Movable Airflow Barrier for Datacenter Cooling Throughput Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Datacenters face challenges in efficiently managing airflow and cooling costs due to the high heat generated by computing equipment, leading to increased operational expenses and inefficiencies in cooling systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a movable airflow barrier within air handling units that can selectively block or divert airflow through different passages, allowing for partial or complete bypass of cooling modules, providing a cost-effective means of controlling airflow and cooling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a movable airflow barrier is implemented to control airflow through different passages, then airflow control precision and cooling efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable barrier that can dynamically adjust its position to control airflow between a cooling passage and a bypass passage. The barrier transitions from a static to a dynamic configuration, allowing the system to adapt airflow distribution based on cooling demands, thereby improving cooling efficiency while managing complexity through controlled mobility.
2Temperature
If airflow is directed through cooling modules, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable barrier enables dynamic routing of airflow, allowing the system to direct air through cooling modules only when thermal conditions require active cooling. During periods of lower cooling demand, the barrier diverts airflow through bypass passages, reducing energy consumption while maintaining adequate temperature control through conditional engagement of cooling resources.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a movable barrier is used to block or divert airflow, then airflow control flexibility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier is designed as a segmented or modular component that can be manufactured using standard fabrication processes. By dividing the airflow control function into discrete, manufacturable segments, the system achieves high airflow control flexibility through the movable barrier while keeping individual component manufacturing relatively simple and avoiding excessive overall manufacturing complexity.
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 allows for precise control of airflow and cooling efficiency, reducing energy consumption and operational costs while maintaining optimal environmental conditions within datacenters, by directing airflow through evaporative or mechanical cooling systems as needed.
Implementation Method 1
directing airflow through evaporative or mechanical cooling systems as needed
Data Source
AI summary
An air handling unit can include a first airflow passage and a second airflow passage having separate entrances. A cooling module can be arranged in the second airflow passage for cooling air passing there through. A cover, blocker, or other barrier can move between a position at least partially blocking the first entrance to the first airflow passage and at least partially blocking the second entrance to the second airflow passage. In various aspects, the barrier can be moved to intermediate positions to affect a ratio of air flowing through each of the passages and to thus control an overall amount of cooling provided to discharged air that corresponds to a mixture of the air directed through the cooling module and the air directed around the cooling module, which may be mixed together upon exiting the separate passages.