Server Rack Airflow Cartridges for Precision Heat Regulation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing server rack systems are inefficient in directing airflow for heat dissipation, leading to suboptimal cooling of electronic equipment and increased energy consumption for cooling purposes.

Innovation Solution

The server rack system incorporates a rail assembly with airflow control cartridges and a Peltier generator complex to manage airflow and generate electricity from thermal differentials, using iris valves and a demarcation wall to separate cooled and heated air paths, allowing for efficient cooling and power generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If traditional cooling methods (fans, heat sinks, liquid cooling) are used, then heat dissipation is achieved, but device complexity and noise increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipationVSAvoidcooling system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the cooling function from traditional separate cooling components (fans, heat sinks) and integrates it into the server rack structure itself. The rack panels are designed with airflow channels and openings that directly guide cooling air to server components, eliminating the need for additional cooling devices and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling function is merged with the server rack structure. The rack panels serve dual purposes: structural support and airflow management. By combining these functions, the patent reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall cooling system while maintaining effective heat dissipation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Temperature

If traditional cooling methods are used, then heat dissipation is achieved, but noise levels increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipationVSAvoidnoise
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes traditional noisy cooling components (fans) from the system and replaces them with passive airflow channels integrated into the rack structure. This extraction of active cooling mechanisms eliminates the primary noise source while maintaining cooling effectiveness through optimized air flow paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If airflow is not optimized, then device simplicity is maintained, but hot and cold air mixing occurs reducing cooling efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidairflow management structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rack panels are segmented with specific airflow openings and channels that divide and direct air flow to different server components. This segmentation creates organized airflow paths that prevent mixing of hot and cold air while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rack panels act as intermediaries between the cooling air source and the server components. The panels with integrated airflow channels mediate the air flow, directing cool air to appropriate locations and preventing it from mixing with hot exhaust air, thereby improving cooling efficiency without requiring complex active control systems.

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 enhances airflow management and reduces energy consumption by utilizing thermal differentials to generate electricity, improving cooling efficiency and reducing the energy needed to cool server facilities.

Implementation Method 1

A cooling fan is disposed within the rack enclosure and moves cooling air to the servers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced Convection: Forced Convection

Implementation Method 2

The rack enclosure and rack panels have openings and airflow channels configured to direct the cooling air along a desired airflow path

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

Each server may include server components that generate heat during operation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal Conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 4

moves cooling air to the servers to facilitate heat dissipation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3533304B1Computer server heat regulation utilizing integrated precision airflow
Publication Date: 2023.08.02 DHK STORAGE LLC
  • EP3533304B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2B
  • EP3533304B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4B
  • EP3533304B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Disclosed is system, method, and rack stand portion for the advantageous cooling of computer equipment (305). The rack stand (200) includes a hollow body (210, 212) that may be formed of cartridges (2416). Gas from an airflow source (5204) is guided into the rack stand body and then into a sealed case of the computer equipment. Air flow is then guided out of the computer equipment for recirculation, exhaust, or other purpose. Also disclosed is a rack stand for computer servers that ingests cooled air and accepts heated exhaust. Oriented cooled spaces adjacent to heated spaces allow thermoelectric power generation.