Rackmount Cooling System With Evaporator Below Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cooling systems for data centers and server racks are inefficient, as they are not designed to handle specific numbers of computing systems and often require extensive air conditioning that cools the entire room, leading to suboptimal cooling performance.
Innovation Solution
A rackmount cooling system comprising an evaporator and a condenser unit, where warmed air from electronic equipment is directed to the evaporator, cooled, and then recirculated back to the equipment, with the option of a thermosiphon system for energy-efficient operation without a compressor, and the evaporator positioned beneath the equipment to minimize liquid leakage risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional air conditioning systems are used to cool the entire server room, then cooling coverage is provided, but cooling efficiency deteriorates due to unnecessary cooling of empty spaces and inability to adapt to specific numbers of computing systems
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the cooling system into individual rack-mounted units, each capable of independently cooling specific electronic equipment. Instead of one large centralized AC system cooling the entire room, multiple smaller cooling modules are distributed across racks, allowing precise targeting of heat-generating components and eliminating waste of cooling capacity on empty spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system applies local quality by providing customized cooling capacity at each rack location based on the actual heat load of mounted equipment. Each cooling module can be independently controlled and sized to match the specific thermal requirements of the electronic devices it serves, rather than applying uniform cooling throughout the entire server room.
2Temperature
If centralized air conditioning systems are deployed, then cooling capacity is sufficient for large areas, but system complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized cooling system is divided into multiple independent rack-mounted cooling modules. Each module contains its own compressor, condenser, evaporator, and control system, allowing distributed cooling without the complexity of a single large centralized system. This segmentation enables modular deployment and easier maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from horizontal floor-based AC units to vertical rack-mounted cooling systems. By utilizing the vertical dimension within server racks, the system provides sufficient cooling capacity without requiring extensive floor space, and integrates seamlessly with the existing rack infrastructure.
3Productivity
If evaporators are positioned above electronic equipment, then cooling delivery is efficient, but risk of liquid leakage damaging equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the evaporator above the electronic equipment as in traditional systems, the invention inverts the arrangement by placing the evaporator below the equipment. This allows cooling to be delivered upward through the rack structure, maintaining efficient cooling delivery while eliminating the risk of refrigerant leakage directly onto sensitive electronic components.
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 system provides efficient, compact, and portable cooling with reduced energy consumption, improved airflow directionality, and reduced space requirements, enhancing cooling efficiency and simplifying installation by separating the evaporator and condenser units.
Implementation Method 1
Air warmed by the electronic equipment is directed to the evaporator, cooled at the evaporator
Implementation Method 2
with the option of a thermosiphon system for energy-efficient operation without a compressor
Implementation Method 3
with the option of a thermosiphon system for energy-efficient operation without a compressor
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling system for electronic equipment including an evaporator, a rack to which the electronic equipment can be mounted above the evaporator, and a condenser spaced apart from the evaporator. Air warmed by the electronic equipment is directed to the evaporator, cooled at the evaporator, and directed back to the electronic equipment to cool the electronic equipment.