Ceiling-Mounted Server Cooling Ducts for Space Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems for server cabinets occupy valuable space, are costly, and complex to set up, especially in data centers, and require additional monitoring and fire protection measures.
Innovation Solution
A cooling system arrangement where supply and exhaust air ducts are installed on the ceiling side of the room, allowing for efficient cooling without occupying server cabinet floor space, using direct free cooling and recirculating air, with cooling devices integrated into these ducts to support gravity-driven airflow and reduce the need for additional construction and fan systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cooling units are positioned between two server racks or at the end of server rack rows, then cooling function is provided, but usable space for server racks is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system transitions from floor-level placement to ceiling-mounted placement, utilizing the vertical dimension and overhead space. Supply air ducts and exhaust air ducts are installed on the ceiling, with cooling devices positioned above the server racks rather than between them, thereby preserving floor space for maximum server rack capacity while maintaining effective cooling coverage
2Area of stationary object
If cooling systems with raised floors are used, then no server rack space is required, but installation complexity and cost increase due to structural support requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system extracts the heavy structural support requirement from the flooring system and relocates it to the ceiling structure. By mounting supply and exhaust air ducts on the ceiling, the system eliminates the need for raised floors designed to bear heavy equipment weights, thereby reducing installation complexity and cost while preserving server rack space
Solution Approach 2:
The ceiling structure serves as an intermediary mounting platform for the cooling system components. Instead of requiring the floor to support heavy cooling equipment and raised floor structures, the ceiling acts as the supporting intermediary, simplifying the overall system installation and reducing structural requirements
3Area of stationary object
If ceiling-mounted supply and exhaust air ducts are used, then no additional floor space is required and installation is simplified, but effective air distribution to server racks must be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements localized air distribution through multiple supply air ducts positioned at different locations along the ceiling, each serving specific server rack zones. Similarly, exhaust air ducts are distributed throughout the ceiling space to efficiently capture hot air from different areas. This localized approach ensures effective air distribution while maintaining open floor space
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system is segmented into multiple distributed supply air ducts and exhaust air ducts rather than using single large centralized ducts. This segmentation allows for better air distribution across different server rack zones and facilitates easier installation and maintenance while preserving floor space
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
This arrangement provides efficient, space-optimized cooling for server cabinets, reducing costs and complexity while ensuring effective cooling even in large server arrays, with the added benefit of independent cooling systems and enhanced safety features like fire dampers and condensate management.
Implementation Method 1
at least one cooling device is arranged in the supply air duct (22), in the exhaust air duct (18), or in at least one connecting duct (52a-d) leading from the exhaust air duct (18) to the supply air duct (22)
Implementation Method 2
supplying the cold aisle (20) with cooling air and having at least one inlet opening (48a-e) leading from the supply air duct (22) into the cold aisle (20)
Implementation Method 3
an exhaust air duct is provided on the ceiling of the room, conveying air from the hot aisle and having at least one exhaust air opening (50a-e) leading from the hot aisle (14) into the exhaust air duct (18)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
According to an arrangement of a cooling system according to the invention for cooling at least one server cabinet (10) arranged in a room, at least one cold aisle (20) is provided on a first side of the server cabinet (10) and a hot aisle (14) is provided on a second side of the server cabinet (10). For cooling the at least one server cabinet (10), at least one supply air duct (22) is provided on the ceiling side of the room, supplying the cold aisle (20) with cooling air and having at least one inlet opening (48a, 48b, 48c, 48d, 48e) leading from the supply air duct (22) into the cold aisle (20). Furthermore, an exhaust air duct (18) conveying air from the hot aisle (14) is provided on the ceiling side of the room, with at least one exhaust air opening (50a, 50b, 50c, 50d) leading from the hot aisle (14) into the exhaust air duct (18).The supply air duct (22) is further connected to a supply air line (28) for direct free cooling, and at least one cooling device (54a, 54b, 54c, 54d) is arranged in the supply air duct (22), in the exhaust air duct (18) or in at least one connecting duct (52a, 52b, 52c, 52d) leading from the exhaust air duct (18) to the supply air duct (22).