Data Center Cooling via Segmented Hot and Cold Aisles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data centers face significant challenges in managing electrical power consumption and heat removal, leading to high operational costs due to the need for both electricity to power equipment and additional electricity to dissipate the heat generated, with existing solutions often being complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
The system involves adjusting the electrical power density of computer racks and corresponding cooling airflow in data centers by modifying the number, dimension, and temperature of warm air aisles, as well as the power supply and fan coil units, to optimize cooling and power distribution, using pre-fabricated and tested equipment for efficient heat removal and power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional data center cooling systems are used, then heat removal is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The data center is divided into distinct thermal zones (hot aisles and cold aisles) with dedicated airflow paths. Computing equipment racks are segmented to face alternating hot and cold aisles, creating isolated thermal environments that simplify cooling system design and reduce the need for complex mixed-air handling equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces vertical dimensionality by stacking computing equipment vertically within racks and organizing racks in alternating hot/cold aisle patterns. This three-dimensional arrangement optimizes airflow paths and heat removal efficiency without requiring additional horizontal cooling infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity.
2Power
If electrical power density is increased, then processing power improves, but heat generation and cooling requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different thermal management strategies to different locations within the data center. Hot aisles are designed with specific airflow characteristics and cooling provisions tailored to high-heat-density equipment, while cold aisles maintain controlled temperatures for equipment intake. This localized thermal management allows higher power density in specific zones without uniformly increasing cooling requirements across the entire facility.
3Temperature
If cooling airflow is increased, then heat removal efficiency improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alternating hot and cold aisle configuration creates natural airflow patterns where cooled air from cold aisles is drawn through computing equipment and discharged into hot aisles, which then naturally rise and return to cooling sources. This self-organizing thermal architecture reduces the need for high-power forced airflow systems, lowering energy consumption while maintaining effective heat removal.
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 approach provides flexible layout options, high-volume heat removal using simple and cost-effective equipment, reducing construction costs and enabling faster deployment with dependable infrastructure, while optimizing cooling and power efficiency in data centers.
Implementation Method 1
providing at least one fan coil unit operable to circulate a cooling airflow to a human-occupiable workspace of the data center
Implementation Method 2
providing at least one fan coil unit operable to circulate a cooling airflow
Implementation Method 3
the plurality of computer racks including a plurality of rack-mounted computing equipment that generates heat relative to an electrical power density associated with each of the computer racks
Implementation Method 4
The operating computers convert all of that consumed electricity into heat
Implementation Method 5
forming one or more warm air aisles between the one or more rows of the plurality of computer racks, the warm air aisles in fluid communication with an inlet of the fan coil unit through a warm air plenum
Implementation Method 6
the warm air aisles in fluid communication with an inlet of the fan coil unit through a warm air plenum
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for operating a data center include providing at least one fan coil unit operable to circulate a cooling airflow to a human-occupiable workspace of the data center; providing a plurality of computer racks arranged in one or more rows in the human-occupiable workspace; forming one or more warm air aisles between the one or more rows of the plurality of computer racks that are in fluid communication with an inlet of the fan coil unit through a warm air plenum, and also with an outlet of the fan coil unit through the human-occupiable workspace and the plurality of computer racks arranged in one or more rows; adjusting the associated electrical power density of one or more of the plurality of computer racks; and based on the adjustment, adjusting a characteristic of the data center.