Computing Facility Passive Cooling Using Device Fans and Ambient Air
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems for computing facilities, particularly those used in blockchain technology, are inefficient and reliant on conventional HVAC systems, leading to high energy consumption and inadequate temperature management due to the substantial heat generated by computing devices.
Innovation Solution
A passive cooling system utilizing ambient air, combined with recirculated heated air, that relies on computing device fans to drive airflow, minimizing pressure losses and incorporating turbulators for turbulent mixing to achieve efficient temperature regulation without dedicated fans or HVAC components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional HVAC systems are used to cool computing facilities, then temperature management is achieved, but energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The computing device fans themselves serve the dual function of both cooling the devices and driving airflow through the cooling system. The system uses the waste energy from device operation (fan rotation) to power the cooling airflow, eliminating the need for separate HVAC energy input.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful heat generated by computing devices into a beneficial cooling mechanism. By capturing and recirculating the heated air through turbulators that induce turbulent mixing with ambient air, the system transforms waste heat into a driving force for continuous airflow and cooling.
2Productivity
If dedicated cooling fans are added to improve airflow, then cooling efficiency increases, but device complexity and fan stress increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing computing device fans are made multi-functional: they simultaneously cool the computing components and drive the overall airflow through the facility's cooling system. This eliminates the need for dedicated cooling fans and reduces system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system is self-powered by the computing devices themselves. The fans that are already required for device operation automatically provide the airflow needed for cooling, making the system self-sufficient and avoiding additional mechanical components.
3Use of energy by moving object
If recirculated heated air is used for cooling, then energy efficiency improves, but airflow stratification may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs turbulators that create turbulent mixing in the airflow. This turbulence acts as a mechanical disturbance that prevents laminar flow stratification, ensuring uniform distribution of recirculated heated air and ambient cool air throughout the facility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow regime parameter from laminar to turbulent through the use of turbulators. This parameter change ensures thorough mixing of air streams with different temperatures, preventing stratification and maintaining uniform airflow composition throughout the recirculation system.
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 temperature and humidity through ambient air integration and recirculation, reducing energy consumption and maintaining optimal operating conditions for computing devices while minimizing fan stress and preventing airflow stratification.
Implementation Method 1
at least one computing device fan configured to move air across the heat generating components to cool the computing devices
Implementation Method 2
The turbulators are configured to induce turbulent mixing of the airflows
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of heat generating components arranged within the interior space
Implementation Method 4
move air across the heat generating components to cool the computing devices
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for cooling computing devices may include at least one facility, at least one cool air aisle disposed within the at least one facility, at least one hot air aisle, at least one air inlet, and at least one exhaust outlet. The system may also include a plurality of computing devices including a plurality of computing device fans arranged within the at least one cool air aisle. An internal air pressure within the at least one cool air aisle provided via the plurality of computing device fans may be lower than an external air pressure of the external environment. The plurality of computing device fans may be configured to provide sufficient airflow of outside air through the at least one facility to cool the plurality of computing devices.