Air Handling Unit Canopy with Configurable Louvers for Noise and Precipitation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data center air handling units face challenges in reducing noise emissions and preventing precipitation entry, while maintaining efficient cooling and access for maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The air handling units are equipped with canopies containing configurable louvers that can be controlled to divert noise back towards the facility and prevent precipitation, featuring upwardly facing exhaust fans and compressor fans covered by canopies with moveable louvers to minimize noise and precipitation ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If air handling units are equipped with canopies and configurable louvers to reduce noise emissions, then noise emissions are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The canopy structure is segmented into multiple configurable louver sections that can be independently controlled. Each louver bank can be adjusted separately to optimize noise reduction while maintaining operational functionality, breaking down the complex noise control problem into manageable segments
Solution Approach 2:
The louver system is designed to be dynamically adjustable rather than fixed, allowing the configuration to change based on operational requirements. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt between noise reduction mode and operational mode, resolving the contradiction between noise control and device simplicity
2Object-affected harmful factors
If moveable louvers are installed in canopies to prevent precipitation entry, then precipitation ingress is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The louver system incorporates moveable components that can dynamically adjust their position in response to precipitation conditions. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to effectively prevent precipitation entry while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure compared to fixed protective enclosures
Solution Approach 2:
The same louver mechanism serves multiple functions: it controls noise emissions, prevents precipitation entry, and maintains operational airflow. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective structures, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
3Object-generated harmful factors
If canopies with configurable louvers are added to air handling units, then noise emissions are reduced, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The louver system is designed to operate autonomously based on sensor inputs and pre-programmed logic, adjusting its configuration automatically to control noise emissions without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability maintains ease of operation while achieving noise reduction goals
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor operational conditions and automatically adjust louver positions accordingly. This feedback control enables the system to optimize noise reduction while maintaining ease of operation through automated rather than manual control
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is an air handling unit that includes canopies for compressor fans and exhaust fans located on a top thereof, which canopies provide for noise abatement and a canopy to assist in keeping precipitation out. The canopies further include louvers that can be controlled to provide for even further noise abatement and precipitation control.