Venturi Duct Dehumidification for Adaptive Building Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data centers face inefficiencies in waste heat removal due to non-uniform heat generation across racking systems and varying outside air quality, which challenges the effectiveness of uniform cooling methods, especially in varying environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A cooling system that includes a duct with a venturi section to convert water vapor into water droplets, a desiccant wheel for dehumidification, and an evaporative cooling system, with air flow control devices to manage airflow and optimize cooling based on environmental conditions, allowing for a two-phase mixture of air and water to be used for heat removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If uniform cooling methods are applied to non-uniform waste heat generation sources, then system simplicity is maintained, but cooling effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The data center cooling system is divided into multiple independent cooling zones, each equipped with its own cooling apparatus. Each zone can be independently controlled and optimized based on the local heat generation characteristics of adjacent racking systems, allowing non-uniform heat distribution to be addressed without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
Cooling parameters such as temperature, humidity, and airflow are independently controlled in each cooling zone to match the specific thermal load requirements. This allows each zone to be optimized for its local heat generation pattern, improving overall cooling effectiveness while maintaining reasonable system complexity.
2Reliability
If mechanical cooling system is sized for hot, humid weather, then cooling effectiveness during peak conditions is improved, but energy consumption during cooler periods increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system incorporates dynamic control mechanisms including variable speed fans, adjustable dampers, and programmable thermostats that automatically adjust cooling output based on real-time environmental conditions. This allows the system to operate at full capacity during hot humid weather while reducing energy consumption during cooler periods, eliminating the need to size for peak conditions year-round.
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature and humidity sensors continuously monitor environmental conditions and provide feedback to the control system. The control system adjusts cooling apparatus operation based on this feedback, ensuring adequate cooling during hot humid weather while preventing excessive energy consumption during cooler, drier periods.
3Use of energy by moving object
If outside air is used as cooling source, then energy efficiency is improved, but cooling reliability deteriorates due to varying air quality
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to handle multiple air sources and modes of operation through a universal cooling platform. The cooling apparatus can process both outside air and recirculated air, and can operate in different modes (free cooling, mechanical cooling, hybrid) depending on outside air conditions, maintaining reliable cooling performance regardless of air quality variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts operating parameters such as airflow rates, temperature setpoints, and humidity control levels based on outside air quality conditions. When outside air quality is favorable, the system maximizes outside air utilization for energy efficiency. When conditions deteriorate, parameters are adjusted to maintain cooling reliability, potentially switching to recirculated air or mechanical cooling modes.
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 enhances heat removal efficiency by adapting to non-uniform heat sources and varying air quality, reducing energy consumption and improving cooling effectiveness across different environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The duct includes a venturi section. The air moving devices move air through the venturi section of the duct such that at least a portion of water in the air is converted from water vapor to water droplets
Implementation Method 2
a desiccant wheel for dehumidification
Implementation Method 3
an evaporative cooling system
Data Source
AI summary
A system for cooling heat producing components in a building includes a duct coupled to a room of the building and one or more air moving devices. The duct includes a constricted section. The air moving devices move air through the constricted section of the duct such that water in the air is converted from water vapor to water droplets. The water droplets are carried downstream from the constricted section in a two-phase mixture comprising air and water.