Method for backflow prevention in an airflow plenum of a modular data center
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modular data centers face challenges in efficiently arranging air handling units (AHUs) without exceeding road width limitations, compromising the optimized layout of IT racks between hot and cold aisles when using wall-mounted AHUs, and ensuring effective cooling while allowing for road transport.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an air handling system with two or more adjacent AHUs, a supply air plenum, and backflow prevention mechanisms that direct cooling air flow to a cold aisle while preventing backflow when an air mover is deactivated, allowing for flexible and efficient cooling distribution and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If wall-mounted AHUs are installed along the exterior wall adjacent to the cold aisle, then the installed cost is reduced, but the MEDC exceeds the lateral road width limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The AHUs are repositioned from wall-mounted configuration to top-mounted configuration, transitioning from a two-dimensional wall attachment to a three-dimensional overhead installation. This dimensional change allows the AHUs to be positioned above the IT racks rather than along the exterior wall, reducing the lateral width requirement while maintaining cooling effectiveness.
2Ease of manufacture
If the MEDC layout is rearranged to accommodate wall-mounted AHUs on a lateral side, then the AHUs can be installed, but the optimized straight longitudinal line of IT racks between hot and cold aisles is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The AHUs are relocated from the lateral wall-mounted position to a top-mounted position above the IT racks. This vertical relocation preserves the optimized longitudinal arrangement of IT racks between hot and cold aisles while providing space for AHU installation without compromising the streamlined layout.
3Productivity
If the supply air plenum is used to direct cooling air flow from multiple AHUs, then cooling distribution is improved, but backflow may occur when an air mover is deactivated
Solution Approach 1:
Backflow prevention mechanisms are introduced as intermediary devices between the supply air plenum and the AHU supply air outlets. These mechanisms act as mediators that allow forward cooling air flow when AHUs are active while preventing reverse backflow when air movers are deactivated, thus protecting the plenum and maintaining system reliability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the MEDC is designed for road transport, then mobility is achieved, but the lateral road width limitations constrain the AHU arrangement options
Solution Approach 1:
The AHU installation transitions from lateral wall-mounted positioning to overhead top-mounted positioning. This vertical relocation reduces the lateral footprint of the MEDC, enabling it to meet road width limitations for transport while maintaining full cooling functionality. The top-mounted configuration allows the MEDC to be moved on standard road routes without exceeding width constraints.
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 enables economical assembly and road transport of modular data centers by maintaining an optimized IT rack layout and ensuring effective cooling, while preventing backflow and allowing for efficient cooling distribution, thus addressing the challenges of AHU arrangement and transport width constraints.
Implementation Method 1
A supply air plenum is provided in fluid communication with the supply air outlets of the two or more AHUs. The supply air plenum directs cooling air flow from the supply air outlets to a supply air opening positioned adjacent to a cold aisle of a data center.
Implementation Method 2
Each backflow prevention mechanism is moveable into a closed position in response to deactivation of an air mover of the corresponding AHU.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular data center (MDC) includes a volumetric container comprising an enclosure having first and second exterior walls at a forward and an aft end, connected by lateral exterior walls. Information technology component(s) are positioned longitudinally within the container between a cold aisle and a hot aisle. An air handling system includes two or more air handling units (AHUs) each having a return air inlet and a supply air outlet. A supply air plenum directs cooling air flow from the supply air outlets to a supply air opening positioned adjacent to the cold aisle. Backflow prevention mechanisms are positioned respectively at each supply air outlet of the AHUs. Each backflow prevention mechanism is moveable into an open position to allow cooling air flow out of the supply air outlet of a corresponding AHU and a closed position in response to deactivation of an air mover of the corresponding AHU.