Modular Data Center Airflow Layout to Limit Hot Air Recirculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data centers face challenges in managing thermal profiles effectively, leading to equipment malfunction and reduced lifespan due to increased temperatures, with issues of air recirculation and inefficient airflow management.
Innovation Solution
A data center configuration with modules having sloped roofs and oriented air outlets to form an interior region, utilizing air movers to create a pressure differential and lateral spaces to mitigate recirculation, combined with convective cooling and airflow diversions to enhance heat removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If air movers are used to exhaust air from modules, then heat removal efficiency is improved, but pressure differential causes air recirculation back to inlets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by configuring air outlets at higher elevations than air inlets, creating an asymmetric vertical arrangement that prevents hot exhaust air from recirculating back to lower-positioned inlets. This elevation difference breaks the recirculation loop while maintaining effective heat removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the airflow management system by positioning outlets above inlets and using elevated exhaust paths. This dimensional separation in the vertical axis prevents horizontal recirculation and enables effective thermal management without air reuse.
2Area of stationary object
If modules are positioned close together to form interior region, then space utilization is improved, but pressure differential between top and bottom portions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the pressure differential issue by introducing vertical airflow paths and elevated outlets. This dimensional approach allows modules to be positioned closely for space efficiency while maintaining pressure balance through vertical exhaust channels that prevent horizontal pressure buildup.
3Device complexity
If air outlets are positioned at same level as air inlets, then module design is simplified, but exhausted air recirculates back to inlets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately introduces asymmetry by positioning air outlets at different elevations than air inlets. This asymmetric configuration, while slightly increasing design complexity, effectively prevents recirculation and improves system reliability by ensuring exhaust air does not return to inlet positions.
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 solution improves airflow efficiency, reduces recirculation, and maintains optimal operating conditions by effectively managing thermal profiles, extending equipment life and reducing noise.
Implementation Method 1
Each air mover generates a pressure differential between a top portion of the interior region and a bottom portion of the interior region using the exhausted air
Implementation Method 2
The lateral spaces reduce the pressure differential between the top portion of the interior region and the bottom portion of the interior region
Implementation Method 3
for convective cooling, each module may have an outlet air mover to direct air from the air inlet, through the housing and out the air outlet
Implementation Method 4
The housing contains processing devices that generate heat during operation
Data Source
AI summary
A data center in an environment has modules. Each module has a housing and an air mover. The housing contains processing devices that generate heat during operation. Each module has an air inlet on a first side of the housing and receives air from the environment. Each module also has an air outlet on a second side of the housing to exhaust air from the housing. At least three modules are spaced apart to form lateral spaces between adjacent modules. The modules form an interior region to receive the exhausted air of the modules. Each air mover generates a pressure differential between a top portion of the interior region and a bottom portion of the interior region using the exhausted air. The lateral spaces reduce the pressure differential between the top portion of the interior region and the bottom portion of the interior region.