Computing Rack Cooling Unit Structure Simplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computing rack apparatuses have complex cooling structures that increase manufacturing costs and hinder effective utilization of internal air temperature for cooling, often requiring separate components like separation plates and suction containers.
Innovation Solution
A computing rack apparatus with an open structure that divides the cooling zone into regions by a boundary, using discharge and suction ports without separation plates, allowing cooled air to flow directly to servers and utilizing internal air for cooling, and incorporating an evaporator or heat exchangers for efficient cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separation plates and suction containers are used to separate cooling zone and cooling unit, then cooling function is achieved, but structure becomes excessively complicated and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling zone and cooling unit into a single integrated space without separation plates or suction containers. The cooling unit is directly disposed in the rack housing, eliminating the need for separate containment structures while maintaining effective cooling functionality through direct air circulation between the server mounting area and cooling components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the separation components (plates and containers) from the cooling system design. By removing these extraneous structural elements, the system achieves simpler construction while relying on the natural positioning of the cooling unit within the rack housing to define cooling zones through functional rather than physical separation.
2Reliability
If separation plate is used to separate cooling zone and cooling unit, then cooling structure is formed, but temperature of internal air cannot be properly utilized resulting in heat loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cooling zone with the cooling unit in an integrated arrangement, allowing warm internal air to directly contact the cooling unit components. This merging enables effective heat transfer from the server environment to the cooling mechanisms without the energy loss that would occur with physical separation barriers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the cooling unit itself as the intermediary between the server mounting area and the external environment. Rather than using separation plates that would block heat transfer, the cooling unit directly interfaces with the internal air, facilitating efficient thermal exchange while maintaining system integrity.
3Reliability
If conventional cooling structure with separate components is used, then cooling capability is provided, but manufacturing costs increase due to complicated structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple cooling components into a single integrated cooling unit that is directly installed in the rack housing. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining full cooling capability through the unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling unit is designed to perform multiple functions within a single component: it serves as both the cooling mechanism and the structural boundary for the cooling zone. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate separation components, simplifying manufacturing and reducing overall system cost while preserving effective cooling operation.
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
Simplifies the structure, reduces manufacturing costs, and effectively utilizes internal air temperature for cooling, enhancing cooling efficiency while minimizing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling unit disposed in the rack housing, the cooling unit including a discharge port configured to discharge cooling air and a suction port configured to suck internal air passing through a cooling zone
Implementation Method 2
The cooling unit includes any one cooling means selected from an evaporator, an air-cooled total heat exchanger, a water-cooled heat exchanger, or a combination thereof
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A computing rack apparatus which reduces the manufacturing cost by simplifying the structure thereof and in which the temperature of the internal air is utilized in the cooling unit is disclosed. The apparatus comprises: a rack housing which houses a server, a rack frame which is disposed inside the rack housing and on which the server is fastened and mounted; and a cooling unit which has a discharge port which is disposed inside the rack housing and discharges cooling air and a suction port which sucks the internal air through a cooling zone, wherein the discharge port is located in a first region with respect to a boundary portion defined by a front surface of the server, and the suction port is located in a second region with respect to the boundary portion, and the first and second regions form the cooling zone.