Underfloor Server Rack Cooling for Localized Data Center Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional data center cooling systems lack the ability to provide localized, selective cooling to individual server racks or groups, occupy valuable floor space, require extensive installation and servicing, and consume excessive energy due to treating large volumes of air.
Innovation Solution
The underfloor server rack cooling system (UFSRCS) provides localized cooling by integrating a fan and cooling coil under the floor, allowing independent control of cooling units per server rack, modular expansion, and reduced air movement, with components easily installed and serviced.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional centralized cooling systems are used, then cooling capacity is provided to the entire data center, but floor space is occupied by large cooling equipment and energy consumption is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized cooling system is segmented into multiple distributed underfloor cooling units, each serving specific server racks. This segmentation allows cooling equipment to be dispersed under the floor rather than occupying large centralized space, while still providing comprehensive cooling coverage to the entire data center.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system transitions from occupying horizontal floor space to utilizing the vertical underfloor space. By placing cooling units in the plenum space beneath the raised access floor, the system effectively moves the equipment to another dimension, freeing up valuable floor space for server racks and other data center infrastructure.
2Temperature
If traditional centralized cooling systems are used, then cooling is provided to all areas, but energy consumption increases due to treating large volumes of air
Solution Approach 1:
Each underfloor cooling unit provides localized cooling tailored to the specific thermal requirements of its assigned server racks. This local quality approach ensures that cooling capacity is matched precisely to the heat generation of individual racks, avoiding the energy waste of conditioning air for areas or racks that do not require cooling at any given time.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system incorporates dynamic control capabilities where each underfloor unit can independently adjust its cooling output based on real-time temperature sensors and server rack power consumption levels. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to respond to changing thermal loads, reducing energy consumption during low-demand periods while maintaining adequate cooling when needed.
3Temperature
If traditional centralized cooling systems are used, then cooling infrastructure is established, but installation and servicing become complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling infrastructure is divided into modular underfloor units that can be independently installed and serviced. Each unit is self-contained with its own fan, cooling coil, and control system, allowing for simplified installation compared to a single large centralized system. This segmentation also enables localized maintenance without shutting down the entire cooling infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The underfloor cooling units incorporate self-diagnostics and automated control features that reduce the need for complex manual intervention during installation and maintenance. Temperature sensors and control systems automatically monitor and adjust cooling parameters, while modular design allows for easy replacement of individual components without requiring extensive technical expertise for basic servicing.
4Temperature
If traditional centralized cooling systems are used, then cooling capacity is available, but adaptability to individual server rack needs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Each underfloor cooling unit is configured to serve specific server racks with customized cooling parameters based on the thermal characteristics and power consumption of those racks. This local quality approach allows different cooling strategies to be applied to different rack groups, with each unit adapting its operation to the specific needs of its assigned servers rather than applying a uniform cooling approach throughout the data center.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic control capabilities where each underfloor unit can independently adjust its cooling output based on real-time temperature sensors and server rack power consumption levels. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to respond to changing thermal loads, reducing energy consumption during low-demand periods while maintaining adequate cooling when needed.
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 system ensures optimal server temperatures with reduced energy consumption and floor space usage by localizing cooling, enabling efficient, modular, and easily serviced cooling solutions tailored to individual server needs.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling coil, which are disposed between and operably connected in-line to the input port and the output port
Implementation Method 2
The UFSRCS also comprises a fan and a cooling coil, which are disposed between and operably connected in-line to the input port and the output port
Data Source
AI summary
An underfloor server rack cooling system (UFSRCS) for a data center server room having a raised access floor (RAF), the UFSRCS having, in the RAF, a hot air intake port located at a hot air back side of a server rack and a cold air output port located on an opposed cool air side of the server rack, wherein a fan and a cooling coil of the UFSRCS are under the RAF and between the input port and the output port.