Container Data Center Airflow Recirculation for Cold-Start Thermal Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Container-based data centers face challenges in efficiently cooling computing devices during extreme temperatures, both high and low, which can lead to reduced reliability and increased energy consumption, and power outages can cause devices to operate below safe temperatures, risking damage or failure.
Innovation Solution
The system employs thermal mass materials to absorb and release heat, and dynamically reconfigures airflow by recirculating hot air during low temperatures, using heaters or external warm air when necessary, to maintain optimal operating temperatures and ensure safe device restarts after power outages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If refrigeration is used to cool computing devices in data centers, then the cooling effectiveness is improved, but the energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent captures waste heat from exhaust air and converts it into a useful resource by directing it to preheat intake air during cold periods. This transforms the harmful waste heat into a beneficial heating source, reducing the need for additional heating energy while maintaining cooling effectiveness during warm periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the temperature parameter of intake air by mixing it with recirculated warm exhaust air when ambient temperatures are low. This parameter adjustment allows the system to maintain optimal operating temperatures without requiring energy-intensive heating, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while preserving cooling capability.
2Temperature
If heat pumps or furnaces are used to preheat air during cold weather, then the operating temperature is improved, but the energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent captures waste heat from exhaust air and converts it into a useful resource by directing it to preheat intake air during cold periods. This transforms the harmful waste heat into a beneficial heating source, reducing the need for additional heating energy while maintaining cooling effectiveness during warm periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own exhaust heat to preheat its intake air, creating a self-sustaining thermal management approach. This self-service mechanism reduces dependence on external energy sources like heat pumps or furnaces, thereby improving energy efficiency while maintaining appropriate operating temperatures.
3Temperature
If mixing chambers with recirculating ductwork are used to preheat air, then the temperature is improved, but the airflow is negatively impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the airflow paths by using separate intake and exhaust vents with controlled mixing at the container level. This segmentation allows warm exhaust air to be directed to specific containers needing preheating without creating complex system-wide recirculating ductwork, thereby maintaining efficient airflow while achieving temperature improvement.
4Temperature
If additional fans are used to circulate air for preheating, then the temperature distribution is improved, but the energy consumption and system efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses its own exhaust heat to preheat its intake air, creating a self-sustaining thermal management approach. This self-service mechanism reduces dependence on external energy sources like heat pumps or furnaces, thereby improving energy efficiency while maintaining appropriate operating temperatures.
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 approach enhances the efficiency of cooling systems, reduces energy consumption, and prevents damage from temperature fluctuations, ensuring continuous operation and extended device longevity by maintaining temperatures within safe ranges.
Implementation Method 1
positioning a thermal mass in the container to absorb heat generated by the computing devices during operation and release it during cold weather power outages
Implementation Method 2
cooling fans configured to generate an airflow through the computing device and exhaust the hot air out the exhaust side vent
Implementation Method 3
The thermal mass may be steel, stone, or a phase change material (PCM)
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for managing airflow for cooling computing devices (e.g., in a data center) are disclosed. To prevent damage to computing devices after power outages in low temperatures, a subset of the computing devices may be preheated, started, and operated in an exhaust air recirculation mode to raise the temperatures of the other computing devices. Preheating may for example use heaters or warm air temporarily diverted from external sources such as nearby buildings. Thermal mass (e.g., phase change material) may be positioned near the computing devices to capture heat that is later released in the event of a dramatic temperature drop such a cold weather power outage.