Integrated Data Center Air Duct Plenum for Aisle Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data center air containment systems are limited in supporting the weight of pipes, ducts, wiring, and hardware, and lack integrated solutions for efficient airflow management, leading to inefficiencies in cooling and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
An air duct system integrated with an air containment system that includes ceiling panels, support curbs, and ductwork, allowing for the creation of a plenum to selectively deliver cool air or exhaust hot air, along with a frame structure that supports various equipment and ductwork, and cable trays for organizing wires and cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If air containment structures are made self-supporting or supported by equipment racks, then installation simplicity is improved, but the ability to support weight of pipes, ducts, wiring and hardware deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The air containment system is designed to perform multiple functions: it contains air in hot and cold aisles while simultaneously serving as a support structure for pipes, ducts, wiring, and hardware through its frame structure with vertical posts and cross members, eliminating the need for separate support systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the air containment function with the structural support function into a single integrated system. The frame structure that defines the hot and cold aisles also provides mounting points and support for various data center equipment, merging two previously separate systems into one
2Stability of the object's composition
If ductwork is suspended from building infrastructure separate from containment system, then structural independence is improved, but airflow management efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ductwork is integrated with the air containment frame structure rather than being suspended separately from building infrastructure. This integration allows the containment system to directly manage and direct airflow through the hot and cold aisles, improving thermal management efficiency while maintaining structural stability
3Adaptability or versatility
If equipment is placed on top of IT racks or run under accessible floor, then installation flexibility is improved, but system complexity and energy efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure of the air containment system serves as a universal support platform for various equipment including pipes, ducts, wiring, and hardware. This eliminates the need for separate installation locations such as overhead structures or under-floor spaces, reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts equipment support functions from traditional locations (overhead structures, under-floor spaces, and IT rack tops) and consolidates them into the air containment frame structure, simplifying the overall data center infrastructure
Data Source
AI summary
An air duct system is configured to be used with an air containment system that spans an aisle defined by rows of racks. The air duct system includes a plurality of ceiling panels supported by the air containment system, and a plurality of support curbs mounted on the ceiling panels. The plurality of support curbs is configured to support ductwork positioned on the support curbs, ductwork positioned on the plurality of support curbs. The air duct system further includes a plurality of panels secured to the support curbs to create a plenum underneath the ductwork. A kit providing an air duct system is further disclosed.