Data Center Thermal Shield and Wire Routing System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data center and co-location facility designs face inefficiencies in cooling systems and wiring management, with evaporator and condenser units not being standardized or transportable, and ad-hoc wiring routing lacking a uniform system for power and data separation.
Innovation Solution
An integrated data center design featuring an independent interior frame structure with vertical support brackets, tiered ladder rack supports, and conduit holders to create a thermal shield and efficient wire routing system, allowing for modular cabinet placement and efficient air conditioning by containing hot air and directing cool air effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If evaporator and condenser units are installed in conventional facilities, then cooling function is provided, but the units are not standardized or transportable and are not located in accessible positions for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The air conditioning system is divided into separate evaporator and condenser units that can be independently positioned and maintained. The evaporator unit is located inside the facility near the equipment racks, while the condenser unit is positioned outside, allowing each component to be accessed and serviced independently without disrupting the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
A standardized mounting structure or interface system is introduced between the evaporator/condenser units and the facility infrastructure. This intermediary framework enables standardized positioning and connection, making the units transportable and maintainable while maintaining proper thermal coupling for heat transfer.
2Productivity
If wiring is routed in ad-hoc manner in conventional facilities, then power and data connections are established, but there is no uniform system for power and data separation
Solution Approach 1:
The wiring system is segmented into separate power wiring and data communication wiring pathways. Power wires are routed through dedicated conduits or cable trays, while data cables use separate routing paths, preventing interference and simplifying installation and maintenance of each type independently.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the facility have specialized wiring infrastructure tailored to local requirements. Near equipment racks, both power and data connections are available through localized distribution points, while main corridors have centralized wiring infrastructure, optimizing both installation efficiency and management.
3Temperature
If electronic equipment is arranged in rows with hot aisle configuration, then heat is directed toward a similar area, but cooling efficiency is reduced without proper hot air containment
Solution Approach 1:
Hot air is extracted from the aisle space and directed to a dedicated hot air containment chamber located above or adjacent to the equipment racks. This separates the hot air flow path from the cold air intake paths, preventing hot air recirculation and improving cooling efficiency by ensuring that returned air is properly conditioned before being reused.
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 design enhances cooling efficiency and wire management by creating a sealed hot air containment chamber and supporting thermal barriers, enabling efficient air flow and modular cabinet placement, thus improving space utilization and maintenance accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal shield that creates a physical partition to assist with thermal gradients that are desirable within a cabinet cluster
Implementation Method 2
supporting a thermal barrier ceiling
Implementation Method 3
These air-conditioning systems also must co-exist with power and communications wiring for the electronics equipment. These units collect hot air that results from the electronics equipment, cooling that hot air, and then introducing cool air to the electronics equipment
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is an integrated data center that provides for efficient cooling, as well as efficient wire routing, and in particular a configuration in which electronic equipment cabinets are arranged in rows within thermal compartments where the cabinets may be rolled in and out of place as required and a frame supports thermal shields of the thermal compartment.