Data center air containment system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data center air containment systems are limited in supporting the weight of pipes, ducts, wiring, and hardware, and lack integrated solutions for managing airflow efficiently, leading to inefficiencies in cooling and energy conservation.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable air containment system with a frame structure, cantilever assemblies, and an air duct system that supports various equipment, including ductwork, cable trays, and allows for selective delivery or exhaustion of air, enabling efficient airflow management and integration with data center infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If air containment structures are made self-supporting or supported by equipment racks, then the containment structure can be installed independently, but the structure cannot support the weight of pipes, ducts, wiring and hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The containment structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it contains hot and cold aisles, supports pipes, ducts, wiring and hardware, and provides mounting surfaces for equipment. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by making the structure capable of bearing additional loads without requiring separate support systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the air containment function with the structural support function into a single integrated system. The frame structure that defines the hot and cold aisles also serves as the support framework for all ancillary infrastructure, merging previously separate systems into one unified structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If ductwork is suspended from building infrastructure and containment system is separate, then installation is simplified, but the systems are decoupled and cannot efficiently manage airflow together
Solution Approach 1:
The ductwork support curbs are integrated directly onto the containment frame structure, merging the air containment system with the air conveyance system. This integration allows the containment structure to directly support and coordinate with the ductwork, enabling efficient airflow management while maintaining installation simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The containment frame structure serves as both the air containment boundary and the support structure for ductwork, ceiling panels, and other infrastructure. This multi-functional design enables the single structure to fulfill multiple roles that were previously distributed across separate systems.
3Loss of energy
If hot and cold aisles are contained to prevent air mixing, then cooling efficiency improves, but the system requires additional infrastructure to support pipes, ducts and wiring
Solution Approach 1:
The containment frame structure is designed to simultaneously provide air containment for thermal management and structural support for all ancillary infrastructure. This eliminates the need for additional separate support structures, achieving energy efficiency without proportionally increasing infrastructure complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the thermal management containment function with the mechanical support function into a single integrated structure, allowing the system to achieve both cooling efficiency and infrastructure support without requiring separate systems for each function.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
An air containment system is configured to span an aisle defined by rows of racks. The air containment system includes a frame structure having two end frames provided at respective ends of the air containment system, and at least two horizontal beams, one for each side of the air containment system, releasably secured to the end frames. The frame structure is adjustable to achieve a desired height, length and width as required for a particular application of the air containment system. A kit providing an air containment system is further disclosed.