Rear-Mounted Computer Bay Cooling Device for High-Density Data Centers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current computer room cooling solutions are inefficient due to the need for significant empty space to accommodate cooling means, leading to low economic efficiency in floor space, cabling, and power consumption, and require costly modifications or replacements when equipment heat dissipation needs change.

Innovation Solution

A removable and interchangeable cooling device with an air/water heat exchanger positioned at the rear of the computer bay, using a supporting frame that allows for easy installation and maintenance without altering the bay's structure, and includes flexible piping and fan systems for efficient heat transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If air conditioning is used to cool the entire computer room, then all computer equipment can be cooled, but the floor space efficiency is low and power consumption is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomputer room temperature controlVSAvoidair conditioning power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements localized cooling by installing cooling devices directly at the rear of individual computer bays rather than cooling the entire room. Each cooling device handles only the heat dissipation from its specific bay, creating locally optimized thermal management that reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining effective temperature control where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling function is extracted from the centralized air conditioning system and assigned to individual bay-level cooling devices. This extraction allows each bay to be cooled independently by dedicated equipment, eliminating the energy waste of cooling empty spaces and improving overall system efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Temperature

If cooling means are integrated into the bay structure, then cooling efficiency improves, but the bay structure becomes more complex and harder to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebay cooling efficiencyVSAvoidbay structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling system is segmented into independent, modular units that can be attached to or removed from individual bays. Each cooling device operates as a separate module with its own cooling means, allowing for easy installation, maintenance, and replacement without affecting the overall bay structure or other cooling units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling devices are designed to be dynamically configurable - they can be installed on specific bays based on cooling needs and removed or relocated when requirements change. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to varying heat dissipation demands without permanent structural modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If standard computer racks are used with fixed depth, then manufacturing is simple, but the ability to accommodate cooling means and maintain maintenance access is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestandard rack manufacturingVSAvoidcooling means accommodation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling device acts as an intermediary component that interfaces between the standard bay structure and the cooling function. By positioning the cooling means at the rear of the bay and using flexible piping connections, the system accommodates cooling requirements without modifying the standard rack dimensions or compromising maintenance access to the false floor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution maximizes IT equipment density and cooling efficiency, allowing up to 40 kW/m² heat dissipation while maintaining the bay's original size and structural integrity, and facilitates flexible upgrades and temperature uniformity in the computer room.

Implementation Method 1

These cooling means comprise, for example, an air / water heat exchanger

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchanger: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentEP2294498B1Computer bay cooling device and computer equipment comprising same
Publication Date: 2015.07.08 BULL SA
  • EP2294498B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2294498B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~4
  • EP2294498B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (28) for cooling a computer bay (12) having a rear surface (16) including a discharge area (18) for discharging from the bay air that has flowed onto electric power components (201, , 20i, , 20n) arranged inside the bay (12), said rear surface including a rear door (32) with air cooling means (38, 40) arranged in the body thereof. The device also includes: a supporting frame (30), on which the rear door (32) is mounted, shaped to surround the air discharge area (18) of the computer bay (12); and means (36) for detachably positioning the supporting frame (30) against the rear surface (16) of the computer bay (12).