Data Center External Wall-Mounted HVAC Units for Efficient Cooling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data center designs face inefficiencies in air conditioning and wiring management, with air conditioning units not being in standardized, accessible positions, and lacking a transportable design, while also failing to systematically separate power and data wiring.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an integrated data center with external air conditioning units and modular thermal shields that trap heated air, using a false ceiling to channel warm air to external units, and separate power and data wiring through structured support brackets and conduits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If air conditioning units are installed inside the facility, then cooling can be provided to the electronic equipment, but the units are not in standardized, accessible positions for repair or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The air conditioning units are extracted from the interior of the facility and positioned outside through exterior wall openings. This allows the units to be easily accessible for maintenance while still providing cooling to the interior space through ductwork and vents that channel cooled air back into the facility.
Solution Approach 2:
Ductwork and vents serve as intermediaries to transfer cooled air from the exterior air conditioning units back into the interior facility space. This mediator system enables the units to be positioned outside for accessibility while maintaining their cooling function inside the facility.
2Ease of manufacture
If power and data wiring are routed together, then wiring installation is simpler, but systematic separation of power and data is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The wiring system is segmented into separate pathways for power and data. Support brackets and conduits are provided with distinct routing channels, allowing power wiring and data wiring to be systematically separated while maintaining organized installation practices.
Solution Approach 2:
Support brackets and conduits serve as intermediaries that physically separate and organize power and data wiring. These structural elements provide dedicated pathways for each type of wiring, enabling systematic separation while simplifying the installation process through pre-configured routing options.
3Stability of the object's composition
If air conditioning units are designed for permanent installation, then they can be securely mounted, but they lack transportable design for easy relocation
Solution Approach 1:
The air conditioning units are designed with dynamic characteristics that allow them to transition between fixed and movable states. They incorporate features for secure mounting when installed, but also maintain a transportable design that enables easy relocation or removal as needed, adapting to different installation scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The air conditioning units are designed with universal characteristics that enable them to serve multiple functions: they can be securely mounted for permanent installation, easily relocated for temporary needs, and accessed for maintenance. This multi-functional design provides versatility while maintaining mounting stability when installed.
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 enhances cooling efficiency by rapid air recirculation and maintains optimal temperature levels, while facilitating efficient wiring management and easy access for maintenance, reducing the environmental impact and improving facility setup and expansion.
Implementation Method 1
causes substantially all the heated air within the central hot air area to rise up within the hot air containment chamber
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of air conditioning units are disposed in the external area outside the building that each receive heated air, emit cooled air
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a data center that provides for efficient cooling using HVAC units positioned outside of the facility.