Dynamic Airflow Impedance Blank for Server Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional approaches to controlling airflow in information handling systems with resource blanks are inadequate, as they fail to dynamically adjust impedance based on airflow thresholds, leading to suboptimal cooling performance during varying workloads.
Innovation Solution
An information handling resource blank with a form factor similar to actual resources, featuring false fans with a stator and rotor held by magnetic forces, providing different airflow impedances based on airflow thresholds, allowing dynamic impedance adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a blank is used to populate an unpopulated slot to maintain airflow impedance, then airflow pattern balance is improved, but maximum airflow is reduced when workload is heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The false fan incorporates a rotor that can dynamically change position between a first position (blocking airflow path) and a second position (open airflow path). This dynamic adjustment allows the blank to adapt its airflow impedance based on system conditions, resolving the contradiction between maintaining airflow balance and enabling maximum airflow when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the airflow impedance parameter of the blank by moving the rotor between positions. When workload is low, the rotor blocks airflow to maintain balance; when workload is high, the rotor opens the airflow path to maximize cooling capacity, thus changing the parameter dynamically based on system state.
2Ease of manufacture
If a fixed impedance blank is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but cooling performance deteriorates under varying workloads
Solution Approach 1:
The false fan design adds dynamic capability to an otherwise simple blank structure. The rotor-stator configuration with magnetic coupling provides movement functionality while maintaining manufacturing simplicity, allowing the blank to adapt to varying workload conditions and maintain reliable cooling performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The false fan operates autonomously using the airflow from air movers to drive the rotor. The system self-regulates without external control, using the kinetic energy of passing air to automatically adjust the airflow impedance based on actual cooling needs, thereby maintaining reliable cooling performance with minimal complexity.
3Productivity
If air mover speed is increased to cool high-power components, then processing capability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The false fan dynamically changes airflow impedance parameters to match system workload. When processing capability needs are low, the rotor blocks airflow reducing air mover energy consumption. When high processing capability is needed, the rotor opens to allow maximum airflow, thus changing parameters to optimize the energy-capability tradeoff.
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 solution ensures balanced airflow patterns and optimal cooling by dynamically changing impedance in response to airflow levels, enhancing the efficiency of air mover-based cooling systems.
Implementation Method 1
the first magnet and the second magnet are configured to maintain the rotor and the stator in a fixed position relative to one another via a magnetic force between the first magnet and the second magnet in absence of another force greater than the magnetic force
Implementation Method 2
Each of the one or more false fans may be configured to have a first airflow impedance when airflow through such false fan is below a threshold airflow and have a second airflow impedance when airflow through such false fan is above the threshold airflow
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling resource blank configured to populate a slot of an information handling system in lieu of an information handling resource may include a form factor having at least some features in common with that of the information handling resource and one or more false fans mechanically coupled to the form factor. Each of the one or more false fans may be configured to have a first airflow impedance when airflow through such false fan is below a threshold airflow and have a second airflow impedance when airflow through such false fan is above the threshold airflow.