Raised floor panels and raised floor panel systems

Abstract

To provide a double floor panel that easily suppresses increase in the number of processes for installation work and removal work, and a double floor panel system.SOLUTION: A double floor panel is provided with: a panel body 13A that is arranged side by side and divides an indoor space into an above-floor space and an under-floor space; an air passage unit 15A having a cylindrical shape that is arranged on the underfloor space side of the panel body 13A, and through which air flows; a power generation unit 17 that is arranged inside the air passage unit 15A, and generates power using air flow; and load units 21, 25, 27 that are arranged in the panel body 13A, and operate using at least the power generated by the power generation unit 17.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a double floor panel and a double floor panel system.

Background Art

[0002] In a server room (also referred to as a computer room) where electronic devices such as information processing devices and communication devices are arranged, air conditioning equipment for cooling the electronic devices is provided. For example, a method of supplying cold air used for cooling the electronic devices via the underfloor of the server room is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Specifically, the server room is a double floor, the upper floor is a space where electronic devices are arranged, and the lower floor is a space through which cold air flows. The cold air supplied from the air conditioning equipment is supplied to the underfloor space. The cold air flows out from the underfloor space to the upper floor space through an opening formed in the double floor.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses that an electric fan is provided in a panel constituting the double floor (also referred to as a double floor panel). The electric fan rotates by receiving power supply and generates an upward air flow.

[0005] In other words, the cold air in the underfloor space is made to flow out to the upper floor space, and the cold air that tends to accumulate near the floor surface in the upper floor space is sent upward. As a result, it becomes easier for the electronic devices to take in the cold air, and it becomes easier to improve the cooling efficiency of the electronic devices.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] As mentioned above, if power-consuming equipment such as electric fans is placed on the raised floor panels, a configuration is needed to supply power to the equipment from an external source. For example, it is necessary to install wiring to supply power to the raised floor panels from a power source located elsewhere.

[0008] When a configuration is implemented to supply power to the raised floor panels from an external source, the installation process for the raised floor panels becomes more complex and time-consuming. In other words, in addition to the installation of the raised floor panels themselves, there is an extra step of arranging the wiring to supply power and connecting it to the power supply and the equipment on the raised floor panels.

[0009] Furthermore, just as with installing the raised floor panels, removing them also increased the number of work steps involved. Consequently, changing the placement of the raised floor panels after they had been installed also increased the number of work steps required.

[0010] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems and aims to provide a double floor panel and a double floor panel system that can easily suppress the increase in the number of steps for installation and removal work. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides the following means. A double floor panel according to a first aspect of the present invention is characterized by comprising: panel bodies arranged side by side to divide the interior space into an upper floor space and an underfloor space; an air duct section located on the underfloor space side of the panel body and having a cylindrical shape through which air flows; a power generation section located inside the air duct section and generating electricity using the airflow; and a load section located on the panel body and operating using at least the electricity generated by the power generation section.

[0012] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the double-floor panel generates electricity using the airflow inside the air duct, and the load unit operates using the electricity generated by the power generation unit. The air duct and the power generation unit are located on the panel body on which the load unit is placed. In other words, no wiring or other configurations that supply power from outside the panel body are used to supply power to the load unit.

[0013] The airflow used for power generation in the power generation section is supplied from outside the panel body. Compared to power supply configurations such as wiring, the airflow offers greater flexibility in the placement and removal of the panel body. In other words, as long as the orientation and spacing of adjacent air ducts are within a predetermined range, the airflow between adjacent air ducts is maintained.

[0014] Therefore, when removing or installing the panel itself, no additional work is required on the air duct. In other words, unlike wiring configurations, no additional work is required for connecting or disconnecting wires, or for arranging wires.

[0015] In the above invention, it is preferable that the air duct portion is arranged in series with other air duct portions provided on other panel bodies arranged adjacent to the panel body on which the air duct portion is provided.

[0016] Because the air duct section and other adjacent air duct sections are arranged in series in this way, at least a portion of the airflow is continuous between the air duct section and the other air duct sections. Therefore, when supplying airflow to multiple power generation units from a single air supply source, there is no need to use a separate type of air duct section to branch the airflow. In other words, it is easy to supply airflow to multiple power generation units with a simple configuration.

[0017] In the above invention, it is preferable that a power storage unit is further provided, which is arranged on the panel body and is capable of charging the power generated by the power generation unit and supplying the charged power to the load unit, and that the load unit operates using at least one of the power generated by the power generation unit and the power supplied from the power storage unit.

[0018] By providing the power storage unit in this way, power can be supplied from the power storage unit to the load unit. For example, even during a period when power generation is not being performed in the power generation unit, power can be supplied to the load unit. Also, power that cannot be completely consumed by the load unit can be stored in the power storage unit.

[0019] In the above invention, it is preferable that the load unit controls the flow rate of air flowing from the under-floor space to the above-floor space.

[0020] By controlling the flow rate of air flowing into the above-floor space by the load unit in this way, it becomes easier to control the temperature in the above-floor space. Also, it becomes easier to guide the air that has accumulated below in the above-floor space upward.

[0021] In the above invention, it is preferable that a communication unit that performs at least one of transmitting and receiving to the outside is further provided for the control signal regarding the control of the flow rate of the air in the load unit.

[0022] By providing the communication unit in this way, the control signal can be transmitted to the outside. It becomes possible to grasp the control status of the flow rate of air outside where the control signal is received. Also, by providing the communication unit, the control signal can be received from the outside. The load unit can control the flow rate of air based on the control signal transmitted from the outside.

[0023] In other words, it becomes possible to remotely manage the double-floor panel. Also, by performing at least one of transmitting and receiving control signals from a plurality of double-floor panels, it becomes possible to centrally manage the plurality of double-floor panels.

[0024] In the above invention, it is preferable that the load unit measures at least one of the temperature and the wind speed in at least one of the under-floor space and the above-floor space.

[0025] By doing so, it becomes easier to grasp at least one of the temperature and the wind speed in at least one of the under-floor space and the above-floor space.

[0026] In the above invention, it is preferable that a communication unit that performs at least one of transmitting and receiving a measurement signal related to the measurement of at least one of the temperature and the wind speed in the load unit is further provided.

[0027] By providing the communication unit in this way, the measurement signal can be transmitted to the outside. At the outside where the measurement signal is received, it becomes possible to grasp at least one of the temperature and the wind speed. Further, by providing the communication unit, the measurement signal can be received from the outside. The load unit can change the parameters related to the measurement based on the received measurement signal. Examples of the parameters related to the measurement include the period and time interval for performing the measurement.

[0028] In other words, it becomes possible to remotely manage the double-floor panel. Further, by performing at least one of transmitting and receiving measurement signals from a plurality of double-floor panels, it becomes possible to centrally manage the plurality of double-floor panels.

[0029] According to the double-floor panel system of the second aspect of the present invention, at least one first panel body arranged side by side and partitioning the space into a floor upper space and a floor lower space, and at least one second panel body, and a first air duct part and a second air duct part respectively arranged on the floor lower space side of the first panel body and the second panel body and having a cylindrical shape through which air flows inside, a power generation part arranged inside the first air duct part and performing power generation using the air flow, a load part arranged on the first panel body and operating using at least the power generated by the power generation part, and a blower part for sending the air into the first air duct part and the second air duct part arranged in series are provided.

[0030] According to a second aspect of the double-floor panel system of the present invention, the power generation unit generates electricity using the airflow inside the air duct supplied by the air blower unit, and the load unit operates using the electricity generated by the power generation unit. The air duct unit and the power generation unit are located in the first panel body on which the load unit is placed. In other words, no wiring or other configurations that supply power from outside the first panel body are used to supply power to the load unit.

[0031] By using a second panel body equipped with a second air duct, the degree of freedom in arranging the first panel body is increased. For example, if the first panel body and the blower are placed at separate locations, the second panel body can be placed between the first panel body and the blower. The second air duct located in the second panel body guides the airflow supplied from the blower to the first air duct, thereby suppressing the reduction in the airflow used for power generation. Furthermore, by placing at least one second panel body between two first panel bodies, the spacing between the first panel bodies can be increased. [Effects of the Invention]

[0032] According to the present invention, the double floor panel and double floor panel system generate electricity using the airflow inside the air duct supplied by the blower, and the load unit operates using the electricity generated by the power generation unit. This has the effect of making it easier to suppress the increase in steps during the installation and removal of the double floor panel. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0033] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the server room. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the server room. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the first double floor panel of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the electrical circuitry of the first double-floor panel in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the blower fan section. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view illustrating other possible arrangements of the sensor unit. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the connections between the control circuit, sensor, and blower fan sections. [Figure 8] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the second double-floor panel. [Figure 9] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating other configurations of the first double-floor panel. [Figure 10] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating other configurations of the first double-floor panel. [Figure 11] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating other configurations of the first double-floor panel. [Figure 12] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating other configurations of the first double-floor panel. [Figure 13] This is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the first double floor panel of the second embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating the electrical circuitry of the first double-floor panel. [Figure 15] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the variable opening shown in Figure 13. [Figure 16] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection between the control circuit, the sensor, and the variable aperture. [Figure 17] This is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the first double floor panel of the third embodiment. [Figure 18] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating the electrical circuitry of the first double-floor panel. [Figure 19] Figure 17 is a perspective view illustrating another configuration of the first double floor panel. [Figure 20] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram illustrating the electrical circuitry of the first double-floor panel. [Figure 21] This is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the first double floor panel of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 22] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the connections between the information processing unit, the control circuit unit, the sensor unit, and the blower fan unit. [Figure 23] Figure 21 is a schematic diagram illustrating the electrical circuitry of the first double-floor panel. [Figure 24] Figure 21 is a schematic diagram illustrating another configuration of the first double floor panel. [Figure 25] This is a schematic diagram illustrating yet another configuration of the first double floor panel shown in Figure 21. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] [First Embodiment] The double floor panel 11 and double floor panel system 10 according to the first embodiment of this invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 12. The double floor panel 11 and double floor panel system 10 of this embodiment are arranged in a server room 100 as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0035] The server room 100 is a room containing multiple racks 110 for housing electronic equipment such as information processing devices and communication devices, and an air conditioner 120 used for cooling the stored electronic equipment 111. The server room 100 is divided into an upper floor space 101 and an lower floor space 103 by a double floor panel 11. The upper floor space 101 is where the multiple racks 110 and the air conditioner 120 are located. The lower floor space 103 is where communication lines and power lines connected to the electronic equipment 111 are located.

[0036] Multiple racks 110 are arranged in at least multiple rows. At least one of the one or more aisles formed by the multiple rows of racks 110 is a cold aisle 101C. In this embodiment, the description will apply to an example in which there are two rows of racks 110 and one cold aisle 101C is formed between the two rows of racks 110.

[0037] The air conditioner 120 has a configuration that draws in air from the above-floor space 101, cools it, and supplies the cooled air to the under-floor space 103. Specifically, it has a configuration that cools the air by circulating a refrigerant with an outdoor unit (not shown) to perform heat exchange between the air and the refrigerant. The outdoor unit has a configuration in which the refrigerant that has absorbed heat from the air releases the heat into the outside air.

[0038] The air conditioner 120 is equipped with a heat exchange unit 121 that cools the intake air by heat exchange, and an air conditioner fan 123 that draws in air from the above-floor space 101 and sends it to the under-floor space 103. The heat exchange unit 121 and the air conditioner fan 123 are of known configurations.

[0039] The raised floor panel system 10 is a system that assists in sending cooled air supplied by the air conditioner 120 to the electronic equipment 111. The raised floor panel system 10 also records the room temperature of the server room 100. The raised floor panel system 10 is equipped with multiple raised floor panels 11 and a blower unit 40.

[0040] The double floor panel 11 is a component that forms the floor surface of the server room 100. The double floor panel 11 also divides the interior space of the server room 100 into an upper floor space 101 and an lower floor space 103. The double floor panel 11 includes a first double floor panel 11A and a second double floor panel 11B.

[0041] The first double floor panel 11A is a component that forms at least a portion of the floor surface of the area where the rack 110 is installed (also referred to as the communication equipment space 102). More specifically, it is a component that constitutes at least a portion of the floor surface of the cold aisle 101C in the communication equipment space 102. The entire floor surface of the cold aisle 101C may be constructed using the first double floor panel 11A.

[0042] As shown in Figure 3, the first double floor panel 11A is provided with a first panel body 13A, a first air duct 15A, a power generation unit 17, a power storage unit 19, a blower fan unit 21 (corresponding to a load unit), a sensor unit 25 (corresponding to a load unit), and a control circuit unit 27 (corresponding to a load unit).

[0043] The first panel body 13A is a plate-shaped member that is arranged in a row to form the floor surface of the server room 100. It is also a member that divides the interior space of the server room 100 into an upper floor space 101 and an underfloor space 103.

[0044] In this embodiment, the first panel body 13A is a rectangular plate-like member having a long side and a short side. Multiple first panel bodies 13A are arranged side by side with their long sides adjacent to each other. The first panel bodies 13A are also arranged side by side with the second double floor panel 11B with their long sides adjacent to each other.

[0045] The first air duct 15A is a cylindrical member through which air flows. The first air duct 15A is located on the underfloor space 103 side of the first panel body 13A. The first air duct 15A is also positioned in series with the first air duct 15A of another adjacent first double floor panel 11A, or with the second air duct 15B of the second double floor panel 11B, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the first air duct 15A is positioned such that the central axis of its cylindrical shape is parallel to the direction in which the shorter side of the first panel body 13A extends.

[0046] When multiple first air duct sections 15A are arranged in series, or when a first air duct section 15A and a second air duct section 15B are arranged in series, it means that they form a single airflow path. This also includes when multiple first air duct sections 15A are in contact with each other and arranged to form a single cylindrical shape. This also includes when a first air duct section 15A and a second air duct section 15B are in contact with each other and arranged to form a single cylindrical shape.

[0047] Furthermore, since it is sufficient to form a single airflow path, it is also possible for multiple first air duct sections 15A to be arranged at intervals. It is also possible for the first air duct section 15A and the second air duct section 15B to be arranged at intervals.

[0048] As shown in Figure 3, the power generation unit 17 is a device that generates electricity using the airflow inside the cylindrical shape of the first air duct 15A. The power generation unit 17 of this embodiment includes a rotor 18 that is located inside the cylindrical shape and rotates in response to the airflow, and generates electricity by the rotation of the rotor 18. The rotor 18 can be configured using a known configuration.

[0049] As shown in Figure 4, wiring is provided between the power generation unit 17, the energy storage unit 19, the blower fan unit 21, the sensor unit 25, and the control circuit unit 27 to supply the generated power.

[0050] As shown in Figure 3, the energy storage unit 19 is a component located on the first panel body 13A. As shown in Figure 4, the energy storage unit 19 is charged with electricity generated by the power generation unit 17 and supplies the charged electricity to the blower fan unit 21, the sensor unit 25, and the control circuit unit 27. As the energy storage unit 19, known secondary batteries such as lead-acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries can be used.

[0051] As shown in Figure 3, the blower fan unit 21 is a device positioned in a through-hole formed in the first panel body 13A. At least one blower fan unit 21 is positioned in each first panel body 13A. If multiple blower fan units 21 are provided, they may be arranged in a line along the longitudinal direction of the first panel body 13A. The blower fan unit 21 is a device that operates by receiving power generated by the power generation unit 17 and power supplied from the energy storage unit 19, or at least one of the latter.

[0052] As shown in Figure 5, the blower fan section 21 is equipped with a fan 22 and a motor 23. The fan 22 rotates to send air from the underfloor space 103 side of the first panel body 13A toward the upper floor space 101 side. The motor 23 is configured to rotate the fan 22. The motor 23 is also configured so that its rotation speed can be changed by the control circuit section 27.

[0053] As shown in Figure 3, the sensor unit 25 is a device located on the first panel body 13A. The sensor unit 25 includes a sensor that acquires environmental information about the indoor space of the server room 100. In this embodiment, the sensor unit 25 includes a temperature sensor that measures the air temperature in the cold aisle 101C. The sensor unit 25 may also include an air velocity sensor. Note that the sensor unit 25 may be located away from the first panel body 13A, as shown in Figure 6, and may specifically be located on another component.

[0054] As shown in Figure 4, the sensor unit 25 is a device that operates on power generated by the power generation unit 17 and power supplied from the energy storage unit 19, or at least one of these. The information measured by the sensor unit 25 is output to the control circuit unit 27, as shown in Figure 7.

[0055] As shown in Figure 3, the control circuit unit 27 is a device located on the first panel body 13A and controls the operation of the blower fan unit 21. As shown in Figure 4, the control circuit unit 27 operates by receiving power generated by the power generation unit 17 and power supplied from the energy storage unit 19, or at least one of the two.

[0056] As shown in Figure 8, the control circuit unit 27 receives information measured by the sensor unit 25. The control circuit unit 27 outputs a control signal to the blower fan unit 21 to control the operation of the blower fan unit 21.

[0057] As shown in Figure 1, the second double floor panel 11B is a component that forms at least a portion of the floor surface in areas other than the communication equipment space 102, such as the area where the air conditioner 120 is installed or the area where a passageway is set up (air conditioning space, etc. 103). The entire floor surface of the air conditioning space, etc. 103 may be constructed using the second double floor panel 11B. As shown in Figure 8, the second double floor panel 11B is provided with a second panel body 13B and a second air duct section 15B.

[0058] The second panel body 13B is a plate-shaped member that is arranged side by side to form the floor surface of the server room 100. It is also a member that divides the interior space of the server room 100 into an upper floor space 101 and an underfloor space 103.

[0059] The second panel body 13B in this embodiment has the same shape as the first panel body 13A. That is, it is a rectangular plate-like member having a long side and a short side. Multiple second panel bodies 13B are arranged side by side with their long sides adjacent to each other. Also, the second panel bodies 13B are arranged side by side with the first panel bodies 13A with their long sides adjacent to each other.

[0060] The second air duct section 15B, like the first air duct section 15A, is a cylindrical member through which air flows. The second air duct section 15B is located on the underfloor space 103 side of the second panel body 13B. Furthermore, the second air duct section 15B is positioned in series with the second air duct section 15B of another adjacent second double floor panel 11B, or with the first air duct section 15A.

[0061] When multiple second air duct sections 15B are arranged in series, it means that they form a single airflow path. This also includes cases where multiple second air duct sections 15B are in contact with each other and arranged to form a single cylindrical shape. Furthermore, since it is sufficient to form a single airflow path, it also includes cases where multiple second air duct sections 15B are arranged with gaps between them.

[0062] As shown in Figure 1, the air blower 40 is a device located in the underfloor space 103. In this embodiment, the air blower 40 is located in the area of ​​the underfloor space 103 on the side where the air conditioner 120 is located. The air blower 40 is located at the end of the second air duct 15B side of the first air duct 15A and the second air duct 15B, which are arranged in series. The air blower 40 has a known configuration for blowing out air.

[0063] Next, the operation of the raised floor panel system 10 with the above configuration will be described. First, the cooling of the electronic equipment 111 housed in the racks 110 in the server room 100 will be described, and then the operation of the raised floor panel system 10 will be described.

[0064] First, the air conditioner 120 draws air from the floor space 101 into its interior by rotating the air conditioner fan 123. The air is drawn in through an intake port in the air conditioner 120 that opens towards the floor space 101. The air drawn in is the air discharged from the electronic equipment 111 housed in the rack 110, and is the air whose temperature has risen due to the cooling of the electronic equipment 111.

[0065] The inhaled air is cooled in the heat exchange unit 121. Specifically, the inhaled air loses heat to the refrigerant circulating between it and an outdoor unit (not shown), causing its temperature to decrease. The refrigerant that has absorbed heat releases that heat into the outside air in the outdoor unit. The refrigerant that has released heat then absorbs heat from the inhaled air again in the heat exchange unit 121.

[0066] The air cooled in the heat exchange section 121 is sent out to the underfloor space 103 by the air conditioner fan 123. The air is sent out from an outlet formed on the bottom surface of the air conditioner 120 that opens towards the underfloor space 103.

[0067] The air sent into the underfloor space 103 flows from the area on the side of the air conditioner 120 toward the area on the side of the rack 110. The air that reaches the area on the side of the rack 110 flows out toward the upper floor space 101 through the blower fan section 21 in the first double floor panel 11A. Specifically, it flows toward the cold aisle 101C of the server room 100.

[0068] Air flowing into the cold aisle 101C is drawn into the electronic equipment 111 housed in the rack 110. The air flows into the interior of the electronic equipment 111 through an opening formed on the cold aisle 101C side of the electronic equipment 111. The air that flows into the interior exchanges heat with the electronic equipment 111. Specifically, the air that flows into the interior absorbs the heat generated in the electronic equipment 111, causing its temperature to rise.

[0069] The heat-exchanged air flows out from the inside of the electronic device 111 to the outside. The air flows out to the outside through an opening formed on the side of the electronic device 111 opposite to the cold aisle 101C. The air that has flowed out to the outside is then drawn back into the air conditioner 120.

[0070] Next, the operation of the raised floor panel system 10 will be explained. First, the air blower 40 sends air into the first air duct 15A and the second air duct 15B, which are arranged in series. The air passes through the second air duct 15B and is guided to the first air duct 15A.

[0071] The air guided into the first air duct section 15A rotates the rotor blades 18 of the power generation section 17. The power generation section 17 generates electricity through the rotation of the rotor blades 18. The electricity generated by the power generation section 17 is supplied to the blower fan section 21, the sensor section 25, and the control circuit section 27.

[0072] If the amount of electricity generated is greater than the amount consumed by the blower fan unit 21, the sensor unit 25, and the control circuit unit 27, the surplus electricity is stored in the energy storage unit 19. On the other hand, if the amount of electricity generated is less than the amount consumed by the blower fan unit 21, the sensor unit 25, and the control circuit unit 27, the energy storage unit 19 is supplied to make up the difference.

[0073] Next, the control details of the control circuit unit 27 will be explained. The control circuit unit 27 controls the rotation speed of the fan 22 in the blower fan unit 21 based on the air temperature and wind speed in the cold aisle 101C measured by the sensor unit 25.

[0074] The control circuit unit 27 of this embodiment controls the rotation speed of the fan 22 based on a predetermined threshold. Specifically, when the air temperature in the cold aisle 101C is below the threshold, the rotation speed of the fan 22 is set relatively low, and when the air temperature in the cold aisle 101C exceeds the threshold, the rotation speed of the fan 22 is set relatively high. The control range for the rotation speed of the fan 22 may include a rotation speed of 0.

[0075] A predetermined threshold can be exemplified by the air temperature of the cold aisle 101C, which is sufficient to cool the electronic device 111 to a temperature at which the electronic device 111 can operate without malfunction. However, the predetermined threshold can be determined based on various considerations and is not limited to the above.

[0076] The control circuit unit 27 may perform known controls other than those described above. For example, the rotation speed of the fan 22 may be controlled in proportion to the temperature of the air in the cold aisle 101C. Specifically, the rotation speed of the fan 22 may be increased as the temperature of the air in the cold aisle 101C increases.

[0077] In the double-floor panel system 10 and double-floor panel 11 with the above configuration, the power generation unit 17 generates electricity using the airflow inside the first air duct 15A supplied by the blower unit 40, and the blower fan unit 21, sensor unit 25, and control circuit unit 27 operate using the power generated by the power generation unit 17. The first air duct 15A and the power generation unit 17 are located in the first panel body 13A where the blower fan unit 21, sensor unit 25, and control circuit unit 27 are located. In other words, no wiring or other configurations that supply power from outside the first panel body 13A are used to supply power to the blower fan unit 21, sensor unit 25, and control circuit unit 27.

[0078] By using a second panel body 13B on which the second air duct section 15B is located, the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the first panel body 13A is increased. For example, if the first panel body 13A and the blower section 40 are located at different positions, the second panel body 13B is placed between the first panel body 13A and the blower section 40. The second air duct section 15B located on the second panel body 13B guides the airflow supplied from the blower section 40 to the first air duct section 15A, thereby suppressing the reduction in the airflow used for power generation. Furthermore, by placing at least one second panel body 13B between the two first panel bodies 13A, the spacing between the first panel bodies 13A can be increased.

[0079] The airflow used for power generation in the power generation unit 17 is supplied from a blower unit 40 located outside the first panel body 13A. Compared to power supply configurations such as wiring, the airflow offers greater flexibility in the placement and removal of the first panel body 13A. In other words, as long as the orientation and spacing of adjacent first air ducts 15A, or the first air duct 15A and the second air duct 15B are within a predetermined range, the airflow between adjacent first air ducts 15A, or the first air duct 15A and the second air duct 15B is maintained.

[0080] Therefore, when installing or removing the first panel body 13A, no additional work is required on the first air duct section 15A. In other words, unlike wiring configurations, no additional work is required for connecting or disconnecting wiring connections or arranging wiring.

[0081] By arranging the first air duct section 15A and the adjacent first air duct section 15A or second air duct section 15B in series, at least a portion of the airflow is continuous between the first air duct section 15A and the adjacent first air duct section 15A or second air duct section 15B. Therefore, when supplying airflow from one blower section 40 to multiple power generation sections 17, there is no need to use a separate type of air duct section to branch the airflow. In other words, it is easy to supply airflow to multiple power generation sections 17 with a simple configuration.

[0082] By providing the energy storage unit 19, power can be supplied from the energy storage unit 19 to the blower fan unit 21, the sensor unit 25, and the control circuit unit 27. For example, even during periods when the power generation unit 17 is not generating power, power can be supplied to the blower fan unit 21, the sensor unit 25, and the control circuit unit 27. In addition, any power that cannot be consumed by the blower fan unit 21, the sensor unit 25, and the control circuit unit 27 can be stored in the energy storage unit 19.

[0083] The blower fan unit 21 controls the airflow rate to the space above the floor 101, making it easier to control the temperature in the space above the floor 101. It also makes it easier to guide the air that has accumulated at the bottom of the space above the floor 101 upwards. The air that has accumulated at the bottom is denser and heavier than the air above, meaning it is cooler. By guiding the cooler air upwards, the electronic equipment 111 can more easily draw in the cooler air and be cooled more easily.

[0084] Furthermore, the first double floor panel 11A may include a first panel body 13A, a first air duct 15A, a power generation unit 17, and a blower fan unit 21, as shown in Figure 9. In other words, it does not have to include a power storage unit 19, a sensor unit 25, and a control circuit unit 27.

[0085] In this case, when air is being supplied from the blower unit 40, power is generated in the power generation unit 17, and the generated power drives the blower fan unit 21. On the other hand, when the air supply from the blower unit 40 stops, power generation in the power generation unit 17 stops, and the operation of the blower fan unit 21 stops. Furthermore, as the airflow rate supplied from the blower unit 40 increases (in other words, the wind speed increases), the amount of power generated in the power generation unit 17 increases, and the airflow rate supplied by the blower fan unit 21 increases.

[0086] Furthermore, the first double floor panel 11A may include a first panel body 13A, a first air duct 15A, a power generation unit 17, a power storage unit 19, and a blower fan unit 21, as shown in Figure 10. In other words, the sensor unit 25 and the control circuit unit 27 may not be provided. In this case, the flow of air sent out from the blower fan unit 21 is controlled to a constant level.

[0087] Furthermore, the first double floor panel 11A may include a first panel body 13A, a first air duct 15A, a power generation unit 17, a blower fan unit 21, and a control circuit unit 27, as shown in Figure 11. In other words, the energy storage unit 19 and the sensor unit 25 are not required. In this case, the control circuit unit 27 controls the blower fan unit 21 in a predetermined pattern.

[0088] Furthermore, the first double floor panel 11A may include a first panel body 13A, a first air duct 15A, a power generation unit 17, a blower fan unit 21, a sensor unit 25, and a control circuit unit 27, as shown in Figure 11. In other words, the energy storage unit 19 is not required. In this case, the control circuit unit 27 controls the blower fan unit 21 in a predetermined pattern.

[0089] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 13 to 16. The basic configuration of the double-floor panel system in this embodiment is the same as in the first embodiment, but the configuration of the first double-floor panel differs from that of the first embodiment. Therefore, in this embodiment, only the configuration of the first double-floor panel will be explained using Figures 13 to 16, and the explanation of the second double-floor panel and the like will be omitted.

[0090] As shown in Figure 13, the first double floor panel 11C is provided with a first panel body 13A, a first air duct section 15A, a power generation section 17, a power storage section 19, a variable opening 21C (corresponding to the load section), a sensor section 25, and a control circuit section 27.

[0091] The variable opening 21C is a device positioned in a through-hole formed in the first panel body 13A. At least one variable opening 21C is positioned in each first panel body 13A. If multiple variable openings 21C are provided, they may be arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the first panel body 13A. As shown in Figure 14, the variable opening 21C is a device that operates by receiving power generated by the power generation unit 17 and power supplied from the energy storage unit 19, or at least one of these.

[0092] As shown in Figure 15, the variable opening 21C is provided with a rotary shutter 22C and a drive unit 23C. The rotary shutter 22C has a configuration that changes the flow path area connecting the underfloor space 103 and the above-floor space 101 of the first panel body 13A by rotating and changing its phase. The drive unit 23C has a configuration that rotates the rotary shutter 22C. Furthermore, the drive unit 23C has a configuration that allows the phase of the rotary shutter 22C to be changed by the control circuit unit 27.

[0093] Next, the operation of the double-floor panel system 10 with the above configuration will be described. The cooling of the electronic equipment 111 housed in the racks 110 in the server room 100 is the same as in the first embodiment, so the description will be omitted.

[0094] Similar to the double-floor panel system 10 of the first embodiment, the air blower 40 blows air into the first air duct 15A and the second air duct 15B, which are arranged in series. The air passes through the second air duct 15B and is guided to the first air duct 15A (see Figure 1).

[0095] As shown in Figure 13, the power generation unit 17 located in the first air duct section 15A generates electricity through the rotation of the rotor blades 18. The electricity generated by the power generation unit 17 is supplied to the variable opening 21C, the sensor section 25, and the control circuit section 27.

[0096] As shown in Figure 16, the control circuit unit 27 controls the phase of the rotating shutter 22C in the variable opening 21C based on the air temperature in the cold aisle 101C measured by the sensor unit 25. In other words, it controls the flow path area connecting the underfloor space 103 and the above-floor space 101.

[0097] The control circuit unit 27 of this embodiment controls the phase of the rotary shutter 22C based on a predetermined threshold. Specifically, when the air temperature in the cold aisle 101C is below the threshold, the control circuit controls the phase of the rotary shutter 22C to narrow the flow path area connecting the underfloor space 103 and the upper floor space 101. When the air temperature in the cold aisle 101C exceeds the threshold, the control circuit controls the phase of the rotary shutter 22C to widen the flow path area connecting the underfloor space 103 and the upper floor space 101.

[0098] A predetermined threshold can be exemplified by the air temperature of the cold aisle 101C, which is sufficient to cool the electronic device 111 to a temperature at which the electronic device 111 can operate without malfunction. However, the predetermined threshold can be determined based on various considerations and is not limited to the above.

[0099] The control circuit unit 27 may perform known controls other than those described above. For example, the phase of the rotating shutter 22C may be controlled in proportion to the temperature of the air in the cold aisle 101C. Specifically, as the temperature of the air in the cold aisle 101C increases, control may be performed to widen the flow path area connecting the underfloor space 103 and the above-floor space 101.

[0100] The variable opening 21C controls the airflow rate into the floor space 101, making it easier to control the temperature in the floor space 101.

[0101] [Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 17 to 20. The basic configuration of the double-floor panel system in this embodiment is the same as in the first embodiment, but the configuration of the first double-floor panel differs from that of the first embodiment. Therefore, in this embodiment, only the configuration of the first double-floor panel will be explained using Figures 17 to 20, and the explanation of the second double-floor panel and the like will be omitted.

[0102] As shown in Figure 17, the first double floor panel 11D is provided with a first panel body 13A, a first air duct section 15A, a power generation section 17, a power storage section 19, a recording section 21D (corresponding to the load section), and a sensor section 25.

[0103] The recording unit 21D is a device located on the first panel body 13A. As shown in Figure 18, the recording unit 21D is a device that operates by receiving power generated by the power generation unit 17 and power supplied from the energy storage unit 19, or at least one of the two. The recording unit 21D may be a flash memory such as an SD memory card, or it may be another type of recording medium.

[0104] Next, the operation of the double-floor panel system 10 with the above configuration will be described. The cooling of the electronic equipment 111 housed in the racks 110 in the server room 100 is the same as in the first embodiment, so the description will be omitted.

[0105] Similar to the double-floor panel system 10 of the first embodiment, the air blower 40 blows air into the first air duct 15A and the second air duct 15B, which are arranged in series. The air passes through the second air duct 15B and is guided to the first air duct 15A (see Figure 1).

[0106] The power generation unit 17, located in the first air duct section 15A, generates electricity through the rotation of the rotor blades 18. The electricity generated by the power generation unit 17 is supplied to the sensor unit 25 and the recording unit 21D, as shown in Figure 18. The sensor unit 25 measures the air temperature and wind speed in the cold aisle 101C and outputs a measurement signal representing the measured value. The recording unit 21D records the measurement signal output from the sensor unit 25.

[0107] The recording unit 21D records the measurement signal output from the sensor unit 25, making it easier to acquire measurement values.

[0108] The recording unit 21D may be provided on the first panel body 13A as in the embodiment described above, or it may be positioned at a location away from the first panel body 13A as shown in Figure 19.

[0109] In this case, the first double floor panel 11D is provided with a first communication unit 28E and a second communication unit 29E for transmitting and receiving information. The first communication unit 28E and the second communication unit 29E may perform wireless communication or wired communication.

[0110] The first communication unit 28E is located on the first panel body 13A and is connected to the sensor unit 25 for information communication. As shown in Figure 20, the first communication unit 28E operates by receiving power generated by the power generation unit 17 and power supplied from the energy storage unit 19, or at least one of these.

[0111] As shown in Figure 19, the second communication unit 29E is positioned away from the first panel body 13A together with the recording unit 21D and is connected to the recording unit 21D in a manner that enables information communication. The recording unit 21D and the second communication unit 29E are powered and operated by an external power supply.

[0112] By providing the first communication unit 28E on the first panel body 13A in this manner, the measurement signal output from the sensor unit 25 can be transmitted to the external second communication unit 29E and recording unit 21D. Upon receiving the measurement signal, the recording unit 21D can record the measured temperature and wind speed values.

[0113] [Fourth Embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 21 to 25. The basic configuration of the double-floor panel system in this embodiment is the same as in the first embodiment, but the configuration of the first double-floor panel differs from that of the first embodiment. Therefore, in this embodiment, only the configuration of the first double-floor panel will be explained using Figures 21 to 25, and the explanation of the second double-floor panel and the like will be omitted.

[0114] As shown in Figure 21, the first double floor panel 11F is provided with a first panel body 13A, a first air duct 15A, a power generation unit 17, a power storage unit 19, a blower fan unit 21, a sensor unit 25, a control circuit unit 27, a first communication unit 28F, a second communication unit 29F, and an information processing unit 30F.

[0115] The first communication unit 28F is a device that transmits and receives information with the second communication unit 29F. The first communication unit 28F and the second communication unit 29F may use wireless communication or wired communication.

[0116] The first communication unit 28F is located on the first panel body 13A. As shown in Figure 22, the first communication unit 28F is connected to the control circuit unit 27 for information communication. As shown in Figure 23, the first communication unit 28F operates by receiving power generated by the power generation unit 17 and power supplied from the energy storage unit 19, or at least one of these.

[0117] As shown in Figure 22, the second communication unit 29F is located away from the first panel body 13A, together with the information processing unit 30F. As shown in Figure 23, the second communication unit 29F is connected to the information processing unit 30F in a manner that enables information communication. The second communication unit 29F and the information processing unit 30F operate by being powered from an external source.

[0118] The information processing unit 30F is a device that controls the operation of the blower fan unit 21 via the control circuit unit 27. The information processing unit 30F may be a personal computer or a control panel.

[0119] The information processing unit 30F may control the driving and stopping of the blower fan unit 21 regardless of the control by the control circuit unit 27. The information processing unit 30F may also perform control to change a predetermined threshold value in the control by the control circuit unit 27. Furthermore, the information processing unit 30F may perform control to change the set value of the rotation speed of the fan 22 in the blower fan unit 21.

[0120] The cooling of the electronic equipment 111 housed in rack 110 in server room 100 is the same as in the first embodiment, so a description will be omitted. Furthermore, the operation of the raised floor panel system 10 in this embodiment is also the same as in the first embodiment, except for the presence or absence of control by the information processing unit 30F, so a description will be omitted.

[0121] By providing the first communication unit 28F on the first panel body 13A in this manner, control signals output from the information processing unit 30F can be received via the second communication unit 29E. The received control signals are input to the control circuit unit 27. The control circuit unit 27 can change parameters such as the threshold value for controlling the drive of the blower fan unit 21 and the set value for the rotation speed of the fan 22.

[0122] In other words, it becomes possible to remotely manage the first double floor panel 11F. Furthermore, by transmitting and receiving signals between multiple first double floor panels 11F, it becomes possible to centrally manage multiple first double floor panels 11F.

[0123] Furthermore, the first double floor panel 11F may be provided with a blower fan unit 21 as in the embodiment described above, or a variable opening 21C may be provided instead of the blower fan unit 21 as shown in Figure 24.

[0124] In this case, the information processing unit 30F controls the operation of the variable aperture 21C via the control circuit unit 27. The information processing unit 30F may also perform control to change a predetermined threshold value in the control by the control circuit unit 27. Furthermore, the information processing unit 30F may also perform control to change the set value of the aperture ratio in the variable aperture 21C.

[0125] Furthermore, the first double floor panel 11F may be provided with a blower fan unit 21 as in the embodiment described above, or a recording unit 21D may be provided instead of the blower fan unit 21 as shown in Figure 24.

[0126] In this case, the information processing unit 30F controls the operation of the recording unit 21D via the control circuit unit 27. The information processing unit 30F may also control the start and stop of recording of information measured by the sensor unit 25 in the recording unit 21D. Furthermore, the information processing unit 30F may control the recording unit 21D to change measurement-related parameters such as the recording period and interval.

[0127] It should be noted that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the present invention is not limited to those applied to the embodiments described above, but may also be applied to embodiments that combine these embodiments as appropriate, and is not particularly limited. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0128] 10…Double floor panel system, 11…Double floor panel, 13A…First panel body, 13B…Second panel body, 15A…First air duct section, 15B…Second air duct section, 17…Power generation section, 19…Energy storage section, 21…Blower fan section (load section), 21C…Variable opening (load section), 21D…Recording section (load section), 25…Sensor section (load section), 27…Control circuit section (load section), 28E,28F…First communication section, 29E,29F…Second communication section, 40…Blower section

Claims

1. Panels arranged in a row to divide the interior space into an above-floor space and an below-floor space, The panel body includes an air duct section located on the underfloor space side, which has a cylindrical shape through which air flows, A power generation unit is located inside the air duct and generates electricity using the airflow, A load unit is arranged on the panel body and operates using at least the power generated by the power generation unit, A system was established, The aforementioned air duct is arranged in series with other air ducts provided on other panel bodies located adjacent to the panel body on which the air duct is provided. A double-floor panel featuring the following characteristics.

2. A power storage unit is further provided, which is arranged on the panel body and is capable of charging the power generated by the power generation unit and supplying the charged power to the load unit, The double floor panel according to claim 1, characterized in that the load unit operates using at least one of the power generated by the power generation unit and the power supplied from the power storage unit.

3. The double floor panel according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the load unit controls the flow rate of air flowing from the underfloor space to the above-floor space.

4. The double floor panel according to claim 3, further comprising a communication unit that transmits to and receives control signals relating to the control of the airflow rate in the load unit to the outside, at least one of the above.

5. The double floor panel according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the load unit measures at least one of the temperature and wind speed in at least one of the underfloor space and the above-floor space.

6. The double floor panel according to claim 5, further comprising a communication unit that transmits to and receives from the outside a measurement signal relating to at least one of the temperature and wind speed in the load unit.

7. At least one first panel body and at least one second panel body arranged side by side to divide the space into an above-floor space and an below-floor space, The first and second panel bodies are respectively positioned on the underfloor space side and have a cylindrical shape through which air flows, and the first and second air ducts are located A power generation unit is located inside the first air duct and generates electricity using the airflow, The first panel body is arranged in a load unit which operates using at least the power generated by the power generation unit, A blower unit that sends the air into the first air passage and the second air passage, which are arranged in series, A double-floor panel system characterized by the provision of a [specific feature].

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