An air-conditioned room and a method and a device for air-conditioning the room

Abstract

Described is an air-conditioned room comprising: an inner volume (100), having a cool portion (111) and a hot portion (112), fluid-separated from the cool portion; an outer volume (120), surrounding at least part of the inner volume (110); lateral walls (130) provided with openings (150) and a ceiling (140), the lateral walls (130) separating the inner volume (110) from the outer volume (120) and having an inner face (131), delimiting the inner volume (110), and an outer face (132) delimiting the outer volume (120); electronic units (200) to be cooled, positioned in the inner volume (110) in rows delimiting a hot aisle (210); a plurality of cooling devices (1) positioned in the outer volume (120), each including a heat exchange unit (3) and a ventilation unit (2) positioned vertically above or below the heat exchange unit (3), for extracting hot air from the hot portion (112) of the inner volume (110) and forcing it through the heat exchange unit (3), to be cooled and inserted in the cool portion (111) through the openings (150). The room comprises one or more pressure sensors located in the inner volume and / or in the outer volume.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] AN AIR-CONDITIONED ROOM AND A METHOD AND A DEVICE FOR AIR-CONDITIONING THE ROOM

[0003] Technical field

[0004] This invention relates to an air-conditioned room for data processing centres, “data centres”. Moreover, this invention also relates to a method and a device for air-conditioning the room.

[0005] Data centres are large buildings or large rooms which contain numerous electronic computers or servers which, during their operation, generate a large quantity of heat. In order not to overheat the room and not to overheat the most sensitive components of the computers, it is necessary to provide the data centres with cooling systems, which are able to remove the hot air generated, cool it, and return it into the room at a lower temperature. By continuously operating the cooling systems, it is possible to keep under control, at a predetermined temperature, the internal temperature of the room. art

[0006] Solutions are known, inside the data centres, wherein the computers are arranged in “back to back” rows, leaving free a compartment between two adjacent rows. In this way, an island of hot air is created in the compartment between the rows. Also known, for example from patent document EP2317236B or from patent document US2009014397A1 , is a solution which comprises keeping separate the island of hot air from the rest of the environment of the room, in such a way as to remove the heat outside more easily and not disperse it in a larger inside environment. In particular, the hot air is usually guided through a predetermined space, removed by fans and conveyed through a cooling system, before being introduced again inside the room. This solution favours the maintaining of a constant and controlled temperature of the room, such as to improve the performance of the electronic computers and prevent malfunctions. The solution described in patent EP2317236B1 , sometimes commercially known as “cold wall”, comprises integrating the cooling system directly in a wall which delimits the room containing the servers. In other words, the cooling system and, in particular, the heat exchanger constitutes a wall or a part of a wall. This solution has the advantage of reducing to a minimum the dimensions of the cooling system, in the direction corresponding to the thickness of the wall. In effect, outside the dimensions of the wall there are no further elements of the cooling system. The fact, however, that the cooling system is integrated in a wall of a building has a number of drawbacks. First of all, the cooling system must be made at the same time as the construction of the data centre building. Moreover, this type of system is awkward to mount and install.

[0007] In this context, an alternative approach, sometimes called “Fan Wall”, is described, for example, in patent documents KR2022001201 1 A, US2021092874A1 or W02021066905A1 . According to this solution, the cooling system is not part of the wall of the room which contains the servers, but is outside the room, mounted close to or in contact with the wall. In this way, it is possible to keep separate the structural design of the data centre and the cooling system, which can be installed on the wall even at a later time. This approach mitigates the drawbacks of the “cold wall” solution, but, on the other hand, has the drawback of requiring considerable overall dimensions in plan and this results, in effect, in a reduction in space for locating the servers.

[0008] Moreover, patent document SG10201907731 RA describes embodiments both according to the “cold wall” approach and according to the “fan wall” approach. However, these embodiments described do not provide further elements which are able to overcome the problems highlighted.

[0009] For this reason, the need remains of making a data centre room provided with cooling system which is effective, reliable and easy to install and assemble. Disclosure of the Invention

[0010] The aim of this invention is to provide an air-conditioned room (as well as a method and a device for air-conditioning the room) for data centres which overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art.

[0011] In particular, the aim of this invention is to provide an air-conditioned room for data centres which includes a cooling system which is effective and with a limited thickness (so as to occupy a reduced plan space) and which is reliable.

[0012] A further aim of this invention is to provide an air-conditioned room for data centres which includes a cooling system which is effective and simple to install and assemble.

[0013] These aims are fully achieved by the air-conditioned room for data centres according to this invention (and also by the method and the device for air- conditioning the room) as characterised in the appended claims.

[0014] This description relates to an air-conditioned room; in particular, an air- conditioned room for a data centre.

[0015] The air-conditioned room comprises an inner volume, in which are located the electronic units (servers) which must be cooled. In the context of the inner volume, a cool portion and a hot portion can be identified, fluid- separated from the cool portion.

[0016] The air-conditioned room also comprises an outer volume, which surrounds at least partly the inner volume.

[0017] The air-conditioned room comprises lateral walls, which, together with a ceiling and a floor, delimit the inner volume. The lateral walls separate the inner volume from the outer volume. The lateral walls have an inner face, delimiting (that is, facing) the inner volume, and an outer face, delimiting (that is, facing) the outer volume.

[0018] The air-conditioned room comprises electronic units to be cooled. The electronic units are arranged in the inner volume in rows, organised in pairs, so that a hot aisle (or island) is defined between two rows of a pair; the aisle is part of the hot portion of the inner volume. The air-conditioned room comprises a plurality of cooling devices. According to a less preferred example, the room includes a cooling device. The plurality of cooling devices is positioned in the outer volume, that is to say, it is positioned outside the inner volume.

[0019] Each of the cooling devices comprises a ventilation unit. Each of the cooling devices comprises a heat exchange unit.

[0020] The function of the ventilation unit is to convey air from the hot portion of the inner volume through the heat exchange unit and then subsequently return the cooled air to the cool portion of the inner volume; for this reason, the ventilation unit generates a circulation of air through the servers and through the heat exchange unit, so as to cool the servers. The ventilation unit may comprise one or more fans.

[0021] The heat exchange unit includes a heat exchanger, to cool the flow of air passing through it. The heat exchange unit may be made according to various embodiments. For example, the heat exchanger could have a battery of conduits in which a cooling fluid flows. The cooling battery may be perpendicular to the flow of air passing through it (that is to say, it may extend parallel to the side wall on which the device is resting) or it may be inclined; it could have vertical pipes and horizontal fins and manifolds at the top, or manifolds on one or more sides. Batteries of the “microchannel” type may also be used.

[0022] The ventilation unit is positioned vertically above or below the heat exchange unit, so as to reduce the overall dimensions of the device in the direction of the thickness of the lateral wall.

[0023] The lateral wall has a plurality of openings, which place the outer and the inner volumes in communication.

[0024] Each ventilation unit is alongside with the outer face of the lateral wall. In particular, each cooling device is positioned at a respective opening in one or more lateral walls. Each ventilation unit is configured to extract hot air from the hot portion of the inner volume in such a way as to force it through the heat exchange unit, to be cooled and inserted in the cool portion through a respective opening of the plurality of openings.

[0025] Each opening is delimited by wall frames positioned at the sides of the opening. The term “wall frames” means an outer surface of the wall, positioned partly or completely around the opening. The room includes one or more sensors. According to an example, the room includes one or more pressure sensors. The one or more pressure sensors are located in the inner volume and / or in the outer volume.

[0026] Setting up these sensors makes it possible to monitor various parameters in the room, for example the pressure in the inner volume and in the outer volume and to track the change of these values.

[0027] According to an example, each cooling device rests (that is, it abuts or is in contact) against the contact surfaces present on the outer face of the wall frames on a periphery of the corresponding opening. In other words, resting against the contact surface the cooling device is superposed on the wall frame, closing at the same time the space left open by the opening and a peripheral portion of the opening (the frame). The contact zone between the cooling devices and the outer face of the lateral wall improves the efficiency of the system and facilitates the installation of the system.

[0028] The presence of the wall frames, positioned between adjacent openings, guarantees a structural robustness of the wall and means that the cooling devices are spaced from each other along a transversal direction, perpendicular to the vertical and to the direction corresponding to the thickness of the lateral wall.

[0029] It should be noted that the wall may be made in any structural configuration, provided it has the above-mentioned openings.

[0030] According to an example, the wall comprises a reticular structure, preferably made with steel beams, on which a plurality of panels is applied. According to this example, one or more of said panels provide said openings. Moreover, the outer volume may be provided by said structure. For this reason, according to an example, the structure comprises a front part which provides the lateral wall and a rear part spaced from the front part, so as to form the outer volume between the front part and the rear part. It should be noted that the outer volume is completely surrounded by the structure is separated from the zone where the server racks are located. The cooling devices are located inside the outer volume, and therefore separated from the inner volume by the reticular structure and the panels. For this reason, according to an example, the panels and the beams constitute a closed structure which can provide both the wall and the outer volume. In other words, according to an example, the outer volume may be delimited and structurally defined by the construction elements of the wall, that is, by the combination of the reticular structure and the panels, if necessary completed with further closing or supporting elements. According to another example, this structure provides only the wall which separates the cooling devices from the inner volume. According to this example, as explained above, the cooling devices rest at the wall.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the structure is made continuously, extending substantially for the entire width of the room. In that way, a single structural space is defined inside of which one or more devices may be installed, also distributed along the transversal extension of the room.

[0032] Alternatively, the structure comprises a plurality of structural elements spaced from each other, each of which defines an independent box for housing the devices.

[0033] According to an example, the room is provided with a pressure regulation system. The pressure regulation system may include said one or more pressure sensors or it may be connected to said one or more pressure sensors. According to this example, the pressure sensors are positioned both in the hot portion and in the cool position. The pressure regulation system detects data representative of the pressure of the cool portion and of the hot portion. The data are transmitted to the pressure regulation system. The pressure regulation system is configured for adjusting the pressure of the hot portion to a value less than that of the cool portion. In particular, the pressure regulation system is configured for adjusting the pressure difference between the hot portion and the cool portion in such a way that the pressure of the hot portion is less than that of the cool portion. In particular, the pressure sensors monitor the pressure of the hot portion and of the cool portion in real time. The term 'in real time' indicates that the information is acquired, processed and used by the system practically without perceptible delays, so as to reflect instantaneously the current operating conditions. The pressure regulation system includes a control unit which receives pressure data from the pressure sensors and generates commands for adjusting the pressure in the hot portion and / or in the cool portion to maintain the predetermined pressure difference between the two portions.

[0034] The predetermined value of the pressure difference between the hot portion and the cool portion can be inserted by the user or can be estimated / calculated using the control unit of the pressure regulation system.

[0035] The pressure difference between the hot portion and the cool portion can be adjusted by modifying the pressure of the hot portion and / or the pressure of the cool portion, for example by known methods, for example using a ventilation and / or suction system, etc., preferably by changing the speed of the fan(s) of the ventilation unit.

[0036] Maintaining the hot portion at a negative pressure relative to the cool portion ensures that the air flow of dispersion in the server racks is in the direction from the cool portion to the hot portion and not in the opposite direction. This solution prevents the formation of hot spots which could occur due to the recirculation of hot air towards the air vents of the racks.

[0037] It should be noticed that this invention also provides an aspect wherein the room is provided with cooling devices, wherein the ventilation unit is not located above or below the heat exchange unit, but behind the heat exchange unit and at the same height (fan wall), or cooling devices wherein the ventilation unit is located above or below the heat exchange unit, but the cooling device is not located in the outer volume, as explained in this description, but constitutes at least a part of the lateral wall (cool wall), and wherein the room is provided with pressure sensors and the pressure regulation system according to one or more aspects of the invention, and wherein the hot portion is kept at a pressure less than that of the cool portion.

[0038] According to an example, the pressure in the outer volume is set to a value within the range of 250-300 Pa.

[0039] According to an example, the room is provided with a system for preventing leakages from the outer volume. The system for preventing leakages includes a sealing system or a pressure control element associated with access openings of the outer volume. The system for preventing leakages may also include an air lock system. The system may also be provided for preventing leakages in other parts of the room.

[0040] According to an example, the cooling device comprises a first module and a second module. The first and the second module are connectable to each other in a removable fashion. The first module is configured for housing the ventilation unit. The second module is configured for housing the heat exchange unit. Each opening of the plurality of openings may comprise an upper opening and a lower opening located below the latter. According to this example, the first module is positioned at the upper opening and the second module at the lower opening, or vice versa.

[0041] According to this example, each of the first and second modules comprises a casing for housing, respectively, the ventilation unit and the heat exchange unit. Each module may comprise a plurality of openings passing through the casing. These openings extend for the entire width of the casing.

[0042] These openings are used to raise the modules and position them by means of forklift trucks, for example by means of forks of a pallet truck. According to an example, each module comprises a mechanical connecting element positioned on at least one lateral face of the casing for fixing the module in a removable fashion to an adjacent module.

[0043] According to an example, the second module comprises two separate secondary modules, positioned one above the other and connected to each other in a removable fashion.

[0044] For this reason, according to an example, there are two separate modules each housing a heat exchange unit according to one or more aspects of the invention. There may be more than two modules comprising the heat exchange unit, wherein the modules are positioned one on the other. According to this example, the ventilation unit may be located above or below one of the heat exchange units in such a way as to be located at one of the ends of the cooling device along the vertical direction.

[0045] According to an example, the upper opening and the lower opening are vertically aligned with each other and spaced along the vertical direction.

[0046] According to an example, each opening of the plurality of openings comprises an intermediate opening, located between the upper opening and the lower opening. The intermediate opening is vertically aligned with the upper and lower openings and spaced both from the lower opening and from the upper opening along the vertical direction.

[0047] According to an example, each cooling device comprises at least one of the following:

[0048] - a water flow sensor;

[0049] - a differential pressure sensor;

[0050] - a temperature sensor for the air delivered;

[0051] - an extracted air temperature sensor;

[0052] - a differential pressure switch.

[0053] It should be noted that this aspect could be combined with cooling devices of the cool wall and fan wall type, as explained above.

[0054] According to an example, each cooling device comprises a control panel provided with a user interface. It should be noted that this aspect could be combined with cooling devices of the cool wall and fan wall type, as explained above.

[0055] According to an example, the room comprises a detection system. The detection system may be located in the hot portion. Preferably, there is also a detection system in the cool portion. According to an example, each cooling device comprises a control unit configured to receive adjustment data from said detection systems (or from the detection system in the hot or cool portion in the example wherein only one detection system is provided). The control unit is configured for adjusting an operating set point value of the cooling device on the basis of said adjustment data. Each detection system comprises at least one pressure sensor. According to this example, the adjustment data represent the difference between the pressure value detected in the hot portion and that detected in the cool portion. According to this example, the operating set point value represents the set point of the differential pressure between the cool portion and the hot portion.

[0056] It should be noted that this aspect could be combined with cooling devices of the cool wall and fan wall type, as explained above.

[0057] According to an example, the detection system comprises at least one temperature sensor. According to this example the regulation data represents the temperature of the air sucked from the hot portion by the ventilation unit and the operating set point value represents the set point of the temperature of the cool air inserted in the cool portion (from the respective opening).

[0058] It should be noted that this aspect could be combined with cooling devices of the cool wall and fan wall type, as explained above.

[0059] For this reason, the detection system may have pressure and / or temperature sensors and may be located both in the cool portion and / or hot portion. According to an example, the detection system may also be located in the outer volume. According to this example, the temperature sensors measure the temperature of the air sucked in by the hot portion before it enters the heat exchange unit and the set point value of the temperature of the cool air which is inserted in the cool portion is adjusted based on the temperature measured.

[0060] According to an example, the control units of the cooling devices are interconnected by a bus. The control units are programmed in such a way that one of the devices functions as a master unit and the others as slave units.

[0061] It should be noted that this aspect could be combined with cooling devices of the cool wall and fan wall type, as explained above.

[0062] The master unit can be programmed to associate a classification code to each device. The master unit is configured to detect the defective device and to assign the classification code of each defective device to the adjacent device.

[0063] According to an example, each device has an address bus.

[0064] According to an example, in case of a fault of the master unit, the operational device with the lowest bus address will automatically adopt the master function.

[0065] According to an example, the ventilation unit includes a means of separating the flow of air. The means of separating the flow of air may comprise a metal sheet or one or more sound-dampening baffles.

[0066] It should be noted that this aspect could be combined with cooling devices of the cool wall and fan wall type, as explained above.

[0067] According to an example, the ventilation unit includes at least one fan and an isolation damper. The damper is configured to close automatically or manually in the case of a malfunction of the fan, preventing recirculation of air through the non-operational fan.

[0068] It should be noted that this aspect could be combined with cooling devices of the cool wall and fan wall type, as explained above.

[0069] The ventilation system may be automated in order to maintain the pressure at a certain value.

[0070] The cooling devices of the plurality of cooling devices preferably have a modular structure. In effect, each cooling device constitutes a substantially autonomous module which may be produced and installed autonomously relative to the others.

[0071] Moreover, each cooling device includes components which constitute submodules (or modules), which can be produced and transported individually, and then assembled in-situ, that is, inside the data centre (for example in the outer volume).

[0072] Below is a description of an example embodiment of one of the cooling devices; the description applies to all the cooling devices.

[0073] As explained above, according to an example, the cooling device includes a frame (casing). The purpose of the frame is to contain and support the heat exchange unit and / or the ventilation unit.

[0074] As explained above, preferably, the frame includes a lower structure, that is, a second module, (to contain and support the heat exchange unit) and an upper structure, that is, a first module, (to contain and support the ventilation unit).

[0075] The lower structure and the upper structure may be fixed to each other, to form an integrated frame, assembled; in this case, the upper structure may rest on the lower structure and the frame could be fixed to the lateral wall in any zone of the frame.

[0076] According to a possible embodiment, the lower structure and the upper structure may be fixed to each other by a system of tabs and / or guides. The system of tabs and / or guides (the system) includes a plurality of tabs. Preferably, the tabs are integral with the lower structure. Alternatively, the tabs may be mounted on the upper structure. The system also includes upper guides and / or lower guides. According to a configuration wherein the upper structure and the lower structure are fixed to each other, the tabs engage in the guides. In this way, the assembly and the alignment of the upper structure and of the lower structure is facilitated and made more efficient.

[0077] Alternatively, the lower structure and the upper structure may be separated, so the lower structure rests on the ground, whilst the upper structure is fixed separately to the lateral wall, so as to be suspended above the lower structure.

[0078] Preferably, the heat exchange unit is positioned substantially resting on the ground. According to one example, the air-conditioned room includes a false ceiling. Preferably, the ventilation unit is positioned above the heat exchange unit (because the hot air is extracted from the hot aisle through the false ceiling); alternatively (or in addition), the ventilation unit might be positioned below the heat exchange unit, if there is a false floor (alternatively or in addition to the false ceiling) for the passage of the hot air. The solution by means of the false ceiling and ventilation unit positioned above the heat exchange unit is particularly advantageous since the hot air rises upwards and can be extracted more easily. Further, positioning the ventilation unit above the heat exchange unit makes the overall dimensions of the cooling device particularly reduced.

[0079] The frame (more specifically, the lower structure of the frame) comprises a pair of sides, between which is positioned the heat exchange unit.

[0080] The sides define front faces in contact with the respective contact surfaces of the lateral wall. More generally speaking, the frame defines front faces in contact with the respective contact surfaces of the lateral wall.

[0081] The front faces can be provided with seals (to improve the fluid seal).

[0082] According to an example embodiment, each opening is further delimited by a further wall frame on an upper portion of the opening; in this case, preferably, the (frame of the) cooling device rests against a further contact surface present on the outer face of the further wall frame. In this way, the contact surface, wherein the (frame of the) cooling device rests against the outer face of the side wall, has the shape of an inverted “U”.

[0083] According to an example embodiment, the air-conditioned room includes a false ceiling positioned above the ceiling and in fluid communication with the hot portion of the inner volume. In this case, the ventilation unit is positioned above the heat exchange unit so as to be fluid dynamically in communication with the false ceiling. The false ceiling is delimited laterally by an upper extension of the lateral wall. Preferably, the upper frame rests against the outer face of the lateral wall, along a contact surface in the shape of a ring, that is to say, of a rectangle.

[0084] According to an example embodiment, a supplementary heat exchange unit is inserted in the upper frame, in addition to the ventilation unit, to increase the effectiveness of the cooling system.

[0085] Preferably, the upper structure of the frame also has front faces in contact with respective upper contact surfaces of the upper extension of the lateral wall.

[0086] According to an example embodiment, there are fixing elements configured for fixing the frame to the lateral wall. The fixing elements comprise profiled beams. The beams are configured to be positioned vertically against the lateral wall and against the sides of the frame. The fixing elements comprise a plurality of corner elements. The corner elements are configured to be fixed on one side to the sides of the frame and on the other side to the profiled beam. The fixing elements comprise a plurality of screws, nuts and / or washers. The plurality of screws, nuts and / or washers are configured for fixing the profiled beam to the corner element.

[0087] According to an example embodiment, the corner elements include a slot configured for the sliding of a bolting unit. The bolting unit consists of a nut, a bolt, and a washer. The nut is configured to slide inside both a slot present in the corner element and inside the profile of the profiled beam. The bolt is integral with the nut, in such a way that the entire bolting unit slides along the profiled beam. In particular, the bolting unit is configured to be inserted inside the profile of the profiled beam. Subsequently, the nut is configured to be able to rotate and insert in the slot of the corner element. In this way, by tightening the bolt, it is possible to lock together the corner element and profiled beam. The washer is configured to be the intermediate element of the coupling, in such a way that it makes contact on one side against the profiled beam, and on the other side against the corner profile. According to an example embodiment, each cooling device has a width measured relative to a transversal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and to the thickness of the lateral wall. Each cooling device has a thickness measured in a direction defined by the thickness of the lateral wall. Each cooling device has an overall height measured relative to a vertical direction. The ratio between the width and the thickness of the cooling device is at least 2, more preferably at least 2.5 or, even better, at least 3. This is advantageous in order to combine cooling effectiveness with overall dimensions. According to an example, the ventilation unit 2 has a first thickness and the heat exchange unit 3 has a second thickness. According to an example, the thickness of the cooling device 1 is less than the sum of the first and the second thickness. In effect, since the ventilation unit 2 and the heat exchange unit 3 are positioned one above the other, two conditions may occur: i) the first thickness and the second thickness are equal: the thickness of the cooling device 1 is equal to the first thickness and to the second thickness. ii) the first thickness and the second thickness are different: the most significant dimensions of the cooling device 1 are equal to the largest between the first thickness and the second thickness.

[0088] According to an example embodiment, the ratio between height and thickness of the cooling device is at least 3. Preferably, the ratio between the height and the thickness of the cooling device is at least 2.5, more preferably at least 5, and even better, at least 8 (or 10). This is advantageous in order to combine cooling effectiveness with overall dimensions.

[0089] According to an example embodiment, for each cooling device, the ventilation unit and the heat exchange unit have the same thickness, measured in a direction defined by the thickness of the lateral wall. This helps to limit the overall size in the direction of the thickness. According to an example, the room includes a flow of air flowing out. The flow of air flowing out is configured to come from the hot portion and is configured to be extracted, from the hot portion, through the fans present in the ventilation unit. The flow of air flowing out is directed along an outlet direction. The room also includes a flow of air flowing in. The flow of air flowing in is configured to flow out from the heat exchange unit and to be introduced in the cool portion of the inner volume. The flow of air flowing in is directed along an inlet direction. The inlet direction is opposite by 180° relative to the outlet direction. In other words, the inlet direction and the outlet direction are directions parallel to each other and having an opposite direction. Preferably, therefore, the ventilation unit generates an overpressure in the outer volume.

[0090] According ta possible variant embodiment, the cooling device includes (inside the frame) a rear gap, closed by a rear panel, to form a channel for the passage of the hot air from the ventilation unit to the heat exchange unit. According to another aspect, the heat exchange unit comprises a first and a second manifold (for the cooling fluid). The first and second manifolds extend along a transversal direction, oriented along the width of the cooling device. The first and the second manifolds are positioned relative to a first and a second end part of the heat exchange unit. The second end part is opposite the first end part, along the vertical direction of the cooling device. This feature also helps to reduce the overall dimensions.

[0091] According to an aspect of the invention, the invention provides a method for air-conditioning a room. The room comprises an inner volume. The inner volume comprises a cool portion and a hot portion. The hot portion is fluid- separated from the cool portion. The room comprises an outer volume. The outer volume surrounds at least part of the inner volume. The room comprises lateral walls and a ceiling. The lateral walls separate the inner volume from the outer volume. The lateral walls comprise an inner face and an outer face. The inner face and the outer face delimit the inner volume and the outer volume, respectively. The lateral walls are provided with openings. Each opening is delimited by wall frames.

[0092] The room comprises electronic units to be cooled. The electronic units are positioned in the inner volume in rows. Each row delimits on one side a hot aisle passing between two rows. The hot portion of the inner volume includes the hot aisle. The method comprises a step of preparing a plurality of cooling devices. Each cooling device comprises a ventilation unit and a heat exchange unit positioned vertically above or below the ventilation unit. The method comprises a step of positioning the plurality of cooling devices in the outer volume. The method comprises a step of positioning the plurality of cooling devices in the outer volume in such a way that each device is at a respective opening in the wall;

[0093] The method comprises a step of, through each ventilation unit, sucking hot air from the hot portion of the inner volume, so that said hot air is forced through the heat exchange unit to be cooled and inserted into the cool portion through the respective opening of the lateral wall;

[0094] The method comprises a step of preparing one or more pressure sensors positioned in the inner volume and / or in the outer volume.

[0095] According to an example, each cooling device rests against a contact surface. The contact surface is formed on the outer face of the wall frames, in a periphery of the corresponding opening. The method comprises a step of, through each ventilation unit, sucking hot air from the hot portion of the inner volume. In this way, the hot air is forced through the heat exchange unit to be cooled and inserted into the cool portion through the respective opening of the lateral wall.

[0096] According to an example embodiment, the method comprises a step for transporting the cooling devices. Each cooling device comprises a plurality of modules. The modules are transported to the outer volume. Subsequently, according to the method, the modules are connected to each other for assembling the cooling devices. According to an example embodiment, according to this method, during transportation of the modules, groups of modules of a same type are stacked one above the other and positioned on respective carriages. In this way, the storage and the transport of modules of the same type is simplified. According to an example embodiment, the method comprises a step of fixing the cooling devices to the lateral walls, by means of coupling elements.

[0097] According to an aspect of the invention, the invention provides a cooling device for conditioning the air in the room in which the servers are positioned, according to one or more aspects of the invention, as described above.

[0098] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0099] These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred, non-limiting example embodiment of it, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0100] - Figure 1 A is a side view of the air-conditioned room;

[0101] - Figure 1 B is a side view of the air-conditioned room, wherein the ventilation unit and the heat exchange unit are installed separately;

[0102] - Figure 2 is a plan view of the air-conditioned room;

[0103] - Figure 3 is a rear isometric view of the cooling device, including the transport carriage;

[0104] - Figure 4 is a front isometric view of the cooling device, including the transport carriage;

[0105] - Figure 5 is a front isometric view of the cooling device;

[0106] - Figure 6 shows an installation configuration of the cooling device, in which it makes contact against the lateral wall;

[0107] - Figure 7 is a front view of the cooling device 1 ;

[0108] - Figures 8A, 8B show a side view of the cooling device 1 , relative to two different cross-sections; - Figure 9 illustrates a detail of a upper corner of the cooling device, in particular representing part of the ventilation unit;

[0109] - Figure 10 illustrates a detail of the cooling device, comprising coupling elements;

[0110] - Figure 11 A shows a detail of a system for fixing the cooling device to the lateral wall;

[0111] - Figure 1 1 B is a plan view of a detail of the system for fixing the cooling device to the lateral wall;

[0112] - Figures 1 1 C, 1 1 D, 1 1 E show a sequence of inserting six systems for fixing the cooling device to the lateral wall;

[0113] - Figure 12 illustrates the assembled cooling device according to a possible embodiment;

[0114] - Figure 13 shows a detail of the assembly of the cooling device, highlighting guide tabs;

[0115] - Figure 14 illustrates the openings of the lateral wall according to an example embodiment;

[0116] - Figures 15 and 16 show more details of the cooling device.

[0117] Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

[0118] The numeral 100 denotes an air-conditioned room. The air-conditioned room (the room) comprises an inner volume 1 10. The inner volume 1 10 comprises a cool portion 1 1 1 and a hot portion 1 12. The hot portion 1 12 is fluid dynamically separated from the cool portion 1 11. The room comprises an outer volume 120. The outer volume 120 surrounds at least part of the inner volume 1 10. The room comprises lateral walls 130. The room comprises a ceiling 140. The ceiling 140 is configured to separate the inner volume 1 10 from the outer volume 120. The lateral walls 130 comprise an inner face 131 and an outer face 132. The inner face 131 and the outer face 132 are configured to delimit the inner volume 1 10 and the outer volume 120, respectively. The room comprises electronic units 200 configured to be cooled. The electronic units 200 are configured to be positioned in rows in the inner volume 1 10. Each row of electronic units 200 delimits on one side a hot aisle 210 passing between two rows. The hot portion 1 12 of the inner volume 110 comprises the hot aisle 210. The room 100 comprises a plurality of cooling devices 1 . Each cooling device 1 is positioned in the outer volume 120. Each cooling device 1 comprises a ventilation unit 2 and a heat exchange unit 3. The ventilation unit 2 is positioned vertically above or below the heat exchange unit 3. The ventilation unit 2 includes a plurality of fans. The heat exchange unit 3 includes a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes a battery. The heat exchanger battery may be made using finned or micro-channel packs. According to an example, the battery may also be positioned according to an inclined arrangement. The room 100 comprises a corresponding plurality of openings 150 positioned in one or more of the lateral walls 130. Each ventilation unit 2 is configured to extract hot air from the hot portion 1 12 of the inner volume 110 in such a way as to force it through the heat exchange unit 3. In this way the air can be cooled and, subsequently, re-inserted in the cool portion 1 11 , through a respective opening 150. Each opening 150 is delimited by wall frames at the lateral margins of the opening 150. Each cooling device 1 rests against contact surfaces 133 present on the outer face of the lateral wall (and in particular of the wall frames); therefore, the contact surfaces 133 are positioned on a periphery of the opening 150, on the outer face of the lateral wall. In other words, each opening 150 has a peripheral supporting zone against which the cooling device rests, in such a way as to superpose and abut against the lateral wall 130.

[0119] According to an example, the cooling device 1 includes a frame 10. The frame 10 comprises sides 11. The heat exchange unit 3 is enclosed between the sides 1 1 . The sides 11 form front faces which, operatively, come into contact with respective contact surfaces 133 of the lateral wall 130. In other words, the frame 10 and the sides 11 act as a box for containing the heat exchange unit 3, enclosing it and delimiting it inside it. According to a configuration wherein the cooling device 1 is installed against the lateral wall 130, the front faces of the sides 11 of the frame 10 abut against the lateral wall 130.

[0120] The sides 1 1 may consist of a modular and / or reticular structure. The modular and / or reticular structure may consist of stringers, that is to say, horizontal elements, and uprights, that is to say, vertical elements. The front faces are positioned between stringers and uprights. The front faces, supported by the sides 1 1 , complete and delimit the structure of the frame 10 making it a “cabinet-like” structure.

[0121] According to one example, in the air-conditioned room 100 there is a false ceiling 300. The false ceiling 300 is positioned above the ceiling 140 and includes inside it the hot portion 1 12 of the inner volume 1 10. The false ceiling 300 is configured to keep separate the hot portion 1 12 from the cool portion 1 1 1.

[0122] According to an example, the frame 10 comprises an upper structure 20. The upper structure 20 is configured for containing the ventilation unit 2. The upper structure 20 consists of front faces 21 which, operatively, are configured to be in contact with respective upper contact surfaces of an upper extension of the lateral wall.

[0123] According to an example, the frame 10 also includes a lower structure 30. The upper structure 20 is an integral part of the lower structure 30 and lies above it. For this reason, the cooling device 1 , according to the example just described, includes a single frame, including an upper structure 20 configured to contain the ventilation unit, and a lower structure configured to contain the heat exchange unit 3.

[0124] Preferably, the upper structure and the lower structure constitute two separate modules, with separate frames, which connect together in a removable fashion. The upper structure and the lower structure may, however, be fixed to each other and form a single, integrated structure. Preferably, each cooling device includes two or more modules. Preferably, there are two or more modules which each or together form the heat exchange unit. There may be one or more ventilation modules which are positioned on one or more battery modules. Ventilation modules together or separately form the ventilation unit.

[0125] Preferably, a heat exchange module (battery) is rested on the ground in the outer volume on a platform P. Therefore, preferably, the hot air is sucked from the false ceiling 300. If there are other heat exchange modules, these modules are rested one above the other and connected in a removable fashion to each other, for example by means of a mechanical connection. Ventilation modules (or a single ventilation module) are positioned above the heat exchange modules and these modules are connected to each other in a removable fashion, it should be noted that each ventilation module may have a fan. Therefore, according to an example, each cooling device comprises at least two separate vertical sections. The lower cross section (heat exchange module) is provided with a motor-driven shutter, and / or a cooling battery with refrigerated water and / or a filtering section. It should be noted that each module may comprise the above-mentioned elements, or these elements may be distributed between two or more modules. The upper section (ventilation module) is provided with a high voltage and low voltage electric panel, and / or an interface I and / or an emergency stop pushbutton. Preferably, the interface I is positioned at a human height (a height such as to be accessible to a user standing, for example a height of between approximately 1 .4 m and 1 .8 m from the ground, corresponding to the median height of the human bust) and preferably in the lower section. The interface allows the user to adjust the set point value of the temperature of the air which is inserted inside the cool portion and / or set point value of the pressure difference between the hot and cool portion and / or set point value of the temperature of the air which is sucked from the hot portion.

[0126] A plurality of cooling devices may be positioned along a lateral wall, each including one or more ventilation and heat exchange modules. According to this example, each module is connected both to the wall, at the respective opening, and to the adjacent module of the adjacent cooling device (the upper or lower module of the device). Two adjacent sections or modules are connected laterally by means of a threaded through bar, which is positioned in such a way as to extend transversely from one section to the other.

[0127] The threaded bar passes through the modules in a horizontal / lateral direction and acts as tie rod, that is, it applies a traction force which keeps the sections securely joined together; it may be clamped at the ends by nuts or locking elements, generating a stable mechanical coupling.

[0128] Supports are present at the ends (or along the path of the bar). These threaded bar supports are integrated into or fixed to the modules; these supports guide and stabilise the bar, preventing bending or misalignments. Each cooling device may comprise an empty space V between the ventilation unit and the heat exchange unit, both in the example wherein there is a single heat exchange module and a single ventilation module, and in the example wherein there is more than one heat exchange module and / or ventilation module. Said empty space is used for the passage of cables, hydraulic parts or other elements.

[0129] The cooling devices are installed in the outer volume next to each other, with a space between them to facilitate the installation, maintenance and the fixing to the wall.

[0130] The redundancy criterion established is N+4. The cooling devices are installed on both sides of the room.

[0131] According to an example, each cooling device has a width of between 2-4 metres and preferably 3.20 metres. The height is between 2 and 3 metres and preferably 2.40 metres.

[0132] As explained above, each cooling device is rested at a respective opening of the lateral wall. According to an example, for each device there are two separate openings, in particular a lower opening 151 and an upper opening 152. Preferably, the heat exchange unit is positioned at the lower opening, and the thermal ventilation unit is positioned at the upper opening. Alternatively, the opening may be extended continuously, without interruptions. It should be noted that the lower and upper openings are aligned along the vertical direction and spaced from each other. In particular, the lower opening and the upper opening are interrupted by a part of the wall. The two lower and upper openings may have identical widths. Preferably, the lower opening has a height greater than the upper opening. Preferably, the empty volume V is positioned at the lateral wall and between the lower opening and the upper opening.

[0133] According to an example, there may be an intermediate opening 153, located between the lower opening 151 and the upper opening 152. This opening is used in particular for positioning the module which is rested on the module which remains on the ground (therefore preferably a ventilation module). It should be noted that each module is raised and positioned on the platform P or on other modules already positioned by means of a pallet truck (or similar machines). Each module includes a pair of through openings A, positioned on the frame of each module and spaced horizontally between them. These through openings are used to receive forks of the pallet truck, in such a way that the forks pass through the inner thickness of the module and raise it. According to that example, the intermediate openings 153 are used to receive the forks which are inserted in the through openings of the ventilation module (or the module which is positioned at a greater height with respect to the ground) in such a way that the forks pass through the through openings also from the intermediate opening 153.

[0134] The through openings are capped after positioning the module, for example with a piece of sheet metal or a plastic or rubber cap. It should be noted that the platform P may be extended along the entire length of the wall or along a part of the wall. There may be another example wherein instead of the empty space, the length of the lower opening is greater than the length of the module which is positioned at the bottom (on the ground or on the platform P) in such a way as to leave an opening above the module resting on the ground or on the platform P.

[0135] There is a lower opening 151 and an upper opening 152 (and in an example, an intermediate opening 153) for each cooling device 1. Preferably, each opening p is spaced from the adjacent opening by 10-50 cm and preferably 10 cm. Preferably, the upper opening has a width and a length of between 100-200 cm, preferably 156 cm. Preferably, the lower opening has a width of between 1 10-200 cm, preferably 156 cm and a length of 200-400, preferably 315 cm.

[0136] Preferably, each lateral wall has a length of between 500 and 900 cm, and preferably 700 cm and a width of between 400 and 600 and preferably 520 cm.

[0137] According to an example, the ventilation unit includes means of separating the flow of air, comprising a metal sheet or one or more sound-dampening baffles.

[0138] The ventilation unit includes at least one fan and an isolation damper, configured to close automatically or manually in the case of a malfunction of the fan, preventing recirculation of air through the non-operational fan. Using said the sound-dampening baffles also reduces the noise produced. These sound-dampening baffles are configured for partitioning the fans (when there is a plurality of fans), thereby improving the overall performance of the system thanks to a reduced aerodynamic interference between the air flows.

[0139] Preferably, two sound-dampening baffles are used, or 4 baffles in a crosslike arrangement.

[0140] Preferably, there are soundproofing panels, preferably positioned around the ventilation unit, for reducing acoustic emissions.

[0141] The hot portion is kept at a negative pressure relative to the cool portion, in such a way that any air leakages in the racks always occur from the cool portion and never in the opposite direction.

[0142] The pressurised outer volume taking into account the pressure drop on the filter, battery and shutter of the modules. Consequently, the outer volume can be kept at pressures of up to 300 Pa, and the lateral wall must be designed to withstand the operating pressure and the forces correlated with it. Moreover, the room is provided with solutions to prevent leakages, for example, plenum type access doors - provided with overpressure valve and seal compression system - and an interlock system.

[0143] For this reason, according to an example, the lower module and the upper module are fluid connected through the pressurised outer volume. Alternatively or in addition to this configuration, there may be an inner or outer duct, configured for putting in fluid communication the upper module with the lower module. According to this variant embodiment, the transfer of the air may also occur in the absence of a pressurised outer volume.

[0144] Each cooling dispute can include a heat exchange battery (coil). The heat exchange battery preferably comprises a filter and preferably a motor-driven shutter.

[0145] Each cooling device may include one or a plurality, and preferably four, fans. These fans may be mounted in the factory and / or wired electrically inside a dedicated compartment.

[0146] Each cooling device may include an energy regulating valve PIC, preferably comprising a water flow rate sensor. The sensor may be an ultrasound sensor.

[0147] The room may include one or more differential pressure sensors positioned in the hot portion.

[0148] The room may include one or more differential pressure sensors in the cool portion.

[0149] The room may include one or more temperature sensors for measuring the temperature of the air inserted inside the cool portion.

[0150] The room may include one or more temperature sensors for measuring the temperature of the air extracted from the hot portion.

[0151] Each cooling device may include a differential pressure switch installed upstream and downstream of the filters. When the head loss through the filters (or the single filter) exceeds the threshold value set on the differential pressure switch, the control unit of the cooling device generates an alarm. Each cooling device may include an electrical panel and control panel preferably mounted in the upper section, preferably provided with the interface I.

[0152] Each cooling device includes a control unit and automatically adjusts the temperature of the air inserted in the cool portion and / or the temperature of the air extracted from the hot portion and / or the pressure of the col portion and / or the pressure of the hot portion.

[0153] In particular, the room is provided with a plurality of sensors for measuring the pressure and / or the temperature of the air in various points of the room. Preferably, the temperature of the air in the hot zone and / or in the cool zone is measured, monitored and adjusted if the difference between the measured temperature and the predetermined temperature is greater than a predetermined threshold. The threshold may be set by the user. The setpoint value of the temperature of the air inserted in the cool portion can be adjusted according to various parameters, for example the temperature of the air extracted from the hot portion measured, for example, if the temperature of the air extracted exceeds a predetermined threshold, the temperature of the air inserted in the cool portion can be adjusted in such a way that the temperature of the hot portion falls in the predetermined range. The sensors positioned in said different positions of the room can measure the pressure of the room at different points, in particular in the hot portion and in the col portion. The pressure of the hot portion is always maintained at a lower value than that of the cool portion. This pressure difference is monitored and adjusted periodically in the room, for example according to a time interval preset by the user.

[0154] Moreover, the pressure of the outer volume is measured and adjusted to be in a predetermined range. Preferably, the pressure in the outer volume is maintained at a value of 250-300 Pa and preferably 250 Pa. If the measured pressure deviates from the predetermined set point value by a predetermined value, the pressure is adjusted so that it complies again with the predetermined set point value. There may be a feedback control on the temperature of the air extracted from the hot portion and / or inserted in the cool portion and / or on the pressure of the outer volume and / or on the pressure difference between the cool portion and the hot portion.

[0155] According to an example, each cooling device automatically controls the temperature of the air inserted inside the cool portion by means of a regulating ring PI, and regulating valves; preferably acting on the cooling power of the energy valve. The term “cooling power” refers to the thermal flow which the valve allows to be adjusted inside the cooling device. The regulating valves are electronic pressure independent valves. The regulating valves measure the water flow rate by means of an ultrasound flow rate sensor and automatically adjust the water flow rate by means of a PID control ring which acts on the position of the valve.

[0156] The control unit of each cooling device sends commands to the regulating valves to reset or modify the flow rate set-point and receives in response the measured water flow rate value.

[0157] When the cooling device is started, the control unit sets the fans stationary, shutter closed and water flow rate to the maximum limit of the start-up (100%). When a temperature threshold is exceeded, the shutter opens, the fan speed is gradually increased on the basis of the control of the differential pressure between the hot portion and the cool portion and the control cycle is activated on the temperature of the air delivered to the cool portion. This method ensures that the delivery temperature remains low at the first start. The on / off state of each cooling device is stored in a permanent storage unit to allow an automatic starting after a complete blackout (main network and discharge of the ultracapacitors). The initial start time of the control unit is approximately 50 seconds, at the end of which the control unit restarts the cooling device.

[0158] The cooling device stops immediately if a critical alarm is triggered. The shutter is closed and the cooling valve is closed. The fans can be set as active or inactive. A belt sensor for measuring water may be installed on the drainage tray of each cooling device. Upon detection of the presence of water, the control unit of the cooling device activates a leakage alarm.

[0159] According to an example, the control units of the cooling devices are interconnected with each other, for example through a bus, for exchanging data and are programmed in such a way that one of the cooling devices acts as a master unit the remaining devices act as slave units. When one of the devices is switched off, the communication between the control units remains active. One of the cooling devices at a time acts as master unit. The master unit is configured to receive temperature and / or pressure data from the sensors positioned in the room, as explained above, and carries out a closed loop control on the temperature and / or pressure as explained above. In particular the master unit is configured for generating commands for adjusting the temperature of the air inserted in the cool portion and / or the pressure difference between the cool portion and the hot portion and / or the pressure in the outer volume, on the basis of a control parameter. The control parameter may be the value of the temperature measured by one or more sensors in the hot portion and / or the cool portion and / or the pressure difference measured between the hot portion and the cool portion and / or the pressure of the outer volume. According to an example, the control parameter includes the lowest value measured by the sensors or the average of the values measured by the sensors (both in the case of controlling the temperature and in the case of controlling the pressure). Preferably, all the fans of the interconnected devices operate at the same speed.

[0160] If a device is disconnected, the control automatically passes to its local adjustment ring and sensor of that device, instead of relying on the master unit.

[0161] The interface I is a touchscreen with the dedicated screen, which allows the adjustment of the set points and the display of the data measured by one or more sensors by the user. The following settings can be adjusted by means of the interface:

[0162] - setpoint of the temperature of the air inserted inside the cool portion;

[0163] - setpoint of the differential pressure between the hot portion and the cool portion;

[0164] - setpoint of the temperature of the air extracted from the hot portion.

[0165] According to an example, one or more of the following warnings may be generated:

[0166] It should be noted that in the case of generating a warning, a warning signal is illustrated to the user through the interface I and the device(s) remain in operation and preventive maintenance is requested.

[0167] In the case of an alarm, an alarm signal is illustrated through the interface I, and the device(s) do not remain operational, and corrective action is required.

[0168] If the temperature of the air inserted inside the cool portion exceeds the threshold set for a time greater than a preset time interval, at least one of the following actions is performed:

[0169] - if only one of the cooling devices exceeds this threshold, the relative device is switched off.

[0170] - an alarm is generated on the interface I.

[0171] If the differential pressure between the hot portion and the cool portion falls below 5 Pa an alarm is generated.

[0172] If the temperature of the air extracted from the hot portion exceeds a certain predetermined threshold an alarm is generated on the interface.

[0173] In the event of loss of communication between the interconnected devices, the following actions are performed:

[0174] Each device operates locally on the basis of the values of one or more sensors to which it is connected.

[0175] Preferably, an alarm is generated on the interface I.

[0176] In the event of a fault of a device, the speed of the fan(s) of the remaining devices to maintain the differential pressure set point between the hot portion and the cool portion and preferably an alarm will be generated on the interface I.

[0177] If a fire alarm is generated on the interface, after receiving a fire signal from one or more sensors, all the devices will continue to operate.

[0178] In the event of a fault of the temperature sensor of the air extracted from the hot portion and / or of the air inserted in the cool portion, the following actions are performed:

[0179] - switching off all cooling devices.

[0180] Preferably, generating an alarm on the interface I.

[0181] According to the embodiment just described, this invention provides a room 100 comprising a cooling device 1 which may include a ventilation unit 2 and a heat exchange unit 3 which may be enclosed and supported by a single frame. Alternatively, the ventilation unit 2 and the heat exchange unit 3 may be enclosed and supported by two separate supporting structures, not connected (directly) to each other; in this case, the upper structure may be fixed to the wall and suspended.

[0182] According to an example, the upper structure 20 is fixed in a removable fashion to the lower structure 30, by means of coupling elements 40. The coupling elements 40 may comprise elements for coupling the stringers and / or elements for coupling the uprights. According to an example, the elements for coupling the uprights comprise corner elements in the shape of an ‘L’.

[0183] According to a different embodiment, the lower structure 30 and the upper structure 20 may be fixed to each other by a system of tabs and / or guides. The system of tabs and / or guides (the system) includes a plurality of tabs 12. Preferably, the plurality of tabs 12 is integral with the lower structure 30. Alternatively, the plurality of tabs 12 may be mounted on the upper structure 20. The system also includes upper guides 14 and / or lower guides 13. The upper guides 14 and / or the lower guides 13 are mounted on the upper structure 20 and / or on the lower structure 30, respectively. According to a possible configuration wherein the upper structure 20 and the lower structure 30 are fixed to each other, the plurality of tabs 12 engages in the upper guides 14. In this way, the assembly and the alignment of the upper structure 20 and of the lower structure 30 is facilitated and made more efficient.

[0184] According to an example, each opening 150 is further delimited by a further wall frame on an upper portion of the opening. Thus, each cooling device 1 may also rest against a further contact surface 134 present on the outer face of the further wall frame.

[0185] Preferably, each opening 150 comprises at least one pair of openings positioned one above the other, and separated by a portion of wall. The pair of openings may comprise an upper opening 152 and a lower opening 151 . The upper opening 152 is in fluid communication with the ventilation unit 2. The upper opening 152 is made in the upper extension of the lateral wall, which extends in the false ceiling 300. The lower opening 151 is in fluid communication with the heat exchange unit 3.

[0186] According to an example, the room comprises fixing elements 50. The fixing elements 50 are configured for fixing the frame 10 to the lateral wall 130. The fixing elements 50 comprise profiled beams 51 . The profiled beams 51 are configured to be positioned vertically against the lateral wall 130 and against the sides 1 1 of the frame 10. The profiled beam 51 may be a profiled beam according to a predetermined profile (for example, according to the accompanying drawings). The profiled beam 51 may be a single, continuous profiled beam or, alternatively, comprise several sections which are separate from each other.

[0187] The fixing elements 50 comprise a plurality of corner elements 52. Each of the corner elements 52 comprises at least a first and a second side. The first side is configured to be fixed on the sides 1 1 of the frame 10. The second side is configured to be fixed on the profiled beam 51 .

[0188] The fixing elements 50 comprise a plurality of screws, nuts and / or washers configured for fixing the profiled beam 51 to the corner element 52. Alternatively, the fixing elements 50 may include a plurality of corner elements 53, in the shape of an “L”, the sides of which are configured for being fixed to the wall 130 and to the frame 10.

[0189] The corner elements 52 may include a slot configured for the sliding of a bolting unit 54; the slot is elongate along a longitudinal direction. The bolting unit includes a nut 541 for recesses and a bolt 542. Moreover, the bolting unit may comprise a washer 543. The washer is configured to be tightened between the profile of the profiled beam 51 and the bolt 542. The bolt 542 is screwed to the nut 541 for recesses which slide inside the profiled beam 51. The profile of the profiled beam 51 forms a recess which is elongate along the longitudinal direction and, in a transversal cross section, has the shape of a “U”, to form an opening (the opening also extends longitudinally along the profile). Preferably, the opening of the recess defines a restriction relative to the bottom of the recess. The nut 541 has the shape of a parallelepiped with a long side (longer than the transversal extension of the opening of the recess and equal to or less than the transversal extension of the bottom of the recess).

[0190] Once the nut 541 of the bolt 542 has been inserted in the slot, the nut 541 is rotated by 90°, to be positioned with the long side oriented transversally, then the nut 541 (with bolt 542) is made to slide longitudinally until it interacts with the slot; at that point, the nut is locked by tightening the bolt.

[0191] Each cooling device 1 has a width W measured relative to a transversal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and to the thickness of the lateral wall. Each cooling device 1 has a thickness T measured in a direction defined by the thickness of the lateral wall. Each cooling device 1 has a total height H measured relative to a vertical direction.

[0192] According to an example, the ratio between the width W and the thickness T of the cooling device 1 is at least 2.5.

[0193] Preferably, the ratio between height H and thickness T of the cooling device 1 is at least 2.5 or at least 5 (or at least 10). Preferably, the ratio between the width W and the thickness T of the cooling device 1 is at least 2.5 or at least 5.

[0194] According to an example, the ventilation unit 2 and the heat exchange unit 3 of each cooling device 1 have the same thickness T, measured in a direction defined by the thickness of the lateral wall.

[0195] According to an example, the room 100 includes a flow of air flowing out. The flow of air flowing out is configured to come from the hot portion and is configured to be extracted, from the hot portion, through the fans present in the ventilation unit 2. The flow of air flowing out is directed along an outlet direction. The room also includes a flow of air flowing in. The flow of air flowing in is configured to flow out from the heat exchange unit 3 and to be introduced in the cool portion 1 1 1 of the inner volume 1 10. The flow of air flowing in is directed along an inlet direction. The inlet direction is opposite by 180° relative to the outlet direction. In other words, the inlet direction and the outlet direction are directions parallel to each other and having an opposite direction.

[0196] According to an example, the heat exchange unit 3 comprises a first and a second manifold. The first and second manifolds extend along a transversal direction oriented along a width W of the cooling device 1 . The first and the second manifolds are positioned relative to a first and a second end part of the heat exchange unit. The second end part is opposite the first end part, along the vertical direction of the cooling device 1 .

[0197] This invention also provides a method for air-conditioning a room 100. The method for air-conditioning a room 100 (the method) may comprise a step of preparing a room containing servers positioned in rows. The method comprises a step of preparing cooling devices 1 . The method comprises a step of positioning cooling devices 1 . In order to be able to prepare and position the cooling devices 1 , the method comprises a step for transporting in situ the cooling devices 1 . The method comprises a step for assembling the cooling devices 1 . The method comprises a step of fixing the cooling devices 1 to the lateral walls 130 of the room 100. According to an example, according to the method the ventilation unit 2 and / or the heat exchange unit 3 of the cooling device 1 can be transported separately. In particular, a plurality of ventilation units 2 and / or a plurality of heat exchange units 3, relative to different cooling devices 1 , may be stacked vertically and / or horizontally above pallets. The ventilation units 2 and / or the heat exchange units 3 may include corner and / or perforated supports, configured to facilitate the movement, raising and / or tipping during the transport step and / or during the assembly step and / or during the fixing step. The perforated supports may be removable or fixed to the ventilation unit 2 and / or to the heat exchange unit 3. According to a configuration wherein the ventilation unit 2 and / or the heat exchange unit 3 are elements arranged in a stacked manner, a first, lower pallet may be, with regard to the plan dimensions, larger overall than the ventilation unit 2 and / or the heat exchange unit 3. Successive pallets, if stacked on top of the first lower pallet, may be alternatively of the same dimensions or smaller.

[0198] According to an example, the movement of the ventilation unit 2 and / or the heat exchange unit 3 may be performed by means of a dedicated carriage 400. Alternatively, pallet transporters or retractable trilateral pallet trucks or other classic systems may be used. The carriage 400 may comprise two or more pieces which may be made integral with each other by means of through bars, by means of forking holes present in a base of the carriage. Alternatively, the two or more pieces of the carriage 400 may remain separate.

[0199] According to one example, the step of assembling and / or fixing the cooling device 1 may include systems for facilitating the positioning of the cooling device 1 against the lateral wall 130. The positioning facilitation systems may include lasers and / or video cameras. Lasers and / or video cameras may indicate to an operator a correct and precise position in which to position the cooling device 1 . The operator can perform the fixing operations with a screen-operated control.

[0200] According to an example, an electrical panel of the cooling device 1 may be positioned in a lower part of the ventilation device 2. The use of connectors allows a quick connection of components to the electrical panel. The screen may be alternatively remotely operated at human height or integrated in the electrical panel. The following paragraphs, listed with alphanumeric references, are non-limiting example modes of describing this invention.

[0201] A. An air-conditioned room (100), comprising:

[0202] - an inner volume (110), comprising a cool portion (1 11 ) and a hot portion (1 12), fluid-separated from the cool portion;

[0203] - an outer volume (120), surrounding at least part of the inner volume (1 10);

[0204] - lateral walls (130) and a ceiling (140), the lateral walls (130) separate the inner volume (1 10) from the outer volume (120) and having an inner face (131 ), which delimits the inner volume (1 10), and an outer face (132), which delimits the outer volume (120);

[0205] - electronic units (200) to be cooled, positioned in the inner volume (1 10) in rows, each row delimiting on one side a hot aisle (210) which passes between two rows, the hot portion (1 12) of the inner volume (1 10) comprising the hot aisle (210);

[0206] - a plurality of cooling devices (1 ), each cooling device (1 ) positioned in the outer volume (120) and comprising a ventilation unit (2) and a heat exchange unit (3), the ventilation unit (2) being positioned vertically above or below the heat exchange unit (3);

[0207] - a corresponding plurality of openings (150) positioned in one or more lateral walls (130), each ventilation unit (2) configured for sucking hot air from the hot portion (1 12) of the inner volume (1 10) in such a way as to force it through the heat exchange unit (3) to be cooled and inserted in the cool portion (11 1 ) through a respective opening (150).

[0208] A1 . The air-conditioned room (100) according to paragraph A, wherein each cooling device (1 ) is positioned at a respective opening in the one or more lateral walls (130), wherein the air-conditioned room further comprises one or more pressure sensors located in the inner volume and / or in the outer volume. A2. The air-conditioned room (100) according to paragraph A1 , comprising a pressure regulation system configured for adjusting the pressure of the hot portion to a value less than that of the cool portion.

[0209] A3. The air-conditioned room (100) according to paragraph A1 or A2, wherein the pressure in the external outer volume is set to a value of between 250-300 Pa.

[0210] A4. The air-conditioned room (100) according to paragraph A3, comprising a system for preventing leakages from the outer volume, comprising one or more of the following elements:

[0211] - a sealing system or a pressure control element associated with access openings of the outer volume;

[0212] - an air lock system.

[0213] A5. The air-conditioned room (100) according to any one of paragraphs A to A4, wherein the cooling device comprises a first module and a second module which can be connected to each other in a removable fashion, the first module housing the ventilation unit (2) and the second module housing the heat exchange unit (3), each opening of the plurality of openings comprising an upper opening and a lower opening located below the latter, the first module being positioned at the upper opening and the second module at the lower opening, or vice versa.

[0214] A6. The air-conditioned room (100) according to paragraph A5, wherein each of the first and the second module comprises a casing for housing, respectively, the ventilation unit and the heat exchange unit, and wherein each module comprises a plurality of through openings on the casing and extending for the entire width of the latter.

[0215] A7. The air-conditioned room (100) according to paragraph A6, wherein each module comprises a mechanical connecting element positioned on at least one lateral face of the casing for fixing the module in a removable fashion to an adjacent module.

[0216] A8. The air-conditioned room (100) according to any one of paragraphs A- A7, wherein the second module comprises two separate secondary modules, positioned one above the other and connected to each other in a removable fashion.

[0217] A9. The air-conditioned room (100) according to any one of paragraphs A- A8, wherein the upper opening and the lower opening are vertically aligned with each other and spaced along the vertical direction.

[0218] A10. The air-conditioned room (100) according to paragraph A9, wherein each opening of the plurality of openings comprises an intermediate opening, positioned between the upper opening and the lower opening, aligned vertically with them and spaced both from the lower opening and from the upper opening.

[0219] A1 1 . The air-conditioned room (100) according to any one of paragraphs A- A10, wherein each cooling device comprises at least one of the following:

[0220] - a water flow sensor;

[0221] - a differential pressure sensor;

[0222] - a temperature sensor for the air delivered;

[0223] - an extracted air temperature sensor;

[0224] - a differential pressure switch.

[0225] A12. The air-conditioned room (100) according to any one of paragraphs A- A1 1 , wherein each cooling device comprises a control panel provided with a user interface.

[0226] A13. The air-conditioned room (100) according to any one of paragraphs A- A12, comprising a detection system in the hot portion and a detection system in the cool portion, wherein each cooling device comprises a control unit configured to receive adjustment data from said detection systems and for adjusting an operating set point value of the cooling device on the basis of said adjustment data, each detection system comprising at least one pressure sensor and the adjustment data representing the difference between the pressure value detected in the hot portion and that detected in the cool portion, the operating set point value representing the set point of the differential pressure between the cool portion and the hot portion.

[0227] A14. The air-conditioned room (100) according to any one of paragraphs A- A13, wherein each cooling device comprises a detection system and a control unit configured for receiving adjustment data from said system and for adjusting an operating set point value of the device on the basis of said adjustment data, the detection system comprising at least one temperature sensor and the adjustment data representing the temperature of the air sucked from the hot portion by the ventilation unit, the operating set point value representing the set point of the temperature of the cold air introduced into the cool portion.

[0228] A15. The air-conditioned room (100) according to any one of paragraphs A- A14, wherein each cooling device comprises a control unit, the control units of the devices being interconnected by a bus and programmed in such a way that one of the devices functions as a master unit and the remaining as slave units.

[0229] A16. The air-conditioned room (100) according to any one of paragraphs A- A15, wherein the ventilation unit includes means for separating the flow of air, comprising a metal sheet or one or more sound-dampening baffles.

[0230] A17. The air-conditioned room (100) according to any one of paragraphs A- A16, wherein the ventilation unit includes at least one fan and an isolation damper, configured to close automatically or manually in the case of a malfunction of the fan, preventing the recirculation of air through the non- operational fan.

[0231] A18. The air-conditioned room (100) according to any one of paragraphs A- A16, comprising one or more of the features described in the appended claims to this patent document.

[0232] B. A method for air-conditioning a room (100), wherein the room comprises:

[0233] - an inner volume (110), comprising a cool portion (1 11 ) and a hot portion (1 12), fluid-separated from the cool portion;

[0234] - an outer volume (120), surrounding at least part of the inner volume (1 10);

[0235] - lateral walls (130) and a ceiling (140), which separate the inner volume (1 10) from the outer volume (120), the lateral walls (130) having an inner face (131 ) which delimits the inner volume (1 10) and an outer face (132) which delimits the outer volume (120), with a plurality of openings (150) provided in one or more lateral walls (130), each opening (150) delimited by wall frames at the sides of the opening;

[0236] - electronic units (200) to be cooled, arranged in the inner volume (1 10) in rows, each row delimiting on one side a hot aisle (210) which passes between two rows, the hot portion (1 12) comprising the hot aisle (210), the method comprising the following steps:

[0237] - preparing a plurality of cooling devices (1 ), each comprising a ventilation unit (2) and a heat exchange unit (3) positioned vertically above or below the ventilation unit (2);

[0238] - positioning the plurality of cooling devices (1 ) in the outer volume (120), in such a way that each device is at a respective opening in the wall;

[0239] - through each ventilation unit (2), sucking hot air from the hot portion (1 12) of the inner volume (1 10), so that said hot air is forced through the heat exchange unit (3), to be cooled and inserted in the cool portion (1 1 1 ) through the respective opening (150) of the lateral wall.

[0240] B1 ) The method according to paragraph B, further comprising a step of preparing one or more pressure sensors positioned in the inner volume and / or in the outer volume.

[0241] B2) The method according to paragraph B or B1 , the method including one or more of the features included in the set of claims appended to this patent document.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An air-conditioned room (100) comprising:- an inner volume (110), comprising a cool portion (111 ) and a hot portion (112), fluid-separated from the cool portion;- an outer volume (120), surrounding at least part of the inner volume (110);- lateral walls (130) and a ceiling (140), the lateral walls (130) separating the inner volume (110) from the outer volume (120) and having an inner face (131 ), delimiting the inner volume (110), and an outer face (132) delimiting the outer volume (120);- electronic units (200) to be cooled, arranged in the inner volume (110) in rows, wherein each row delimits on one side a hot aisle (210) passing between two rows, the hot portion (1 12) of the inner volume (110) comprising the hot aisle (210);- a plurality of cooling devices (1 ), each cooling device (1 ) being arranged in the outer volume (120) and comprising a ventilation unit (2) and a heat exchange unit (3), wherein the ventilation unit (2) is arranged vertically above or below the heat exchange unit (3).- a corresponding plurality of openings (150) provided in one or more of the lateral walls (130), each ventilation unit (2) configured to suck hot air from the hot portion (112) of the inner volume (110) so that said hot air is forced through the heat exchange unit (3), to be cooled and inserted in the cool portion (111 ) through a respective opening (150), characterised in that each opening (150) is delimited by wall frames at the sides of the opening, wherein each cooling device (1 ) rests against contact surfaces (133) present on the outer face of the wall frames on a periphery of the corresponding opening.

2. The air-conditioned room (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the cooling device (1 ) includes a frame (10), wherein the frame (10) comprises sides (11 ), the heat exchange unit (3) being interposed between the sides (11 ), wherein the sides (11 ) define front faces in contact with the respective contact surfaces3. The air-conditioned room (100) according to claim 2, comprising a false ceiling (300) positioned above the ceiling (140) and in fluid communication with the hot portion (112) of the inner volume (110), wherein the ventilation unit (2) is positioned above the heat exchange unit to be fluid dynamically in communication with the false ceiling (300).

4. The air-conditioned room (100) according to claim 3, wherein the frame (10) includes an upper structure (20) for containing the ventilation unit (2), the upper structure (20) consisting of front faces (21 ) in contact with respective upper contact surfaces of an upper extension of the lateral wall (130).

5. The air-conditioned room (100) according to claim 4, wherein the frame (10) includes a lower structure (30), the sides (11 ) constituting part of the lower structure (30), wherein the upper structure (20) is an integral part of the lower structure (30) and lies above it.

6. The air-conditioned room (100) according to claim 5, wherein the upper structure (20) is fixed in a removable fashion to the lower structure (30) through coupling elements (40).

7. The air-conditioned room (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each opening (150) is further delimited by a further wall frame on an upper portion of the opening, wherein each cooling device (1 ) rests against a further contact surface (134) present on the outer face of the further wall frame.

8. The air-conditioned room (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, comprising fixing elements (50) configured for fixing the frame (10) to the lateral wall (130), the fixing elements (50) comprising:- profiled beams (51 ), positioned vertically against the lateral wall (130) andagainst the sides (11 ) of the frame (10);- a plurality of corner elements (52) designed for being fixed on one side to the sides (11 ) of the frame (10) and on the other side to the profiled beam (51 );- a plurality of screws, nuts and / or washers configured for fixing the profiled beam (51 ) to the corner element (52)9. The air-conditioned room (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, for each cooling device (1 ), the ratio between a width (W) of the cooling device (1 ), measured relative to a transversal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and to the thickness of the lateral wall, and a thickness (T) of the cooling device (1 ), measured in a direction defined by the thickness of the lateral wall, is at least 2.5.

10. The air-conditioned room (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, for each cooling device (1 ), the ratio between a total height (H) of the cooling device (1 ), measured relative to a vertical direction and a thickness (T) of the cooling device (1 ), measured in a direction defined by the thickness of the side wall, is at least 5.11 . The air-conditioned room (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, for each cooling device (1 ), the ventilation unit (2) and the heat exchange unit (3) have the same thickness (T), measured in a direction defined by the thickness of the lateral wall.

12. The air-conditioned room (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a flow of air flowing out, due to the hot air flowing out from the ventilation unit (2), is directed in an outlet direction, and a flow of air flowing in due to the cool air flowing out from the heat exchange unit (3), is directed in an inlet direction, the inlet direction being opposite to the outlet direction.

13. The air-conditioned room (100) according to any one of the precedingclaims, wherein the heat exchange unit (3) comprises a first and a second manifold, the first and the second manifold extending along a transversal direction, oriented along a width (W) of the cooling device (1 ) and being positioned with respect to a first and a second end part, opposite the first, along the vertical direction of the cooling device (1 ).

14. The air-conditioned (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising:- one or more pressure sensors located in the inner volume and / or in the outer volume;- a pressure adjusting system configured for adjusting the pressure of the hot portion to a value less than that of the cool portion.

15. The air-conditioned room (100) according to claim 14, comprising a system for preventing leakages from the outer volume, comprising one or more of the following elements:- a sealing system or a pressure control element associated with access openings of the outer volume;- an air lock system; wherein the pressure in the outer volume is set to a value within the range 250-300 Pa.

16. The air-conditioned room (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a detection system in the hot portion and a detection system in the cool portion, wherein each cooling device comprises a control unit configured to receive adjustment data from said detection systems and for adjusting an operating set point value of the cooling device on the basis of said adjustment data, each detection system comprising at least one pressure sensor and the adjustment data representing the difference between the pressure value detected in the hot portion and that detected in the cool portion, the operating set point value representing the set point ofthe differential pressure between the cool portion and the hot portion.

17. A method for air-conditioning a room (100), wherein the room comprises:- an inner volume (110), comprising a cool portion (111 ) and a hot portion (112), fluid-separated from the cool portion (111 );- an outer volume (120), surrounding at least part of the inner volume (110);- lateral walls (130) and a ceiling (140), the lateral walls (130) separating the inner volume (110) from the outer volume (120) and having an inner face (131 ), which delimits the inner volume (110), and an outer face (132), which delimits the outer volume (120), wherein one or more of the lateral walls (130) is provided with a plurality of openings (150), each opening (150) delimited by wall frames at the sides of the opening;- electronic units (200) to be cooled, arranged in the inner volume (110) in rows, wherein each row delimits on one side a hot aisle (210) passing between two rows, the hot portion (112) of the inner volume (110) including the hot aisle (210), and wherein the method comprises the following steps:- preparing a plurality of cooling devices (1 ), each cooling device (1 ) comprising a ventilation unit (2) and a heat exchange unit (3) arranged vertically above or below the ventilation unit (2);- arranging the plurality of cooling devices (1 ) in the outer volume (120), in such away that each cooling device (1 ) rests against a contact surface (133) defined on the outer face of the frames of the walls in a periphery of the corresponding opening;- through each ventilation unit (2), sucking hot air from the hot portion (112) of the inner volume (110), so that said hot air is forced through the heat exchange unit (3), to be cooled and inserted in the cool portion (111 ) through the respective opening (150) of the lateral wall.

18. The method according to claim 17, comprising a step of transporting thecooling devices (1 ), wherein each cooling device (1 ) comprises a plurality of modules, wherein the modules are transported to the outer volume and, after being transported to the outer volume, are connected to each other for assembling the cooling devices (1 ).

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein, during transportation of the modules, groups of modules of a same type are stacked one above the other and arranged on respective carriages.

20. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, comprising a step of fixing the cooling devices (1 ) to the lateral walls, by means of coupling elements (40).21 . A cooling device (1 ) for air-conditioning a room (100), wherein the room comprises:- an inner volume (110), comprising a cool portion (111 ) and a hot portion (112), separated by fluid from the cool portion;- an outer volume (120), surrounding at least part of the inner volume (110);- a ceiling (140) and lateral walls (130), the lateral walls (130) separating the inner volume (110) from the outer volume (120) and having an inner face (131 ), which delimits the inner volume (110), and an outer face (132), which delimits the outer volume (120), wherein a plurality of openings (150) is made in one or more of the lateral walls (130), each opening (150) being delimited by wall frames on the sides of the opening;- electronic units (200) to be cooled, arranged in rows in the inner volume (110), wherein each row delimits on one side a hot aisle (210) positioned between two rows, the hot portion (112) of the inner volume (110) comprises the hot aisle (210), wherein the cooling device (1 ) comprises a ventilation unit (2) and a heat exchange unit (3), positioned vertically above or below the ventilation unit (2), wherein the cooling device is positioned in the outer volume (120), in contact with a contact surface (133) provided on the outer face of the framesof the walls on a periphery of the corresponding opening, in such a way that, through the ventilation unit (2), the hot air is sucked from the hot portion (112) of the inner volume (110) and is forced through the heat exchange unit (3), to be cooled and inserted in the cool portion (111 ) through the respective opening (150) of the lateral wall (130).

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