Variable Pitch Fan Cooling System with Minimal Impedance Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cooling systems for computers face inefficiencies due to airflow impedance between serially-arranged fans, which increases power consumption and total cost of ownership, despite innovations in fan configurations like variable-pitch blades, as fans operate in higher-impedance positions even during normal conditions.
Innovation Solution
Operating variable pitch fans in series where only one fan runs at operational pitch while the other is locked in minimal impedance position, switching roles upon failure detection to maintain airflow without impedance loss, and monitoring performance to ensure redundancy and minimize power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple fans are operated simultaneously in series to achieve sufficient airflow, then the cooling requirement is met, but each fan presents airflow impedance to the other fans, substantially undercutting the efficiency of the cooling system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful impedance function from the backup fan by positioning its blades in a minimal-impedance orientation (edge-on to airflow) while keeping it stationary. This removes the adverse effect of the backup fan on system efficiency while preserving its readiness to provide full airflow capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs variable-pitch fan blades that can dynamically change their orientation. The operational fan maintains high-pitch blades for maximum airflow generation, while the backup fan switches to low-pitch blades for minimal impedance. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between providing sufficient airflow and minimizing energy loss.
2Adaptability or versatility
If variable-pitch fan blades are used with capacity to move to lower-impedance position, then the capability to reduce impedance exists, but the pitch is only moved to lower-impedance position in the event of failure, not during normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the backup fan blades in the minimal-impedance orientation before any failure occurs. This advance preparation ensures that when the backup fan is needed, it can immediately provide full airflow capability without requiring blade adjustment during the failure response, while continuously minimizing impedance during normal operation.
3Reliability
If redundant fans are configured in series to ensure continuous cooling, then reliability is improved, but the impedance presented by each fan substantially undercuts the efficiency of the cooling system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by giving each fan in the series configuration a different blade pitch orientation optimized for its specific role. The operational fan has high-pitch blades optimized for airflow generation, while the backup fan has low-pitch blades optimized for minimal impedance. This localized optimization resolves the contradiction between redundancy and efficiency.
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 approach minimizes airflow impedance and power consumption, providing continuous cooling with redundant fans without throttling or shutdowns, maintaining efficiency and reducing total cost of ownership by optimizing fan operation and extending fan lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
running a first variable pitch fan with blades positioned at an operational pitch to induce airflow through the computer system
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating variable pitch fans in series to cool an operating computer system. The method comprises running a first variable pitch fan with blades positioned at an operational pitch to induce airflow through the computer system and through a second variable pitch fan disposed in series with the first fan, and, simultaneously, not running the second variable pitch fan with blades positioned for minimal impedance to the airflow. In response to detecting a failure condition of the first fan, the method includes running the second fan with blades positioned at an operational pitch to induce airflow through the computer system and through the first fan, and, simultaneously, not running the first fan with blades positioned for minimal impedance to the airflow. Preferably, the method includes locking the rotor of a fan that is not running, and locking the blades of the non-running fan in a minimal impedance position.