Elastomeric Filler Elements for Data Center Rack Airflow Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Data centers face inefficiencies in cooling systems due to air leakage from server racks, which reduces cooling system efficiency and requires resource-intensive expansions to meet increasing computing capacity needs.

Innovation Solution

A hot aisle containment system with modular frames and filler elements that inhibit air leakage by filling gaps between rack computing systems and stall panels, using an air moving system to manage airflow effectively and accommodate racks of varying sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If containment systems are used to reduce air leakage, then cooling efficiency is improved, but air leakage occurs due to height variations and differential static pressures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidair leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible filler elements made of elastomeric material that can deform to conform to the varying heights of server racks. These flexible elements maintain sealing contact with the rack surfaces while accommodating height variations, preventing air leakage without requiring rigid structural adjustments to the containment system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent addresses differential static pressure effects by designing filler elements with specific material properties and geometric configurations that remain effective across varying pressure conditions. The elastomeric material and cross-sectional shapes are selected to maintain sealing performance under the static pressure differentials present in hot aisle containment environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If computing capacity is increased by adding servers, then processing power is improved, but cooling infrastructure requirements increase resource intensity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomputing capacityVSAvoidcooling infrastructure resources

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements individual stall containment for each rack or group of racks, creating segmented containment zones within the larger data center. This segmentation allows cooling optimization at the rack level, enabling incremental capacity additions without requiring proportional increases to the overall cooling infrastructure, as each containment zone independently manages its airflow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Loss of energy

If filler elements are used to seal gaps, then air leakage is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair leakageVSAvoidfiller element fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs filler elements made from inexpensive elastomeric materials that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. The simple geometric cross-sections and use of common materials like rubber or silicone rubber enable cost-effective production through standard manufacturing processes, reducing the impact of manufacturing complexity on the overall system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

Enhances cooling efficiency by minimizing air leakage and allows for flexible expansion of computing capacity without significant resource investment, maintaining optimal airflow and heat management.

Implementation Method 1

The filler elements inhibit air moving toward the cold aisle-facing inlets from leaking through the gaps between the computing devices of the rack computing systems and the panels of the stalls

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir leakage inhibition through physical barrier: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 2

An air moving system moves air from the cold aisle through cold-aisle facing air inlets of the computing devices

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForced convection airflow: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentUS9867318B2Stall containment of rack in a data center

Publication Date: 2018.01.09 AMAZON TECH INC

AI summary

A system for managing air flow computing devices in a rack includes a stall and filler elements. The stall includes a stall top panel and two side panels spaced apart from one another. The stall accommodates a rack computing system. The filler elements fill gaps between the computing devices of the rack computing systems and the panels of the stalls. An air moving system moves air from the cold aisle through cold-aisle facing air inlets of the computing devices. The filler elements inhibit air moving toward the cold aisle-facing inlets from leaking through gaps between the computing devices of the rack computing systems and the stall panels such that the filler elements inhibit air moving toward inlets in the computing devices from leaking through the gaps between the computing devices in the rack and the stall panels.