Multi-Floor Data Center Rack Layout With Vertical Airflow Plenums

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current data center building designs face inefficiencies in cooling and space utilization, leading to suboptimal airflow and increased electrical path lengths between IT equipment.

Innovation Solution

The design features multiple sets of server racks arranged in closed shapes with vertical airflow plenums, aligned openings between floors and the roof for airflow communication with the external environment, and a resource spine for infrastructure, optimizing airflow and reducing electrical path lengths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If server racks are arranged in traditional configurations, then space utilization is achieved, but airflow efficiency deteriorates and cooling effectiveness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling effectivenessVSAvoidairflow path complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The data center space is segmented into distinct airflow zones using server racks arranged in closed-loop configurations. Each rack unit creates separate airflow paths, dividing the overall cooling system into manageable segments that can be independently optimized and controlled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from traditional linear or grid-based rack arrangements to three-dimensional closed-loop configurations. This dimensional change creates vertical and horizontal airflow plenums that utilize unused spatial dimensions, improving airflow efficiency without increasing floor space occupation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Power

If server racks are placed closer together to increase density, then power density increases, but airflow resistance increases and cooling efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower densityVSAvoidairflow resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Server racks are nested in concentric closed-loop formations with multiple racks positioned at different radial distances from a central axis. This nesting arrangement allows airflow to pass through multiple rack layers sequentially, maximizing space utilization while maintaining adequate airflow channels between nested racks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Airflow plenums serve as intermediary spaces between closely positioned server racks. These plenums act as buffer zones that facilitate smooth air flow transitions between racks, reducing turbulence and resistance while enabling high-density rack placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional open-center rack arrangements are used, then installation is simplified, but electrical path lengths between IT equipment increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidelectrical path length

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple server racks are merged into integrated closed-loop formations with shared power and network infrastructure. The resource spine architecture combines electrical conduits, cooling pipes, and network cables into unified pathways that serve multiple racks simultaneously, reducing overall infrastructure length while maintaining installation simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Productivity

If conventional cooling designs are used, then initial construction cost is controlled, but cooling efficiency and energy utilization are suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The closed-loop rack configurations enable self-organizing airflow patterns where hot and cold air streams naturally separate and circulate through designated plenums. This self-service airflow management reduces or eliminates the need for additional active cooling components, improving efficiency without significantly increasing construction costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 enhances airflow efficiency, reduces airflow resistance, and increases power density by allowing natural convection or fan-assisted airflow, while promoting modular and efficient use of space.

Implementation Method 1

allowing natural convection or fan-assisted airflow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNatural convection: Free Convection

Implementation Method 2

allowing natural convection or fan-assisted airflow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForced convection: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentUS8931221B2Alternative data center building designs

Publication Date: 2015.01.13 GOOGLE LLC

AI summary

A multi-floor data center, comprising in one implementation, a plurality of floors; a first set of server racks disposed about a first vertical center axis on each floor, the first set of server racks formed in a substantially closed shape, with a substantially vertical open center comprising a first airflow plenum at least for air flow; a first opening in each of the floors, with the first opening aligned with the substantially vertical first airflow plenum on it respective floor, wherein the substantially vertical first airflow plenums on the floors are aligned for communication through the first openings in the floors; outer wall; a roof with a roof opening therein.