Modular HVAC Rack Cooling With Reconfigurable Airflow Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems for electronic equipment in dense configurations lack modularity, flexibility in airflow, structural support, and mobility, and are not designed for efficient heat dissipation or transportation between locations.
Innovation Solution
A modular cooling system with a structural skeleton and translation assemblies that supports HVAC assemblies, allowing for flexible airflow configurations and easy transportation, featuring integrated cooling components and the ability to expand or reconfigure as needed, with options for fresh air intake and recirculation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If equipment is arranged in high density configuration, then space utilization is improved, but cooling efficiency deteriorates due to insufficient heat dissipation
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is divided into multiple modular HVAC assemblies, each serving specific equipment racks. The system segments cooling zones into cold aisles and hot aisles, with dedicated air intake and exhaust paths for each module, enabling efficient heat dissipation even in high-density configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from horizontal cooling arrangements to vertical stacking of HVAC assemblies and equipment racks. Multiple cooling modules are stacked vertically to provide three-dimensional cooling coverage, maximizing cooling efficiency while maintaining high equipment density in limited floor space
2Strength
If cooling system is designed as fixed infrastructure, then structural support is improved, but mobility and reconfigurability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs translation assemblies with rolling elements that enable dynamic movement of equipment racks along guided tracks. The modular HVAC units can be repositioned vertically and horizontally, transforming the system from static to dynamically reconfigurable while maintaining structural integrity during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling infrastructure is segmented into discrete, self-contained modular units with individual foundations and skeletons. Each module can be independently moved, assembled, or disassembled, providing both structural support when assembled and mobility when required, resolving the contradiction between fixed infrastructure and adaptability
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular design is implemented, then flexibility and scalability are improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
Each modular HVAC assembly integrates multiple functions into single units: cooling, air circulation, structural support, and equipment mounting capabilities are combined in unified modules. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall system despite its modular nature
Solution Approach 2:
The modular HVAC assemblies are designed as universal units that can serve multiple purposes: providing cooling, supporting equipment racks, enabling translation movement, and facilitating system expansion. This multi-functionality reduces complexity by eliminating the need for specialized components for each function
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 system efficiently cools high-density electronic equipment, supports HVAC assemblies, allows for scalable and flexible deployment, and ensures reliable heat dissipation while being transportable and adaptable to various environments.
Implementation Method 1
HVAC assembly having a plenum, a heat exchanger and air movers such as fans
Implementation Method 2
heat exchanger and air movers such as fans
Implementation Method 3
air movers such as fans
Data Source
AI summary
A module is provided having a foundation and a skeleton that are structural and modular in design. The skeleton can be constructed on top of the foundation. The skeleton supports an HVAC assembly. Equipment racks, such as a server racks, can be housed within the module and independently movably supported by translation assemblies. The translation assemblies are embedded within the foundation and skeleton. Any number of modules can be attached end to end to form a system of a desired length, side to side to form a system of a desired width, or vertically to form a system of desired height. The entire system, once assembled and wired, can easily be conjoined or moved to a desired destination. The air flow path within the module is selected by the operator. The system is expandable in size and capacity as the operational needs increase.