Hot Aisle Module With Telescopable Legs For Data Center Containment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current hot aisle containment systems for data centers are often constructed on-site, leading to delays and interference with other construction activities, and have limited effectiveness in directing hot air to exhaust systems without intermingling with cooling air.

Innovation Solution

A hot aisle module with a chute and telescopable legs that can be adjusted to direct air from hot aisles to the exhaust system, featuring foldable side arms for supporting service items and a modular design allowing off-site construction and quick installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If hot aisle containment systems are constructed on-site, then the systems can be customized to fit specific facility requirements, but construction delays and interference with other trades occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomization to facility requirementsVSAvoidconstruction delays
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The hot aisle containment modules are constructed off-site in advance before being transported and installed in the facility. This preliminary construction approach allows the modules to be ready for installation without delaying the overall facility construction schedule, while still enabling customization to fit specific facility requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The containment system is divided into separate modular units that can be independently constructed, transported, and installed. This segmentation allows for off-site fabrication of individual modules that can then be assembled in the facility, reducing on-site construction time and interference with other trades.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of energy

If traditional containment systems are used, then hot air can be directed to exhaust systems, but limited effectiveness in preventing intermingling with cooling air occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehot air exhaust efficiencyVSAvoidhot air direction effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The containment modules utilize curtains or flexible barriers that can adapt to the specific geometry of the hot aisle space. These flexible elements effectively seal off the hot air flow path, preventing intermingling with cooling air and ensuring hot air is directed efficiently to exhaust systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The containment system incorporates adjustable and adaptable components that can be configured to match the specific facility layout. This dynamic adaptability ensures effective hot air containment and direction regardless of variations in rack arrangements or aisle configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3405014B1Hot aisle modules and containment systems
Publication Date: 2021.07.14 TATE ACCESS FLOORS INC
  • EP3405014B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3405014B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3405014B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A hot aisle modules (20a-20f) and hot aisle containment system (48) for an IT or computer facility, such as a data center. The hot aisle containment system (48) includes a plurality of the modules (20a-20f) that are connected by girders (50) or other support members (50). The modules (20a-20f) include a chute (22) and telescopable legs (24a-24n) that support the chute (22) such that the height of the chute is variable.