Server Cooling Bridge Curved Arms Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
In computer server systems, the airflow through server chassis is often impeded by components downstream of fans, leading to turbulence and reduced airflow efficiency, which can result in overheating due to the high density of computing modules and generated heat.
Innovation Solution
A cooling system design that includes an axial-flow fan with specific blade configurations and a system component with a bridge and fairings that minimize airflow impedance, featuring a center section and arm sections with angled edges to optimize airflow paths, reducing turbulence and enhancing airflow efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If components are placed downstream of fans in high-density server systems, then space utilization is improved, but airflow efficiency deteriorates due to turbulence and impedance
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge component features curved leading and trailing edges instead of sharp angles. The leading edge has a curved profile that smoothly guides airflow around the bridge, while the trailing edge also follows a curved path. This curvature eliminates sudden flow direction changes, reducing turbulence and maintaining streamlined airflow patterns throughout the chassis.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge is designed with offset positioning relative to the fan plane, creating a staggered configuration rather than direct alignment. This dynamic spatial arrangement allows airflow to pass over and under the bridge in a more gradual manner, reducing impedance and preventing stagnant zones that would occur with direct alignment.
2Ease of manufacture
If standard bridge designs are used downstream of fans, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but airflow turbulence increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge incorporates curved leading and trailing edges with specific radius measurements, replacing traditional sharp-edged designs. This curvature is integrated into the bridge structure itself, allowing it to be manufactured as a single piece while providing aerodynamic benefits that reduce turbulence and improve airflow efficiency throughout the chassis.
3Productivity
If multiple fans are used to compensate for airflow impedance, then airflow requirements are met, but system complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge design extracts and eliminates the source of airflow impedance by removing sharp edges and misalignments that cause turbulence. By taking out the problematic geometric features and replacing them with curved, streamlined shapes, the system achieves improved airflow efficiency without adding or increasing fan requirements.
4Productivity
If fans operate at higher rotational speeds to overcome impedance, then airflow requirements are met, but energy consumption and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge geometry parameters are optimized with specific curved profiles and offset distances that minimize airflow resistance. By changing the geometric parameters from standard straight-edged designs to curved, offset configurations, the system reduces the energy required to move air through the chassis, allowing fans to operate at lower speeds while maintaining required airflow volumes.
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 design improves airflow efficiency by reducing turbulence downstream of fans, allowing for better heat dissipation and potentially requiring fewer fans or lower rotational speeds to achieve equivalent airflow, thus preventing overheating in high-density server systems.
Implementation Method 1
The fan being an axial-flow fan which includes a plurality of fan blades and is configured to rotate in a fan direction to draw air from an airflow inlet to an axially aligned airflow outlet
Implementation Method 2
The leading arm edge of each of the at least one arm section is shaped such that, during rotation of the fan in the fan direction, a first tangent line of the leading arm edge and a second tangent line of the trailing fan edge of any of the plurality of fan blades intersect at an angle that is between 75 degrees and 105 degrees for a majority of rotational positions of the fan
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling system includes a fan and a system component. The fan includes a plurality of fan blades and configured to rotate in a fan direction. The system component is located downstream of the fan, and includes a cutout for passing of airflow from the fan, and a bridge spanning the cutout. The bridge includes a center section and at least one arm section extending from the center section to an edge of the cutout along a curved path offset towards the fan direction.