Container Data Center Rack Sliding Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container-based data centers inefficiently utilize space, leading to reduced rack densities and interrupted cooling when racks are slid into aisles for access, resulting in fewer equipment installations and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A configuration where racks are organized in rows and columns within a shipping container, with staggered openings allowing racks to slide and create aisles without interrupting airflow or cooling, enabling higher rack densities and efficient equipment access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If racks are organized in traditional container-based data centers, then space utilization is inefficient, but rack density is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional horizontal rack arrangements to a three-dimensional configuration where racks are stacked vertically and organized in multiple levels within the container. This dimensional change allows significantly higher rack density while maintaining efficient space utilization by utilizing vertical space that was previously underutilized.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested rack structures where racks are positioned within racks, and multiple rack levels are nested within the container volume. This nesting approach maximizes the use of available space by placing racks in hierarchical arrangements, thereby increasing rack density without compromising space efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If racks are slid into aisles for access, then equipment accessibility is improved, but cooling is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the container into multiple independent cooling zones, each with dedicated cooling units. This segmentation ensures that when racks in one zone are accessed or moved, cooling continues uninterrupted in other zones. Each rack level has its own cooling pathway, isolating potential disruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fixed cooling ducts and airflow channels as intermediary structures that maintain continuous cooling pathways independent of rack positions. These intermediaries ensure that cooling airflow is not disrupted by rack movement or access operations, as the cooling infrastructure remains stationary and dedicated.
3Productivity
If more racks are installed to increase capacity, then computing capacity is improved, but the number of containers needed increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple rack systems into a single integrated container structure, merging what would traditionally require separate containers into one unified high-density system. By consolidating racks vertically and in multiple levels within a single container, the patent achieves high computing capacity while minimizing the number of containers required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite rack structures that integrate multiple functions (support, cooling, power distribution, and equipment mounting) into unified rack assemblies. This composite approach maximizes the utilization of container space and allows higher rack densities, thereby increasing computing capacity per container without requiring additional containers.
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 configuration increases rack capacity by 140% compared to existing designs, maintaining uninterrupted cooling and reducing the number of containers needed for a given number of server computing devices, thereby minimizing costs.
Implementation Method 1
Each heat exchanger is installed on one of the racks to cool air exhausted by any electronic equipment installed on the rack in question
Data Source
AI summary
A container includes first and second long sides parallel to the container's length. Racks are organized in rows parallel to the container's width. Each rack is receptive to installation of equipment along a height of the data rack parallel to the container's height. Openings are defined within the first and/or second long sides of the container. Heat exchangers may be installed, where each exchanger is installed on a rack to cool air exhausted by any equipment installed on this rack. Each row may include as many of the racks positioned side-to-side, length-wise, and parallel to the width of the container as can fit within the container. The racks of each row may be slidable in unison back and forth along the length of the container, between a first position at which the racks block an opening and a second position at which the racks block another opening.