Server Rack Airflow Control Using Recycled Warm Air
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cooling systems for information handling centers, such as server racks, lack dynamic airflow control and often result in inefficient energy consumption due to over-provisioning and unpredictable airflow dynamics, leading to hot spots and excessive chilled air usage.
Innovation Solution
A temperature control system for rack-mounted electronic units that includes a connecting plenum, front and back plenums, ventilators for recycling warmed air, and temperature sensors, with a controller to adjust ventilator operation based on sensed temperatures to optimize airflow and reduce energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If air conditioning systems are used to control temperature in information handling centers, then electronic equipment can be kept within manufacturer's specified temperature range, but energy consumption increases due to over-provisioning and unpredictable airflow dynamics
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts airflow delivery to each rack based on real-time temperature sensor readings. The controller modulates the amount of cool air supplied to each rack according to its actual cooling needs, transforming the static over-provisioned cooling system into a dynamic, demand-responsive system that reduces overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature sensors continuously monitor the thermal conditions within each rack and provide feedback to the controller. The controller uses this feedback information to adjust airflow delivery, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes energy consumption by matching cooling supply to actual thermal demands rather than using fixed over-provisioned settings.
2Temperature
If vent tiles are used to distribute cooled air, then cooling is provided to information handling systems, but airflow delivery is unpredictable leading to hot spots and inefficient cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive mechanical vent tile system with an active controlled delivery system. Instead of relying on fixed vent tiles that provide unpredictable airflow, the system uses controllable air delivery mechanisms (such as adjustable vents or fans) that can be dynamically modulated by a controller based on sensor feedback, ensuring reliable and consistent airflow delivery to each rack.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the airflow delivery parameters dynamically based on measured thermal conditions. Rather than maintaining fixed airflow parameters through static vent tiles, the controller adjusts airflow rate, direction, and distribution parameters in real-time according to temperature sensor readings, ensuring reliable cooling delivery and preventing hot spots.
3Temperature
If chilled air is supplied to racks, then cooling is achieved, but cooling air consumption is excessive due to lack of dynamic control
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from excessive action (over-provisioned cooling air supply to all racks) to partial action (precise, demand-based cooling air supply). The controller delivers cooling air partially and selectively to each rack based on actual thermal needs measured by temperature sensors, reducing overall cooling air consumption while maintaining effective cooling where required.
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 reduces cooling air consumption, lowers running costs, and achieves effective cooling with reduced energy expenditure, enabling financial savings by delivering specific volumetric air quantities to the racks.
Implementation Method 1
at least one ventilator for recycling warmed cooling air from the rack back to the connecting plenum to be mixed with incoming cooling air
Implementation Method 2
a sensor for sensing temperature of air in the rack
Implementation Method 3
a controller for controlling the at least one ventilator based at least on the sensed temperature
Implementation Method 4
a front plenum connected to the connecting plenum and configured to receive cooling air from the connecting plenum and deliver the cooling air to the rack
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling the temperature of a rack includes a connecting plenum configured to receive incoming cooling air from outside a rack for cooling the rack; a front plenum connected to the connecting plenum and configured to receive cooling air from the connecting plenum and deliver the cooling air to the rack, the cooling air being warmed by powered electrical components as it passes through the rack; at least one ventilator for recycling warmed cooling air from the rack back to the connecting plenum to be mixed with incoming cooling air; a sensor for sensing temperature of air in the rack; and a controller for controlling the at least one ventilator based at least on the sensed temperature.