High-resolution and wide-range pressure sensor

Abstract

The solid-state sensor includes a housing having a first opening on a first side of the housing and a second opening on a second side of the housing, a first passageway in fluid communication with the first and second openings, and a solid-state directional sensor disposed within the first passageway. The solid-state directional sensor can include a first sensor (142) disposed at a first axial position, a second sensor (144) disposed at a second axial position, and a flow deflector disposed at a third axial position between the first and second axial positions. The flow deflector can extend into the first passageway to throttle the first passageway.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Priority Claim and Incorporation by Reference This application claims the priority of U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 118,292, entitled "HIGH RESOLUTION WIDE RANGE PRESSURE SENSOR", filed on November 25, 2020, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. The benefit of priority is claimed on the basis of appropriate legal grounds including, but not limited to, 35 U.S.C. § 119(e). Any and all applications in which foreign or domestic priority claims are identified in the application data sheet filed with this application are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and are part of this specification.

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an airflow sensor including a pressure sensor.

Background Art

[0003] Containment spaces within a data center, such as hot aisles and cold aisles, can be controlled or monitored by pressure sensors. The airflow in a data center consists of a series of fans that are adjusted to control different control variables within the system. The temperature within a server is typically controlled by fans within the server, which are adjusted to ensure that the server remains cooled. The fans within the cooling system, perimeter air conditioning units, in-row coolers, and even the rear door heat exchangers can be controlled based on pressure or temperature setpoints.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] The systems, methods, and devices according to the present disclosure each have several epochal forms, implementations, or aspects, none of which alone bears the desirable attributes disclosed herein.

[0005] This specification discloses sensors or sensor assemblies, methods of using sensors, and embodiments of systems including the sensors disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a sensor assembly includes a housing having a first opening on a first side of the housing and a second opening on a second side of the housing, a first passage having fluid communication with the first and second openings, and a solid sensor disposed within the first passage. In some embodiments, the solid sensor may include a first sensor (also referred to herein as a first sensor component) disposed at a first axial position within the first passage, a second sensor (also referred to herein as a second sensor component) disposed at a second axial position within the first passage, and a flow deflector disposed at a third axial position between the first and second axial positions within the first passage. In some embodiments, the flow deflector may extend within the first passage to constrict the first passage.

[0006] Any embodiment of the sensor assemblies, systems, and methods disclosed herein may, in additional embodiments, be optionally combined with any other steps, features, components, and / or details of any other embodiment disclosed herein to include one or more of the following steps, features, components, and / or details: A flow deflector may be configured to deflect at least a portion of the fluid flow through a first passage in a first direction around a second sensor rather than a first sensor, such that when the fluid flows in the first direction, the second sensor is downstream of the first sensor. A flow deflector may be configured to deflect at least a portion of the fluid flow through a first passage in a second direction around a first sensor rather than a second sensor, such that when the fluid flows in the second direction, the first sensor is downstream of the second sensor. A flow deflector includes a first recess on a first side of the flow deflector and a second recess on a second side of the flow deflector. The first sensor is positioned adjacent to the first recess, and the second sensor is positioned adjacent to the second recess. The first and second recesses are symmetrically arranged around the flow deflector, and / or the deflector has a symmetrical shape. The device may include a first channel extending from a first opening to a second opening. The first passage extends through the first channel. The sensor further includes an airflow velocity sensor. The sensor further includes an airflow velocity sensor located in a second passage of the housing. Solid sensors can be used in data centers. At least one of the first and second sensors is a thermistor element having a positive temperature coefficient (PTC). The sensor is configured to measure the temperature of the air flowing through the sensor, and / or the sensor or any system or method using the sensor may be configured to determine the pressure using at least Bernoulli's formula.

[0007] This specification discloses embodiments of systems including any embodiment of the sensor assembly disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the system may include a solid sensor and a processor configured to determine a pressure difference across the sensor. In some embodiments, the system may be configured to determine pressure with high accuracy.

[0008] This specification discloses embodiments of a system for controlling a thermal management system in a data center having a first zone and a second zone. In some embodiments, the system for controlling a thermal management system in a data center having a first zone and a second zone may include any embodiment of the solid sensors disclosed herein and a controller for cooling the air supplied to the first zone. In some embodiments, the solid sensors may be located in a partition wall between the first zone and the second zone. In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to increase the airflow to the cooling zone when the pressure difference between the cooling zone and the hot zone falls below a threshold and / or when the direction of airflow through the solid sensors is from the hot zone to the cooling zone. In any embodiment, the first zone may be a cooling zone and the second zone may be a hot zone.

[0009] This specification discloses embodiments of methods using any embodiment of the sensors or sensor assemblies disclosed herein, the methods being used to control airflow within a data center. This specification discloses embodiments of methods for measuring the direction of fluid flow in a passage. In some embodiments, the method may include: supplying a first current to a first temperature sensor; measuring a first resistance of the first temperature sensor as the fluid flows through the passage; supplying a second current to a second temperature sensor; measuring a second resistance of the second temperature sensor as the fluid flows through the passage; and comparing the first and second resistances to determine the direction of fluid flow. In some embodiments, the second temperature sensor may be spaced apart from the first temperature sensor. In some embodiments, a flow deflector of any embodiment disclosed herein may be positioned between the second temperature sensor and the first temperature sensor.

[0010] Any embodiment of the sensors (including solid-state sensor embodiments), sensor assemblies, systems, and methods disclosed herein may, in additional embodiments, optionally be combined with any other steps, features, components, and / or details of any other embodiment disclosed herein to include one or more of the following steps, features, components, and / or details: A flow deflector includes a first recess on a first side of the flow deflector and a second recess on a second side of the flow deflector. A first sensor is disposed in the first recess, and a second sensor is disposed in the second recess. The first and second recesses are arranged symmetrically around the flow deflector. The method further includes the step of determining the direction of flow within a data center. The method further includes the step of determining the direction of flow through a partition wall between a hot zone and a cold zone within a data center.

[0011] This specification discloses a method for measuring the pressure of a fluid flowing through a system, which may include the steps of: measuring the temperature of a fluid flowing through a system using a first temperature sensor; supplying a first current to the first temperature sensor; measuring a first resistance of the first temperature sensor when the fluid flows through the first temperature sensor; supplying a second current to a second temperature sensor; measuring a second resistance of the second temperature sensor when the fluid flows through the second temperature sensor; and comparing the first and second resistances. In some embodiments, the second temperature sensor may be spaced apart from the first temperature sensor, and a flow deflector in any embodiment disclosed herein may be positioned between the second and first temperature sensors. In some embodiments, the method may also include the steps of: measuring the velocity of the fluid in the system; and determining the pressure of the fluid flowing through the system. In some embodiments, the method may include determining the direction of the fluid flowing through the system by comparing the first and second resistances. In some embodiments, the method may include the step of communicating the pressure difference, pressure, temperature, and / or direction of flow of the fluid. In some embodiments, the step of measuring the pressure of a fluid flowing through the system includes the step of measuring the pressure of a fluid flowing through a fixed opening in the system.

[0012] This specification discloses embodiments of data center environmental control systems, which may include systems for controlling cooling systems for IT equipment within a data center. Several embodiments of data center environmental control systems may include any embodiment of the sensors or sensor assemblies disclosed herein, positioned at partition walls or boundaries between different zones of a space (e.g., a data center) where temperature is controlled. In some embodiments of data center environmental control systems, the system may be configured to calculate the pressure difference between both sides of a partition wall or boundary between different zones of a space where temperature is controlled by sensing the flow characteristics given to the sensor or sensor assembly and / or other components of the sensor. This specification discloses embodiments of methods for measuring airflow characteristics, substantially as described below or as shown in the accompanying drawings. This specification discloses embodiments of solid airflow sensors, substantially as described below or as shown in the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a front view of one embodiment of a sensor assembly including a solid airflow sensor. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is an orthogonal view of an embodiment of the sensor assembly shown. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a solid-state sensor in the sensor assembly shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This shows the operating mode of the solid sensor when air is flowing in the first axial direction, that is, when the first pressure zone on the left side of the flow deflector is upstream of the second pressure zone on the right side of the flow deflector. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of the second passage, showing an embodiment of the solid velocity sensor in the sensor assembly embodiment shown in Figure 1, which extends within the second passage. [Figure 6] The formula used to convert the flow in the device into differential pressure is shown. [Figure 7]A system diagram shows one embodiment of a system electronic device that can be used with any embodiment of the sensor assembly disclosed herein. [Figure 8] This document describes one embodiment of a software system that can be used with any embodiment of the sensor assembly disclosed herein. [Figure 9] This is a carta diagram of one embodiment of an offset cooling system, showing one embodiment of a sensor assembly that communicates with airflow and fluid through the system. [Figure 10] Figure 9 is another orthogonal view of an embodiment of the offset cooling system shown. [Figure 11] Figure 9 is another orthogonal view of an embodiment of the offset cooling system shown. [Figure 12] This document illustrates one embodiment of a control method for a data room environment control system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] In many facilities, one type of fan typically does not synchronize with other types of fans. For example, facility fans in general facilities and data centers (including AC fans and other air transport devices) operate independently of server fans and do not function as a coordinated system. In some configurations, fans within a data center may operate in conjunction with server fans. Independent control, combined with air containment systems, can create conditions where the supply of air in a space is either insufficient or excessive. This can occur multiple times a day depending on the server load. Reducing insufficient or excessive air supply is crucial for maintaining the operating temperature and conditions of the data center and for the efficient operation of the data center's airflow system. Insufficient conditions can cause servers to overheat, leading to malfunctions and damage to valuable equipment, and / or slower processor operation, resulting in reduced performance and increased operating costs. Insufficient conditions result in wasted energy, reduced efficiency, and increased operating costs.

[0015] One aspect of the disclosure herein is the recognition that conventional sensors typically require periodic calibration due to reading drift and are generally sensitive to rapid pressure changes that can damage such sensors. Some embodiments of the sensors disclosed herein may be configured to operate for extended periods, or in some embodiments indefinitely, before calibration checks are required or before calibration is required. In other words, in some embodiments, the sensor can operate indefinitely without calibration or with less frequent calibration. Furthermore, conventional sensors are typically expensive and designed solely for reading pressure. Very low pressure values ​​can be difficult to read with conventional sensors and means. Some embodiments of the sensors disclosed herein can read very low pressure values ​​with high accuracy. For example, though not limited to these, most conventional sensors have an accuracy of about 98-99% or 98-99% across the entire range and 98% repeatability over one year. Some embodiments of the sensor 100 disclosed herein can have an accuracy of at least 99.75% or more than about 99.75% over the entire range, and a repeatability of at least 99.75% per year.

[0016] Some sensors can read both positive and negative pressure, but 50% of the sensor output range is dedicated to the positive side of the range, and 50% is dedicated to the negative side of the range. Resolution can be a problem with these types of sensors because the resolution is reduced. The output range of conventional split sensors (i.e., sensors that read both positive and negative ranges) lies in the middle of the entire range. For example, for a 0-5V sensor with no pressure applied, this would be 2.5V. Typically, half of the range is for reading pressure in each direction, and the ability of automated systems to translate this very small range is problematic. Embodiments of sensors disclosed herein read the entire range with pressure on both sides of the midpoint of the range, thus achieving higher resolution. For example, some embodiments of sensors disclosed herein have twice the resolution of conventional split sensors. Therefore, by purchasing a sensor that reads only positive pressure, accurate readings can be obtained. However, if the pressure exceeds the negative range or lower limit, conventional sensors will read zero, regardless of the pressure difference.

[0017] As mentioned above, data center environmental control systems can experience problems if there is insufficient or excessive air supply. Excessive supply can lead to excessive costs for cooling IT equipment, while insufficient supply can result in overheating and reduced server performance. Pressure sensors are typically used to monitor or control pressure within a containment space. Pressure readings are usually differential pressure readings between the inside and outside of the containment zone or room. Absolute pressure and pressure differences are very small, making measurement difficult. Therefore, resolution and range are critical for pressure sensors used for this purpose. Sensors with a wide reading range may have lower resolution but can tolerate a wider range of setpoints. Conversely, sensors with a narrow range offer good resolution and control within a very narrow setpoint range.

[0018] Embodiments of the solid-state sensor 100 (also referred to herein as a solid-state airflow sensor and a solid-state pressure sensor) disclosed herein provide a better solution for monitoring and measuring airflow characteristics including, but not limited to, direction, pressure, velocity, and / or temperature in a data center. Embodiments of the solid-state sensor 100 disclosed herein can be used in any wide range of applications where it is desired to measure the flow characteristics or properties of a flowing or moving fluid (liquid or gas). As described below, the solid-state sensor 100 can be designed and manufactured such that there are no moving parts and can be designed and manufactured to be completely electronic.

[0019] Monitoring of airflow within containment systems is often performed using pressure transducers. These transducers often include MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) circuits. MEMS include signal conditioning electronics and even membranes that bend small strain gauges to supply current to control systems. Conventional sensors typically need to be wired to building management systems for processing. This can be expensive and invasive as an add-on. When purchasing these devices, it is necessary to specify the range of pressure readings. This sensor range is fixed and relates to the linear output of the sensor. Some embodiments of the solid sensor 100 are configured to calculate airflow characteristics using a fixed opening or flow through an opening, unlike other systems where pressure is read directly. Advantages of some embodiments of the solid sensor 100 include the ability to read a wide range of pressures without compromising accuracy, being less affected by or completely unaffected by pressure spikes, requiring significantly less calibration, having no moving parts that wear out, and more accurate readings at low pressure differences. The solid sensor 100 is also referred to herein as a sensor assembly or solid sensor assembly. Conventional pressure sensors read only pressure. As described above, any embodiment of the solid-state sensor 100 can read airflow direction, pressure, velocity, and temperature, reducing the cost of additional temperature sensors compared to a standard pressure-only sensor. Any embodiment of the solid-state sensor 100 disclosed herein may be configured as an IoT (Internet of Things) device, further reducing implementation costs compared to conventional means. Any embodiment of the solid-state sensor 100 disclosed herein can be connected by wiring.

[0020] The direction of airflow can be measured by directing air onto two thermistor elements. In some embodiments, the two thermistor elements may each be a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) sensor. In some embodiments, the two thermistor elements may each be a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) sensor. These elements change resistance with temperature. A typical application of these devices is temperature measurement. In some embodiments, when using a PTC sensor, the resistance increases as the ambient temperature around the sensor rises. In some embodiments, when using an NTC sensor, the resistance decreases as the ambient temperature around the sensor rises. Essentially, some thermistors self-heat or their temperature rises due to the weak current required to measure temperature. Some embodiments of solid airflow sensors may be configured to intentionally induce self-heating of two PTC temperature sensors, allowing measurement of the difference in current draw between the two sensors (i.e., the first and second sensors 142, 144 described below). In any embodiment, the first and second sensors 142, 144 can be maintained at a temperature higher than the operating ambient temperature. For example, but not limited to, the first and second sensors 142, 144 can be maintained at a temperature higher than 120-130 degrees Fahrenheit, or the temperature of the air drawn from the IT cabinet, or, in some embodiments, a temperature higher than the temperature of the air to which the sensors are exposed. In any embodiment, the current supplied to the sensors may be adjusted by a microprocessor in the unit to maintain a constant temperature higher than the ambient temperature (i.e., 12°F), or it may be controlled to maintain a static temperature (i.e., 120°F). When the air flow is not moving, the two sensors of some embodiments read essentially the same temperature. In some embodiments, air flowing across an air baffle or flow deflector placed between the PTC sensors can cause an imbalance in the amount of air provided to the sensors, removing the thermal energy of the sensors and potentially changing the read temperature. This imbalance can result in different current readings between the sensors, which can be used to indicate the direction of the air flow. In some embodiments, the leading PTC sensor is exposed to the air flow and thus has a lower temperature, while the downstream sensor is shielded by the flow deflector and as a result has a higher temperature. In some embodiments, the flow deflector is placed at the midpoint between the first and second sensors, and the sensors can be made symmetric so that air flows in opposite directions are similarly measured and opposite effects on current draw occur. As described above, the direction of the air flow is important for identifying overpressure or underpressure conditions. In certain embodiments, the PTC sensors are placed within recesses formed on both sides of the flow deflector.

[0021] Figures 1 and 2 are a front view and a right-angle view, respectively, of one embodiment of a solid airflow sensor device 100. In some embodiments, the solid sensor 100 may have a housing or enclosure 102 (also called a housing) that can be used to house or contain the electronic components of the solid sensor 100. The case 102 may include a first case portion 104 that can be coupled or joined to a second case portion 106. For example, but not limited to, the first and second case portions 104, 106 may each have a mounting flange 110 that can be used to connect the first and second case portions 104, 106. The case 102 may have a first passage 120 and a second passage 122 that can allow fluid flow through the case 102. The first and second passages 120, 122 may be fixed openings. The case 102 and the first and second passages 120, 122 may be configured so that air can flow through the first and second passages 120, 122 in either direction. The device 100 may be located in a partition wall or boundary between different zones in a temperature-controlled space (e.g., a data center). As described below, the pressure difference on both sides of the partition wall can be determined by sensing the flow characteristics through the first and second passages 120, 122. In certain embodiments, the first and second passages 120, 122 are located within 1 to 2 inches of each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor 100 includes a housing or case 102 that includes both the first and second passages 120, 122, but in certain embodiments, the sensor may include multiple cases, each of the first and second passages 120, 122 being located in a separate case arranged so that the first and second passages 120, 122 are located within 12 to 24 inches of each other.

[0022] A direction sensor 130 may be placed in the first passage 120. A velocity sensor 132 may be placed in the second passage 122. Therefore, the direction sensor 130 can be exposed to the fluid passing through the first passage 120, and the velocity sensor 132 can be exposed to the fluid passing through the second passage 122.

[0023] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the direction sensor 130 of the solid-state sensor 100 shown in Figure 1. Referring to Figure 3, the direction sensor 130 may be located or supported within a first channel 138 having a first passage 120 that extends axially. The direction sensor 130 may have a first sensor 142 at a first axial position within the first passage 120, a second sensor 144 at a second axial position within the first passage 120, and a flow deflector 146 (also referred to herein as a baffle or projection) at a third axial position within the first passage 120 between the first sensor 142 and the second sensor 144 and / or between the first axial position and the second axial position. The first and second sensors 142, 144 may be the same, or may be configured differently in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the first and second sensors 142, 144 may each include a thermistor element having a positive temperature coefficient (PTC). An example of a thermistor element that can be used in some embodiments of the first and second sensors 142, 144 is the PTC 330 ohm 20% radial lead 5mm lead-spaced thermistor sold at ntepartsdirect.com (https: / / www.ntepartsdirect.com / ENG / PRODUCT / 02-P331-1), but there are many other similar and / or suitable products that can be used.

[0024] Figure 4 shows the operating mode of the direction sensor 130 when the air is flowing in the first axial direction, i.e., when the first pressure zone 150 on the left side of the flow deflector 146 (in the orientation shown in Figure 4) is upstream of the second pressure zone 152 on the right side of the flow deflector 146. The illustration in Figure 4 is a simplified illustration intended to show a schematic, hypothetical, and non-limiting example of how a fluid can flow through the direction sensor 130 and how the fluid 160 flowing to the direction sensor 130 through the first passage 120 can be directed by the flow deflector 146. An advantage of the embodiments in Figures 3 and 4 is that the flow deflector 146 can be substantially symmetrical. In some embodiments, the flow deflector 146 may be shaped in a particular way to bypass the airflow around the downwind sensor even at very low flow rates. Conversely, some embodiments of the upwind sensor may be directly affected by the flow.

[0025] In some embodiments, the flow deflector 146 is configured to extend across only a portion of the inner diameter of the passage, thereby allowing flow to flow around the flow deflector 146 along both sides of the flow deflector 146. Some embodiments of the sensor can measure very low pressure differences between the first and second sensors. In some embodiments, one or more ends of the flow deflector 146 can be rounded. In some embodiments, the top of the flow deflector 146 can be domed. In some embodiments, sensors 142 and 144 may be located within the first and second recesses of the flow deflector 146.

[0026] The flow deflector 146 may be configured to narrow the first passage 120 of the first channel 138. The flow deflector 146 may also be configured to deflect, at least partially, the fluid flowing in the first axial direction (as shown in Figure 4) through the passage of the first channel 138 around the second sensor 144, so that when the fluid flows in the first axial direction, the second sensor 144 is downstream of the first sensor 142, and the first sensor 142 is exposed to the fluid flowing in the first direction more than the second sensor 144. In this flow configuration, the first pressure zone 150 is positive pressure and the second pressure zone 152 is neutral. This results in a difference in the pressure and / or temperature readings of the first sensor 142 relative to the second sensor 144, which allows for the determination of the direction of the fluid flow through the first passage 120.

[0027] Similarly, the flow deflector 146 may be configured to deflect, at least partially, a fluid flowing in a second axial direction (not shown) through the first passage 120 of the first channel 138 around the first sensor 142, so that when the fluid flows in the second axial direction, the first sensor 142 is downstream of the second sensor 144, and the second sensor 144 is exposed to the fluid flowing in the second direction more than the first sensor 142. This results in a difference in the pressure and / or temperature readings of the first sensor 142 relative to the second sensor 144, making it possible to determine the direction of the fluid flow through the first passage 120.

[0028] Referring to Figure 4, some embodiments of the flow deflector 146 may have a main body portion 170 in the middle portion of the flow deflector 146, a first extending portion 172 extending from the main body portion 170 in a first direction (e.g., in the direction of the first sensor 142), and a second extending portion 174 extending away from the main body portion 170 in a second direction (e.g., in the direction of the second sensor 144). In some embodiments, the first extending portion 172 may extend in a direction aligned with the first sensor 142, and the second extending portion 174 may extend in a direction aligned with the second sensor 144.

[0029] Some embodiments of the flow deflector 146 may have a first curved portion 146a that curves around the first sensor 142 and is configured to direct a portion of the air or fluid flowing through the passage 120 to a first portion 166 of the passage 120. For example, some embodiments of the flow deflector 146 may have a first curved portion 146a that curves around the first sensor 142 and is configured to direct a majority of the air or fluid flowing through the passage 120 to a first portion 166 of the passage 120. In some embodiments of this configuration, the flow deflector 146 may be configured to deflect at least a portion of the flow of air or fluid 160 flowing in the direction shown in Figure 4 (i.e., so that the second sensor 144 is downstream of the first sensor 142) around the second sensor 144 rather than the first sensor, so that the temperature reading of the second sensor 144 is greater than the temperature reading of the first sensor 142, and the first and second sensors 142 and 144 self-heat to a temperature higher than the temperature of the air flowing through the passage 120. The deflector may be configured to be spaced away from the wall of the first passage 120 to such an extent that a portion (e.g., less than half) of the air or fluid flowing through the passage 120 in the direction shown in Figure 4 passes through the second portion 168 of the passage 120.

[0030] Some embodiments of the flow deflector 146 may have a second curved portion 146b that curves around the second sensor 144 and is configured to direct a portion of the air or fluid flowing through the passage 120 from right to left (i.e., in the opposite direction to the airflow direction shown in Figure 4, so that the first sensor 142 is downstream of the second sensor 144) to a second portion 168 of the passage 120. For example, some embodiments of the flow deflector 146 may have a second curved portion 146b that is configured to direct a portion of the air or fluid flowing through the passage 120 from right to left (i.e., in the opposite direction to the airflow direction shown in Figure 4, so that the first sensor 142 is downstream of the second sensor 144) to a second portion 168 of the passage 120. In this configuration, the flow deflector 146 may be configured to deflect at least a portion of the flow of air or fluid 160 flowing from right to left (i.e., so that the first sensor 142 is downstream of the second sensor 144) around the first sensor 142 (i.e., to deflect the airflow around the first sensor 142) rather than the second sensor 144. As a result, the temperature reading of the first sensor 142 will be lower than the temperature reading of the second sensor 144, and the first and second sensors 142 and 144 will self-heat to a temperature higher than the temperature of the air flowing through the passage 120. The deflector may be configured to be spaced away from the wall of the first passage 120 to the extent that it allows a portion (e.g., less than half) of the air or fluid flowing from right to left (i.e., so that the first sensor 142 is downstream of the second sensor 144) to flow through the first portion 166 of the passage 120. In some embodiments, it is assumed that the air supplied to the sensor cools the sensor. Referring to Figure 4, in some embodiments, the flow deflector 146 may be positioned such that its longitudinal centerline axis (i.e., along the length of the flow deflector 146 in the direction of fluid flow through the first passage 120) can be aligned with the centerline of the first passage 120 through the conduit or channel. In some embodiments, the first and second sensors 142, 144 can be slightly offset from the centerline of the passage 120 (e.g., 0.075 inches from the centerline, or within 10% of the inner diameter or width of the passage 120 from the centerline, or from less than 5% or about 5% to 20% or about 20% or more than 20% of the inner diameter or width of the passage 120 from the centerline), which may make the overall baffle more compact. Also, in some embodiments, the width of the first portion 166 of the passage 120 can be the same as or similar to the width of the second portion 168 of the passage 120. The flow deflector 146 may be configured such that the effect of the flow deflector 146 on the fluid flowing through the passage 120 is the same or substantially the same regardless of the direction of the flow.

[0031] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the second passage 122, showing that the solid velocity sensor 132 in the embodiment of the solid airflow sensor device 100 shown in Figure 1 extends into the second passage 122. In some embodiments, the velocity sensor may be a commercially available sensor or an open-source device. For example, but not limited to, the solid velocity sensor 132 may be a thermal anemometer such as the Wind Sensor Rev.P (https: / / moderndevice.com / product / wind-sensor-rev-p / ) from Modern Device, which can be used with some embodiments disclosed herein.

[0032] Referring to Figure 5, the velocity sensor 132 may be located or supported within a second pipe or channel 158 having a second passage 122 that extends axially. In some embodiments, the velocity sensor may be a non-solid sensor such as a rotating blade, a rotating cup, or an anemometer. The velocity sensor 132 may include a transducer configured to provide real-time readings of the velocity of the fluid flow through the second passage 122. Although the direction sensor 130 and the velocity sensor are shown and described as being located within the same device, it should be understood that in modified configurations, the two sensors and their associated openings may be physically separated into two devices and functionally located close to each other on a boundary or partition wall between spaces or zones.

[0033] Data generated by the first sensor 142, the second sensor 144, and the velocity sensor 132 can be processed by electronic equipment communicating with these sensors. The first and second sensors 142 and 144 can generate a calculated temperature difference between a first side of the device 100 and a second side of the device 100. The device 100 may be located in a partition wall or boundary within a data center. A controller or microprocessor communicating with the first and second sensors 142 and 144 may be configured to calculate pressure values ​​using Bernoulli's equation, which relates the flow through a fixed orifice to the pressure difference across the opening. The calculated values ​​can be transmitted to a control system to control or monitor the air pressure in the space. This allows for more precise control of the pressure on both sides of the device 100. In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to control or communicate with a single sensor, or to control or communicate with multiple sensors. As will be further explained below, the controller may include a processor (e.g., a microprocessor) and a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium, such as a persistent magnetic storage drive or a solid-state drive, configured to store instructions executable by the processor and to execute the instructions according to one or more control methods. The execution of these instructions can control a system or its subsystems, regardless of whether the execution takes place within the processor or elsewhere. For example, when executed by the processor of a computer system, an instruction can operate a component of the system.

[0034] Figure 6 shows an embodiment of a formula that can be used to determine pressure with high resolution and accuracy by converting the flow in the apparatus into a differential pressure that can be used with any embodiment of the solid sensor 100 disclosed herein. As described, in some embodiments, the pressure difference can be mathematically calculated using Bernoulli's principle by measuring the velocity through a fixed-size opening or passage. The larger the pressure difference across a fixed opening or passage, the greater the flow through that opening or passage. Therefore, by knowing the magnitude of the pressure difference across a fixed opening, information about the flow through the opening can be obtained. As shown in Figure 6, Bernoulli's equation can be expressed as follows:

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[0035] Figure 7 shows one embodiment of a system diagram illustrating one embodiment of a system electronics that can be used with any embodiment of the solid-state sensor 100 disclosed herein. As shown in Figure 7, any embodiment of the system may be configured to transmit data or other information to a user interface, database, computer system, network storage device, etc., via a network and / or wired or wireless connection. Furthermore, in any embodiment disclosed herein, the solid-state sensor 100 and / or any embodiment of the system including the solid-state sensor 100 may include a display panel having one or more indicator lights and / or a user interface that can be located on or elsewhere in the housing and can be used to indicate the direction of flow or other information relating to the flow state of the system based on data generated by the sensor.

[0036] Figure 8 shows one embodiment of a software system that can be used with any embodiment of the sensors disclosed herein. As shown, some embodiments of the system may be configured to read air velocity, read air temperature, read the voltage of the first sensor 142, and / or read the voltage of the second sensor 142. As described above, the direction of flow can be calculated using the direction sensor by comparing the voltage of the first sensor 142 with the voltage of the second sensor 144. As previously stated, Bernoulli's equation can be simplified to the following equation, which can be used to determine the differential pressure (i.e., pressure delta) across the opening given the flow and orifice size.

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[0037] Figure 8 illustrates how the differential pressure, temperature, and / or flow direction of a fluid flowing through the system can be determined using a system including, but not limited to, any embodiment of the sensor 100, velocity sensor, and / or processor disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the system may have a transmitter configured to communicate one or more characteristics of the fluid flowing through the system including, but not limited to, any embodiment of the sensor 100 and / or velocity sensor disclosed herein, via wireless or wired components. In some embodiments, these characteristics may include differential pressure, temperature, and / or flow direction of the fluid. These characteristics and / or other characteristics can be uploaded directly or via the network to a network and / or user interface, database, or other computer system via wireless or wired connections.

[0038] In some embodiments, an onboard microprocessor can receive signals from each sensor and calculate pressure values ​​based on the velocity and direction of the flow across the sensors. Logic within the microprocessor can control a local screen or LEDs to indicate neutral, excess, or excess pressure conditions in the measurement space. For example, but not limited to, a green light can be used to inform the operator that an excess pressure is occurring in the first zone or the first side of the barrier (i.e., the pressure on the first side of the barrier or the first zone is higher than the pressure on the second side of the barrier or the second zone). A red light can be used to inform the operator that there is an excess or excess pressure in the first zone or the first side of the barrier (i.e., the pressure on the first side of the barrier or the first zone is lower than the pressure on the second side of the barrier or the second zone). In some embodiments, the lights may also be configured to flash to indicate the magnitude of the pressure difference across the barrier. For example, rapid flashing or a large number of consecutive flashes indicates a high pressure difference, while slow flashing or a small number of consecutive flashes indicates a low pressure difference. The lights may be configured to indicate adequate or inadequate cooling supply, temperature, and / or pressure in the area being monitored. For example, but not limited to, a green light may indicate adequate cooling, a blue light may indicate excessive cooling, and a red light may indicate inadequate cooling. In some embodiments, the microprocessor may be configured to communicate the read data to a central control system, building automation system, or PLC via a wireless connection (WLAN, Bluetooth, or Zigbee), so that the environmental control system can automatically adjust the environmental settings based on information received from any embodiment of the devices and systems disclosed herein.

[0039] Furthermore, some embodiments of the solid-state sensor 100 and / or system disclosed herein can be used to control an air conditioning system in a space based on demand. Sensors of at least some embodiments disclosed herein can be used to determine airflow demand by measuring excess or insufficient pressure within a containment area. Locally, technicians can grasp the "health" of the containment zone simply by looking at the sensor light and / or display. In addition, technicians can adjust the amount of floor tiles in the containment space and then verify the effect by checking the sensor after completion. For example, but not limited to, the number of perforated floor tiles can be adjusted according to the sensor reading, or the adjustment dampers for perforated floor tiles can be adjusted according to the sensor reading. Furthermore, some embodiments of the sensor 100 disclosed herein can also be used to measure ambient pressure. The sensor 100 can be used to measure ambient pressure between a data hole and other parts of a facility. The data hole can be slightly pressurized relative to the corridor and the outside to prevent external dust from entering the data hole and electronic equipment. Furthermore, any embodiment of the sensor disclosed herein can also be applied outside of a data room. For example, any embodiment of the sensor disclosed herein, but not limited to, can be used to monitor and optimize airflow in a hospital isolation room or any other room or facility where an operator would benefit from understanding airflow between partition walls, barriers, cabinets, rooms, etc. In some embodiments, LED lights or other types of lights or visual or audible indicators, displays, or visual or audible indicators on displays (collectively referred to herein as indicators) may light up in different colors or change in appearance or sound based on changes or levels of changes in operating parameters, such as differences in pressure. Pressure that is too high or too low may indicate an excess or deficiency of airflow. Indicators provide data center operators with information that allows them to adjust airflow conditions to match the demand and supply of airflow or to optimize the cooling of electronic equipment in data rooms. The most efficient way to operate a data center is to supply the right amount of air to the right place, and indicators can be used to provide operators with information to optimize the air supply. For example, in some embodiments, though not limited to, operators and / or systems may be configured to automatically adjust fan speeds, adjust valves to the flow of air and / or other fluids (e.g., coolant flow), or make other changes to optimize cooling.

[0040] In one configuration, an embodiment of the sensor 100 can be used to measure airflow and pressure within a containment space. For example, in a data center, it is advantageous to have separate spaces that can isolate a cooling zone from hot airflow. The airflow device may be placed in a partition wall or boundary between the cooling zone and the hot zone. In this way, information from the airflow sensor can be used to control the amount of air delivered to the cooling zone, reducing energy costs while ensuring the appropriate amount of cooling where needed within the data hole. Conventionally, pressure sensors have been placed on both sides of the partition wall to prevent hot air from flowing into the cooled space. In embodiments of the sensor 100 disclosed herein, several airflow sensors 100 can be placed in different locations along the partition wall and used to ensure that the pressure in the cooling zone is always higher than the pressure in the hot zone (i.e., the flow through the device flows from the cooling zone to the hot zone and not the other way around). If the pressure in the hot zone exceeds the pressure in the cooling zone, the airflow to the cooling zone can be adjusted.

[0041] For example, any embodiment of the airflow sensors disclosed herein (including embodiments of airflow sensor 100) can be used with a cooling system for a data center, and one or more airflow sensors 100 are in fluid communication with the airflow through the system. In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 9 to 11, one or more sensors 100 may be configured to determine the direction of airflow through the system 200, the pressure of the airflow through the system 200, the velocity of the airflow through the system 200, and / or the temperature of the airflow through the system 200. Figures 9 to 11 are orthogonal views of exemplary embodiments of the cooling system 200 that can be used with any embodiment of the sensors disclosed herein. Figures 9 to 11 show embodiments of airflow sensors 100 coupled to the system 200. In some embodiments, the sensors 100 can be in fluid communication with the airflow through the system 200. For example, in some embodiments, the sensors 100 may be supported by a duct, such as a transition duct of the system 200. In any embodiment disclosed herein, the sensor 100 can provide data to a controller of the system 200 that can be used to control the system 200 and / or one or more components of the system 200.

[0042] Figure 12 shows an embodiment of a method for controlling the environmental control system of a data room 300. In some embodiments, the method includes, in step 302, placing solid sensors in a passage through a partition wall between a first and second zone of the data room; in step 304, calculating the direction of airflow through the passage and / or solid sensors located between the first and second zones of the data room; and / or, in step (as in step 306), increasing the supply of cool air to the first zone if the direction of airflow is from the second zone to the first zone, or decreasing the supply of cool air to the first zone if the direction of airflow is from the first zone to the second zone and the velocity of airflow from the first zone to the second zone exceeds a threshold amount. In this embodiment, the first zone may be a cooling zone and the second zone may be a hot zone. In some embodiments, the temperature and amount of supplied air can also be adjusted based on data received from the sensors. The sensor network 100 can be used to control fan speeds within the data center. The sensor 100 can be used to determine which cabinet pod in the room is controlling the air conditioning system. The supply and return airflow control devices can be adjusted to optimize the air conditioning system. Some embodiments of the sensor 100 may be configured to measure flow rate. System control can be based on differential pressure, and velocity can be used to determine the pressure difference.

[0043] While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented only as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. In fact, the novel methods and systems described herein can be embodied in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and modifications of the systems and methods described herein can be made without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover forms or modifications that fall within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is defined solely by reference to the accompanying claims.

[0044] Features, materials, properties, or groups described in relation to a particular aspect, embodiment, or example should be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment, or example described in this section or elsewhere in this specification, unless otherwise incompatible. All features disclosed herein (including the accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings), and / or all steps of any method or process so as disclosed, can be combined in any combination, except for any combination in which at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. Protection is not limited to the details of such embodiments described above. Protection extends to any novel features disclosed herein (including the accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings), or any novel steps of any method or process so as disclosed, or any novel combination of such methods or processes.

[0045] Furthermore, certain functions described in the context of a single embodiment of this disclosure may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various functions described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable partial combination in multiple embodiments. Moreover, while features may be described above as functioning in a particular combination, one or more features from a claimed combination may, in some cases, be removed from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as a partial combination or a variation of a partial combination.

[0046] Furthermore, while operations are depicted in the drawings or described in the specification in a specific order, such operations do not need to be performed in the specific order or sequence shown, nor do not all operations need to be performed, in order to achieve the desired results. Other operations not illustrated or described can be incorporated into exemplary methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously with, or between the operations described. Furthermore, in other embodiments, operations can be rearranged or reordered. Those skilled in the art will understand that in some embodiments, the actual steps taken in the illustrated and / or disclosed processes may differ from those shown in the drawings. Depending on the embodiment, certain steps described above can be omitted, and other steps can be added. Furthermore, the features and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed above can be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of this disclosure. Also, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments. It should also be understood that the described components and systems can typically be integrated into a single product or packaged into multiple products.

[0047] For the purposes of this disclosure, specific embodiments, advantages, and novel features are described herein. Not all such advantages can necessarily be achieved according to a particular embodiment. Therefore, for example, a person skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention can be embodied or performed in a manner that achieves one or a group of advantages as taught herein, without necessarily achieving other advantages as taught or suggested herein.

[0048] Conditional words such as “can,” “possible,” “may,” or “may” are generally intended to convey that certain features, elements, and / or steps are included in some embodiments but not in others, unless otherwise specified or interpreted in the context in which they are used. Therefore, such conditional words are not generally intended to suggest that features, elements, and / or steps are required in any way in one or more embodiments, or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for determining, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements, and / or steps are included in any particular embodiment or whether they are performed in any particular embodiment.

[0049] Conjunctions such as "at least one of X, Y, and Z" are generally understood in the context in which they are used to indicate that an item, term, etc., may be one of X, Y, or Z, unless otherwise specified. Therefore, such conjunctions are not generally intended to imply that a particular embodiment requires the presence of at least one X, at least one Y, and at least one Z.

[0050] As used herein, terms of degree such as “approximately,” “about,” “generally,” and “substantially” describe values, quantities, or characteristics that are close to the stated values, quantities, or characteristics that still perform the desired function or achieve the desired result. For example, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “generally,” and “substantially” may mean quantities that are within the range of 10% or less, 5% or less, 1% or less, 0.1% or less, and 0.01% or less of the stated quantity. As another example, in certain embodiments, the terms “approximately parallel” and “substantially parallel” refer to values, quantities, or characteristics that deviate by only 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, or 0.1 degrees or less from exact parallelism.

[0051] The scope of this disclosure is not intended to be limited by any specific disclosure of preferred embodiments in this section or elsewhere in this specification, but may be defined by the claims as presented in this section or elsewhere in this specification, or as may be presented in the future. The language of the claims should be interpreted broadly on the basis of the language used in the claims, and should be interpreted as non-exclusive, not limited to the examples described herein or under examination of the application.

Claims

1. A housing having a first opening on the first side of the housing and a second opening on the second side of the housing, A first passage that is in fluid communication with the first opening and the second opening, A solid sensor disposed within the first passage, The solid-state sensor is A first sensor positioned at a first axial position within the first passage, A second sensor positioned at the second axis position within the first passage, The system includes a flow deflector positioned at a third axial position between the first axial position and the second axial position within the first passage, and extending within the first passage to constrict the first passage. The flow deflector is configured to deflect at least a portion of the fluid flow through the first passage in a first direction around the second sensor, rather than the first sensor, and when the fluid flows in the first direction, the second sensor is downstream of the first sensor. The flow deflector is configured to deflect at least a portion of the fluid flow through the first passage in a second direction around the first sensor, rather than to the second sensor, and when the fluid flows in the second direction, the first sensor is downstream of the second sensor. The flow deflector is a sensor assembly that includes a first recess on the first side of the flow deflector and a second recess on the second side of the flow deflector.

2. The sensor assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first sensor is disposed adjacent to the first recess, and the second sensor is disposed adjacent to the second recess.

3. The sensor assembly according to claim 2, wherein the first recess and the second recess are arranged symmetrically around the flow deflector.

4. The sensor assembly according to claim 1, further comprising an airflow velocity sensor.

5. The sensor assembly according to claim 1, further comprising an airflow velocity sensor disposed within a second passage of the housing.

6. The sensor assembly according to claim 1, wherein the sensor assembly is configured for use in a data center.

7. The sensor assembly according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first sensor and the second sensor is a thermistor element having a positive temperature coefficient (PTC).

8. The sensor assembly according to claim 1, wherein the solid sensor is configured to measure the temperature of the air flowing through the sensor.

9. The sensor assembly according to claim 1, wherein the solid-state sensor has an accuracy of 99.75% or higher over the entire range of readings from the solid-state sensor.

10. The sensor assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a sensor located in a second passage parallel to the first passage, wherein the sensor is configured to measure any of the direction, pressure, velocity, and temperature of an airflow.

11. A system comprising a sensor assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a processor configured to determine the pressure of air flowing through the sensor assembly.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the system is configured to determine the pressure using at least Bernoulli's formula.

13. A system comprising a sensor assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, and one or more indicator lights configured to display at least one of the airflow direction through the solid sensor, the suitability of the cooling supply, temperature, and pressure of the area to be monitored.

14. A system comprising a sensor assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, and a display panel configured to display information relating to the direction of airflow through the solid sensor and / or the air to which the solid sensor is exposed.

15. A system for controlling a thermal management system within a data center having a first zone and a second zone, A sensor assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, Includes a controller for cooling the air supplied to the first zone, The sensor assembly is located in the partition wall between the first zone and the second zone. The controller is configured to increase the airflow to the cooling zone when the pressure difference between the cooling zone and the hot zone falls below a threshold, and / or when the direction of airflow through the sensor assembly is from the hot zone to the cooling zone.

16. The system according to claim 15, wherein the first zone is a cool zone and the second zone is a hot zone.

17. A method for measuring the direction of fluid flow in a passage, carried out by a system including a sensor assembly having a passage through which a fluid flows, the sensor assembly including a first sensor disposed in the passage, a second sensor disposed in the passage spaced apart from the first sensor, and a flow deflector disposed in the passage between the first sensor and the second sensor, the flow deflector including a first recess provided on a first side of the flow deflector and a second recess provided on a second side of the flow deflector, the method is, The steps include supplying a first current to the first sensor, The steps include measuring the first resistance of the first sensor while the fluid is flowing through the passage, The steps include supplying a second current to the second sensor, The steps include measuring the second resistance of the second sensor while the fluid is flowing through the passage, A method for measuring the direction of fluid flow in a passage, comprising the step of determining the direction of the fluid flow by comparing the first resistance with the second resistance.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the first sensor is at least partially disposed in the first recess, and the second sensor is at least partially disposed in the second recess.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the first recess and the second recess are arranged symmetrically around the flow deflector.

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