Server Room Air-Conditioning Control for Intake Backflow Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In server rooms, temperature control is challenging when non-operating server units are present, as the rotation of internal fans is stopped, leading to potential backflow of warm air and inaccurate temperature detection, which can result in inefficient air-conditioning control.
Innovation Solution
A control device with temperature measurement and detection portions to determine if equipment is drawing or exhausting air, and a control portion that adjusts air-conditioning based on measured temperatures and flow speeds, providing warnings for abnormal states and maintaining control when equipment is non-operating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If air-conditioning control is performed based on temperature detection near the intake port, then temperature control accuracy is improved, but when server units are non-operating, warm air backflow causes false high temperature readings leading to inappropriate cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an airflow detection device as an intermediary between the temperature sensor and control system. This intermediary detects whether air is actually flowing into the intake port, thereby mediating the interpretation of temperature readings. When no airflow is detected, the system understands that temperature readings may be contaminated by backflow and adjusts control accordingly, resolving the contradiction between accurate temperature measurement and reliable control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring airflow conditions and using this information to adjust temperature control decisions. The airflow detection provides real-time feedback about the operational state of server units, allowing the control system to distinguish between genuine temperature requirements and artifacts of backflow, thereby improving both measurement precision interpretation and control reliability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If server units are put into non-operating state to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but temperature control becomes unreliable due to stopped fan rotation and potential backflow
Solution Approach 1:
The airflow detection device serves as an intermediary that allows the control system to reliably distinguish between operating and non-operating server units based on actual airflow conditions rather than just assuming state from power management decisions. This enables confident energy-saving operations while maintaining control reliability through accurate state detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the server units' own airflow characteristics as a self-indicating mechanism for their operational state. By detecting whether air is flowing into the intake port, the system can autonomously determine if units are operating or non-operating, enabling reliable temperature control decisions that support energy-efficient operation without compromising control reliability.
3Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are positioned near intake ports for accurate measurement, then measurement capability is improved, but warm air backflow from non-operating units contaminates readings
Solution Approach 1:
The airflow detection device acts as an intermediary that validates the reliability of temperature measurements by confirming actual air intake. This intermediary function allows the system to trust temperature readings only when accompanied by corresponding airflow, filtering out contaminated readings from backflow conditions while preserving the benefits of proximity-based measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of warm air backflow into a useful indicator by detecting the absence of cool air intake flow. When no airflow is detected at the intake port, the system infers backflow contamination and adjusts control accordingly, transforming the measurement contamination problem into a detectable signal that improves overall system intelligence and control accuracy.
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
Ensures accurate temperature control by distinguishing between operating and non-operating server units, preventing backflow and maintaining optimal air-conditioning settings, thereby improving temperature management in server rooms.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor that detects a temperature of air drawn into the server unit through the intake port
Implementation Method 2
an airflow sensor that measures a flow speed of air drawn into the server unit through the intake port
Implementation Method 3
The server unit is configured to draw outside air through an intake port by means of a fan to thereby cool down an interior of the server unit
Data Source
AI summary
Provision of a control device, method and program capable of performing a suitable temperature control in a room having an equipment installed therein. A control device controls air-conditioning of a room having installed therein a plurality of pieces of equipment each being capable of drawing outside air to thereby cool down an interior of the equipment. A storage portion is capable of storing therein operating information that represents as to whether it is abnormal or not if each piece of equipment is put into a non-operating state. A temperature measurement portion is capable of measuring a temperature of the air drawn by each piece of equipment. A detection portion is capable of measuring a flow speed of the air drawn by each piece of equipment. A control portion is configured to control the air-conditioning based on the measurement result of the temperature or the flow speed of the air drawn by each piece of equipment.