Container Data Center Cooling via Triangular Vents and Filters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container-based data centers for cryptocurrency mining face challenges with reliability and longevity due to heat generation and external cooling methods that increase power consumption and allow dust, debris, and moisture ingress, leading to reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
A shipping container system with triangular prism air intake and exhaust vents, equipped with washable metallic mesh air filters that function as mist eliminators, providing improved airflow and moisture management to enhance cooling efficiency and protect computing devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If external active cooling units (air conditioning) are used, then cooling capability is improved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the mining devices' own exhaust fans to provide cooling by creating negative pressure that draws in ambient air through filters, eliminating the need for separate active cooling units and significantly reducing power consumption
2Productivity
If louvers or slats are used for air intake, then cooling airflow is improved, but dust, debris, and moisture ingress increases
Solution Approach 1:
Washable metallic mesh filters are installed as intermediaries in the air intake path, allowing ambient air to pass through while blocking dust, debris, and moisture from entering the container
3Productivity
If mining devices operate at high frequencies for long periods, then mining productivity is improved, but heat generation increases and component reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the harmful heat exhaust from mining devices into a beneficial cooling mechanism by using the negative pressure created by exhaust fans to draw in ambient air through filters, thereby cooling the devices while protecting them from contaminants
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 enhances cooling efficiency and reliability by maintaining a stable environment for computing devices, reducing power consumption, and minimizing dust and moisture ingress, thus extending the longevity and reliability of mining equipment.
Implementation Method 1
washable metallic mesh air filters that function as mist eliminators
Implementation Method 2
The fans also create negative pressure within the container that helps force moisture and hot air out the exhaust openings
Implementation Method 3
The fans also create negative pressure within the container that helps force moisture and hot air out the exhaust openings
Data Source
AI summary
A system for operating and cooling a plurality of computing devices in a container-based data center is disclosed. Shipping containers are configured with air intake openings having triangular prism or trapezoidal prism shaped vents. The vents hold filters that can remove dust, debris, and moisture droplets from the incoming air. Fans draw fresh air into the container through the filters and direct the filtered air across the computing devices to cool them. The heated air is then expelled out of the container via exhaust openings on the opposite side of the container from the air intake openings.