Ceiling-Mounted Adaptable Cooling for Container Data Centers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Container-based data centers face challenges in managing increasing heat loads due to growing computing power, and existing cooling systems are not adaptable to varying geographical, seasonal, and operational conditions, as well as changes in server configurations.
Innovation Solution
A multi-mode cooling system with a ceiling-mounted housing that operates in closed loop, open loop, and auxiliary modes, using a self-contained chilled water cooling circuit and an auxiliary heat exchanger, allowing for flexible cooling capacity adjustments and efficient heat management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the number, capacity and/or computing power of servers is increased to meet customer demand for more computing power, then the computing power and capacity of the data center is improved, but the heat load generated during operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system employs variable speed fans and adjustable louver positions that can be dynamically controlled based on real-time thermal conditions and operational requirements, allowing the system to adapt its cooling capacity to match the varying heat loads generated by different server configurations and computing workloads
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters including fan speed, louver angle, and cooling mode (closed loop vs open loop) to optimize heat dissipation efficiency under different computing power levels and environmental conditions
2Reliability
If a fixed cooling system is installed in a container-based data center, then the initial cooling requirement is met, but the system cannot adapt to varying geographical, seasonal, and operational conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is designed with multiple operational modes including closed loop mode for controlled environments, open loop mode for uncontrolled environments, and hybrid mode combining both approaches, allowing a single system to universally handle diverse geographical and operational conditions without requiring multiple specialized systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different cooling modes and adjusts operational parameters based on environmental conditions, server load, and thermal requirements, transforming a static cooling infrastructure into an adaptive system that maintains reliability across varying conditions
3Power
If minimal spacing is specified between servers and the surrounding container to maximize computing power density, then the computing power per container is improved, but heat management becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system utilizes vertical air flow paths and three-dimensional heat exchanger arrangements within the container, moving heat management from a two-dimensional planar approach to a three-dimensional volumetric approach that efficiently dissipates heat from densely packed servers with minimal spacing
4Area of stationary object
If a ceiling-mounted cooling system is installed to minimize floor space consumption, then the available space for servers is maximized, but maintenance accessibility may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is divided into modular components including separate fan assemblies, heat exchanger units, and control systems that can be independently accessed and serviced, allowing maintenance personnel to work on specific components without disassembling the entire ceiling-mounted structure
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 system effectively manages heat loads by providing adaptable cooling solutions, optimizing server performance and longevity, while minimizing space consumption and maintaining accessibility for maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling unit, which generally includes a heat exchanger... The cooling system can be operated in a closed loop mode using this heat exchanger to cool the air within the container
Implementation Method 2
Within the housing, a fan or other type of air mover draws air through a cooling unit
Data Source
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AI summary
A cooling apparatus (102) for a container-based data center (100) comprises an air handling housing (116), at least one movable louver (140), a filter (141) and a fan (138). The housing is configured for suspending from a ceiling (118) of the container and comprises at least one heat exchanger (137). The louver is movable to direct air flow along different paths within the housing according to a selected operating mode. The fan is positioned in the housing and controllable according to the selected operating mode. The heat exchanger is configured in a self-contained water chilling circuit positioned within the container for use in a closed loop mode. The apparatus is convertible for use in an economizer mode that draws outside air into the container. An optional auxiliary heat exchanger element has a cold side heat exchange portion positioned outside the container and a connection through the ceiling to a hot side heat exchange portion positioned within the housing.