Independent aisle containment system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aisle containment systems in data centers face challenges in efficiently separating hot and cold air and accommodating cabinets of varying sizes without disrupting the containment structure, leading to gaps and inefficiencies in air separation.
Innovation Solution
An independent aisle containment system with adjustable blanking panels, including full height and above cabinet panels made of translucent materials with vertical stiffeners and flap seals, which can be laterally adjusted to fill openings and securely seal gaps between cabinets and wall beams, allowing for easy installation and adaptation to different cabinet configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed blanking panels are used in aisle containment systems, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the system cannot accommodate cabinets of varying sizes and creates gaps that reduce air separation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The blanking panels are designed to be laterally adjustable along the containment system, transforming from a fixed static structure to a dynamic adjustable one. This allows the panels to adapt to different cabinet widths while maintaining structural integrity through the track system and positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The containment system is divided into modular sections with individual blanking panels that can be independently adjusted. Each panel operates as a separate unit within the overall system, allowing localized adaptation without affecting the entire structure.
2Reliability
If traditional aisle containment systems are used, then the basic structure is established, but gaps remain between cabinets and wall beams that reduce sealing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
Adjustable blanking panels serve as intermediary elements positioned between the cabinets and wall beams. These panels fill the gaps and openings that would otherwise compromise air separation, while the track system provides an intermediary mechanism for easy adjustment and installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral position of the blanking panels can be changed to match different cabinet configurations. By adjusting the panel positions along the track, the system adapts to various cabinet sizes and arrangements, maintaining optimal sealing without requiring complex reinstallation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If rigid containment structures are used, then structural stability is maintained, but flexibility to reconfigure for different cabinet arrangements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The containment system incorporates dynamically adjustable blanking panels within a stable fixed frame structure. The rigid wall beams and posts provide structural stability, while the adjustable panels introduce flexibility for reconfiguration without compromising the overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the structural frame (fixed and stable) from the blanking panels (adjustable and flexible). This segmentation allows the stable frame to maintain structural integrity while the modular panels provide adaptability for different cabinet arrangements.
Data Source
AI summary
An aisle containment system is disclosed. The aisle containment system includes a frame defined by wall beams, header frames, and a plurality of posts secured to the wall beams and header frames. The header frames extend the width of the frame and the wall beams extend the length of the frame. A plurality of blanking panels extend from the floor to one of the wall beams. The plurality of blanking panels have a top, a bottom, a first side and a second side. Vertical stiffeners are positioned along at least one of the first side and the second side of each blanking panel. The blanking panels overlap adjacent blanking panels along the length of the frame. The blanking panels are laterally adjusted to fill openings in the aisle containment system.