Modular datacenter having an air-to-liquid heat exchanger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Space-limited geographical areas with high data processing needs, such as urban areas, face challenges in accommodating sprawling modular datacenter configurations, necessitating smaller footprint solutions.
Innovation Solution
A modular datacenter configuration featuring an air-to-liquid heat exchanger with a compact design that allows direct human access for maintenance, reducing the need for lifting equipment and enhancing maintenance efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If modular datacenter configurations are deployed in sprawling arrangements to meet data processing demands, then data processing capacity is improved, but the footprint area increases and becomes incompatible with space-limited geographical areas
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger panel extends substantially orthogonally to the support surface, utilizing vertical space rather than horizontal spread. This dimensional transition allows the system to achieve high cooling capacity without increasing the horizontal footprint, enabling deployment in space-constrained urban environments while maintaining data processing productivity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional heat exchanger installations are used requiring forklifts or lifting apparatus for maintenance, then structural stability is improved, but maintenance complexity and time resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger system is segmented into a frame structure with a heat exchanger panel and fan assembly that can be independently accessed. The panel is mounted to extend orthogonally from the support surface, creating distinct maintenance zones that allow operators to service components without requiring heavy lifting equipment, thus improving ease of repair while maintaining structural stability.
3Productivity
If heat exchanger panels are mounted to extend orthogonally from the support surface, then cooling efficiency is improved through better air circulation, but the risk of accidental damage from equipment or vehicles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fan assembly includes fans rotatable about a rotation axis that extends substantially parallel to the support surface and at an angle with respect to a normal of the heat exchanger panel. This dynamic angular configuration optimizes air circulation for cooling efficiency while the orthogonal mounting provides structural protection against accidental damage from ground-level equipment or vehicles.
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 compact air-to-liquid heat exchanger design facilitates easier maintenance and reduces costs and time resources, while allowing for efficient cooling of electronic devices in space-constrained environments.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger panel mounted to the frame, the heat exchanger panel being configured to circulate a channelized cooling liquid from a liquid inlet to a liquid outlet
Implementation Method 2
a fan assembly mounted to the frame. The fan assembly includes at least one fan configured to pull ambient air through the heat exchanger panel
Implementation Method 3
the heat exchanger panel being configured to circulate a channelized cooling liquid
Data Source
AI summary
An air-to-liquid heat exchanger and modular datacenter including the same are disclosed. The air-to-liquid heat exchanger is configured to be disposed on a support surface and includes a frame, a heat exchanger panel mounted to the frame, and a fan assembly mounted to the frame. The heat exchanger panel extends substantially orthogonally to the support surface and is configured to circulate a channelized cooling liquid from a liquid inlet to a liquid outlet. The fan assembly includes at least one fan configured to pull ambient air through the heat exchanger panel, each of the at least one fan being rotatable about a rotation axis, the rotation axis extending substantially parallel to the support surface and at an angle with respect to a normal of the heat exchanger panel.