Plenum Partition Baffles for Underfloor Airflow Reconfiguration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current underfloor air distribution systems face challenges in predicting and maintaining airflow rates due to the addition of cables and modifications within the plenum, leading to undesirable airflow distribution and potential harm to electronic equipment, particularly in data centers with outdated infrastructure.

Innovation Solution

A plenum partition baffle system comprising interconnectable, adjustable, and flexible baffles that can be non-destructively mounted to existing support structures, allowing for on-site sizing and shaping, and easy reconfiguration to direct airflow effectively within the plenum, accommodating varying dimensions and infrastructure without major reconstruction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional sheet metal ductwork is used to direct airflow in the plenum, then airflow control is achieved, but installation complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ductwork system is divided into multiple modular segments that can be easily assembled and disassembled. Each segment is a self-contained unit with standardized connection interfaces, allowing rapid installation without complex fabrication or sealing procedures required by traditional sheet metal ductwork.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs flexible ducting materials that can be easily bent, shaped, and installed to accommodate various plenum configurations. This flexibility eliminates the need for complex cutting, joining, and sealing operations associated with rigid sheet metal ductwork, significantly reducing installation complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Adaptability or versatility

If the plenum infrastructure is modified to accommodate cables and equipment, then adaptability improves, but airflow distribution becomes unpredictable and harmful

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to infrastructure changesVSAvoidairflow distribution reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The modular duct segments are pre-configured with integrated cable pathways and mounting provisions before installation. This preliminary design allows cables and equipment to be accommodated without requiring post-installation modifications that would disrupt plenum airflow patterns and compromise cooling reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The modular duct system acts as an intermediary structure that separates cable routing functions from airflow delivery functions. Cables can be routed through dedicated channels within the duct segments without interfering with the airflow path, maintaining reliable cooling distribution while providing infrastructure adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Temperature

If CRAC units operate at high power to meet cooling demands, then cooling capacity is sufficient, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling capacityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The modular duct system enables localized airflow delivery directly to equipment racks and hot spots within the data center. By concentrating cooling capacity where it is most needed rather than distributing it uniformly, the system reduces the total power required by CRAC units while maintaining adequate cooling levels throughout the facility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible, modular duct configuration allows the cooling system to dynamically adapt to changing thermal loads and equipment placements. Duct segments can be repositioned or reconfigured to target new heat-generating areas, optimizing cooling efficiency and reducing energy consumption as data center layouts evolve.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 baffle system enhances airflow control and efficiency, reduces electricity costs, and increases flexibility in data center layouts by allowing for targeted airflow direction and separation of hot and cold aisles, potentially reducing the number of CRAC units required, while being easier and less costly to install compared to traditional sheet metal ductwork.

Implementation Method 1

A plenum partition baffle system comprising interconnectable, adjustable, and flexible baffles that can be non-destructively mounted to existing support structures... to direct airflow effectively within the plenum

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAirflow direction control through physical barriers:

Implementation Method 2

Each baffle has a first and second surface. In the preferred embodiment at least one surface of the baffle includes a scored grid pattern that divides the baffle into segments

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFracture along pre-scored lines: Fracture Mechanics

Data Source

PatentUS8282451B2Plenum partition baffle system

Publication Date: 2012.10.09 COMPUSPACE LC

AI summary

A system for directing airflow within a plenum comprising sizeable, shapeable, and interconnectable baffles that can be nondestructively attached to plenum support structures. The system includes means for removably interconnecting the baffles and also for removably and non-destructively attaching the baffles to plenum support structure without tools.