Modular Data Pod Cooling With Free-Cooling and Mechanical Trim
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional data center cooling systems are inefficient, requiring high initial and operational costs, and are not adaptable to fluctuating IT loads or high-density data centers, especially in areas with extreme wet-bulb temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A modular data pod system with a close-coupled cooling system that combines free-cooling using atmospheric air with mechanical sub-cooling, allowing for efficient cooling of electronic equipment in high-density data centers, even in high wet-bulb environments, by using a hybrid refrigerant-cooled and water-cooled system with adjustable cooling capacities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional large, oversized cooling infrastructures are used, then the entire data center can be cooled, but the initial capital, operation, and maintenance costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The data center is divided into multiple zones with different cooling requirements. Instead of cooling the entire data center uniformly, the system segments the cooling infrastructure into modular units that can be independently controlled and optimized for each zone, reducing overall energy consumption and operational costs.
Solution Approach 2:
Different cooling strategies are applied to different areas of the data center based on their specific thermal loads and environmental conditions. High-density areas receive enhanced cooling while low-density areas use reduced cooling capacity, optimizing energy usage across the facility.
2Reliability
If traditional chiller plants are designed to cool the entire data center, then full coverage is achieved, but energy is wasted on areas that do not need cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time thermal loads and environmental conditions. When IT equipment loads fluctuate, the chiller plant modulates its capacity to match actual cooling demands, preventing energy waste on areas that do not require cooling at any given moment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors and control mechanisms that continuously monitor temperature, humidity, and thermal loads across different data center zones. This feedback enables automatic adjustment of cooling capacity to match actual needs, eliminating energy waste while maintaining reliable cooling coverage.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If air-cooled free cooling systems are used, then reduced cost is achieved, but the system operates only in cool, dry-climate environments
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is designed to perform multiple functions across different environmental conditions. It can operate in free-cooling mode during cool, dry periods and automatically transitions to mechanical cooling or hybrid modes when environmental conditions exceed free-cooling capabilities, making it universally applicable across diverse geographical locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adjusts its operating parameters based on environmental conditions. When ambient temperature or humidity exceeds thresholds for effective free-cooling, the system changes its mode of operation to mechanical cooling or hybrid operation, maintaining cost-effectiveness while adapting to various climatic conditions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If adiabatic-assisted cooling systems are used, then expanded geographical reach is achieved, but sufficient cooling cannot be provided to high density data centers
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges adiabatic cooling with mechanical cooling technologies to create a hybrid system. The adiabatic component provides expanded geographical reach by utilizing evaporative cooling principles, while the mechanical cooling component ensures sufficient cooling capacity for high-density data centers, combining the advantages of both approaches.
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
The system reduces energy consumption and operational costs, enhances cooling efficiency, and is scalable, making it suitable for high-density data centers while maintaining high reliability and adaptability to varying environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a free-cooling system configured to cool a first fluid in thermal communication with electronic equipment using atmospheric air
Implementation Method 2
a mechanical sub-cooling system coupled to the free-cooling system. The mechanical sub-cooling system is configured to cool a second fluid flowing in the free-cooling system as a function of an amount by which the free-cooling system has exceeded its maximum cooling capacity
Data Source
AI summary
A space-saving, high-density modular data pod system and an energy-efficient cooling system are disclosed. The modular data pod system includes a central free-cooling system and a plurality of modular data pods, each of which includes a heat exchange assembly coupled to the central free-cooling system, and a distributed mechanical cooling system coupled to the heat exchange assembly. The modular data pods include a data enclosure having at least five walls arranged in the shape of a polygon, a plurality of computer racks arranged in a circular or U-shaped pattern, and a cover to create hot and cold aisles, and an air circulator configured to continuously circulate air between the hot and cold aisles. Each modular data pod also includes an auxiliary enclosure containing a common fluid and electrical circuit section that is configured to connect to adjacent common fluid and electrical circuit sections to form a common fluid and electrical circuit that connects to the central free-cooling system. The auxiliary enclosure contains at least a portion of the distributed mechanical cooling system, which is configured to trim the cooling performed by the central free-cooling system.