Stacked Heat Rejection Units With Central Air Passages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current heat rejection devices in data center cooling systems are limited by coil surface area, fan flow, and space constraints, restricting the quantity of cooling units that can be installed and affecting heat rejection density.
Innovation Solution
A heat rejection system with vertically stacked heat rejection units, central air passages, and an inlet duct to bring in fresh ambient air, reducing recirculation and increasing heat rejection density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If heat rejection devices use traditional coil surface area and fan flow designs, then they can provide basic cooling function, but heat rejection density is limited and space utilization is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional horizontal expansion to vertical stacking of heat rejection units. Multiple heat rejection units are stacked vertically to create a compact footprint while increasing heat rejection capacity in the vertical dimension, thereby improving heat rejection density without requiring additional horizontal space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested configuration where heat rejection units are stacked vertically with central passages that route air through multiple units. The inlet duct is positioned below the stacked units to serve multiple levels, creating a nested structure that maximizes space utilization and improves heat rejection density.
2Productivity
If more cooling units are installed to increase heat rejection capacity, then heat rejection density improves, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple heat rejection units into a single integrated system where units are stacked vertically and connected through central passages. The units work together as a coordinated system with shared air pathways, allowing increased heat rejection capacity while managing complexity through unified design and installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the heat rejection system into modular units that can be stacked vertically. Each unit contains its own coils and fans but is integrated into a larger system through central passages. This segmentation allows for scalable heat rejection capacity while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized modular components.
3Productivity
If traditional heat rejection devices recirculate air, then they can operate with simpler air handling, but cooling efficiency decreases and heat rejection density is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts fresh ambient air through dedicated inlet ducts positioned below the stacked heat rejection units. This separate air intake pathway allows the system to bring in fresh air without recirculation, improving cooling efficiency by eliminating the need to re-cool already-conditioned air, while the duct design simplifies the overall air handling process.
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
Enhances heat rejection density, maximizes server usage, and decreases recirculation, allowing for more efficient cooling in data centers with increased vertical height and compact footprint.
Implementation Method 1
Heat rejection devices often transfer heat from the return fluid of the CRACs to a cooler medium, such as outside ambient air
Implementation Method 2
Heat rejection devices often transfer heat from the return fluid of the CRACs to a cooler medium, such as outside ambient air
Implementation Method 3
The climate control systems often include one or more computer room air conditioners (CRACs) coupled to heat rejection devices
Data Source
AI summary
A system may include a first heat rejection unit including a first set of fans and coils and a second heat rejection unit configured to be stacked on top of the first heat rejection unit, where the second heat rejection unit includes a second set of fans and coils. The system may include one or more central passages configured to connect the first heat rejection unit to the second heat rejection unit, where the one or more central passages separate the first heat rejection unit into a first section and a second section. The system may include an inlet duct configured communicate with outside and receive fresh ambient air via an opening in the inlet duct, where the inlet duct is configured to divert the fresh ambient air to at least one of the first heat rejection unit or the second heat rejection unit to be exhausted outside.