Access Floor Smart Tile for Distributed Refrigerant Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current refrigerant leakage detection systems in data centers are expensive and invasive, especially in large areas with false floors, and fail to effectively monitor refrigerant accumulation both above and below the floor, posing risks due to the flammability and accumulation characteristics of new low-global-warming-potential refrigerants.
Innovation Solution
A smart tile system that draws air from both above and below, equipped with a refrigerant sensing device, LED indicators for alarm, and wireless communication to transmit detection signals to a central station, allowing for flexible and comprehensive refrigerant leak detection without the need for extensive piping networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a single sensing device with piping network is used to monitor multiple zones, then cost is reduced, but the system becomes invasive and inflexible
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the monitoring function into segments by integrating sensing capabilities directly into individual floor tiles. Each tile operates as an independent monitoring unit with its own sensor, eliminating the need for a centralized piping network while maintaining comprehensive coverage. This segmentation allows flexible addition or relocation of monitoring zones simply by placing or moving tiles.
Solution Approach 2:
The floor tile system serves multiple functions: it provides structural flooring support while simultaneously integrating refrigerant detection capabilities. The tile design allows it to function both as a building component and as a distributed sensing node, eliminating the need for separate invasive piping infrastructure.
2Reliability
If dedicated sensing devices are placed in each zone, then detection coverage is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the flooring structure with the sensing function by integrating the refrigerant sensor directly into the floor tile. This combination eliminates the need for separate dedicated sensing devices in each zone, as each tile becomes a self-contained monitoring unit that provides both structural and detection functions.
Solution Approach 2:
Each floor tile is designed to be self-contained with integrated sensing capabilities, allowing it to independently detect refrigerant leaks in its local area. The tile serves itself by incorporating the sensor, power supply, and communication components within the tile structure, eliminating dependency on external centralized systems.
3Reliability
If piping network is installed for refrigerant detection, then comprehensive monitoring is achieved, but installation becomes invasive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical piping network with an integrated electronic sensing system embedded in floor tiles. Instead of using physical pipes to transport refrigerant samples to a central detection point, each tile contains its own sensor that directly detects refrigerant in the air, eliminating the complex piping infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the sensing function from the centralized piping system and places it directly at the point of potential refrigerant accumulation (the floor level). By removing the need for piping and placing sensors directly where detection is needed, the system simplifies installation while maintaining comprehensive monitoring coverage.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The smart tile system provides a cost-effective, flexible, and comprehensive solution for detecting refrigerant leaks in data centers, ensuring safety by alerting alarms and allowing for easy addition or reconfiguration of monitoring zones without invasive piping, effectively addressing the risks of refrigerant accumulation and flammability.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigerant sensing device to detect refrigerant in the received air
Implementation Method 2
a fan to draw in the received air into the grille from at least one of above or below the tile body
Implementation Method 3
one or more light element configured to indicate a detection of refrigerant detected by the refrigerant sensing device. The one or more light element may include at least one of a first color light to indicate normal operation or a second color light to indicate an alarm
Data Source
AI summary
A floor system for detecting refrigerant includes one or more tiles. Each tile includes a tile body having a cavity formed therein and a grille element positioned within the cavity of the tile body. The grille element is configured to receive air from at least one of above or below the tile body. Each tile further includes a control assembly associated with the grille element. The control assembly includes a refrigerant sensing device to detect refrigerant in the received air. The control assembly is configured to output a signal indicating a detection of refrigerant.