Server Rack Airflow Control Using Partition Feedback Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage units for information processing apparatuses face challenges in efficiently managing airflow to cool server computers, particularly in ensuring the right amount of air is supplied based on the number of servers, which can lead to temperature imbalances and inefficient cooling.
Innovation Solution
A storage unit with an intake section, discharge section, and a cooling medium flow control system, including a partition with apertures and thermal sensors, that regulates airflow using axial flow fans and a controller to maintain optimal airflow rates and prevent temperature imbalances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a ventilation fan is utilized to supply air to the airflow generator, then the cooling medium can be supplied to the information processing apparatus, but it is difficult to introduce an appropriate amount of air into the box-shaped enclosure in accordance with the number of mounted server computers
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation fan's rotational speed is dynamically adjusted based on the number of mounted server computers detected by the detector section. The controller section modifies the fan speed to supply an appropriate amount of air corresponding to the actual load, enabling the system to adapt to varying configurations of server computers within the enclosure.
2Temperature
If the cooling medium flow is increased to ensure sufficient cooling, then overheating is prevented, but power consumption and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detector section monitors the actual airflow or temperature conditions within the enclosure and provides feedback to the controller section. Based on this feedback, the controller adjusts the ventilation fan's rotational speed to maintain optimal cooling effectiveness while minimizing power consumption and noise by avoiding excessive airflow when not needed.
3Temperature
If the ventilation fan speed is increased to supply more air, then cooling performance improves, but noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation fan operates at variable rotational speeds controlled by the controller section based on actual cooling requirements. By dynamically adjusting the fan speed to match the thermal load of the mounted server computers, the system maintains effective cooling performance while minimizing noise generation by avoiding continuously high-speed operation.
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 solution ensures that server computers receive a sufficient and balanced airflow, preventing overheating and reducing power consumption by dynamically adjusting airflow rates based on temperature differences, thus maintaining efficient cooling and noise reduction.
Implementation Method 1
a detector section configured to detect an inflow of the cooling medium, discharged from the discharge section, through the aperture
Implementation Method 2
an intake section allowing intake of a cooling medium into the information processing apparatus for cooling the information processing apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A storage unit includes: a storage section containing an information processing apparatus; an intake section allowing intake of a cooling medium into the information processing apparatus for cooling the information processing apparatus; a discharge section receiving the cooling medium discharged from the information processing apparatus; a cooling medium flow generating section configured to control intake and discharge of the cooling medium; a partition section isolating the intake section and the discharge section from each other; an aperture formed in the partition section; a detector section configured to detect an inflow of the cooling medium, discharged from the discharge section, through the aperture; and a controller section configured to control the cooling medium flow generating section in accordance with a result of the detection of the detector section.