Data center air handling unit including uninterruptable cooling fan with weighted rotor and method of using the same
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Data centers face challenges in maintaining continuous cooling during power outages, as existing uninterruptible power supplies are expensive and require valuable space, and conventional air handling systems are not designed for efficient transport or access for maintenance.
Innovation Solution
An air handling unit with uninterruptable cooling fans featuring weighted rotors that store rotational kinetic energy to maintain airflow during power outages, allowing the system to continue cooling electronic equipment until backup generators come online, and optionally generating electricity to power control systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If uninterruptible power supplies are used to provide continuous power during power outages, then reliability of cooling is improved, but cost and floor space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the energy storage function from the complete uninterruptible power supply system and places it only in the fan rotor. The weighted rotor stores rotational kinetic energy that keeps the fan spinning during power outages, providing continuous cooling without needing full UPS systems with batteries and control electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The fan rotor serves dual functions: it performs the primary function of driving the fan blades to move air for cooling, and simultaneously serves as an energy storage device (flywheel) to maintain operation during power outages. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate UPS equipment.
2Device complexity
If conventional air handling systems are used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of transport and maintenance access deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The air handling system is divided into separate modular units - evaporator units and condenser units - that can be independently positioned and accessed. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimally located for both function and maintenance accessibility without requiring a complex integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes vertical space by positioning evaporator units at different elevations and using overhead air return paths. This three-dimensional arrangement improves maintenance accessibility by allowing technicians to reach components from multiple directions without disassembling entire systems.
3Ease of repair
If air conditioning units are installed in standardized accessible positions, then ease of repair is improved, but adaptability to different facility layouts deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The air handling units are designed with flexible installation options that allow them to be positioned in various locations depending on facility requirements. The modular design with separate evaporator and condenser units enables adaptation to different spatial configurations while maintaining standardized access points for maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaporator units are designed to perform multiple functions: they can be positioned in various locations within the facility, serve different cooling zones, and maintain standardized maintenance access. This universal design allows the same unit type to be deployed throughout the facility in adaptable configurations.
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 solution provides cost-effective, uninterrupted cooling to prevent damage to electronic equipment during power outages by using the stored energy in weighted fan rotors to maintain airflow and potentially power control systems, reducing the need for expensive uninterruptible power supplies and enhancing system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
one or more fans configured with a weighted rotor to provide uninterrupted cooling during a power outage until back-up generators come on-line. The fan rotors are configured to store sufficient energy as rotational kinetic energy.
Implementation Method 2
The uninterruptable cooling fans may also be configured for generation of electricity to power a control system associated therewith during a power outage until back-up generators come on-line.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is an air handling unit for use in an integrated data center that provides for efficient cooling, wherein the air handling unit includes one or more uninterruptable cooling fans each with a weighted rotor for providing uninterrupted cooling during a power outage until back-up generators come on-line, and a method of using the same. The uninterruptable cooling fan rotors are configured to store sufficient energy as rotational kinetic energy. Furthermore, the uninterruptable cooling fans may also be configured for generation of electricity to power a control system associated therewith during a power outage until back-up generators come on-line.