Underfloor Piping-Container Module for Rack Liquid Cooling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data center cooling systems require raised floors or significant structural modifications to deliver liquid-cooling to IT equipment, which can be impractical or impossible in certain environments, and existing cooling-distribution units occupy valuable whitespace.
Innovation Solution
An underfloor fluid distribution system using piping-container modules that distribute liquid-cooling from beneath the equipment racks, incorporating seals and leak detection, allowing for efficient coolant transfer without the need for raised floors or additional structural changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a raised floor is used to distribute liquid-cooling beneath equipment racks, then coolant transfer is facilitated, but structural modifications and additional space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling distribution system is divided into modular components: overhead cooling units positioned above each rack, vertical coolant delivery channels integrated into the rack structure, and distribution manifolds at the rack level. This segmentation eliminates the need for raised floors while maintaining efficient coolant distribution to individual racks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from horizontal coolant distribution (requiring raised floors) to vertical distribution through integrated rack channels. Coolant is delivered vertically from overhead units through the rack structure to distribution points at equipment level, utilizing the vertical dimension to achieve efficient cooling without structural floor modifications.
2Ease of operation
If traditional rack-mounted cooling-distribution units are used, then liquid-cooling is provided to equipment racks, but valuable whitespace within data center rows is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of mounting cooling-distribution units at rack level or floor level, the system inverts the approach by positioning cooling units overhead above the racks. This allows coolant delivery without occupying valuable whitespace in data center rows, as the cooling infrastructure is positioned in the overhead space that would otherwise be unused.
Solution Approach 2:
The overhead cooling units serve multiple functions: they house the cooling-distribution mechanism, provide structural support for coolant delivery channels, and can be positioned to serve multiple racks simultaneously. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate rack-mounted cooling units, preserving whitespace while maintaining cooling capability.
3Ease of operation
If overhead cooling systems with suspended piping are used, then liquid-cooling is provided to equipment, but system complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the cooling-distribution function with the rack structure itself. Vertical coolant delivery channels are integrated into the rack framework, and distribution manifolds are incorporated as part of the rack assembly. This integration eliminates the need for separate suspended piping systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective liquid-cooling delivery.
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
Enables effective liquid-cooling of IT equipment without raising the data center or creating additional space, while minimizing whitespace usage and reducing the risk of leaks.
Implementation Method 1
a seal coupled to the first portion and the second portion
Implementation Method 2
delivering relatively chilled coolant through a second portion from second liquid-cooling piping coupled to the at least one equipment rack
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A piping-container module includes a module body, a first portion formed in the module body, and a second portion formed in the module body. The first portion is configured to receive first liquid-cooling piping coupled to a cooling-distribution unit. The second portion is configured to receive second liquid-cooling piping coupled to an equipment rack. The piping-container module further includes a seal coupled to the first portion and the second portion and a walking platform configured to be coupled to the module body. The walking platform is configured to enable a person to walk on the piping-container module.