Overhead Cooling Unit Track System for Data Center Hot Aisle Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing and removing overhead cooling units in data centers are difficult and disruptive, especially in densely packed hot aisles, as they require individual ceiling mounting and can disrupt operational equipment.
Innovation Solution
A track system with roller assemblies is used to safely and efficiently install and remove overhead cooling units by allowing them to be lifted and rolled along tracks, enabling placement and removal without disrupting other units, and facilitating rearrangement within the row of equipment racks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cooling units are individually ceiling mounted over the hot aisle, then cooling capacity is provided, but installation and removal become difficult and disruptive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static ceiling-mounted cooling unit into a dynamic, movable unit by introducing a roller assembly that travels along overhead tracks. This allows the cooling unit to be easily repositioned, installed, and removed without disruptive ceiling work, while maintaining its cooling function when positioned over the hot aisle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary track system mounted to the equipment racks that mediates between the cooling unit and the ceiling structure. This track system enables the cooling unit to be supported and positioned without direct ceiling attachment, facilitating easy installation and removal while maintaining reliable cooling capacity.
2Temperature
If cooling units are ceiling mounted, then warm air can be removed from the hot aisle, but installation disrupts operational equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The movable cooling unit on tracks can be dynamically positioned and installed without fixed ceiling attachment, allowing installation and removal activities to proceed without disrupting operational equipment in the hot aisle, while still achieving temperature control when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling unit can be prepared and positioned on the track system in advance, allowing installation to occur without disrupting operational equipment. The unit is already configured and can be simply rolled into position when needed.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional individual ceiling mounting is used, then cooling units are securely positioned, but rearrangement within the row is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling unit transitions from a fixed, stable ceiling-mounted position to a dynamic position on overhead tracks. This allows the unit to maintain stability when positioned (through track support and locking mechanisms) while enabling easy rearrangement along the track row by simply rolling the unit to a new position.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system is segmented into independent movable units that can be individually repositioned along the track row. Each unit maintains its functional integrity and stability when positioned, while the segmentation enables flexible rearrangement without affecting other cooling units.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a data center comprising a first row of equipment racks, a second row of equipment racks, a hot aisle defined by a space between the first row of equipment racks and the second row of equipment racks, and a track system above the hot aisle of the data center upon which cooling units may be mounted. Cooling units may be moved along the track system. The track system may include portions of track secured to the top sides of one or more cooling units. Also disclosed is a method for installing a cooling unit above a hot aisle of a data center including a plurality of equipment racks.