Opposing Airflow Data Processing Cooling System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data processing units with orthogonal midplane configurations face limitations in independent cooling of line cards, as the cooling air supplied to rear line cards is often hotter than that supplied to front line cards due to shared cooling systems, leading to inefficient cooling and potential overheating.
Innovation Solution
A data processing unit chassis design that incorporates separate and opposing flow pathways for cooling air, allowing gas to flow in parallel and opposing directions across the first and second end portions of line cards, ensuring equal temperature distribution and independent control of airflow rates, thereby enhancing cooling efficiency and uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cooling air is diverted from front line cards to rear line cards in orthogonal midplane configuration, then rear line cards can be cooled, but the cooling air temperature increases and independent cooling control is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is divided into separate cooling channels for front and rear line cards. Each channel has its own airflow path, allowing independent temperature and flow rate control for each set of line cards, preventing the temperature degradation that occurs when air is diverted from one channel to another
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new spatial dimension for airflow by creating opposing flow directions - front line cards are cooled by air flowing in one direction while rear line cards are cooled by air flowing in the opposite direction. This dimensional separation allows both sets of line cards to receive optimally temperatured cooling air simultaneously
2Device complexity
If single direction cooling air flow is used across circuit boards, then cooling system structure is simplified, but downstream electronic circuits receive hotter cooling air reducing cooling efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having all cooling air flow in a single direction from front to rear, the patent inverts the approach by creating opposing flow directions for different sections. Rear line cards are cooled by air flowing opposite to the direction used for front line cards, ensuring that all electronic circuits receive cooling air at optimal temperature
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 design improves cooling efficiency by maintaining equal temperatures across all line card ends, preventing overheating and allowing for independent airflow control, thus optimizing the cooling system's effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a first portion of a gas can flow within the first flow pathway between a region outside of the chassis and the first end portion of the line card such that the first portion of the gas flows across the first end portion of the line card
Data Source
AI summary
A data processing unit includes a chassis configured to contain a line card. The chassis defines, at least in part, a portion of a first flow pathway and a portion of a second flow pathway. The chassis is configured such that a first portion of a gas can flow within the first flow pathway between an intake region and the first end portion of the line card such that the first portion of the gas flows across a first end portion of the line card in a first direction. The chassis is configured such that a second portion of the gas can flow within the second flow pathway between the intake region and a second end portion of the line card such that the second portion of the gas flows across the second end portion of the line card in a second direction opposite the first direction.