Data Center Air Recirculation to Reduce Filter Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data centers directly cooled by outside air face challenges with filter clogging due to contaminants, leading to reduced server operational rates as filters need frequent replacement or cleaning, which stops servers and reduces efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A data center system with an air circulation amount control device that adjusts the amount of outside air introduced based on temperature and server operation state, using a damper to optimize air circulation and extend filter life by minimizing outside air introduction when possible, thereby reducing the need for frequent filter cleaning or replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If outside air is directly introduced into the data center for cooling, then electric power consumption for cooling is reduced, but filters clog frequently due to contaminants requiring frequent replacement or cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a circulation passage that allows cooled air from inside the data center to circulate back to the intake port, acting as an intermediary between the cooling system and outside air. This reduces the amount of contaminant-laden outside air needed while maintaining cooling effectiveness, thereby extending filter life and reducing maintenance downtime
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the amount of outside air introduced based on temperature conditions and server operation states. By changing the parameter of outside air introduction amount according to real-time conditions, the system optimizes cooling efficiency while minimizing filter clogging, thus reducing maintenance frequency
2Use of energy by stationary object
If outside air is directly introduced into the data center for cooling, then electric power consumption for cooling is reduced, but server operational rate decreases due to frequent filter replacement or cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation passage serves as an intermediary that recycles cooled air back into the system, reducing dependency on fresh outside air. This maintains cooling performance while minimizing filter clogging, thereby keeping servers operational at higher rates and improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
By dynamically adjusting outside air introduction based on temperature and server load conditions, the system ensures adequate cooling only when necessary, reducing filter maintenance frequency and maximizing server operational time
3Productivity
If filters are replaced or cleaned frequently to prevent clogging, then server operational rate is maintained, but downtime increases due to frequent maintenance stops
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation passage acts as an intermediary that reduces the volume of outside air passing through filters by recycling cooled air. This extends filter life significantly, reducing maintenance frequency and associated downtime while maintaining server operational rates
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes outside air introduction parameters based on real-time conditions, minimizing filter load and extending replacement intervals. This reduces maintenance downtime while keeping servers operational, effectively resolving the contradiction between productivity and maintenance time
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 improves server operational rates and extends filter life, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of data center operations by optimizing air circulation and reducing downtime for filter maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
an air blower configured to introduce outside air into the structure through the intake port to circulate the outside air from one side to the other side of the rack
Implementation Method 2
a circulation passage disposed above the rack and configured to make a first space between the one side of the rack and the intake port and a second space between the other side of the rack and the exhaust port communicate with each other
Data Source
AI summary
A data center includes: a structure provided with an intake port at one side thereof and an exhaust port at the other side thereof; a rack disposed in the structure; an air blower configured to introduce outside air into the structure through the intake port to circulate the outside air from one side to the other side of the rack; a circulation passage configured to make a first space between the one side of the rack and the intake port and a second space between the other side of the rack and the exhaust port communicate with each other; a circulation amount control equipment disposed within the circulation passage; and an air circulation amount control device configured to control the circulation amount control equipment and an operation state of the electronic equipment such that the amount of the air which circulates the circulation passage is adjusted.