Environment-controlled cooling for a data center based on detection of contaminants and particulates in outside air
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modular data centers face challenges in efficiently cooling information handling systems due to the presence of contaminants in outside air, which can damage IT components and require costly mechanical cooling solutions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an air handling unit (AHU) system that selectively uses uncontaminated outside air for cooling by detecting contaminant levels and switching to mechanical cooling modes when contaminants exceed thresholds, thereby reducing damage to IT components and optimizing energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If outside air is used for cooling, then energy consumption is reduced, but IT components are damaged by contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an air handling unit (AHU) as an intermediary device between the outside environment and the data center. The AHU includes filters that remove contaminants from outside air before it enters the data center, and a control system that monitors air quality and regulates airflow. This mediator allows the system to benefit from free cooling while protecting IT components from harmful contaminants.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous monitoring of outside air quality parameters (particulate matter, gaseous contaminants, temperature, humidity) and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the cooling strategy. When air quality is good, the system maximizes outside air intake for energy efficiency; when contaminants are detected, the system automatically reduces outside air intake and switches to mechanical cooling, thus resolving the contradiction between energy savings and component protection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If mechanical cooling is used, then IT components are protected from contaminants, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The AHU control system continuously adjusts the ratio of outside air to recirculated air based on real-time environmental conditions. The system can switch between different operating modes (100% outside air, mixed mode, 100% recirculated) depending on contaminant levels and ambient conditions, optimizing the balance between protection and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (airflow rates, temperature setpoints, humidity setpoints) based on detected environmental conditions. When outside air quality is acceptable, the system increases outside air intake and adjusts temperature setpoints to maximize energy efficiency. When contaminants are present, the system changes parameters to prioritize component protection while minimizing the energy penalty of mechanical cooling.
3Productivity
If outside air intake is increased, then cooling efficiency is improved, but air quality control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The air handling system is segmented into distinct functional zones and pathways: outside air intake, filtration sections, cooling sections, humidification sections, and distribution pathways. This segmentation allows independent control and monitoring of each function, making it easier to manage air quality while maintaining high cooling efficiency. The modular design of the AHU enables targeted adjustments without affecting the entire system.
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 significantly reduces the resources needed for cooling and minimizes damage from contaminants, allowing for more efficient and cost-effective use of outside air for cooling, even in varying ambient conditions.
Implementation Method 1
cooling system configured to cool such information handling resources
Implementation Method 2
detection of contaminants and particulates in outside air
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A cooling system circulates cooling air through information technology (IT) modules within a large scale information handling system (IHS). An air handling unit (AHU) directs cooling air through an IT module. The AHU is in communication with a controller. The controller is also in communication with an ambient condition interface to determine a level of a contaminant in outside air. The controller further: determines whether the level of the contaminant exceeds a threshold; and in response to determining that the level of the contaminant exceeds the threshold, configures the AHU to perform a mechanical cooling mode that excludes the outside air by recirculating air within an IT module via the AHU. In response to the level of contaminants not exceeding the threshold and other detected ambient conditions are favorable to using outside air to cool the IHS, the controller configures the AHU to use outside air.