Disk Array Cooling Fans with Backflow Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional disk array apparatuses face challenges in uniformly cooling disk drive groups, securing cooling redundancy, and reducing noise generated by cooling fans, particularly when the installing direction of the casing affects these aspects.
Innovation Solution
The disk array apparatus is designed with a casing having an inlet and outlet, where cooling fans are aligned between the disk drive group and the controller unit, and backflow prevention members are used to prevent air backflow and noise, while also providing control mechanisms to manage cooling and data transfer in case of fan failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cooling fans are provided to cool disk drives, then cooling capability is improved, but noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into multiple independent cooling fans, each responsible for cooling specific disk drives. This segmentation allows the system to maintain cooling capability while reducing noise by using smaller, quieter fans instead of one large fan, and enables selective operation of fans based on thermal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different cooling fans are positioned at different locations (front and rear of the rack) to provide localized cooling to different sections of the disk drive array. This local quality approach ensures effective cooling while allowing each fan to operate at optimized, lower noise levels.
2Reliability
If multiple cooling fans are provided, then cooling redundancy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling fan system is divided into multiple independent units positioned at different locations. Each fan operates independently, providing redundancy without requiring complex interconnections or control mechanisms between them. This segmentation achieves reliability while minimizing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling fans serve multiple functions: they provide cooling during normal operation, enable failover during fan failures, and can be selectively activated based on thermal conditions. This multi-functionality achieves cooling redundancy without proportionally increasing system complexity.
3Temperature
If cooling fans are positioned to cool disk drives effectively, then cooling uniformity is improved, but noise propagation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system uses multiple segmented fan units positioned at different locations (front and rear) rather than a single centralized fan. This segmentation allows cooling air to be distributed more uniformly throughout the disk drive array while reducing noise propagation by using smaller, distributed fan units.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack structure itself acts as an intermediary that positions and directs cooling air from the fans to the disk drives. This intermediary approach enables effective cooling uniformity while the rack structure helps contain and direct noise rather than allowing it to propagate freely.
4Area of stationary object
If the system is designed for vertical installation, then space utilization is improved, but cooling capability is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling fan arrangement is designed to be universal and adaptable to different installation orientations. The same front-and-rear fan configuration provides effective cooling whether the system is horizontally or vertically installed, making the cooling capability independent of installation direction while maintaining space utilization efficiency.
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 ensures uniform cooling, secures cooling redundancy, and reduces noise, thereby improving the reliability and service life of the disk array apparatus, achieving high-density, low-noise, and high-speed performance regardless of the casing's installing direction.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of cooling fans for ventilating the disk drive group and the controller unit
Implementation Method 2
backflow prevention members are provided so as to protrude on the side of the disk drive group or on the side of the controller unit from between the cooling fans
Data Source
AI summary
A disk array apparatus comprises a casing, a disk drive group configured by a plurality of disk drives, a controller unit configured by a plurality of circuit substrates, a plurality of cooling fans, and backflow prevention members. The plurality of cooling fans is provided so as to be aligned between the disk drive group and the controller unit in the casing. The backflow prevention members are provided so as to protrude on the side of the disk drive group or on the side of the controller unit from between the cooling fans while extending to define a space on the inlet side or the outlet side of the cooling fans.