System and method for facilitating homogenized distribution of airflow in a data center
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data center cooling systems experience uneven airflow distribution due to ad-hoc placement of CRAC units, leading to inefficient cooling, hot spots, and increased capital expenditure from unnecessary CRAC units.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a processor and memory to create a virtual data center environment, divide it into airflow channels, position CRAC units for streamlined airflow, and determine vein positions and shapes based on CFD simulations to achieve homogenized airflow distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If ad-hoc placement of CRAC units is used, then device complexity is reduced, but airflow distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The data center floor is divided into multiple zones with different airflow requirements. Each zone is assigned specific CRAC units based on calculated airflow demands, enabling differentiated and optimized cooling distribution rather than uniform ad-hoc placement
Solution Approach 2:
Airflow distribution is simulated and calculated in advance using CFD analysis before CRAC unit placement is finalized. This preliminary action determines the optimal number and locations of CRAC units to achieve uniform airflow distribution from the outset
2Device complexity
If lumped calculation is used to determine CRAC units, then calculation complexity is reduced, but airflow distribution accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional manual lumped calculation methods are replaced with automated CFD simulation software that performs detailed computational fluid dynamics analysis, accurately predicting airflow patterns and CRAC unit requirements without manual approximation
Solution Approach 2:
A virtual 3D model of the data center is created as a digital copy, allowing CFD simulations to be run on the virtual model to determine optimal CRAC unit placement before physical installation, ensuring accurate airflow distribution prediction
3Area of stationary object
If CRAC units are increased to cover farther locations, then airflow coverage is improved, but capital expenditure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The problem of insufficient airflow reach is solved by utilizing the vertical dimension through raised flooring and overhead air distribution plenums. Air is delivered through vertical channels and veins that extend cooling coverage to distant locations without requiring additional CRAC units
Solution Approach 2:
Air distribution veins and channels installed in the raised floor act as intermediaries that transport cooled air from CRAC units to distant server racks. This intermediary system extends the effective coverage area of each CRAC unit without increasing their number
4Ease of operation
If non-uniform airflow distribution occurs, then CRAC unit placement is simpler, but cooling effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
CFD simulation results provide feedback on predicted airflow distribution patterns, allowing optimization of CRAC unit placement to achieve uniform distribution. This feedback loop ensures cooling effectiveness is maximized before physical installation occurs
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system for facilitating homogenized distribution of airflow, generated from one or more cooling units, in a data center. The virtual data center creation module for creating a virtual environment of the data center. The airflow channel determination module for dividing the architectural layout into one or more partitions to determine one or more airflow channels corresponding to each of the one or more partitions. The CRAC placement module for positioning the at least one cooling unit in an airflow channel, of the one or more airflow channels, in a manner such that the airflow moves in a streamline manner within the airflow channel. The vein determination module for determining position of each of a plurality of veins inside the airflow channel. The vein shape determination module for determining shape of each vein that facilitates the homogenized distribution of the airflow.