Modular Air Containment Frame for Data Center Equipment Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data center air containment systems are limited in supporting the weight of pipes, ducts, wiring, and other equipment, and lack integrated solutions for efficient airflow management, leading to inefficient cooling and increased energy costs.
Innovation Solution
An air containment system with a frame structure that includes adjustable end frames, horizontal beams, cantilever assemblies, and an air duct system to support various equipment and ductwork, allowing for customizable airflow management and integration with data center infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If self-supporting containment structures are used, then structural stability is achieved, but the ability to support additional equipment weight is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The containment structure is divided into modular segments that can be independently supported by equipment racks. Each rack becomes a self-contained support unit, allowing the overall system to distribute equipment weight across multiple rack structures rather than requiring a single large support framework.
Solution Approach 2:
Equipment racks serve dual functions: housing IT equipment and providing structural support for containment systems. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate support structures, increasing equipment support capacity while maintaining structural stability through the existing rack infrastructure.
2Ease of operation
If equipment is hung from overhead structures, then installation flexibility is improved, but structural load on building infrastructure increases
Solution Approach 1:
Equipment racks provide both IT equipment mounting and structural support functions, eliminating the need to transfer equipment weight to building overhead structures. This reduces structural load while maintaining installation flexibility through standardized rack mounting interfaces.
3Stability of the object's composition
If containment structures are separated from ductwork support, then structural independence is achieved, but integrated airflow management is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The containment structure and ductwork support systems are merged into a single integrated framework mounted on equipment racks. This combination enables coordinated airflow management where containment and ducting work together as a unified system, improving thermal efficiency while maintaining structural flexibility through modular rack-mounted components.
Data Source
AI summary
An air containment system is configured to span an aisle defined by rows of racks. The air containment system includes a frame structure having two end frames provided at respective ends of the air containment system, and at least two horizontal beams, one for each side of the air containment system, releasably secured to the end frames. The frame structure is adjustable to achieve a desired height, length and width as required for a particular application of the air containment system. A kit providing an air containment system is further disclosed.