Modular Sensor Assembly for Dynamic Data Center Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data center cooling systems are inefficient due to continuous operation at maximum capacity, leading to excessive energy consumption, as they do not adapt to varying heat loads, and traditional temperature sensing methods are costly and cumbersome with extensive wiring requirements.
Innovation Solution
A modular sensor assembly with an elongate flexible body and addressable sensors interconnected via a common connector wire, allowing for easy installation and data transmission directly to a central system, eliminating the need for continuous wires and reducing installation complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional air conditioning units operate continuously at maximum capacity, then cooling reliability is maintained, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The air conditioning system transitions from static continuous operation to dynamic variable-speed operation, adjusting compressor speed and cooling output based on real-time temperature sensor feedback from rack locations, enabling the system to maintain reliability while reducing energy consumption during partial load conditions
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature sensors distributed at multiple rack locations provide continuous feedback to the control system, which adjusts cooling output accordingly, allowing the system to respond to actual thermal conditions rather than operating at fixed maximum capacity
2Measurement precision
If traditional temperature sensing methods are used with continuous wiring, then measurement precision is achieved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with wireless communication technology, allowing temperature sensors to transmit data to the central control system without physical wire connections, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining measurement precision through digital signal transmission
Data Source
AI summary
A modular sensor assembly for sensing conditions at a computer rack, such as environmental conditions. The sensor assembly includes an elongate flexible body, configured to attach to a computer rack, with a plurality of addressable sensors, disposed along the body and interconnected to a common connector wire. A connector wire lead is provided to interconnect the connector wire to a central system configured to receive and interpret data from the plurality of sensors relating to conditions associated with the computer rack.