Modular Data Center Cooling System Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data center cooling systems are designed specifically for each installation, leading to high design and fabrication costs, extended assembly times, and limited flexibility, as well as inability to interchange components between different cooling systems.
Innovation Solution
A modular cooling system design that allows for standardized, easily assembled and upgraded components, including airflow sections, core units with interchangeable equipment, and motorized dampers, enabling flexible configuration and operation of various cooling schemes without extensive onsite engineering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cooling systems are designed and built according to specific data center specifications with custom-designed elements assembled onsite, then the cooling system can be tailored to specific cooling requirements, but the design and fabrication costs increase and assembly time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is divided into modular units that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. Each module contains standardized components that can be configured in different combinations to meet specific data center requirements, eliminating the need for complete custom design while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Cooling modules are pre-assembled and tested in a controlled manufacturing environment before delivery to the data center. This preliminary assembly and testing eliminates onsite customization work, reduces assembly time, and ensures quality control while still allowing configuration variations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cooling system elements are custom-designed and assembled onsite according to data center specifications, then the system can be tailored to specific requirements, but design and fabrication costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Standardized cooling modules are designed with universal interfaces and components that can serve multiple data center configurations. The same basic module can be adapted to different cooling requirements through configuration rather than custom design, significantly reducing engineering and fabrication costs while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the cooling system into standardized modules, the patent eliminates the need for expensive custom design and fabrication of entire systems. Each module can be manufactured using standardized processes, reducing costs while allowing customization through module selection and arrangement.
3Reliability
If cooling equipment is designed for a specific application, then it can be optimized for that application, but the equipment cannot be interchanged or utilized in different applications
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling modules are designed with universal interfaces, standardized connections, and configurable components that allow the same physical equipment to be optimized for different applications through configuration rather than custom design. This enables equipment interchangeability while maintaining application-specific optimization.
4Adaptability or versatility
If different parts of the cooling system are supplied from different vendors, then component selection flexibility increases, but the various parts may not properly fit together and require onsite modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into standardized modules with defined interfaces. Each vendor can supply different module types, but the standardized interfaces ensure proper fit and integration, eliminating the need for onsite modifications while preserving vendor selection flexibility.
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 modular approach reduces design and deployment costs, shortens assembly time, and allows for easy upgrades and flexible configuration, ensuring efficient and effective cooling solutions that can adapt to changing data center needs.
Implementation Method 1
such some form of heat exchangers are used, which requires application of electrical power to operate the active cooling system
Implementation Method 2
The coolant is either a phase change fluid, e.g., using a refrigeration cycle, or a liquid, e.g., water cooling towers
Implementation Method 3
These systems circulate a coolant to transfer and remove heat from inside the data center
Implementation Method 4
the pumps and blowers continue to operate and pump outside air—optionally after filtering—directly into the data center
Implementation Method 5
Evaporative cooling is another method that can be used in hot and dry climates
Data Source
AI summary
A modular cooling system for data center. An airflow section forms a duct for air flow and a plurality of core units are serially attached to each other and to the airflow section. A blower unit is attached to each of the core units. A plurality of motorized dampers are provided: between each of the core units and the airflow unit, in between each two core units, and between each core unit and its corresponding blower unit. A plurality of fluid ports are attached to each of the core units. At least one of the core units is loaded with one or more equipment selected from: air filter, humidifier, dehumidifier, heat exchanger, evaporator, condenser, chiller, computer room air conditioner (CRAC), dry cooler, a cooling tower or other types of cooling equipment. A combination operation of the components on the compartment and the cooling units enables fast deployment and operation.