Immersion Tank Rack Layout for Balanced Maintenance Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing immersion tanks for data centers are bulky and heavy, posing challenges in storage and displacement due to their significant weight, which can lead to imbalances and hazards during access.
Innovation Solution
A frame-based immersion tank storage system with synchronized movement mechanisms, including retractable supports and moving platforms, allows tanks to transition between storage and accessible positions while maintaining balance and symmetry, ensuring safe and efficient access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If immersion tanks are made bulky to house electronic devices and cooling liquid, then cooling capacity is improved, but storage and displacement become problematic due to significant weight
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the storage space into multiple levels (first storage level, second storage level, etc.) arranged vertically. Each level can independently store immersion tanks, allowing the system to handle heavy tanks in smaller, manageable segments rather than requiring a single large storage space.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs movable platforms that can dynamically adjust positions to accommodate immersion tanks. The platforms are operatively connected to mechanisms that enable synchronized movement, transforming the static storage structure into a dynamic system that adapts to the weight and size of the tanks.
2Area of stationary object
If immersion tanks are stored in a compact arrangement to maximize space utilization, then storage density is improved, but access for maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The movable platforms enable dynamic reconfiguration of the storage arrangement. When maintenance is needed, platforms can be moved to bring specific immersion tanks closer to access points, transforming the compact static arrangement into a dynamic system that provides easy access when required while maintaining high storage density at other times.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes vertical space by arranging storage levels one above another, transitioning from a two-dimensional horizontal arrangement to a three-dimensional vertical arrangement. This allows compact storage without compromising horizontal accessibility, as tanks can be accessed from the front while maximizing vertical space utilization.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple immersion tanks are stored on the same level to maximize space use, then storage capacity is improved, but balance and stability become problematic during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs counterbalancing mechanisms that create asymmetric force distributions to offset the weight of multiple tanks. The counterbalancing mechanism applies forces in opposite directions to maintain equilibrium, allowing the system to handle asymmetric loads of multiple tanks without compromising stability during movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates counterbalancing mechanisms that generate opposing forces to compensate for the weight of immersion tanks during movement. This counterweight principle ensures that when multiple tanks are moved simultaneously on the same level, the forces are balanced to maintain system stability and prevent hazardous imbalances.
4Ease of operation
If immersion tanks are moved individually for access, then ease of access is improved, but time and effort required for movement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the movement operations of multiple immersion tanks by synchronizing their displacement simultaneously. The operatively connected movable platforms enable multiple tanks on the same level to be moved together in a coordinated manner, reducing the total time and effort required compared to moving each tank individually while maintaining ease of access.
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
The system enables safe and efficient storage and access of immersion tanks, maximizing space utilization in data centers by allowing simultaneous movement of tanks to accessible positions without risking frame imbalance.
Implementation Method 1
means for synchronously moving the first and second immersion tanks housed in at least one of the storage levels between: a storage position in which the first and second immersion tanks are spaced from each other by a first distance; and an access position in which the first and second immersion tanks are spaced from each other by a second distance greater than the first distance
Implementation Method 2
each immersion tank (50) being configured to contain electronic devices (70) and an immersion cooling liquid (72) in which the electronic devices are immersed for cooling thereof
Data Source
AI summary
An immersion tank storage system for a data center, includes: a frame defining a plurality of storage levels disposed above one another; a plurality of immersion tanks supported by the frame, each immersion tank configured to contain electronic devices and an immersion cooling liquid for cooling thereof, each storage level being configured to house first and second immersion tanks; and means for synchronously moving the first and second immersion tanks housed in at least one of the storage levels between: a storage position in which the first and second immersion tanks are spaced from each other by a first distance; and an access position in which the first and second immersion tanks are spaced from each other by a second distance greater than the first distance, wherein in the access position, the first and second immersion tanks are accessible by an operator for accessing the electronic devices contained therein.