Fire protection and insulation wall for structures

Abstract

The present innovation relates to the field of modular data centre technology, more specifically, to the structural components of data centres, such as walls used to enclose modular data centre systems. The present document relates to the development of a wall designed for installation under adverse weather conditions and to provide protection against extreme hazards, such as fire, while ensuring the safety and full operation of the data centre. Among its main advantages, the wall provides mechanical strength which, in addition to ensuring sealing against water and dust, also provides robustness sufficient to resist forced entry attempts or vandalism. The developed wall is further intended to provide a low-cost solution in order to overcome drawbacks of the prior art, by providing a robust modular component for modular data centres.

Description

[0001] FIRE PROTECTION AND INSULATION WALL FOR STRUCTURES FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002]

[0001] The present innovation belongs to the area of ​​Mechanical Engineering, in its technological aspect of modular infrastructure, more specifically, in walls developed for the structures of the modular data center system, but not limiting the invention to this single field, since this product can be applied in the most diverse technological areas of Engineering.

[0003] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004]

[0002] The demands for data storage and control have become increasingly important for all segments of industries, companies, offices, shopping malls, businesses, and even leisure environments; all the technology applied in these solutions has a data center behind its operation.

[0005]

[0003] Data centers are installed in environments with very specific characteristics in order to guarantee their performance and avoid failures that could jeopardize the operation of the modular data center system. These characteristics include the control of a wide variety of psychrometric conditions, such as temperature, humidity, cooling, heating, water vapor, etc.

[0006]

[0004] In addition to the internal characteristics, it is also necessary to ensure the external security of the modular data center system, that is, the structure used for the walls of the modular data center system needs to protect against various weather conditions, such as dust, rain, and even more extreme conditions like fire. Furthermore, this solution must be secure enough to prevent the possibility of break-ins or intrusion by unauthorized persons.

[0007]

[0005] Aiming to obtain a solution that resolves the technical problem listed above with all its adversities, this document has developed a wall with sufficient security to protect the modular data center system against the most adverse weather conditions, including protection against fire, as well as being a secure solution against any type of break-in or attempted entry by unauthorized persons. Furthermore, it is capable of ensuring that the wall withstands the most critical conditions, such as being directly exposed to a fire external to the modular data center system, and still guaranteeing that this fire will not reach the internal part of the data center, thus maintaining its full operation without damage or risk of interruption.The solution also features a complex sealing system that allows the wall to be used in outdoor areas, directly exposed to the elements such as sun, rain, dust, and strong winds, without risk of causing any damage to the internal parts of the modular data center system.

[0008]

[0006] Several solutions have been developed seeking optimization and improvements for data centers, given the extensive use of this equipment.

[0009]

[0007] Aiming at separating hot air from cold air, in 2022, the unionist priority of patent application WO2024119260 proposed false wall modules as a solution, which are used to create the air confinement zone. The solution in this document differs from the scope of the patent application described above, since it requires fire protection and use in outdoor environments exposed to inclement weather, in order to keep the internal area of ​​the modular data center system rooms completely isolated from the external area, even under the most critical fire conditions.

[0010]

[0008] Patent application WO2014039524, with a priority date of 29.01.2021, proposed a highly reliable single-line data center, in which a fire suppression device was developed, with a door on the front, as described in the descriptive report: "...The front of the data center is provided with an end-sealing door, the lower portion of the door is provided with a fresh air outlet, and the inner side of the end-sealing door is provided with a fresh air fan." Therefore, the solution proposed in patent WO2014039524 is the opposite of the solution proposed in this document, which aims to have a completely sealed wall, without any opening that could compromise fire insulation or the entry of dust, contaminants, or even water.

[0011]

[0009] The patent family WO2014039524, with a priority date of 04.09.2012, includes patent BR 11 2015 004744 granted in Brazil, and entitled “Expandable data center with movable wall”, which proposed a movable wall that can be moved to increase or decrease the size of the computer room. This solution differs from the scope developed in this document, which aims to ensure the security of the data center with fixed walls that are resistant to weather and even the most critical conditions, such as a fire.

[0012]

[0010] In short, none of the documents available in the state of the art proposed the development of a wall capable of guaranteeing safety, protection against fire, water, dust or contaminants, through a robust wall and detailed development to guarantee uninterrupted operation in accordance with the most demanding standards of the international market.

[0013]

[0011] For the development of the wall for a modular data center system, it was necessary to develop specific components which will be detailed in this document.

[0014] OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

[0015]

[0012] The present innovation aims to develop a wall capable of protecting the environment in which it will be installed from any adverse weather conditions.

[0016]

[0013] The solution also aims to ensure the safety and integrity of the environment in which the wall is installed.

[0017]

[0014] Furthermore, the innovation developed also aims to provide robust isolation of the external environment from the internal environment, even under extreme fire conditions.

[0018]

[0015] The developed wall is a modular solution, therefore it has the versatility to be installed in the most diverse structures, used in various fields of application, as long as they have the demand for protection, security, impermeability, weather resistance and other characteristics of the developed wall.

[0019] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0020]

[0016] In order to facilitate understanding of the wall developed in the present invention and its application in a modular data center system, this patent includes the figures described below:

[0017] Figure 1 shows the front perspective view of the modular system.

[0021]

[0018] Figure 2 shows the front perspective view of the first configurable variant of the modular system.

[0022]

[0019] Figure 3 shows an enlarged front perspective view of the electrical room of the modular system, shown in Figure 1.

[0023]

[0020] Figure 4 shows an enlarged front perspective view of the data room assembled with the cooling room of the modular system, shown in Figure 1.

[0024]

[0021] Figure 5 shows an enlarged front perspective view of the wall used in the rooms of the modular system.

[0025]

[0022] Figure 6 shows an enlarged front view of the wall used in the rooms of the modular system.

[0026]

[0023] Figure 7 shows an enlarged rear view of the wall used in the rooms of the modular system.

[0027]

[0024] Figure 8 shows an enlarged front perspective view of the wall used in the modular system rooms, with the components assembled in exploded position.

[0028]

[0025] Figure 9 shows an enlarged front perspective view of the frame assembly, isolated from the wall mounting, used in the rooms of the modular system.

[0029]

[0026] Figure 10 shows an enlarged front perspective view of the internal plan assembly, isolated from the wall assembly, used in the rooms of the modular system.

[0030]

[0027] Figure 11 shows an enlarged front perspective view of panel 1, isolated from the wall assembly, used in the modular system rooms.

[0031]

[0028] Figure 12 shows an enlarged front perspective view of panel 2, isolated from the wall assembly, used in the modular system rooms.

[0032]

[0029] Figure 13 shows an enlarged front perspective view of the U-shaped profile 1, isolated from the wall assembly, used in the modular system rooms.

[0030] Figure 14 shows an enlarged front perspective view of the U-shaped profile 2, isolated from the wall assembly, used in the modular system rooms.

[0033] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034]

[0031] The wall developed in the present invention aims to solve the technical problem of walls that lack fire protection, exposing the rooms of the modular data center system to the risk of damage in case of fire and also depending on an extra fire suppression system, without guaranteeing the protection and integrity of the rooms, in order to prevent the fire from causing damage to the equipment inside the rooms.

[0035]

[0032] Another problem with the prior art is that walls lack weather protection and depend on an extra module to provide such protection, such as a masonry structure large enough to prevent the elements from reaching the prior art walls, which lack weather protection.

[0036]

[0033] Another problem with the state of the art concerns the physical security of the solution. Because it involves high-cost equipment and also because it stores customer data on computer equipment, it is extremely important that the wall solves the technical problem of lack of protection against break-ins and unauthorized access to the environment. In other words, the solution must be robust enough to prevent break-ins or theft attempts, among other problems related to the security of the environment.

[0037]

[0034] In order to show how the solution is used in the structure of a modular data center system, Figure 1 presents a front perspective view of the modular data center system. In this view, it is possible to visualize the data room, the cooling room, the electrical room, and the redundant electrical rooms. Figure 1 also indicates the orthogonal axes X, Y, and Z. The X-axis indicates the longitudinal direction of the structures, a dimension also known as the length of the structures; the Z-axis indicates the transverse direction of the structures, a dimension also known as the width of the structures; and finally, the Y-axis indicates the direction parallel to the height of the structures.

[0035] The previous perspective view, illustrated in Figure 2, shows another configuration for a modular data center system, which consists of two data rooms, two cooling rooms, one electrical room and two redundant electrical rooms, and a telecommunications room, which is not visible in this figure. Other alternative configurations can be used, since 1 electrical room and 2 redundant electrical rooms are capable of serving different numbers of data rooms, up to 12 data rooms, depending on the total capacity demanded by the modular data center system.

[0038]

[0036] In order to show how the solution is mounted on the structure that uses the wall, Figure 3 is presented, which is a front perspective view of the electrical room, preferably used in a modular data center system. This figure allows visualization of how the wall is mounted on the room structure and is in contact with the external area.

[0039]

[0037] In figure 4 it is possible to visualize the front perspective view of another data room configuration assembled with the cooling room, in which the developed wall is also used, and in this case the wall is also in contact with the external area.

[0040]

[0038] Figure 5 shows an enlarged front perspective view of the wall used in the rooms of the modular system, shown in figures 1, 2, 3 and 4.

[0041]

[0039] The previous, enlarged view, illustrated in figure 6, shows the wall developed in this document. In this view, it is possible to see the face of the wall that is in contact with the interior of the room where the wall is installed; this is why the wall mounting points are located on this face, so as not to allow access to these mounting points from the outside.

[0042]

[0040] The enlarged rear view, illustrated in figure 7, shows the wall developed in this document. In this view, it is possible to see the face of the wall that is in contact with the external environment of the room where the wall is installed; this is why the wall mounting points are not visible on this face, so as not to allow access to these mounting points from the outside environment.

[0043]

[0041] The enlarged front perspective view illustrated in Figure 8 shows the wall used in the modular system rooms, with the components assembled in exploded view. Also in Figure 8, each of the components used in assembling the wall is identified with its respective numerical references: the frame assembly; the inner plane assembly; panel 1; panel 2; the blanket; the "U" profile 1 and the "U" profile 2.

[0044]

[0042] The enlarged, previous perspective view shown in Figure 9 shows the frame assembly, isolated from the wall mounting, used in the modular system rooms.

[0045]

[0043] The enlarged front perspective view, illustrated in Figure 10, shows the internal planar assembly, isolated from the wall assembly, used in the rooms of the modular system. In Figure 10 it is possible to visualize the fastening elements used in the wall assembly, since this assembly is carried out on the inner face of the wall, which is precisely the internal planar assembly.

[0046]

[0044] The enlarged front perspective view shown in Figure 11 shows panel 1, isolated from the wall assembly, used in the modular system rooms. Panel 1 is the wall component that interfaces with the external environment where the modular data center system room is installed.

[0045] The enlarged front perspective view illustrated in Figure 12 shows panel 2, isolated from the wall assembly, used in the modular system rooms. Panel 2 is the other wall component that interfaces with the external environment where the modular data center system room is installed.

[0047]

[0046] The enlarged front perspective view shown in Figure 13 shows the U-shaped profile 1, isolated from the wall assembly, used in the modular system rooms. The U-shaped profile 1 is the structure that is installed in the frame assembly.

[0048]

[0047] The enlarged previous perspective view, illustrated in figure 14, shows the U-shaped profile 2, isolated from the wall assembly, used in the modular system rooms. The U-shaped profile 2 is the other structure that is also installed in the frame assembly.

[0049]

[0048] The developed wall solution preferably has a thickness between 75 and 150 mm, more specifically between 80 and 120 mm, and at a thickness of 100 mm, the wall withstands at least 120 minutes in fire conditions. The wall is composed of steel and ceramic fiber blanket, in order to provide fire protection, IP66 and protection against vandalism, and can be installed in outdoor environments.

[0050]

[0049] The metal wall developed in the present invention consists of an outer layer of trapezoidal folded sheet metal, preferably 2 mm thick carbon steel, a reinforcing mesh of structural profiles of the "U" type, also in carbon steel, and an inner layer of sheet metal, preferably 1.25 mm thick carbon steel. The interior between the layers is filled with insulating material of the ceramic fiber blanket type, preferably with a density between 80 and 160 kg / m³. 3 , more preferably, between 100 and 140 kg / m² 3 , where, at a density of 128 kg / m³ 3 The wall can withstand a minimum of 120 minutes of fire without causing any damage to the internal environment of the modular data center system. This configuration, when exposed to fire, remains intact and transmits a low amount of heat from one side to the other, thus protecting people and equipment.

[0051]

[0050] The construction of the wall, of the modular data center system, in steel allows it to be transported without causing damage to the structure, since the elasticity of the steel contributes to non-permanent deformations. The construction of the walls in steel also solves the issue of the integrity and security of the environment, thus hindering acts of vandalism and attempted intrusions.

[0052]

[0051] In addition to fire protection, the thermal insulation, in this case the blanket, reduces the heat exchange between the internal environment of the modular data center system and the external environment, improving the efficiency of the air conditioning system of the modular data center system.

[0053]

[0052] The inner face, being constructed of steel, allows objects such as panels, pipes, structures, gutters, conduits and light fixtures to be fixed directly to it.

[0054]

[0053] The wall construction is a structural frame typically built from bent profiles, metal beams, or girders, with a trapezoidal sheet metal face welded along the entire perimeter of the edges and to each other, thus providing watertightness. The trapezoidal shape offers a rigid structure on the outside, eliminating the need for a "U" profile structure on that side, which contributes to the overall efficiency of the wall's insulation. On the other side of the wall, there is a "U" structure, in which the smooth inner sheet metal is fixed using rivets or welding points, and the entire interior is filled with ceramic fiber blanket. The versatility of this wall allows it to be assembled in panels or built directly into the room structure of the modular data center system.

[0055]

[0054] Thus, the metal wall solution contributes to protection against fire, weather, vandalism, improves transportability, and also improves the efficiency of the air conditioning system.

[0056]

[0055] The modular data center system (1) is preferably developed using the following components: data room (2), cooling room (3), electrical room (4), redundant electrical rooms (5) and telecommunications room (6).

[0057]

[0056] The wall (10) developed in this document was preferably developed using the following components: the frame assembly (10.1); the internal plane assembly (10.2); panel 1 (10.3); panel 2 (10.4); the blanket (10.5); the “U” profile 1 (10.6) and the “U” profile 2 (10.7).

[0058]

[0057] The frame assembly (10.1) is the wall contour structure (10), which is preferably welded and manufactured from metallic material, but may alternatively be manufactured from folded sheets, angle bars, tubes or beams and may also alternatively be manufactured from other non-metallic raw materials, provided that such raw materials meet the fire resistance requirement.

[0059]

[0058] The inner flat assembly (10.2) is the face that comes into contact with the internal environment of the room, of the modular data center system (1). The inner flat assembly (10.2) is assembled with fastening elements, such as screws, rivets, etc., on the “U” profile 1 (10.6) and on the “U” profile 2 (10.7), in order to protect and isolate the blanket (10.5).

[0060]

[0059] Panel 1 (10.3) and Panel 2 (10.4) are the external structures that directly receive contact with fire in the event of an occurrence in the external area of ​​the wall (10), mounted in the room, of the modular data center system (1). Panel 1 (10.3) and Panel 2 (10.4) have a trapezoidal shape in order to increase the mechanical resistance of these wall components (10).

[0060] Panel 1 (10.3) and Panel 2 (10.4) form the face that is in contact with the external environment of the room, of the modular data center system (1).

[0061]

[0061] The blanket (10.5) is the thermal insulating material that, in case of fire, retains thermal energy, preventing heat from completely passing through the wall (10) and reaching the internal environment of the room, of the modular data center system (1), in which the wall (10) is mounted.

[0062]

[0062] The blanket (10.5), the U-shaped profile 1 (10.6) and the U-shaped profile 2 (10.7) are mounted between the inner flat assembly (10.2) and panels 1 (10.3) and 2 (10.4).

[0063]

[0063] The wall (10) is required to overlap the entire external structure of the room, of the modular data center system (1), in order to guarantee security requirements, mainly to prevent break-in or vandalism attempts.

[0064]

[0064] Panel 1 (10.3) and panel 2 (10.4) are alternatively manufactured from folded steel in order to meet the requirements of mechanical strength, to ensure robustness and security against attempted break-ins and thefts. Panel 1 (10.3) and panel 2 (10.4) are the elements responsible for protection against water ingress from the outside of the wall (10).

[0065]

[0065] Alternatively, the seal used between the installation of panel 1 (10.3) and panel 2 (10.4) reinforces protection against water ingress and also protects against the ingress of dust and other contaminants. This seal is preferably round and made of ceramic fiber material, in order to also provide fire resistance.

[0066]

[0066] A second seal can be used to protect against the entry of water, dust and contaminants. The geometry of this seal contributes to the impermeability of the wall (10) along with its raw material which is preferably made of silicone with a high melting temperature, in order to also withstand fire conditions.

[0067]

[0067] Alternatively, the external coating applied to panel 1 (10.3) and panel 2 (10.4) aims to protect the external face of the wall (10) against weathering, in order to avoid damage to the wall (10) by chemical attack that may cause the oxidation and / or corrosion process, or even protection against wear from direct exposure to weather conditions, such as sun and rain.

[0068]

[0068] Alternatively, in order to increase the fire protection capacity of the room, a sealant may be used to install the seals described above, in order to reinforce protection against the entry of water and dust.

[0069]

[0069] Alternatively, in order to increase the fire protection capacity of the room, an alternative solution may include applying a protective coating to the internal and external surfaces, such as intumescent protection, which is a second layer of fire protection, and can be applied to panel 1 (10.3) and panel 2 (10.4) for protection against fire coming from the outside area and can also be applied to the internal flat assembly (10.2), to contain the fire in the internal area of ​​the room. The intumescent protection aims to ensure the integrity of the wall (10) during a fire condition, or direct exposure to fire. Under temperature conditions above 750°C, the protection begins to intumesce in order to form a physical barrier on the external surface of panel 1 (10.3) and panel 2 (10.4), this barrier has a thickness of approximately 50 mm, and provides insulation before the heat reaches the seal.

[0070]

[0070] The blanket (10.5) is a thermal insulator that helps ensure that the wall (10) can withstand extreme fire conditions. The blanket (10.5) has specific resistance characteristics for very high temperatures, being designed to withstand temperatures above 1200°C.

[0071]

[0071] In order to ensure the performance of the entire assembly that forms the wall (10), an exposure test was carried out at temperatures up to 1200°C for a sufficient time to guarantee 300% performance above the normative requirements for wall testing (10), and after the test all structural components remained intact and the intumescent protection formed the expected insulation barrier.

[0072]

[0072] It is important to highlight that the developed wall (10) can also, alternatively, be applied in the most diverse buildings that have the demand for the requirements described in the present solution, such as industrial buildings, commercial buildings, vault rooms and even for containers used as a fixed structure, for the most diverse applications.

[0073] As we adjust the profile settings and increase the wall thickness (10) by filling with more blanket (10.5) we are able to increase the fire resistance time, allowing alternative wall solutions (10) to meet more demanding safety requirements.

[0073]

[0074] The developed wall (10) is required to: have protection against water ingress; against dust ingress and against the ingress of contaminants from the outside to the inside of the modular data center system (1); be airtight against the passage of gases or smoke; have thermal insulation; and have protection against fire from the outside to the inside of the modular data center system (1), and withstand temperatures above 750°C, preferably above 1200°C. The developed wall (10) also provides for a multiple security system against break-ins and vandalism.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. FIRE PROTECTION AND INSULATION WALL FOR STRUCTURES characterized by the wall (10) being formed by the frame assembly (10.1), the internal flat assembly (10.2), panel 1 (10.3), panel 2 (10.4), the blanket (10.5), the “U” profile 1 (10.6) and the “U” profile 2 (10.7); wherein the frame assembly (10.1) is the perimeter structure of the wall (10); the internal flat assembly (10.2) is fixed to the “U” profile 1 (10.6) and to the “U” profile 2 (10.7); panel 1 (10.3) and panel 2 (10.4) form the face that is in contact with the external environment; the blanket (10.5), the U-shaped profile 1 (10.6) and the U-shaped profile 2 (10.7) are mounted between the inner flat assembly (10.2) and panels 1 (10.3) and 2 (10.4).

2. FIRE PROTECTION AND INSULATION WALL FOR STRUCTURES, according to claim 1, characterized in that the frame assembly (10.1) is welded and preferably made of metallic material; the inner flat assembly (10.2) is the face that is in contact with the internal environment of the room, and is assembled with fastening elements; panel 1 (10.3) and panel 2 (10.4) have a trapezoidal shape; the blanket (10.5) is the thermal insulation material.

3. FIRE PROTECTION AND INSULATION WALL FOR STRUCTURES, according to claim 1, characterized in that, alternatively, a seal, preferably made of ceramic fiber, may be used between the installation of panel 1 (10.3) and panel 2 (10.4), and a second seal, preferably made of silicone.

4. FIRE PROTECTION AND INSULATION WALL FOR STRUCTURES, according to claims 1 and 3, characterized by the alternative use of a sealant in the installation of the walls.

5. FIRE PROTECTION AND INSULATION WALL FOR STRUCTURES, according to claim 1, characterized in that, alternatively, panel 1 (10.3) and panel 2 (10.4) are made of folded steel.

6. FIRE PROTECTION AND INSULATION WALL FOR STRUCTURES, according to claim 1, characterized in that, alternatively, panel 1 (10.3) and panel 2 (10.4) receive an external coating for protection against corrosion and oxidation.

7. FIRE PROTECTION AND INSULATION WALL FOR STRUCTURES, according to claim 1, characterized in that, alternatively, the frame assembly (10.1) can be manufactured with folded sheets, angle bars, tubes or beams.

8. FIRE PROTECTION AND INSULATION WALL FOR STRUCTURES, according to claim 1, characterized by, alternatively, an intumescent coating being applied to the internal and external surfaces of the wall (10) of the modular data center system (1).

9. FIRE PROTECTION AND INSULATION WALL FOR STRUCTURES, according to claim 1, characterized in that, alternatively, the thickness of the wall (10) is increased in order to increase its fire resistance.

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