Modular Data Center Cooling via Exhaust Recirculation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modular data centers face challenges in efficiently cooling electronic devices during low outside temperatures without excessive cooling or increased power consumption, as direct use of outside air can lead to temperature deviations and inefficient energy use.
Innovation Solution
A modular data center design incorporating an enclosure with an intake and exhaust port, a fan system, and an opening-closing portion that adjusts airflow by guiding exhaust flow upstream to mix with outside air, allowing for controlled temperature regulation and reduced power consumption by determining when to open or close the opening-closing portion based on power consumption assumptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If outside air is directly used for cooling when outside air temperature is low, then power consumption is reduced, but electronic devices may be cooled excessively and temperatures may deviate from operation guarantee ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a heat exchanger as an intermediary component between the outside air and the electronic devices. The heat exchanger pre-cools the inside air using cold outside air, or pre-heats the inside air using warm outside air, before the air reaches the electronic devices. This mediator allows the system to utilize outside air for cooling while preventing excessive cooling by controlling the temperature exchange process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary temperature adjustment of the air before it contacts the electronic devices. By using the heat exchanger to pre-cool or pre-heat the air in advance, the system ensures that the air temperature is within the appropriate range before reaching the electronic devices, preventing temperature deviations while still allowing outside air to be used for cooling.
2Temperature
If heating mechanisms are used to warm the inside of the data center when outside air temperature is low, then electronic devices are kept within operation guarantee ranges, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the cold outside air, which would normally be a harmful factor causing excessive cooling, into a beneficial resource for pre-cooling the inside air. The heat exchanger captures the cooling capability of cold outside air and uses it to reduce the thermal load inside the data center, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for heating mechanisms and associated power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the outside air itself to serve the cooling needs of the data center through the heat exchanger. Instead of relying entirely on internal heating and cooling mechanisms, the system allows outside air to actively participate in temperature regulation by pre-cooling the inside air, making the system more energy-efficient and reducing dependence on power-consuming heating mechanisms.
3Temperature
If heat exchanger is used to cool outside air, then electronic devices are protected from excessive cooling, but electric power is consumed by the heat exchanger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates temperature sensors and control mechanisms that continuously monitor the temperature of inside air and outside air. Based on this feedback, the system intelligently controls the operation of the heat exchanger and fans, activating the heat exchanger only when outside air temperature is low enough to cause excessive cooling, and adjusting fan speeds to optimize heat exchange efficiency. This feedback control minimizes heat exchanger power consumption while ensuring adequate temperature protection.
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 effectively maintains electronic device temperatures within operational ranges while reducing power consumption by optimizing fan operation and airflow, demonstrated by a 21.9% reduction in power consumption at 10.5°C and annual electrical energy savings of 4.2% in Tokyo and 17.9% in Anchorage.
Implementation Method 1
a fan provided in the enclosure and configured to create a cooling wind by taking in outside air from the intake port
Implementation Method 2
a flow passage guiding a part of the exhaust flow to upstream of the fan, an opening-closing portion configured to open and close the flow passage
Data Source
AI summary
A modular data center includes a fan which creates a cooling wind by taking in outside air, electronic devices which takes in the cooling wind and to discharge an exhaust flow, a flow passage which guides a part of the exhaust flow to upstream of the fan, an opening-closing portion which opens and closes the flow passage, and a control unit which adjusts the cooling wind by controlling the fan, and thereby to cool a temperature of the electronic device to a specified temperature. The control unit closes the opening-closing portion when a first assumed value of power consumed by the fan is smaller than a current value of the power. The control unit opens the opening-closing portion when a second assumed value of the power consumed by the fan is smaller than the current value of the power.