System and method of cooling and ventilating for an electronics cabinet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ventilation and cooling systems for electronics cabinets require substantial energy to cool electronic equipment and often lack the capacity to meet increasing cooling demands, with limited space for retrofitting advanced cooling systems within cabinets.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a cooling unit to adjust humidity and temperature of supply air, a distribution unit with adjustable nozzles to direct air efficiently within cabinets, and a recirculation mechanism to reduce energy consumption and increase cooling efficiency, allowing for retrofitting and flexible configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a ventilation system pressurizes the space below electronic cabinets to cool equipment, then cooling is provided to the electronic equipment, but a substantial amount of energy is required to operate the system
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the cooling system into individual cabinet-level units, each with its own cooling components (compressor, condenser, evaporator). This segmentation allows each cabinet to be cooled independently and efficiently, rather than pressurizing and cooling the entire space below all cabinets, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining effective cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements localized cooling by installing cooling systems within or directly associated with each cabinet, rather than using a centralized space-below pressurization system. This local quality approach ensures cooling capacity is precisely where needed, improving cooling effectiveness while reducing the energy required to move and condition air across large spaces.
2Power
If cooling systems with compressors, condensers, evaporators are installed within cabinets, then cooling capacity is increased, but there is not room within existing cabinets to retrofit such systems
Solution Approach 1:
The invention integrates cooling system components (compressor, condenser, evaporator, refrigerant lines) within the existing cabinet structure by nesting them into available spaces, mounting them on cabinet walls or ceilings, or utilizing the space above or below equipment racks. This nesting approach allows full cooling capacity to be installed without requiring additional cabinet volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes vertical and lateral dimensions within the cabinet by mounting cooling components on walls, ceilings, or side panels rather than occupying floor space. Refrigerant lines are routed through existing cable trays, wall cavities, or overhead spaces, effectively using three-dimensional cabinet volume to accommodate high-capacity cooling systems without interfering with equipment placement.
3Power
If existing cooling systems are installed within cabinets, then some cooling is provided, but the systems have inadequate capacity to meet higher cooling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention designs a universal cabinet cooling system that can be applied to any standard cabinet configuration. The cooling unit, distribution unit, and associated components are configured to work with typical cabinet dimensions and equipment layouts, providing high cooling capacity without requiring complex custom engineering for each installation. The system uses standard refrigerant line sizes and routing methods that simplify installation while delivering enhanced cooling performance.
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
Significantly reduces energy consumption for cooling electronic equipment while enabling efficient cooling and ventilation, allowing for cost-effective retrofitting and flexible installation in various configurations, and accommodating increased cooling demands.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling unit to adjust at least a humidity and temperature of supply air
Implementation Method 2
a distribution unit in communication with the cooling unit to blow the supply air through at least one main supply line
Implementation Method 3
blow the supply air through at least one main supply line
Implementation Method 4
a main return line to receive air exiting from the at least one cabinet, wherein the main return line is in communication with the cooling unit
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of cooling and ventilating for an electronics cabinet is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the system includes a cooling unit and a distribution unit in communication with the cooling unit to blow supply air through at least one main supply line. The system further includes at least one supply branch line connected to the at least one main supply line, at least one cabinet supply line connected to the at least one supply branch line, and at least one cabinet having an inlet port and an exit port, wherein the at least one cabinet supply line is connected to the inlet port. In addition, the system includes at least one cabinet return line connected to the exit port and a main return line to receive air exiting from the at least one cabinet, wherein the main return line is in communication with the cooling unit.