Modular Data Center Containment System for Airflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containment systems in data centers face inefficiencies in energy management and air hygiene due to recirculation and bypass airflow, requiring improved designs for better energy efficiency and reliability.
Innovation Solution
The development of lightweight, user-friendly, and modular containment systems that can be adjustably deployed in horizontal or vertical orientations on hot or cold aisles, utilizing rail members with specific channel configurations and mounting systems to house panel members and seals, allowing for customizable and adaptable installations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional containment systems are deployed to create airflow barriers, then energy efficiency is improved, but the systems become heavy and difficult to install
Solution Approach 1:
The containment system uses composite materials including aluminum extrusions with integrated channels, lightweight panel members with insulating properties, and modular seal components. This composite construction achieves the necessary thermal and airflow barrier performance while significantly reducing the overall weight compared to traditional solid metal containment systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The containment system is divided into modular segments including separate rail members, panel members, and seal components that can be independently installed. This segmentation allows for lighter individual components that are easier to handle and install, while still achieving the complete airflow barrier function when assembled.
2Loss of energy
If fixed containment systems are installed to provide airflow control, then energy efficiency is improved, but adaptability to different data center configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The containment system incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements including removable panel members, adjustable rail positions, and flexible seal components that can adapt to different aisle configurations. This dynamic design allows the same system to be reconfigured for various data center layouts while maintaining effective airflow containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The rail members feature integrated channels that can accommodate multiple types of panel members and seal configurations, making the system universally applicable to different containment scenarios. The same basic rail structure can support various panel types and configurations depending on the specific data center requirements.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If complex containment systems with multiple components are deployed to improve air hygiene, then airflow control is improved, but installation complexity and time are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple functions into integrated components. The rail members combine structural support with integrated channels for panel and seal attachment. Panel members integrate insulation, sealing surfaces, and mounting features into single components. This merging reduces the total number of separate parts to install while maintaining comprehensive airflow control and air hygiene functions.
Solution Approach 2:
Components are pre-assembled and pre-configured to simplify field installation. The rail members come with pre-formed channels, panel members have pre-attached sealing surfaces, and connection mechanisms are pre-positioned. This preliminary preparation significantly reduces on-site assembly complexity and installation time while ensuring proper air hygiene performance.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides advantageous containment systems configured to be deployed in a data center, and improved methods/systems for using the same. The present disclosure provides light-weight, user-friendly and modular containment systems configured to be adjustably deployed in a horizontal or vertical orientation on the hot or cold aisle in a data center. The containment systems of the present disclosure can be deployed in a horizontal and/or vertical application and can be used on the cold or hot aisle. The containment systems of the present disclosure can be: (i) mounted to cabinets through bracketry; (ii) suspended overhead from the building infrastructure via threaded rod or the like; (iii) supported by overhead pathways (e.g., attached or mounted to cable/wire baskets, cable ladders, troughs, etc.); and/or (iv) secured from the floor (e.g., via post-like objects or structures or the like).