Raised-Floor Power Skid Enclosure for Directed Cooling Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power skids face challenges in cooling equipment, cabling, and maintaining work clearance space, especially when installed in raised floor configurations in data centers.
Innovation Solution
A raised floor power skid with an enclosed design that includes side walls and an opening to direct cool air upward for efficient convective cooling, while allowing for unobstructed access below the floor and compliance with NEC work clearance requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional power skids are installed in raised floor configurations, then power distribution is provided, but cooling equipment and maintaining work clearance space becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The power skid is divided into modular sections with standardized enclosing elements that can be independently installed and configured. The floor structure is segmented to provide access points while maintaining enclosure integrity, allowing cooling and cabling operations to be performed on individual modules rather than the entire system at once.
Solution Approach 2:
Enclosing elements with integrated openings and deflecting surfaces act as intermediaries between the raised floor cooling system and the equipment on the power skid. These elements mediate air flow distribution and provide structured access points for cabling, eliminating the need for complex custom installations while maintaining proper work clearance spaces.
2Productivity
If enclosing elements are added to the power skid, then air cooling efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosing elements serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural enclosure, direct air flow through integrated openings and deflecting surfaces, support cable management, and maintain work clearance spaces. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate cooling ducts, cable trays, and access panels, thereby reducing overall structural complexity despite adding enclosing elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosing elements incorporate adjustable parameters such as variable opening positions, configurable deflecting surface angles, and removable panels that can be adjusted to optimize cooling efficiency for different equipment configurations. These parameter changes allow the same basic structure to adapt to various cooling requirements without requiring custom-designed complex structures.
3Productivity
If the power skid is enclosed with side walls, then convective air cooling is directed efficiently, but access below the floor is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosing elements incorporate removable panels and adjustable openings that can be dynamically configured based on operational needs. During installation and maintenance, panels can be removed to provide unobstructed access below the floor. During normal operation, the panels are in place to direct convective air cooling efficiently, thus providing dynamic adaptability between access and cooling functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosing structure features localized openings and access points positioned at specific locations where they are most effective. Deflecting surfaces are strategically placed to direct air flow toward equipment while maintaining enclosure integrity in other areas. This localized approach allows unobstructed access below the floor at critical service points while preserving convective cooling efficiency in the overall structure.
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 enclosed design efficiently directs cool air to equipment, reduces the need for plenum-rated cables, and simplifies installation and servicing, leading to lower installation costs and improved operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
provide direct convective air cooling to the one or more equipment
Data Source
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AI summary
A power distribution system is disclosed. The power distribution system may include a power skid configured to be installed in a raised floor configuration. The power skid may include a support structure, a floor coupled to the support structure and located on top of the support structure, and one or more enclosing elements disposed along a boundary of the power skid and coupled to the support structure.