configurations and structures shown in the following embodiments.

[0011] At least one of each component or part that is described with a reference numeral is provided unless otherwise specified, such as "one." In other words, unless otherwise specified, two or more components may be provided. The air conditioning device disclosed in this disclosure includes at least the components or parts that are described with a reference numeral, as well as the structural parts shown in the drawings.

[0012] (First embodiment) 1. Overview of the air conditioning system (see Figure 1) In this embodiment, the present disclosure is applied to an air conditioning system 1 that supplies cool air to a communication equipment room, a server room, etc. (hereinafter referred to as a server room SR). At least one rack R is installed in the server room SR. At least one information and communication technology device (hereinafter referred to as an ICT device) or the like is installed in the rack R.

[0013] The air conditioner 2 draws in air from within the server room SR, cools the drawn-in air, and then supplies the cooled air (hereinafter referred to as "cold air") into the server room SR via the cold air supply path 3.

[0014] The cold air supply path 3 is provided under the floor of the server room SR. The cold air flowing through the cold air supply path 3 is blown into the server room SR from a number of air outlets 3A provided in the floor. The air conditioner 2 has at least a cooler 2A, a blower 2B, etc.

[0015] The cooler 2A cools the air. The blower 2B draws in air from within the server room SR and supplies the air for cooling, and also blows out cool air toward the cool air supply path 3. A backflow prevention device 10 is installed within the cool air supply path 3.

[0016] The backflow prevention device 10 is a device for preventing high-temperature air that has entered the cold air supply path 3 from flowing into the server room SR. The reason why high-temperature air (hereinafter referred to as warm air) enters the cold air supply path 3 is, for example, as follows.

[0017] That is, the ICT equipment is equipped with a computing unit (not shown) such as a CPU or GPU, a fan (not shown), etc. The fan blows air from within the server room SR to the computing unit as cooling air.

[0018] The air whose temperature has risen after cooling the computing units is discharged as warm air from the ICT equipment into the server room SR. The warm air discharged into the server room is then sucked into the air conditioner 2, where it is cooled, and then returns to the server room SR.

[0019] Incidentally, ICT equipment is supplied with power via batteries such as uninterruptible power supplies. Therefore, even during a power outage, the ICT equipment does not stop. In other words, even during a power outage, the computing units generate heat, so the fans draw in air from inside the server room SR and expel warm air into the server room.

[0020] Meanwhile, the air conditioning system's blower 2B and cooler 2A are stopped due to the power outage. As a result, the air pressure in the cold aisle becomes lower than that in the hot aisle due to the fan's blowing action. Note that the cold aisle refers to the space in the server room SR on the intake side of the fan. The hot aisle refers to the space in the server room SR on the exhaust side of the fan.

[0021] When the pressure difference between the cold aisle and the hot aisle increases, the warm air in the hot aisle passes through the air conditioner 2 and enters the cold air supply path 3. The hot air that has entered the cold air supply path 3 is then sucked in by the fan and flows into the cold aisle.

[0022] <2. Configuration of backflow prevention device (see Figure 2)> <2.1 Configuration Overview> The backflow prevention device 10 is configured to include an opening / closing unit 11, a first actuator 12, and a second actuator 13. The opening / closing unit 11 is provided in the cold air supply path 3. The opening / closing unit 11 opens and closes the air passages leading from the cold air supply path 3 to the multiple air outlets 3A.

[0023] Specifically, the opening / closing section 11 is an armor-like window-like section having a number of band-like louvers (also called blades) 11A and wires 11B. Each louver 11A is an example of a swinging body that swings between a position that opens the air passages leading to the multiple air outlets 3A (hereinafter referred to as an open position) and a position that closes the air passages (hereinafter referred to as a closed position).

[0024] Each louver 11A can swing around the bottom edge of the drawing. Each louver 11A shown in Fig. 2 is in the closed position. Therefore, when each louver 11A is in the open position, it is aligned substantially parallel to the vertical.

[0025] The wire 11B is a flexible linear member that extends in a direction parallel to an imaginary line Lo that connects the swing centers. The louvers 11A are connected by the wire 11B at positions offset from the swing centers.

[0026] Therefore, for example, when wire 11B is pulled to the left in the state shown in Fig. 2 (closed position), each louver 11A moves to the open position. When wire 11B is pulled to the right in the state where each louver 11A is in the open position, each louver 11A moves to the closed position (the state shown in Fig. 2). Stopper 11C regulates the amount of displacement of wire 11B.

[0027] The first actuator 12 and the second actuator 13 are devices that generate a force that swings each louver 11A. In this embodiment, the first actuator 12 generates a force that pulls the wire 11B leftward on the paper. The second actuator 13 generates a force that pulls the wire 11B rightward on the paper.

[0028] 2.2. Actuator configuration <First actuator> The first actuator 12 is configured to include a first permanent magnet 12A, a second permanent magnet 12B, a bimetal 12C, etc. The first permanent magnet 12A is connected to one end of the wire 11B in the extension direction in a state in which it can be displaced in parallel.

[0029] That is, the first permanent magnets 12A are connected to the louvers 11A via the wires 11B. The parallel displacement of the first permanent magnets 12A is guided by a guide member such as a cylinder 12D so that the first permanent magnets 12A are parallel to the extension direction of the wires 11B.

[0030] The second permanent magnet 12B is a magnet that exerts a magnetic force that displaces the first permanent magnet 12A. Note that the second permanent magnet 12B according to this embodiment is a magnet that generates an attractive force that displaces the first permanent magnet 12A to the left in the drawing.

[0031] The second permanent magnet 12B is displaceable between a position where the attractive force can be exerted (position indicated by a two-dot chain line) and a position where the attractive force does not act (position indicated by a solid line). The bimetal 12C constitutes a displacement mechanism that displaces the second permanent magnet 12B.

[0032] That is, the bimetal 12C is an example of a shape-changing member that changes shape in response to the air temperature in the cool air supply path 3. The displacement mechanism displaces the second permanent magnet 12B by utilizing the deformation of the bimetal 12C.

[0033] Specifically, when the air temperature in the cool air supply passage 3 is higher than a predetermined temperature (hereinafter referred to as the closing temperature), the bimetal 12C positions the second permanent magnet 12B in a position where the attractive force is not exerted (position indicated by the solid line).When the air temperature in the cool air supply passage 3 is equal to or lower than the closing temperature, the bimetal 12C positions the second permanent magnet 12B in a position where the attractive force can be exerted (position indicated by the two-dot chain line).

[0034] <Second actuator> Except for the direction of deformation of the bimetal, the second actuator 13 has the same configuration as the first actuator 12. That is, the second actuator 13 also includes a first permanent magnet 13A, a second permanent magnet 13B, a bimetal 13C, a cylinder 13D, and the like.

[0035] The first permanent magnet 13A is connected to the other end of the wire 11B in the extending direction. When the air temperature in the cool air supply passage 3 is higher than the closing temperature, the bimetal 13C positions the second permanent magnet 13B in a position where an attractive force can be exerted between the second permanent magnet 13B and the first permanent magnet 13A.

[0036] When the air temperature in the cool air supply passage 3 is equal to or lower than the closing temperature, the bimetal 13C positions the second permanent magnet 13B so that there is no attractive force between the second permanent magnet 13B and the first permanent magnet 13A. In this embodiment, the bimetal 12C and the bimetal 13C are bimetals of the same specifications that are arranged upside down.

[0037] <2.3 Operation of backflow prevention device> When the air temperature in the cool air supply passage 3 is higher than the closing temperature, a large attractive force is generated between the first permanent magnet 13A and the second permanent magnet 13B, and a small attractive force is generated between the first permanent magnet 12A and the second permanent magnet 12B. As a result, the wire 11B is pulled to the right side of the drawing, and each louver 11A is in the closed position.

[0038] Therefore, even if the warm air present in the hot aisle passes through the air conditioner 2 and enters the cold air supply path 3, the high-temperature air that has entered the cold air supply path 3 is prevented from flowing into the cold aisle.

[0039] When the air temperature in the cool air supply passage 3 is below the closing temperature, a large attractive force is generated between the first permanent magnet 12A and the second permanent magnet 12B, and a small attractive force is generated between the first permanent magnet 13A and the second permanent magnet 13B. As a result, the wire 11B is pulled to the right side of the drawing, and each louver 11A is in the open position.

[0040] Therefore, the cold air supplied from the air conditioner 2 to the cold air supply path 3 flows into the cold aisle, and the fan blows the cold air present in the cold aisle to the computing unit as cooling air.

[0041] 3. Features of the Air Conditioning System (Especially the Backflow Prevention Device) According to the Present Embodiment In this embodiment, the backflow prevention device 10 opens and closes the air passage from the cool air supply path 3 to the multiple air outlets 3A by utilizing the magnetic force acting between the bimetals 12C, 13C and the first permanent magnets 12A, 13A and the second permanent magnets 12B, 13B.

[0042] Therefore, even if the power supply is lost due to a power outage, the backflow prevention device 10 operates, so that when the air conditioning system stops due to a power outage, hot air can be prevented from flowing into the server room SR from the cold air supply path 3.

[0043] (Other embodiments) In the above-described embodiment, an attractive force acting between the first permanent magnets 12A, 13A and the second permanent magnets 12B, 13B is utilized. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. That is, the present disclosure may be configured to utilize, for example, a repulsive force acting between the first permanent magnets 12A, 13A and the second permanent magnets 12B, 13B.

[0044] In the above-described embodiment, two actuators are provided. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. That is, the present disclosure may be configured to include, for example, only one of the two actuators, with the other being provided with an elastic body that applies a force to the wire 11B in the opposite direction to that of the actuator.

[0045] In the above-described embodiment, the first permanent magnets 12A and 13A are connected to the louvers 11A via the wires 11B. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. That is, the present disclosure may also be configured such that the first permanent magnets 12A and 13A are connected to the louvers 11A via rigid bodies such as links.

[0046] The displacement mechanism according to the above-described embodiment is configured to directly displace the second permanent magnets 12B, 13B using the bimetals 12C, 13C. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. That is, the present disclosure may also be configured to provide a displacement mechanism in which the second permanent magnets 12B, 13B and the bimetals 12C, 13C are indirectly connected via a link or the like.

[0047] In the above-described embodiment, a bimetal formed by joining two types of materials with different linear expansion coefficients is used as the shape-changing member. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. That is, in the present disclosure, the shape-changing member may be made of, for example, a shape-memory alloy.

[0048] Furthermore, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments as long as it conforms to the spirit of the disclosure described in the above-described embodiments. Therefore, the present disclosure may be a configuration in which at least two of the above-described embodiments are combined, or a configuration in which any of the components illustrated or described with reference numerals in the above-described embodiments is eliminated. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 1... Air conditioning system 2... Air conditioner 2A... Cooler 2B... Blower 3... Cold air supply path 3A... Outlet 10... Backflow prevention device 11... Opening / closing part 11A... Louver 11C... Stopper 11B... Wire 12... First actuator 12A... First permanent magnet 12B... Second permanent magnet 12C... Bimetal 13... Second actuator 13A... First permanent magnet 13B: Second permanent magnet 13C: Bimetal

Claims

1. In an air conditioning system that supplies cool air to a server room from a cool air supply channel installed under the floor, a swinging body that swings between a position that opens an air passage leading to the cold air outlet of the cold air supply passage and a position that closes the air passage; a displaceable first permanent magnet connected to the oscillator, the first permanent magnet being capable of exerting a force that causes the oscillator to oscillate when displaced; a second permanent magnet capable of exerting a magnetic force that displaces the first permanent magnet, the second permanent magnet being displaceable between a position where the magnetic force can be exerted and a position where the magnetic force does not reach; a displacement mechanism having a shape-changing member that deforms in accordance with the air temperature in the cold air supply passage, and displacing the second permanent magnet by utilizing the deformation of the shape-changing member, wherein when the air temperature in the cold air supply passage is higher than a predetermined temperature, the displacement mechanism displaces the second permanent magnet to position the oscillator to close the air passage; An air conditioning system equipped with:

2. 2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the shape-changing member is a bimetal formed by joining two types of members having different linear expansion coefficients.

Images