Subterranean Data Center Structure for Passive Ground-Coupled Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern data centers face challenges in meeting high equipment density power and cooling requirements, with traditional HVAC systems being power-intensive and costly, while also being vulnerable to environmental disasters like earthquakes and extreme weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
The development of free air, passively cooled data center structures that are substantially subterranean, utilizing thermal coupling with the ground for temperature regulation and incorporating a hub-and-spoke arrangement to enhance earthquake resistance, eliminating the need for traditional HVAC systems and providing scalable and segregated equipment rooms for efficient heat management and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional HVAC systems are used for cooling, then cooling capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The data center structure utilizes the ground's natural thermal properties to cool itself passively. The subterranean location allows the structure to self-regulate temperature through thermal coupling with the earth, eliminating the need for active HVAC systems and their associated power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical HVAC cooling system with a passive thermal exchange system that uses the ground's natural temperature stability. This substitution eliminates moving parts, mechanical compression, and electrical power requirements while maintaining effective cooling capability.
2Ease of operation
If above-ground data center structures are used, then accessibility is improved, but vulnerability to earthquakes and extreme weather increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal above-ground structures to a vertical subterranean configuration. By moving the data center below ground level, it exploits the third dimension (depth) to achieve both protection from surface-level disasters and maintained accessibility through controlled entry points and vertical access shafts.
Solution Approach 2:
The subterranean structure is designed with reinforced concrete construction and strategic placement below ground level to provide beforehand protection against earthquakes and extreme weather events. The earth itself acts as a cushioning layer that absorbs and dissipates disaster forces before they reach the equipment.
3Productivity
If high equipment density is implemented, then productivity is improved, but heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heat generated by high-density equipment directly into the ground through thermal coupling. The earth acts as a heat sink that continuously absorbs and dissipates the thermal energy produced by server racks, preventing heat accumulation and maintaining optimal operating temperatures despite high equipment density.
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 significantly reduces power consumption and operating costs, maintains a stable ambient temperature, and provides enhanced protection against disasters, enabling efficient and resilient data center operations.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing thermal coupling with the ground for temperature regulation
Implementation Method 2
free air, passively cooled data center structures that are substantially subterranean, utilizing thermal coupling with the ground for temperature regulation
Data Source
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AI summary
A building may include a floor, a dome having a vent, and an internal ceiling that divides areas underneath the dome into first and second chambers. The internal ceiling may have an aperture that is structured to allow air to pass from the first chamber into the second chamber. The building may also include an air inlet configured to allow air to travel from outside the building into the first chamber and an air moving device that is configured to facilitate the movement of the air. The building may also include an air cooling element that is configured to cool the air as it travels from outside the building into the first chamber.