US20120300391A1 - Modular it rack cooling assemblies and methods for assembling same - Google Patents
Modular it rack cooling assemblies and methods for assembling same Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20120300391A1 US20120300391A1 US13/517,092 US201113517092A US2012300391A1 US 20120300391 A1 US20120300391 A1 US 20120300391A1 US 201113517092 A US201113517092 A US 201113517092A US 2012300391 A1 US2012300391 A1 US 2012300391A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- heat exchanger
- rack
- supporting member
- server
- cooling
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K7/00—Constructional details common to different types of electric apparatus
- H05K7/20—Modifications to facilitate cooling, ventilating, or heating
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K7/00—Constructional details common to different types of electric apparatus
- H05K7/20—Modifications to facilitate cooling, ventilating, or heating
- H05K7/20709—Modifications to facilitate cooling, ventilating, or heating for server racks or cabinets; for data centers, e.g. 19-inch computer racks
- H05K7/20718—Forced ventilation of a gaseous coolant
- H05K7/20745—Forced ventilation of a gaseous coolant within rooms for removing heat from cabinets, e.g. by air conditioning device
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K7/00—Constructional details common to different types of electric apparatus
- H05K7/20—Modifications to facilitate cooling, ventilating, or heating
- H05K7/20709—Modifications to facilitate cooling, ventilating, or heating for server racks or cabinets; for data centers, e.g. 19-inch computer racks
- H05K7/20718—Forced ventilation of a gaseous coolant
- H05K7/20736—Forced ventilation of a gaseous coolant within cabinets for removing heat from server blades
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K7/00—Constructional details common to different types of electric apparatus
- H05K7/20—Modifications to facilitate cooling, ventilating, or heating
- H05K7/20709—Modifications to facilitate cooling, ventilating, or heating for server racks or cabinets; for data centers, e.g. 19-inch computer racks
- H05K7/20763—Liquid cooling without phase change
- H05K7/20781—Liquid cooling without phase change within cabinets for removing heat from server blades
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K7/00—Constructional details common to different types of electric apparatus
- H05K7/20—Modifications to facilitate cooling, ventilating, or heating
- H05K7/20709—Modifications to facilitate cooling, ventilating, or heating for server racks or cabinets; for data centers, e.g. 19-inch computer racks
- H05K7/208—Liquid cooling with phase change
- H05K7/20827—Liquid cooling with phase change within rooms for removing heat from cabinets, e.g. air conditioning devices
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49826—Assembling or joining
Definitions
- the present disclosure generally relates to computing or information technology (IT) data centers. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to structures, systems and methods for installing heat exchangers in IT data centers.
- IT information technology
- Cooling systems for computer server racks have been struggling to keep pace with the ability to cool ever increasing computer server heat loads in data centers.
- the increase of computer server heat loads (measured in kilowatts (kW)) has required that more space be allotted for the cooling infrastructure within the data rooms or that the cooling systems are concentrated at the heat source, i.e., the computer server racks.
- cooling systems have been designed to concentrate the cooling at the computer server racks. These cooling systems include rear-door heat exchangers and rack-top coolers.
- Certain cooling system designs have incorporated de-ionized water while others use R-134a (i.e., 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane) refrigerant in a mostly liquid state.
- R-134a i.e., 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane
- the latest designs are limited in their ability to be scaled to cooling requirements of increasingly high density data centers.
- the output capacity of rear-door exchangers is limited to the physical size of the computer rack exterior perimeter and the amount of fluid (measured in gallons per minute (gpm)) that can be applied to a rear-door exchanger without excessive pressure drops.
- the rear-door exchangers can produce up to approximately 12-16 kW of concentrated cooling to computer server racks.
- the overhead rack coolers can produce up to 20 kW of cooling output using R-134a refrigerant liquid.
- the total capacity is limited to the physical size of the coils as well as the size of the enclosure for the computer server racks. This equates to approximately 41,000 to approximately 55,000 BTUs per hour (about 12 KW to about 16.1 KW) of total heat rejection capabilities per rack assembly.
- Some computer servers can now produce outputs in excess of 35 kW similar to the IBM Blue Jean Server.
- the rear-door heat exchangers and other similar cooling products on the market cannot handle the cooling requirements of these high-density computer servers.
- the present disclosure features a modular server rack cooling structure for cooling at least one server in at least one rack of a data center.
- the modular server rack cooling structure for cooling at least one server in at least one rack of a data center includes at least a first supporting member and at least a first heat exchanger that are coupled to each other.
- the first supporting member is configured to position the first heat exchanger in heat transfer relationship with the server, where the first heat exchanger is not attached to the rack.
- the first supporting member includes a beam member
- the first heat exchanger has a dimension defining an edge of the first heat exchanger, and the edge of the first heat exchanger is rotatably coupled to the beam member.
- the beam member is a horizontal beam member or a vertical beam member.
- the first supporting member includes at least a first, second, and third beam members.
- the first beam member is substantially orthogonally coupled to the second beam member and the third beam member is substantially orthogonally coupled to the second beam member to form a substantially U-shaped configuration.
- the first heat exchanger has a dimension defining an edge of the first heat exchanger and the edge of the first heat exchanger is rotatably coupled to the first beam member, second beam member, or third beam member.
- the dimension defining the edge of the first heat exchanger has a substantially longitudinal dimension defining a longitudinal edge of the first heat exchanger and the longitudinal edge of the first heat exchanger is rotatably coupled to the first beam member or the third beam member.
- the second supporting member includes a beam member
- the second heat exchanger has a dimension defining an edge of the second heat exchanger, and the edge of the second heat exchanger is rotatably coupled to the beam member of the second supporting member.
- the second heat exchanger is disposed vertically, horizontally, or diagonally.
- the second supporting member includes a beam member and the second heat exchanger is coupled to the beam member of the second supporting member.
- the data center further includes at least a second rack for supporting at least one server, where the first rack and the second rack are disposed opposite one another to form a hot aisle or a cold aisle between the first rack and the second rack.
- the modular server rack cooling structure may further include at least a second supporting member and at least a second heat exchanger coupled to each other. The second supporting member is configured to position the second heat exchanger in heat transfer relationship with the server of the second rack, where the second heat exchanger is not attached to the second rack.
- the modular server rack cooling structure further includes at least one forced fluid-flow device configured and disposed with respect to the first heat exchanger to provide a flow of fluid between the server and the first heat exchanger.
- the present disclosure features a modular data center system including at least a first rack and at least a second rack disposed opposite one another to form a hot aisle or a cold aisle between the first rack and the second rack, each of which supports at least one server.
- the modular data center system also includes a modular server rack cooling structure including at least a first supporting member and at least a first heat exchanger coupled to each other.
- the first supporting member is configured to position the first heat exchanger in heat transfer relationship with at least one server of first rack so that the first heat exchanger is not attached to the first rack.
- the modular data center system also includes at least a second supporting member and at least a second heat exchanger coupled to each other.
- the second supporting member is configured to position the second heat exchanger in heat transfer relationship with at least one server of the second rack so that the second heat exchanger is not attached to the second rack.
- the first supporting member includes a beam member
- the first heat exchanger has a dimension defining an edge of the first heat exchanger
- the edge of the first heat exchanger is rotatably coupled to the beam member of the first supporting member
- the second supporting member includes a beam member
- the second heat exchanger has a dimension defining an edge of the second heat exchanger
- the edge of the second heat exchanger is rotatably coupled to the beam member of the second supporting member.
- the modular data center system further includes at least one forced fluid-flow device configured to provide a flow of fluid between the servers and the heat exchangers.
- the beam members are vertical beam members disposed adjacent to the first rack and the second rack.
- the modular data center system further includes at least a third supporting member and at least a third heat exchanger coupled to each other.
- the third supporting member is configured to position the third heat exchanger in heat transfer relationship with the server of the first rack or the server of the second rack.
- the third supporting member includes a beam member, and the third heat exchanger has a dimension defining an edge of the third heat exchanger, and the edge of the third heat exchanger is rotatably coupled to the beam member of the third supporting member.
- the third supporting member includes a beam member and the third heat exchanger is coupled to the beam member of the third supporting member.
- the second heat exchanger is disposed vertically, horizontally or diagonally.
- the modular data center system further includes at least one forced fluid-flow device configured to provide a flow of fluid between the servers and the heat exchangers, at least a fourth supporting member, and at least a fourth heat exchanger in which the third heat exchanger is coupled to the fourth supporting member and the fourth supporting member is configured to position the fourth heat exchanger adjacent to the forced fluid-flow device.
- the present disclosure features a method of installing a modular server rack cooling structure for cooling at least a first server installed in at least a first rack and at least a second server installed in at least a second rack in which the first rack and the second rack are disposed opposite from each other to form at least a portion of a hot aisle or a cold aisle.
- the method includes positioning at least a portion of a modular support structure in the hot aisle or the cold aisle where the modular support structure including at least a first support member, a second support member, and a third support member.
- the method also includes coupling at least a first heat exchanger to the first supporting member so that the first heat exchanger is positioned adjacent to the first server of the first rack.
- the method also includes coupling at least a second heat exchanger to the second supporting member so that the second heat exchanger is positioned adjacent to the second server of the second rack and coupling at least a third heat exchanger to the third supporting member so that the third heat exchanger is positioned within the hot aisle or the cold aisle, where coupling the third heat exchanger to the third supporting member is performed after at least a third server is installed in the first rack or the second rack.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a data center assembly for information technology servers in a data center assembly that includes a plurality of modular support structures, each of which supports at least one heat exchanger according to embodiments of the present disclosure;
- FIG. 2 is an elevation view of a modular support structure for supporting at least one heat exchanger in the data center assembly of FIG. 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure
- FIG. 3 is a detailed elevation view of the data center assembly of FIG. 2 showing the position of the heat exchangers with respect to the servers and server rack according to embodiments of the present disclosure
- FIG. 4A is an elevation view of the data center assembly as taken along section line 4 A- 4 A in FIG. 2 according to embodiments of the present disclosure
- FIG. 4B is an elevation view of the data center assembly as taken along section line 4 B- 4 B in FIG. 2 according to embodiments of the present disclosure
- FIG. 5A is a plan view of the data center assembly of FIG. 1 as seen in the direction of the arrows 5 A- 5 B in FIG. 4A illustrating the plurality of modular support structures in the data center assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure;
- FIG. 5B is a plan view of the data center assembly of FIG. 1 as seen in the direction of the arrows 5 B- 5 B in FIG. 4B illustrating the plurality of modular support structures in the data center assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure;
- FIG. 6 is a plan view of a data center assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 7 is a plan view of a data center assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure illustrating the fluid circuits between refrigeration heat exchanger skids and the heat exchangers supported by the modular support structures;
- FIG. 8 is an operational end view of the data center assembly of FIG. 7 having at least one modular support structure and associated heat exchangers for “Day One” low density operation according to embodiments of the present disclosure
- FIG. 9 is an operational end view of the data center assembly of FIG. 8 having at least one modular support structure and associated heat exchangers for “Day Two” increased density operation according to embodiments of the present disclosure
- FIG. 10 is an operational end view of the data center assembly of FIG. 9 having at least one modular support structure and associated heat exchangers for “Day Three” increased density operation according to embodiments of the present disclosure
- FIG. 11 is an operational end view of the data center assembly of FIG. 10 having at least one modular support structure and associated heat exchangers for high density operations according to embodiments of the present disclosure
- FIG. 12 is an exemplary embodiment of a flow diagram for a close-coupled cooling system for chillerless operation in high wet bulb temperature applications according to the present disclosure
- FIG. 13 illustrates a modular data pod that includes a separate cooling circuit that forms an “A-Frame” heat exchanger assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure
- FIG. 14 is an upper plan view of the modular data pod of FIG. 13 that includes the separate cooling circuit that forms an “A-Frame” heat exchanger assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure
- FIG. 15 is a lower plan view of the modular data center pod assembly of FIG. 14 illustrating forced-flow cooling devices that force air vertically through a sump below the central aisle of the modular data center pod assembly;
- FIG. 16 is a schematic flow diagram of a cooling system for a data center assembly including the close-coupled cooling system of FIG. 12 according to embodiments of the present disclosure
- FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of cooling cycle skids that are illustrated as part of the modular data pod assembly of FIGS. 14-16 ;
- FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a data center assembly illustrating a building enclosure over the hot aisle of the data center assembly according to embodiments the present disclosure.
- the presently disclosed heat exchanger support structures, heat exchanger support systems and installation method advance the state of the art of data center cooling by providing additional cooling capacity within the same floor space of an existing or planned data center, thus reducing the cooling capacity foot print of the data center and increasing the cooling capacity per unit area.
- the presently disclosed heat exchanger support structures, heat exchanger support systems and installation method can be retrofitted into existing data centers or planned as part of new installations.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a modular unified racking system installation 100 for IT servers in a data center assembly 10 that includes a plurality of support structures of the modular server rack cooling structures, each of which supports at least one heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
- the data center assembly 10 includes a plurality of IT server racks 1001 a , . . . , 1001 n positioned adjacent to one another to form a first row 1001 ′ of IT server racks.
- a second row 1002 ′ of adjacent IT server racks 1002 a , . . . , 1002 n is formed opposite to the first row 1001 ′ to form a hot aisle 12 between the first row 1001 ′ and the second row 1002 ′.
- first row 1001 ′ of IT server racks and an adjacent wall (not shown) of a data center facility or an adjacent row of IT server racks define a first cold aisle.
- second row 1002 ′ of IT server racks and an adjacent outer wall (not shown) of the data center assembly 10 or an adjacent row of IT server racks define a second cold aisle.
- the first row 1001 ′ of IT server racks and the second row 1002 ′ of IT server racks can form a cold aisle between the first row 1001 ′ and the second row 1002 ′.
- each server rack 1001 a , . . . , 1001 n and 1002 a , . . . , 1002 n includes a plurality of slots that are each configured to receive one server.
- first server rack 1001 a of first row 1001 ′ has a plurality of IT servers 101 a 1 , . . . , 101 a n in different slots of server rack 1001 a .
- server rack 1002 a of second row 1002 ′ has a plurality of IT servers 102 a 1 , . . . , 102 a n in different slots of server rack 1002 a .
- Each IT server 101 a 1 , . . . , 101 a n has at least one heat transfer path 103 a 1 , . . . , 103 a n , respectively, which can include one or more exhaust fans and ports positioned at the rear end of each IT server 101 a 1 , . . . , 101 a n as shown, or which can be upper, lower and/or side surfaces of each IT server 101 a 1 , . . . , 101 a n , or other heat transfer paths that are known in the art.
- the letter “n” in the certain reference numerals represents a variable quantity.
- the use of the quantity “n” in the reference numerals, such as “ 1001 n ” or “ 101 a n ,” does not necessarily mean that the quantity “n” is always equal in each instance where the letter “n” is used.
- Those skilled in the art will recognize that the value of “n” may differ for practical applications of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and that “n” is applied to convey the description of multiple or “a plurality of” components or items.
- each IT server 102 a 1 , . . . , 102 a n has at least one heat transfer path 104 a 1 , . . . , 104 a n , respectively, which can include one or more exhaust fans and ports positioned at the rear end of each IT server 102 a 1 , . . . , 102 a n , as shown, or which can also be upper, lower and/or side surfaces of the IT servers 102 a 1 , . . . , 102 a n , or other heat transfer paths that are known in the art.
- the modular server rack cooling structure 2001 includes at least a first supporting member 201 a which is exemplarily illustrated as a vertically positioned beam positioned adjacent to the server rack 1001 a at the rear end of the plurality of IT servers 101 a 1 , . . . , 101 a n , which as noted above, are disposed in different slots of the server rack 1001 a.
- the modular server rack cooling structure 2001 is configured and disposed to support at least one forced-flow cooling device 1051 a , e.g., a motorized fan, to provide forced-flow circulation from the hot aisle 12 directed toward the first cold aisle.
- the forced-flow cooling device 1051 a is configured and disposed to define a region of separation between the hot aisle 12 and the first cold aisle.
- the first forced-flow cooling device 1051 a includes a suction side 15 a and a discharge side illustrated by the arrow 17 a , which indicates the direction of air flow.
- the region of separation is defined along the height of the first forced-flow cooling device 1051 a above the IT server rack 1001 a and therefore the region of separation occurs between the hot aisle 12 and the volume of space above the first row 1001 ′ of IT server racks leading into the first cold aisle.
- the first forced-flow cooling device 1051 a is positioned horizontally across the hot aisle 12 in proximity to the top of the IT server rack 1001 a.
- the modular server rack cooling structure 2001 includes at least one heat exchanger.
- the first heat exchanger 1101 a is configured and disposed with respect to the suction side 15 a of the forced-flow cooling device 1051 a to provide forced-flow cooling of the first heat exchanger 1101 a.
- the first heat exchanger 1101 a is a serpentine coil microchannel design having a thin rectangular configuration forming two large substantially flat sides such as a Model SX-2 Serpentine Coil heat exchanger manufactured by MBA Manufacturing and Supply Co. of Mundelein, Ill., USA or similar.
- the first heat exchanger 1101 a has a first substantially flat side 1103 a and a second substantially flat side 1105 a .
- the first heat exchanger 1101 a is disposed in proximity to the suction side 15 a of the first forced-flow cooling device 1051 a .
- the first forced-flow cooling device 1051 a is configured and disposed to maintain the region of separation between the hot aisle 12 and the first cold aisle 141 and to enable cooling of the hot air in the hot aisle 12 that emanates from the servers in the server racks and which flows across the serpentine coils of the first heat exchanger 1101 a for cooling.
- the modular server rack cooling structure 2001 is also configured and disposed to support at least a second forced-flow cooling device 1052 a , e.g., a motorized fan, to provide forced-flow circulation from the hot aisle 12 directed towards the second cold aisle 142 .
- the second forced-flow cooling device 1052 a is configured and disposed to define a region of separation between the hot aisle 12 and the second cold aisle 142 of the data center assembly 10 .
- the second forced-flow cooling device 1052 a includes a suction side 16 a and a discharge side shown by the arrow 18 a , which indicates the direction of air flow.
- the region of separation between the hot aisle 12 and the second cold aisle 142 is defined along the height of the second forced-flow cooling device 1052 a.
- the second forced-flow cooling device 1052 a is positioned horizontally across the hot aisle 12 in proximity to the top of the IT server rack 1002 a.
- the second heat exchanger 1102 a is configured and disposed with respect to the suction side 16 a of the forced-flow cooling device 1052 a to provide forced-flow cooling of the second heat exchanger 1102 a .
- the second heat exchanger 1102 a is again a serpentine coil microchannel design having a thin rectangular configuration forming two large substantially flat sides such as the Model SX-2 Serpentine Coil heat exchanger manufactured by MBA Manufacturing and Supply Co. of Mundelein, Ill., USA or similar, mentioned above.
- the second heat exchanger 1102 a has a first substantially flat side 1104 a and a second substantially flat side 1106 a . As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of FIG.
- the second heat exchanger 1102 a is disposed in proximity to the suction side 16 a of the second forced-flow cooling device 1052 a .
- the second forced-flow cooling device 1052 a is configured and disposed to maintain the region of separation between the hot aisle 12 and the second cold aisle 142 and to enable cooling of the hot air in the hot aisle 12 that emanates from the IT servers in the server racks and which flows across the serpentine coils of the second heat exchanger 1102 a for cooling.
- the first supporting member 201 a includes at least first, second and third beam members, 201 a 1 , 201 a 2 , and 201 a 3 , respectively.
- the first beam member 201 a 1 is substantially orthogonally coupled to the second beam member 201 a 2
- the third beam member 201 a 3 is substantially orthogonally coupled to the second beam member 201 a 2 to form a substantially U-shaped configuration.
- the modular server rack cooling structure 2001 further includes at least a second supporting member 202 a which, as with first supporting member 201 a , is exemplarily illustrated as a vertically-oriented beam positioned adjacent to the server rack 1002 a at the rear end of the plurality of IT servers 102 a 1 , . . . , 1012 n , which as noted above, are positioned in different slots of the server rack 1002 a.
- the second supporting member 202 a includes at least first, second and third beam members, 202 a 1 , 202 a 2 , and 202 a 3 , respectively.
- the first beam member 202 a 1 is substantially orthogonally coupled to the second beam member 202 a 2
- the third beam member 202 a 3 is substantially orthogonally coupled to the second beam member 202 a 2 to form a substantially U-shaped configuration.
- the modular server rack cooling structure 2001 when the modular server rack cooling structure 2001 includes the second supporting member 202 a to provide stability and to enable practically simultaneous insertion of both the first heat exchanger 1101 a and the second heat exchanger 1102 a when the modular server rack cooling structure 2001 is installed in between the server racks 1001 a and 1002 a , the modular server rack cooling structure 2001 further includes at least a third supporting member 203 a .
- the third supporting member 203 a couples the first supporting member 201 a to the second supporting member 202 a at upper ends 201 a ′ and 202 a ′ of the supporting members 201 a and 202 a , respectively.
- the third supporting member 203 a includes at least two beam members 203 a 1 and 203 a 2 that are each configured and disposed to span across the hot aisle 12 to couple the first supporting member 201 a to the second supporting member 202 a and to couple second supporting beam 201 a 2 of the first supporting member 201 a to second supporting beam 202 a 2 of the second supporting member 202 a.
- the third supporting member 203 a includes at least one heat exchanger configured to transfer heat to or from the hot aisle following insertion of the modular server rack cooling structure 2001 in between the server racks 1001 a and 1002 a . More particularly, the third supporting member includes a third heat exchanger 301 a supported substantially horizontally across and above the hot aisle 12 .
- the third heat exchanger 301 a is a serpentine coil microchannel design similar to the first heat exchanger 213 a and the second heat exchanger 214 a has a thin rectangular configuration forming two large substantially flat sides such as the Model SX-2 Serpentine Coil heat exchanger manufactured by MBA Manufacturing and Supply Co. of Mundelein, Ill., USA or similar, described previously above.
- the horizontal positioning of third heat exchanger 301 a across and above the hot aisle 12 enables significantly increased cooling capacity per unit area without an increase in the size of the cooling capacity footprint.
- the air exhausted horizontally from the IT servers in the server racks 1001 a and 1002 a into hot aisle 12 is forced to rise in the hot aisle 12 and is passed vertically through the serpentine coils of the third heat exchanger 301 a.
- the horizontal heat exchanger 301 a is rotatably coupled to the second beam member 201 a 2 via a hinged connection 303 a so that the horizontal heat exchanger 301 a can be rotated downwardly into the upper portion of the hot aisle 12 .
- At least a first heat exchanger 213 a is coupled to the first supporting member 201 a .
- the first heat exchanger 203 a is a serpentine coil microchannel design having a thin rectangular configuration forming two large substantially flat sides such as a Model SX-2 Serpentine Coil heat exchanger manufactured by MBA Manufacturing and Supply Co. of Mundelein, Ill., USA or similar.
- the first heat exchanger 213 a has a first substantially flat side 215 a and a second substantially flat side 217 a through which hot air from the servers in the server racks can flow across the serpentine coils for cooling. Consequently, the first supporting member 201 a is configured to position the first heat exchanger 213 a in proximity to the heat transfer path 103 a 1 of at least server 101 a 1 via the first substantially flat side 215 a following insertion of the modular server rack cooling structure in between the server racks 1001 a and 1002 a . In some embodiments, there may be no or minimal contact between the modular server rack cooling structure 2001 and the server racks 1001 a and 1002 a.
- the first substantially flat surface 215 a is positioned to interface with, and is in proximity to, the heat transfer path 103 a of at least server 101 a 1 following insertion of the modular server rack cooling structure 2001 in between the server racks 1001 a and 1002 a .
- Air flow exhausted through the heat transfer path 103 a 1 of at least server 101 a 1 therefore flows to the first substantially flat side 215 a of the first heat exchanger 213 a across the coils to the second substantially flat side 217 a into the hot aisle 12 .
- at least the first supporting member 201 a is configured to position at least the first heat exchanger 213 a in heat transfer relationship with the one or more servers 101 a 1 , . . . , 101 a n .
- at least the first heat exchanger 213 a is not attached to the one or more IT server racks 1001 a , . . . , 1001 n.
- the first heat exchanger 213 a is configured and sized such that the substantially flat surfaces 215 a and 217 a at least partially, if not entirely, overlap the heat transfer paths 103 a 1 , . . . , 103 a n of each of the plurality of IT servers 101 a 1 , . . . , 101 a n , respectively, that are positioned in different slots of the server rack 1001 a.
- the first heat exchanger 213 a has a dimension defining an edge 219 a 1 substantially interfacing with the first beam member 201 a 1 , an edge 219 a 2 substantially interfacing with second beam member 201 a 2 , and an edge 219 a 3 substantially interfacing with third beam member 201 a 3 .
- One of the edges 219 a 1 , 219 a 2 or 219 a 3 is rotatably coupled to the respective beam member 201 a 1 , 201 a 2 or 201 a 3 such as by hinges 211 a 1 illustrated for beam member 201 a 1 and edge 219 a 1 .
- the first heat exchanger 213 a may be rotated into the hot aisle 12 to enable access to the IT servers 101 a 1 , . . . , 101 a n from the hot aisle 12 (as shown by the dashed line designated by reference numeral 213 a ).
- the dimensions defining edges 219 a 1 and 219 a 3 are substantially longitudinal to coincide with the orientation of first beam member 201 a 1 and third beam member 201 a 3 , respectively.
- the dimension defining edge 219 a 2 is substantially lateral to coincide with the orientation of second beam member 201 a 2 .
- the modular server rack cooling structure 2001 further includes at least a second supporting member 202 a which, like the first supporting member 201 a , is exemplarily illustrated as a vertically-positioned beam positioned adjacent to the server rack 1002 a at the rear end of the plurality of IT servers 102 a 1 , . . . , 1012 n , which as noted above, are positioned in different slots of the server rack 1002 a.
- a second supporting member 202 a which, like the first supporting member 201 a , is exemplarily illustrated as a vertically-positioned beam positioned adjacent to the server rack 1002 a at the rear end of the plurality of IT servers 102 a 1 , . . . , 1012 n , which as noted above, are positioned in different slots of the server rack 1002 a.
- the second heat exchanger 214 a is coupled to the second supporting member 202 a .
- the second heat exchanger 214 a is a serpentine coil microchannel design having a thin rectangular configuration forming two large substantially flat sides such as the Model SX-2 Serpentine Coil heat exchanger manufactured by MBA Manufacturing and Supply Co. of Mundelein, Ill., USA or similar.
- the second heat exchanger 214 a has a first substantially flat side 216 a and a second substantially flat side 218 a through which hot air from the servers in the server racks can flow across the serpentine coils for cooling. Consequently, the second supporting member 202 a is configured to position the second heat exchanger 214 a in proximity to the heat transfer path 104 a 1 of at least server 102 a 1 following insertion of the modular server rack cooling structure 2001 in between the server racks 1001 a and 1002 a . In some embodiments, there may be no or little contact between the modular server rack cooling structure 2001 and the server racks 1001 a and 1002 a.
- the first substantially flat surface 216 a is positioned to interface with, and is in proximity to, the heat transfer path 104 a 1 of at least server 102 a 1 following insertion of the modular server rack cooling structure 2001 in between the server racks 1001 a and 1002 a .
- Air flow exhausted through the heat transfer path 104 a 1 of at least server 102 a 1 therefore flows to the first substantially flat side 201 a of the second heat exchanger 214 a across the coils to the second substantially flat side 218 a into the hot aisle 12 .
- at least the second supporting member 202 a is configured to position at least the second heat exchanger 214 a in heat transfer relationship with the one or more servers 102 a 1 , . . . , 102 a n .
- at least the second heat exchanger 214 a is not attached to the one or more IT server racks 1002 a . . . 1002 n.
- second heat exchanger 214 a generally is configured and sized such that the substantially flat surfaces 216 a and 218 a at least partially, if not entirely, overlap the heat transfer paths 104 a 1 , . . . , 104 a n of each of the plurality of IT servers 102 a 1 , . . . , 102 a n , respectively, that are positioned at different elevation levels in server rack 1002 a.
- the second heat exchanger 214 a can also be rotatably mounted on hinges to be rotated into the hot aisle 12 to enable access to the IT servers 102 a 1 , . . . , 201 a n from the hot aisle 12 .
- the second supporting member 202 a includes at least first, second and third beam members, 202 a 1 , 202 a 2 , and 202 a 3 , respectively.
- the first beam member 202 a 1 is substantially orthogonally coupled to the second beam member 202 a 2
- the third beam member 202 a 3 is substantially orthogonally coupled to the second beam member 202 a 2 to form a substantially U-shaped configuration.
- the support structure of the first modular server rack cooling structure 2001 when the support structure of the first modular server rack cooling structure 2001 includes the second supporting member 202 a , to provide stability and to enable practically simultaneous insertion of both the first heat exchanger 213 a and the second heat exchanger 214 a when the modular server rack cooling structure 2001 is installed in between the server racks 1001 a and 1002 a , the support structure of the modular server rack cooling structure 2001 further includes at least a third supporting member 203 a .
- the third supporting member 203 a couples the first supporting member 201 a to the second supporting member 202 a at upper ends 201 a ′ and 202 a ′ of the supporting members 201 a and 202 a , respectively.
- the third supporting member 203 a includes generally at least two beam members 203 a 1 and 203 a 2 that are each configured and disposed to span across the hot aisle 12 to couple the first supporting member 201 a to the second supporting member 202 a and generally to couple second supporting beam 201 a 2 of the first supporting member 201 a to second supporting beam 202 a 2 of the second supporting member 202 a.
- the support structure of the first modular server rack cooling structure 2001 is configured to position the first heat exchanger 213 a in proximity to at least the heat transfer path 103 a 1 of the at least first server 101 a 1 of the at least first rack 1001 a following insertion of the modular server rack cooling structure 2001 in between the server racks 1001 a and 1002 a .
- at least the third supporting member 203 a is configured to position at least the first heat exchanger 213 a in heat transfer relationship with the one or more servers 101 a 1 . . . 101 a n .
- at least the first heat exchanger 213 a is not attached to the one or more IT server racks 1001 a . . . 1001 n.
- the support structure of the first modular server rack cooling structure 2001 is configured to position the second heat exchanger 214 a in proximity to at least the heat transfer path 104 a 1 of the at least first server 102 a 1 of the at least second rack 1002 a following insertion of the support structure of the modular server rack cooling structure 2001 in between the server racks 1001 a and 1002 a .
- at least the second supporting member 202 a is configured to position at least the second heat exchanger 214 a in heat transfer relationship with the one or more servers 102 a 1 . . . 102 a n .
- at least the second heat exchanger 214 a is not attached to the one or more IT server racks 1002 a . . . 1002 n.
- the third supporting member 203 a supports at least one heat exchanger configured to transfer heat to or from the aisle following insertion of the modular server rack cooling structure 2001 in between the server racks 1001 a and 1002 a . More particularly, the third supporting member supports the third heat exchanger 301 a substantially horizontally across and above the hot aisle 12 .
- third heat exchanger 301 a may be a serpentine coil microchannel design (similar to the first heat exchanger 213 a and the second heat exchanger 214 a ) having a thin rectangular configuration forming two large substantially flat sides such as the Model SX-2 Serpentine Coil heat exchanger manufactured by MBA Manufacturing and Supply Co. of Mundelein, Ill., USA or similar.
- the horizontal positioning of third heat exchanger 301 a across and above the hot aisle 12 enables significantly additional cooling capacity per unit area without an increase in the size of the cooling capacity footprint.
- the air exhausted horizontally from the first and second heat exchangers 213 a and 214 a into hot aisle 12 is forced to rise in the hot aisle 12 and pass vertically through the serpentine coils of the third heat exchanger 301 a.
- the third supporting member 203 a may support the third heat exchanger 301 a and/or a fourth heat exchanger 401 a that is similar to the types described above with respect to the first, second and third heat exchangers 213 a , 214 a and 301 a .
- the fourth heat exchanger 401 a has a dimension defining a first edge 411 a and an opposing second edge 412 a wherein the fourth heat exchanger 401 a is rotatably coupled to, and supported by, either the third supporting member 203 a , or is rotatably coupled to second beam member 201 a 2 of the first supporting member 201 a .
- the fourth heat exchanger 401 a thus at least partially extends over the hot aisle 12 at an angle ⁇ 1 to the horizontal.
- the third supporting member 203 a supports the fourth heat exchanger 401 a and a fifth heat exchanger 502 a that is similar to the types described above with respect to the first, second and third heat exchangers 213 a , 214 a and 301 a , and is symmetrically identical to the fourth heat exchanger 401 a .
- the fifth heat exchanger 502 a also has a dimension defining a first edge 511 a wherein the fifth heat exchanger 502 a is rotatably coupled to, and supported by, either the third supporting member 203 a , or is rotatably coupled to second beam member 202 a 2 of the second supporting member 202 a .
- the fifth heat exchanger 502 a thus at least partially extends over the hot aisle 12 at an angle ⁇ 2 to the horizontal.
- first heat exchanger 213 a and the second heat exchanger 214 a are the first heat exchangers installed on the modular support structure 2001 enables, at least during initial operation of the data center assembly 10 , elimination of hot aisle 12 since the first heat exchanger 213 a and the first supporting member 201 a are configured to enable direct interface, via the first substantially flat side 215 a , of the first heat exchanger 213 a in proximity to the heat transfer path 103 a 1 of at least server 101 a 1 and since second heat exchanger 214 a and the first supporting member 202 a are configured to enable direct interface, via the first substantially flat side 216 a , of the second heat exchanger 214 a in proximity to the heat transfer path 104 a 1 of at least server 102
- the present disclosure relates also to a system 50 that allows for the insertion and removal of the plurality of heat exchangers 213 a , . . . , 213 n and 214 a , . . . , 214 n .
- the data center assembly 10 includes at least two racks 1001 a , . . . , 1001 n and/or 1002 a , . . . , 1002 n .
- Each rack supports at least one server 101 a 1 , . . . , 101 a n , . . . , 101 n 1 , . . .
- System 50 includes a support structure of the modular server rack cooling structure 2001 that is configured and disposed to support at least one forced-flow cooling device 1051 a , e.g., the motorized fan, to provide forced-flow circulation from the hot aisle 12 directed toward the first cold aisle 141 .
- the forced-flow cooling device 1051 a is again configured and disposed to define a region of separation between the hot aisle 12 and the first cold aisle 141 of the data center assembly 10 .
- the first forced-flow cooling device 1051 a includes suction side 15 a and discharge side shown by the arrow 17 a , which indicates the direction of air flow.
- the region of separation is defined along the height of the first forced-flow cooling device 1051 a above the IT server rack 1001 a and therefore the region of separation occurs between the hot aisle 12 and the volume of space above the first row 1001 ′ of IT server racks leading into the first cold aisle 141 .
- the first forced-flow cooling device 1051 a is positioned horizontally across the hot aisle 12 in proximity to the top of the IT server rack 1001 a.
- the support structure of the modular server rack cooling structure 2001 is configured and disposed to support at least one heat exchanger.
- the first heat exchanger 1101 a is configured and disposed with respect to the suction side 15 a of the forced-flow cooling device 1051 a to provide forced-flow cooling of the first heat exchanger 1101 a .
- the first heat exchanger 1101 a is a serpentine coil microchannel design having a thin rectangular configuration forming two large substantially flat sides such as a Model SX-2 Serpentine Coil heat exchanger manufactured by MBA Manufacturing and Supply Co. of Mundelein, Ill., USA or similar.
- the first heat exchanger 1101 a has a first substantially flat side 1103 a and a second substantially flat side 1105 a . As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3 , the first heat exchanger 1101 a is disposed in proximity to the suction side 15 a of the first forced-flow cooling device 1051 a .
- the first forced-flow cooling device 1051 a is configured and disposed to maintain the region of separation between the hot aisle 12 and the first cold aisle 141 and to enable cooling of the hot air in the hot aisle 12 that emanates from the servers in the server racks and which flows across the serpentine coils of the first heat exchanger 1101 a for cooling.
- the support structure of the modular server rack cooling structure 2001 is configured and disposed to support at least the second forced-flow cooling device 1052 a , e.g., a motorized fan, to provide forced-flow circulation from the hot aisle 12 directed towards the second cold aisle 142 .
- the second forced-flow cooling device 1052 a is configured and disposed to define a region of separation between the hot aisle 12 and the second cold aisle 142 .
- the second forced-flow cooling device 1052 a includes a suction side 16 a and a discharge side shown by the arrow 18 a , which indicates the direction of air flow. As with the first forced-flow cooling device 1051 a , since the second forced-flow cooling device 1052 a is illustrated as being positioned vertically above the IT server rack 1002 a , the region of separation is defined along the height of the second forced-flow cooling device 1052 a . In one embodiment (not shown), the second forced-flow cooling device 1052 a is positioned horizontally across the hot aisle 12 in proximity to the top of the IT server rack 1002 a.
- the second heat exchanger 1102 a is configured and disposed with respect to the suction side 16 a of the forced-flow cooling device 1052 a to provide forced-flow cooling of the second heat exchanger 1102 a .
- the second heat exchanger 1102 a is a serpentine coil microchannel design having a thin rectangular configuration forming two large substantially flat sides such as the Model SX-2 Serpentine Coil heat exchanger manufactured by MBA Manufacturing and Supply Co. of Mundelein, Ill., USA or similar.
- the second heat exchanger 1102 a has the first substantially flat side 1104 a and the second substantially flat side 1106 a . As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3 , the second heat exchanger 1102 a is disposed in proximity to the suction side 16 a of the second forced-flow cooling device 1052 a .
- the second forced-flow cooling device 1052 a is configured and disposed to maintain the region of separation between the hot aisle 12 and the second cold aisle 142 and to enable cooling of the hot air in the hot aisle 12 that emanates from the servers in the server racks and which flows across the serpentine coils of the second heat exchanger 1102 a for cooling.
- the system 50 also includes a support structure of the modular server rack cooling structure 2001 that includes the first supporting member 1001 a for supporting at least a first heat exchanger 213 a .
- the first heat exchanger 213 a is coupled to the first supporting member 201 a .
- the first supporting member 201 a is configured to position the first heat exchanger 213 a in proximity to the one or more heat transfer paths 103 a 1 , . . . , 103 a n of the one or more servers 101 a 1 , . . . , 101 a n of the first rack 1001 a following insertion of the modular server rack cooling structure 2001 in between the server racks 1001 a and 1002 a.
- At least the first supporting member 201 a is configured to position at least the first heat exchanger 213 a in heat transfer relationship with the one or more servers 101 a 1 , . . . , 101 a n . Also, at least the first heat exchanger 213 a is not attached to the one or more IT server racks 1001 a . . . 1001 n.
- the system 50 also includes a support structure of the second modular server rack cooling structure 2002 that is identical or substantially identical to the support structure of the first modular server rack cooling structure 2001 described above for supporting at least one heat exchanger.
- the support structure of the second modular server rack cooling structure 2002 includes a first supporting member 201 b for supporting the at least a first heat exchanger 213 b .
- the first heat exchanger 213 b is coupled to the first supporting member 201 b.
- the first supporting member 201 b is configured to position the first heat exchanger 213 b in proximity to the one or more heat transfer paths 103 b 1 , . . . , 103 b n of the one or more servers 101 b 1 , . . . , 101 b n of the second rack 1001 b following insertion of the modular server rack cooling structure 2002 in between the server racks 1001 a and 1002 a.
- At least the first supporting member 201 b is configured to position at least the first heat exchanger 213 b in heat transfer relationship with the one or more servers 101 b 1 , . . . , 101 b n . Also, at least the first heat exchanger 213 b is not attached to the one or more IT server racks 1001 a , . . . , 1001 n.
- the system 50 includes a support structure of the first modular server rack cooling structure 2001 further including at least a second supporting member 202 a for supporting at least the second heat exchanger 214 a .
- the second supporting member 202 a is configured to position the second heat exchanger 214 a in proximity to one or more heat transfer paths 104 a 1 , . . . , 104 a n of the one or more servers 102 a 1 , . . . , 102 a n of at least third rack 1002 a following insertion of the modular server rack cooling structure 2001 in between the server racks 1001 a and 1002 a .
- At least the second supporting member 202 a is configured to position at least the second heat exchanger 214 a in heat transfer relationship with the one or more servers 102 a 1 . . . 102 a n . Also, at least the second heat exchanger 214 a is not attached to the one or more IT server racks 1002 a . . . 1002 n.
- the data center assembly 10 includes at least a fourth rack 1002 b for supporting servers 102 b 1 , . . . , 102 b n having heat transfer paths 104 b 1 , . . . , 104 b n , respectively.
- the support structure of the modular server rack cooling structure 2002 further includes at least a second supporting member 202 b .
- the second heat exchanger 214 b is coupled to the second supporting member 202 b.
- the second supporting member 202 b is configured to position the second heat exchanger 214 b in proximity to the one or more heat transfer paths 104 b 1 , . . . , 104 b n of the one or more servers 102 b 1 , . . . , 102 b n of fourth rack 1002 b following insertion of the second modular server rack cooling structure 2002 in between the server racks 1001 a and 1002 a .
- at least the second supporting member 202 b is configured to position at least the second heat exchanger 214 b in heat transfer relationship with the one or more servers 102 b 1 . . . 102 b n .
- at least the second heat exchanger 214 b is not attached to the one or more IT server racks 1002 a . . . 1002 n.
- the support structure of the first modular server rack cooling structure 2001 is coupled to the support structure of the second modular server rack cooling structure 2002 and to support structures of succeeding modular server rack cooling structures 200 n via mechanisms known in the art such as bolting or bracing.
- each support structure is left in a free-standing independent position.
- the support structure of the first modular server rack cooling structure 2001 further includes at least a third supporting member, e.g., supporting member 203 a .
- the third supporting member 203 a couples the at least first supporting member 201 a to the second supporting member 202 a at upper ends 201 a ′ and 202 a ′ of the supporting members 201 a and 202 a , respectively.
- the support structure of the first modular server rack cooling structure 2001 is configured to position the at least first heat exchanger 213 a in proximity to the one or more heat transfer paths 103 a 1 , . . . , 103 a n of the one or more servers 101 a 1 , . . .
- the at least the third supporting member 203 a is configured to position at least the first heat exchanger 213 a in heat transfer relationship with the one or more servers 101 a 1 , . . . , 101 a n . Also, at least the first heat exchanger 213 a is not attached to the one or more IT server racks 1001 a , . . . , 1001 n . Additionally, at least the third supporting member 203 b is configured to position at least the second heat exchanger 214 b in heat transfer relationship with the one or more servers 102 a 1 , . . . , 102 a n . Also, at least the second heat exchanger 214 a is not attached to the one or more IT server racks 1002 a , . . . , 1002 n.
- the at least third supporting member 203 a again includes at least one heat exchanger 301 a configured to transfer heat to or from the aisle 12 following insertion of the modular server rack cooling structure 2001 in between the server racks 1001 a and 1002 a .
- the heat exchanger 301 a has a dimension defining an edge to which the heat exchanger 301 a is rotatably coupled, e.g., coupled to at least portions of the edge, to the third supporting member 203 a.
- the support structure of the second modular server rack cooling structure 2002 further includes at least a third supporting member 203 b coupling the first supporting member 201 b of the support structure of the second modular server rack cooling structure 2002 to the second supporting member 202 b of the support structure of the second modular server rack cooling structure 2002 .
- the support structure of the second modular server rack cooling structure 2002 is configured to position the at least first heat exchanger 213 b in proximity to the one or more heat transfer paths 103 b 1 , . . . , 103 b n of the one or more servers 101 b 1 , . . .
- the second supporting member 202 a is configured to position at least the second heat exchanger 214 a in heat transfer relationship with the one or more servers 102 a 1 , . . . , 102 a n . Also, at least the second heat exchanger 214 a is not attached to the one or more IT server racks 1002 a , . . . , 1002 n.
- the system 50 in various embodiments includes in the above described combinations the heat exchangers analogous to heat exchangers 213 a , 214 a , 301 a , 401 a and 502 a , which are incorporated into the second and subsequent modular server rack cooling structure 2002 , 2003 , . . . , 200 n .
- the subsequent modular server rack cooling structures 2003 , . . . , 200 n can be constructed in an identical manner as described in their entirety above and connected in a modular manner one to another as required depending on the number of servers and server racks and their cooling (or heating) requirements.
- FIG. 6 illustrates a variation of the embodiments of the third, fourth and fifth heat exchangers 301 a , 401 a and 502 a mounted on the modular support structures wherein said heat exchangers are configured to have a width dimension W M that generally exceeds the widths W R of each server rack 1001 a , . . . , 1001 n and 1002 a , . . . , 1002 n and/or of each server 101 a 1 , . . . , 101 a n , . . . , 101 n 1 , . . . , 101 n n and/or 102 a 1 , . . .
- the third, fourth and fifth heat exchangers have a width dimension W M that generally equals twice the width dimension W R of each server rack. Accordingly, the third heat exchangers are designated 301 ab , 301 cd , . . . , 301 ( n - 1 )(n), the fourth heat exchangers are designated 401 ab , 401 cd , . . .
- the forced-flow cooling devices 1051 a through 1051 n and 1052 a through 1052 n retain their original designation since only one device is shown dedicated to individual racks 1001 a through 1001 n and 1002 a through 1002 n , respectively.
- the first heat exchangers 1101 a and 1101 b are designated as 1101 ab
- heat exchangers 1101 c and 1101 d are designated as 1101 cd
- heat exchangers 1101 n - 1 and 1101 n are designated as 1101 ( n - 1 )n.
- each heat exchanger has cooling fluid connections, e.g., piping conduits, that are coupled by flexible connections, as described below and as shown in more detail with respect to FIGS. 7-11 .
- cooling fluid connections e.g., piping conduits
- FIGS. 4A , 5 A, 6 and 7 and best illustrated in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 the heat exchangers associated with the first row 1001 ′ are fluidically coupled to a first cooling cycle skid 3001 while the heat exchangers associated with the second row 1002 ′ are fluidically coupled to a second cooling cycle skid 3002 .
- the first and second cooling cycle skids 3001 and 3002 include a cooling cycle, such as that described in the aforementioned U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/482,070, which was filed on May 3, 2011, the entire contents of which is incorporated by reference herein.
- Other cycles as known in the art also can be applied to the first and second cooling cycle skids 3001 and 3002 to fluidically couple to the heat exchangers.
- a description of the close-coupled cooling system as applied to first and second cooling cycle skids 3001 and 3002 , respectively, is described below with reference to FIG. 12 .
- the present disclosure relates to a method for installing a support structure for supporting a plurality of heat exchangers in a data center, e.g., modular support structure 2001 for supporting heat exchangers 213 a , 214 a , 301 a , 401 a and/or 502 a in data center assembly 10 .
- the data center assembly 10 includes the plurality of racks 1001 a , . . . , 1001 n and 1002 a , . . . , 1002 n for supporting the plurality of servers each having at least one heat transfer path as described above.
- the method includes the steps of: providing a modular support structure, e.g., 2001 or 2002 . . . or 200 n , including at least two heat exchangers, e.g., at least heat exchangers 213 a and 214 a and/or 213 b and 214 b and/or 213 n and/or 214 n , and installing the modular support structure, e.g., 2001 or 2002 . . . or 200 n , to directly interface the at least two heat exchangers 213 a and 214 a and/or 213 b and 214 b . . .
- 104 n n of the one or more respective servers e.g., servers 101 a 1 , . . . , 101 a n and 102 a 1 , . . . , 102 a n and/or 101 b 1 , . . . , 101 b n and 102 b 1 , . . . , 102 b n . . . and/or 101 n 1 , . . . , 101 n n and 102 n 1 , . . . , 102 n n of the respective first racks, e.g., racks 1001 a , . . . , racks 1001 a , . . .
- racks 1002 a , . . . , 1002 n without contact between the respective modular support structure, e.g., modular support structures 2001 , . . . , 200 n , and the plurality of racks, e.g., racks 1001 a , . . . , 1001 n and 1002 a , . . . , 1002 n , and without contact between the respective modular support structure, e.g., modular support structures 2001 , . . . , 200 n , and the plurality of servers, e.g., servers 101 a 1 , . . .
- the method also includes installing the third, fourth and fifth heat exchangers 301 a , . . . , 301 n , 401 a , . . . , 401 n and 502 a , . . . , 502 n in the respective support structures of the modular server rack cooling structures 2001 , . . . , 200 n in the manner as described above for the various embodiments.
- the present disclosure relates to a method of installing a modular server rack cooling structure for cooling at least a first server installed in at least a first rack and at least a second server installed in at least a second rack, e.g., modular server rack cooling structure 2001 , 2002 , . . . , 200 n .
- the at least a first rack 1001 a , . . . , 1001 n and the at least a second rack 1002 a , . . . , 1002 n are disposed opposite each other to form a hot aisle 12 or a cold aisle.
- the method includes positioning at least a portion of the modular server rack cooling structure 2001 , 2002 , . . .
- the modular server rack cooling structure 2001 , 2002 , . . . , 200 n includes at least a first support member 201 a , . . . , 201 n , a second support member 202 a , . . . , 202 n , and a third support member 203 a , . . . , 203 n , and coupling at least a first heat exchanger, e.g., heat exchanger 213 a , . . . , 213 n , to the at least a first supporting member 201 a , . . .
- the at least a first heat exchanger 213 a . . . 213 n is positioned adjacent to the at least a first server 101 a 1 , . . . , 101 a n of the at least a first rack 1001 a ; coupling at least a second heat exchanger, e.g., heat exchanger 214 a , . . . , 214 n , to the at least a second supporting member 202 a , . . . , 202 n so that the at least a second heat exchanger 214 a , . . .
- 214 n is positioned adjacent to the at least a second server 102 a 1 , . . . , 102 a n of the at least a second rack 1002 a ; and coupling at least a third heat exchanger, e.g., heat exchanger 301 a , . . . , 301 n to the at least a third supporting member 203 a , . . . , 203 n after at least a third server 101 b 1 , . . . , 101 b n or 102 b 1 , . . . , 121 b n is installed in the at least a first rack 1001 a or the at least a second rack 1002 a , respectively.
- a third heat exchanger e.g., heat exchanger 301 a , . . . , 301 n
- FIGS. 7-11 are operational schematics for the heat exchangers associated with the modular server rack cooling structure 2001 , . . . , 200 n described above showing a phased installation of the various heat exchangers added to the modular support structures as necessary to accommodate increased heat loads.
- FIG. 7 is an operational schematic plan view of a data center assembly 10 ′ according to one embodiment of the present disclosure illustrating the fluid circuits between refrigeration heat exchanger skids and the heat exchangers supported by the modular server rack cooling structures.
- Data center assembly 10 ′ is substantially identical to data center assembly 10 except that in FIG. 7 , as compared to FIGS. 1 , 4 A and 4 B, a single circulating exhaust fan 1051 a , 1051 b , . . . , 1051 n and 1052 a , 1052 b , . . . , 1052 n is associated with each rack 1001 ′ a , 1001 ′ b , . . . , 1052 n is associated with each rack 1001 ′ a , 1001 ′ b , . . .
- 1052 n is positioned in proximity to respective primary exhaust heat exchangers 1101 a , 1101 b , . . . , 1101 n and 1102 a , 1102 b , . . . , 1102 n to cause air flow across each heat exchanger above each respective rack.
- the primary exhaust heat exchangers 1101 a , 1101 b , . . . , 1101 n and 1102 a , 1102 b , . . . , 1102 n again have a thin, rectangular configuration and are mounted substantially vertically and orthogonally with respect to the top surfaces of the racks.
- Primary exhaust heat exchangers 1101 a , 1101 b , . . . , 1101 n are fluidically coupled to first cooling cycle skid 3001 through a first primary cooling circuit 1111 and primary exhaust heat exchangers 1102 a , 1102 b , . . . , 1102 n are fluidically coupled to second cooling cycle skid 3002 through a second primary cooling circuit 1112 .
- the third supporting member 203 a again includes third heat exchanger 301 a supported substantially horizontally across and above the hot aisle 12 .
- the air exhausted horizontally from the first and second heat exchangers 213 a and 214 a into hot aisle 12 is forced to rise in the hot aisle 12 and pass vertically through the serpentine coils of the third heat exchanger 301 a.
- fourth heat exchanger 401 a and, as illustrated in FIG. 7 , an additional plurality of substantially identical thin, rectangularly configured heat exchangers 401 b , . . . , 401 n are positioned on the respective modular server rack cooling structures 2001 , 2002 , . . . , 200 n above the hot aisle 12 and straddling the first row 1001 ′ of racks.
- the fourth heat exchangers 401 a , . . . , 401 n at least partially extend over the hot aisle 12 at an angle ⁇ 1 to the horizontal.
- fifth heat exchanger 502 a and, as illustrated in FIG. 7 , an additional plurality of substantially identical thin, rectangularly configured heat exchangers 502 b , . . . , 402 n are positioned on the respective modular server rack cooling structures 2001 , 2002 , . . . , 200 n above the hot aisle 12 and straddling the second row 1002 ′ of racks.
- the fifth heat exchangers 502 a , . . . , 502 n thus at least partially extend over the hot aisle 12 at an angle ⁇ 2 to the horizontal.
- the angles ⁇ 1 and ⁇ 2 are generally equal and as illustrated in FIG. 3 , and as shown in FIG. 11 discussed in more detail below, the fourth heat exchangers 401 a , 401 b , . . . , 401 n and the fifth heat exchangers 502 a , 502 b , . . . , 502 n form an “A-Frame” configuration when the second edges 412 a , 412 b , . . . , 412 n of the respective fourth heat exchangers 401 a , 401 b , . . . , 401 n and the second edges 512 a , 512 b , . . . , 512 n of the respective fifth heat exchangers 502 a , 502 b , . . . , 502 n are either in direct contact as shown in FIG. 3 or in close proximity as shown in FIG. 11 .
- Fourth heat exchangers 401 a , 401 b , . . . , 401 n are fluidically coupled to first cooling cycle skid 3001 through a first “A-Frame” cooling circuit 1131 and fifth heat exchangers 502 a , 502 b , . . . , 502 n are fluidically coupled to second cooling cycle skid 3002 through a second “A-Frame” cooling circuit 1132 .
- FIG. 8 is an operational or installation schematic end view of the data center assembly 10 ′ having at least one modular support structure and associated heat exchangers for “Day One” low density operation. More particularly, the data center assembly 10 ′ forms a first cold aisle 141 between the outer structural walls of the data center (not shown) and the first row 1001 ′ of IT server racks and a second cold aisle 142 between the outer structural walls of the data center (not shown) and the second row 1002 ′ of the IT server racks. As illustrated above in FIG. 3 , the servers in the server racks in the first row 1001 ′ and the servers in the server racks in the second row each transfer heat into the common hot aisle 12 .
- the modular server rack cooling structures 2001 , 2002 , . . . , 200 n are positioned in the hot aisle 12 with their associated heat exchangers in proximity to the heat transfer paths of the servers.
- heat is generated in the servers from one or both rows of servers.
- the heat exhausts through the server heat transfer paths into the hot aisle 12 first passing through the associated vertically-mounted heat exchangers 213 a , 213 b , . . . , 213 n and 213 a , 213 b , . . . , 213 n of the modular server rack cooling structures 2001 , 2002 , . . . , 200 n.
- the circulation cooling circuits (shown in FIG. 10 below) for the heat exchangers 213 a , 213 b , . . . , 213 n and 214 a , 214 b , . . . , 214 n of the modular server rack cooling structures 2001 , 2002 , . . . , 200 n are either not installed or not in operation or both.
- density refers to a volumetric heat load per unit volume, such as in KW/m 3 (Kilowatts/cubic meter).
- High temperature server exhaust air A 1 and A 2 enters the hot aisle 12 and is circulated vertically upward in the hot aisle and passes through the primary exhaust heat exchangers 1101 a , 1101 b , . . . , 1101 n and respective exhaust fans 1051 a , 1051 b , . . . , 1051 n and through primary exhaust heat exchangers 1102 a , 1102 b , . . . , 1102 n and respective exhaust fans 1052 a , 1052 b , . . . , 1052 n back to the respective cold aisles 141 and 142 to flow into the servers as cold air supplies A 3 and A 4 , respectively.
- primary exhaust heat exchangers 1101 a , 1101 b , . . . , 1101 n are fluidically coupled to first cooling cycle skid 3001 through the first primary cooling circuit 1111 and primary exhaust heat exchangers 1102 a , 1102 b , . . . , 1102 n are fluidically coupled to second cooling cycle skid 3002 through second primary cooling circuit 1112 .
- the first and second primary cooling circuits 1111 and 1112 are in full or partial operation to remove the heat load from the data center assembly 10 ′, as required.
- the cooling circuits for the remaining heat exchangers discussed with respect to FIG. 7 are not in operation due to the low magnitude of the heat load per unit volume.
- FIG. 9 is an operational or installation schematic end view of the data center assembly 10 ′ illustrated in FIG. 8 for “Day Two” “increased density” operation according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
- the difference between the “increased density” operation illustrated in FIG. 9 and the “low density” operation described above with respect to FIG. 8 is that in FIG. 9 , cooling circuit 1121 for horizontal heat exchangers 301 a , 301 b , . . . , 301 n formed are also installed and in full or partial operation to further remove heat from the data center assembly 10 ′, as required.
- the horizontal heat exchanger 301 a is rotatably coupled to the second beam member 201 a 2 via a hinged connection 303 a such that the horizontal heat exchanger 301 a can be reversibly rotated downwardly into the upper portion of the hot aisle 12 as shown by the angle ⁇ below the horizontal.
- FIG. 10 is an operational or installation schematic end view of the data center assembly 10 ′ illustrated in FIG. 9 for “Day Three “increased density operation according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
- the difference between the “Day Three” “increased density” operation illustrated in FIG. 10 and the “Day Two” “increased density” operation described above with respect to FIG. 9 is that in FIG. 10 , the first cooling circuit 1141 and the second cooling circuit 1142 for the respective first heat exchangers 213 a , 213 b , . . . , 213 n and second heat exchangers 214 a , 214 b , . . . , 214 n that are positioned in proximity to the one or more heat transfer paths of the one or more servers as described above with respect to FIGS. 3-6 are also installed to further remove heat from the data center assembly 10 ′, as required.
- FIG. 11 is an operational or installation schematic end view of the data center assembly 10 ′ illustrated in FIG. 10 for “high density” operation according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
- the difference between the “high density” operation illustrated in FIG. 11 and the “Day Two” “increased density” operation described above with respect to FIG. 10 is that in FIG. 11 , as described above with respect to FIGS. 3 and 7 , the first and second cooling circuits 1131 and 1132 for the respective “A-Frame” fourth heat exchangers 401 a , 401 b , . . . , 401 n and fifth heat exchangers 502 a , 502 b , . . .
- the second edges 412 a , 412 b , . . . , 412 n of the respective fourth heat exchangers 401 a , 401 b , . . . , 401 n and the second edges 512 a , 512 b , . . . , 512 n of the respective fifth heat exchangers 502 a , 502 b , . . . , 502 n are in close proximity to each other and separated by a gap G as shown in FIG. 11 .
- the fourth “A-Frame” heat exchangers 401 a , 410 b , . . . , 401 n thus at least partially extend over the hot aisle 12 at angle ⁇ 1 to the horizontal.
- the fifth “A-Frame” heat exchangers 502 a , 502 b , . . . , 502 n thus at least partially extend over the hot aisle 12 at angle ⁇ 2 to the horizontal.
- FIG. 12 illustrates a flow diagram of one embodiment of a close-coupled cooling system 4000 designed to cool electronic equipment of an IT data center such as the IT data assemblies 10 and 10 ′ described above with respect to FIGS. 1-11 .
- the system 4000 includes four independent, yet cooperating, fluid circuits designated as 4100 , 4200 , 4300 , and 4400 , respectively.
- the first circuit 4100 interfaces with the electronic equipment of the IT data center and provides cooling to the electronic equipment via a first fluid.
- the first fluid may contain a liquid refrigerant R134a or similar refrigerants.
- the first circuit 4100 includes at least one evaporator coil (not shown in FIG. 12 , but see, e.g., the evaporator coils of FIG. 16 and corresponding description) that is in thermal communication with the electronic equipment and extracts heat from the electronic equipment to the first fluid.
- the first fluid flows from an inlet of the at least one evaporator coil to an outlet of the evaporator coil, heat is transferred from the electronic equipment to the first fluid.
- the first fluid enters the at least one evaporator coil at a temperature of approximately 23° C. During heat transfer or exchange, the first fluid transforms from a liquid state to an at least partially vapor state.
- the first circuit 4100 includes a fluid supply path 4100 a and a fluid return path 4100 b coupled to the inlet and outlet of the at least one evaporator coil, respectively.
- the fluid supply path 4100 a delivers the first fluid in a liquid state to the inlet of the at least one evaporator coil
- the fluid return path 4100 b receives the first fluid in an at least partially vapor state from the outlet of the at least one evaporator coil.
- the first circuit 4100 includes a liquid refrigerant pump 4120 that pumps the first fluid through the fluid supply path 4100 a .
- the first circuit 4100 also includes a variable frequency drive 4125 that regulates capacity and motor speed of the liquid refrigerant pump 4120 .
- the first circuit 4100 further includes a main condenser 1300 that receives the first fluid from the fluid return path 4100 b .
- the main condenser 1300 is a refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger that cools the first fluid that passes through the main condenser 1300 and condenses the first fluid from the at least partially vapor state to the liquid state.
- the main condenser 1300 is maintained at a predetermined condensing temperature of approximately 23.3° C. or lower.
- the first circuit 4100 may include (1) a fluid path 4100 c that carries the first fluid from the main condenser 1300 to a refrigerant liquid receiver 4128 , and (2) a fluid path 4100 d that carries the first fluid from the refrigerant liquid receiver 4128 to a suction side of the liquid refrigerant pump 4120 .
- the refrigerant liquid receiver 4128 is configured to detect and regulate the temperature of the first fluid. Specifically, the refrigerant liquid receiver 4128 is configured to reduce the temperature of the first fluid by thermally coupling the first circuit 4100 to the fourth circuit 4400 . In some embodiments, the refrigerant liquid receiver 4128 maintains the first fluid at a predetermined temperature between approximately 22.2° C. and approximately 23.3° C.
- the refrigerant liquid receiver 4128 may also include components (e.g., a detector and a controller) configured to detect and regulate the liquid level of the first fluid contained in the refrigerant liquid receiver 4128 .
- a low liquid level in the refrigerant liquid receiver 4128 may cause cavitation problems at the liquid refrigerant pump 4120 .
- the refrigerant liquid receiver 4128 includes a liquid level controller 4127 that detects the liquid level in the receiver 4128 and triggers an alarm if a low liquid level is detected.
- the refrigerant liquid receiver 4128 may collect the first fluid in the first circuit 4100 when the cooling system 4000 is in an idle or standby mode.
- the first circuit 4100 also includes a temperature sensor 4126 that is located on the fluid path 4100 c at the exit of the main condenser 1300 .
- the temperature sensor 4126 detects the temperature of the first fluid when it exits from the main condenser 1300 .
- the readings of the temperature sensor 4126 reflect the temperature of the main condenser 1300 .
- the second circuit 4200 interfaces with the first circuit 4100 at the main condenser 1300 a , where the second circuit 4200 performs heat exchange with the first circuit 4100 .
- the second circuit 4200 has a second fluid flowing through it.
- the second fluid removes heat from the first fluid of the first circuit 4100 at the main condenser 1300 a .
- the second fluid upon exiting the main condenser 1300 a , the second fluid has a temperature of approximately 22.8° C.
- the second circuit 4200 includes a fluid path 4200 a that carries the second fluid from a cooling tower, fluid cooler, or dry cooler (not shown in FIG. 12 ) to the second circuit 4200 .
- the fluid path 4200 a is fluidly coupled to a fluid path 4200 d which delivers the second fluid to the main condenser 1300 .
- the second circuit further includes a fluid path 4200 h that receives the second fluid from the main condenser 1300 .
- the fluid path 4200 h is fluidly coupled to a fluid path 4200 e which carries the second fluid to a fluid path 4200 m that delivers the second fluid back to the cooling tower, fluid cooler or dry cooler.
- the second circuit 4200 includes a pump to facilitate the flow of the second fluid through the second circuit 4200 .
- the second fluid is regulated at a flow rate of approximately 1192 liters/minute.
- the pump may be in any of the following forms: a central pumping and cooling tower, dry cooler, fluid cooler or other chilled, well water circuit, or other chilled water circuit.
- the second circuit 4200 may include a mixed water temperature sensor 4220 that monitors the temperature of the second fluid before it enters the main condenser 1300 .
- the second circuit 4200 may also include a water regulating valve 4214 , which operatively communicates with the temperature sensor 4126 of the first circuit 4100 .
- the water regulating valve 4214 is configured to regulate the flow rate of the second fluid in proportion to the readings of the temperature sensor 4126 .
- the water regulating valve 4214 adjusts the flow rate of the second fluid based on the temperature of the main condenser 1300 as measured by the temperature sensor 4126 . For example, if the temperature sensor 4126 has a reading significantly higher than the predetermined condensing temperature (e.g., 23.3° C.) of the main condenser 1300 , the water regulating valve 4214 then significantly increases the flow rate of the second fluid flowing through the second circuit 4200 to thereby rapidly reduce the temperature of the main condenser 1300 . However, if the temperature sensor 4126 has a reading slightly higher than the predetermined condensing temperature (e.g., 23.3° C.), the water regulating valve 4214 then slightly increases the flow rate of the second fluid flowing through the second circuit 4200 .
- a predetermined condensing temperature e.g., 23.3° C.
- the second fluid is maintained at a threshold temperature of approximately 18.9° C. or lower.
- the second circuit 4200 may include at least one cooling mode to cool the second fluid.
- the second circuit 4200 may include a simple free cooling mode in which the second circuit 4200 relies on the atmosphere to cool the second fluid via a cooling tower, fluid cooler, or dry cooler (not shown in FIG. 12 ).
- the second fluid follows the fluid paths 4200 h , 4200 e and proceeds to a cooling tower, fluid cooler or dry cooler (not shown in FIG. 12 ) to reject its heat into the atmosphere.
- the cooled second fluid then follows the fluid paths 4200 a and 4200 d back to the main condenser 1300 to cool the first fluid. It is envisioned that the second fluid may continuously repeat the above cycle.
- the simple free cooling mode maintains the second fluid at or below the threshold temperature (e.g., 18.9° C.), only when the wet bulb temperature of the IT data center is below 17.2° C. If the wet bulb temperature is above 17.2° C., the second fluid may exceed its threshold temperature.
- the threshold temperature e.g., 18.9° C.
- the second circuit 4200 may include a mechanical compressed cooling mode, in which the third circuit 4300 cools the second circuit 4200 through mechanical compression cycles.
- a third fluid flows through the third circuit 4300 .
- the third fluid may contain a liquid refrigerant, such as R134a, or any other suitable refrigerant.
- the third circuit 4300 includes an atmospheric sub-cooler exchanger 1200 a to sub-cool the second fluid 4200 before the second fluid arrives at the main condenser 1300 .
- the atmospheric sub-cooler exchanger 1200 a is a refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger that trims or cools at least a portion of the second fluid.
- the third circuit 4300 may also include a trim condenser 1200 b , which is a refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger that transfers heat in the third fluid, which is the heat that the third fluid has absorbed from the second fluid at the atmospheric sub-cooler exchanger 1200 a , back to the second fluid.
- the third circuit 4300 may further include a sub-cooler compressor 4310 that compresses the third fluid.
- the third circuit 4300 includes a fluid path 4300 a that carries the third fluid from the atmospheric sub-cooler exchanger 1200 a to the sub-cooler compressor 4310 for compression, and a fluid path 4300 b that carries the compressed third fluid to the trim condenser 1200 b . Additionally, the third circuit 4300 includes a fluid path 4300 c that carries the third fluid from the trim condenser 1200 b to a metering device, or a thermal expansion valve 4311 , which expands the third fluid back to the atmospheric sub-cooler exchanger 1200 a . It is envisioned that the third fluid may continuously flow through the third circuit 4300 as long as the third circuit 4300 is activated.
- the third circuit 4300 is activated only when the second fluid exceeds its threshold temperature (e.g., 18.9° C.), which may occur when the wet bulb temperature is over 17.2° C.
- the cooling capacity of the third circuit 4300 may be regulated in direct proportion to the wet bulb temperature that is in excess of 17.2° C., as illustrated in Table 1 below.
- the third circuit 4300 closely controls the temperature of the second fluid by trimming and cooling the temperature of the second fluid one degree at a time. For instance, if the second fluid temperature rises above its threshold temperature by one degree, the third circuit 4300 then reduces the temperature of the second fluid by one degree.
- the second circuit 4200 directs a small portion of the second fluid to perform heat exchange with the third fluid, before the second fluid enters the main condenser 1300 .
- the second circuit 4200 includes a splitter tee 4210 on the fluid path 4200 d before an inlet of the main condenser 1300 .
- the splitter tee 4210 diverts a portion of the second fluid, e.g., approximately one third of the second fluid, to an inlet of the atmospheric sub-cooler exchanger 1200 a .
- the portion of the second fluid has a temperature of 22.2° C. at the inlet of the atmospheric sub-cooler exchanger 1200 a.
- the second circuit 4200 may include another splitter tee 4211 on the fluid path 4200 d upstream from the splitter tee 4210 .
- the splitter tee 4211 allows the portion of the second fluid to flow from an outlet of the atmospheric sub-cooler exchanger 1200 a back to the fluid path 4200 d .
- the portion of the second fluid e.g., approximately one third of the second fluid, rejoins the remaining portion of the second fluid, e.g., approximately two thirds of the second fluid.
- the blended second fluid then proceeds to the main condenser 1300 . It is envisioned that the blended second fluid has a temperature of approximately 18.9° C. before entering the main condenser 1300 .
- flow control or flow balancing valve 4200 g can allow either complete or partial divergence of flow from the main condenser 1300 to the atmospheric sub-cooler exchanger 1200 a or force flow in fluid path 4200 d entirely through main condenser 1300 .
- the second circuit 4200 may direct only a small portion of the second fluid to perform heat exchange with the third fluid, after the second fluid exits from the main condenser 1300 .
- the second circuit 4200 includes a splitter tee 4212 on the fluid path 4200 h at the exit of the main condenser 1300 .
- the splitter tee 4212 diverts a portion of the second fluid, e.g., approximately one third of the second fluid via a fluid path 4200 i to the trim condenser 1200 b to reclaim heat from the third fluid.
- the approximately one third of the second fluid has a temperature of approximately 27.4° C.
- the second circuit 4200 may include an additional splitter tee 4213 on the fluid path 4200 h downstream from the splitter tee 4212 .
- the splitter tee 4213 allows the portion of the second fluid, e.g., approximately one third of the second fluid exiting from the trim condenser 1200 b to join the rest of the second fluid.
- the portion of the second fluid e.g., approximately one third of the second fluid rejoins the remaining portion of the second fluid, e.g., approximately two thirds of the second fluid.
- the blended second fluid has a temperature of approximately 26.4° C. at the splitter tee 4213 .
- the blended second fluid then together follows the fluid paths 4200 e , 4200 m towards the exit of the second circuit 4200 .
- flow balancing or flow control valve 4200 k can allow either partial or complete divergence of flow from the main condenser 1300 to the trim condenser 1200 b or force flow in fluid paths 4200 h and 4200 e entirely through main condenser 1300 .
- the third circuit 4300 does not include the atmospheric sub-cooler exchanger 1200 a or the trim condenser 1200 b . Rather, the third circuit 4300 includes a trim chiller which is configured to cool the entire IT data center.
- the second circuit 4200 may exclusively have only one cooling mode, either the simple free cooling mode or the mechanical compressed cooling mode described above.
- the second circuit 4200 may have both of the cooling modes that alternate with each other. For instance, the second circuit 4200 switches to the simple free cooling mode when the wet bulb temperature is at or below a threshold temperature, e.g., 17.2° C., and switches to the mechanical compressed cooling mode once the wet bulb temperature exceeds the threshold temperature.
- a threshold temperature e.g. 17.2° C.
- the two cooling modes cooperate with other, and the second circuit 4200 may operate in both cooling modes concurrently.
- the simple free cooling mode is always on, such that the simple free cooling mode remains active regardless of the wet bulb temperature.
- the mechanical compressed cooling mode e.g., the third circuit 4300
- the third circuit 4300 is activated only when the simple free cooling mode alone cannot maintain the second fluid at or below the threshold temperature, e.g., 18.9° C., such as when the wet bulb temperature is above the threshold temperature, e.g., 17.2° C.
- the second circuit 4200 relies solely on the atmosphere for cooling.
- the third circuit 4300 is activated and is controlled to generate cooling capacity in proportion to the wet bulb temperature that is in excess of the threshold temperature. It is envisioned that the third circuit 4300 can be turned on and off automatically without user intervention. For instance, the atmospheric sub-cooler exchanger 1200 a automatically becomes active or inactive as the wet bulb temperature crosses its threshold temperature.
- the cooling system 4000 operates exclusively in the simple free cooling mode for approximately 95% of the operating time.
- the mechanical compressed cooling mode is turned on for approximately 5% of the operating time.
- the cooling system 4000 may run exclusively in the simple free cooling mode virtually all year round and turns on the mechanical compressed cooling mode for less than 0.04% of the operating time. If the area has a wet bulb temperature of about 20.6° C., the mechanical compressed cooling mode is active for about 3% of the operating time.
- a traditional, large, oversized cooling electrical infrastructure as in the prior art would rely on mechanical compression cycles for about 40-60% of its operating time, thus inducing a much higher operation cost than that of the cooling system 4000 .
- the fourth circuit 4400 may also perform heat exchange with the first circuit 4100 .
- the fourth circuit 4400 interfaces with the first circuit 4100 at the refrigerant liquid receiver 4128 where the fourth circuit 4400 condenses and cools the first fluid via a fourth fluid that flows through the fourth circuit 4400 .
- the refrigerant liquid receiver 4128 has a sub-cooler coil 4129 , which is an evaporator thermally coupled to both the first circuit 4100 and the fourth circuit 4400 .
- the fourth circuit 4400 includes a sub-cooler compressor 4410 configured to compress the fourth fluid and a sub-cooler condenser 1300 a which transfers heat from the fourth circuit 4400 to the second circuit 4200 .
- Both the sub-cooler compressor 4410 and the sub-cooler condenser 1300 a are fluidly coupled to the sub-cooler coil 4129 of the refrigerant liquid receiver 4128 .
- the fourth circuit 4400 includes a fluid path 4400 a that carries the fourth fluid from the receiver sub-cooler coil 4129 to a suction side of the sub-cooler compressor 4410 for compression, a fluid path 4400 b that carries the compressed fourth fluid from the sub-cooler compressor 4410 to the sub-cooler condenser 1300 a , and a fluid path 4400 c that carries the fourth fluid from the sub-cooler condenser 1300 a to a thermal expansion valve 4420 , which expands the fourth fluid and provides the expanded fourth fluid to the sub-cooler coil 4129 .
- the fourth circuit 4400 is automatically turned on and off based on the conditions detected by the refrigerant liquid receiver 4128 . For instance, the fourth circuit 4400 becomes active when the liquid level detected by the refrigerant liquid receiver 4128 drops below a predetermined threshold. Specifically, the fourth circuit 4400 may be activated in response to an alarm signal generated by the liquid level controller 4127 when a low liquid level is detected, and may become inactive when the liquid level reaches the predetermined threshold. Further, the fourth circuit 4400 may also controlled based on the temperature of the first fluid as detected by the refrigerant liquid receiver 4128 . For instance, the fourth circuit 4400 may become active when the temperature of the first fluid exceeds a predetermined threshold, and become inactive when the temperature drops to or below the predetermined threshold.
- the second circuit 4200 removes heat from the fourth circuit 4400 at the sub-cooler condenser 1300 a .
- the second circuit 4200 includes a splitter tee 4205 on the fluid path 4200 d .
- the splitter tee 4205 includes a split path 4200 b that diverts a small portion of the second fluid, e.g., approximately 19 liters/minute, to an inlet of the sub-cooler condenser 1300 a where the small portion of the second fluid extracts heat from the fourth circuit 4400 .
- the remaining, undiverted portion of the second fluid follows the fluid path 4200 d to the main condenser 1300 to remove heat from the first circuit 4100 .
- the second circuit 4200 may also include another splitter tee 4215 on the fluid path 4200 e .
- the splitter tee 4215 has a split branch 4200 c that carries the small portion of the second fluid returned from an outlet of the sub-cooler condenser 1300 a to the fluid path 4200 e to join the rest of the second fluid proceeding towards the exit of the second circuit 4200 .
- the temperature of the second fluid at the splitter tee 4215 is approximately 26.4° C. when the fourth circuit 4400 is active, i.e., when the sub-cooler condenser 1300 a is turned on, and approximately 26.7° C. when the fourth circuit 4400 is inactive, i.e., when the sub-cooler condenser 1300 a is turned off.
- the close-coupled cooling system 4000 may be installed in an auxiliary enclosure of a modular data pod (see FIGS. 13-17 and related discussion below) and may provide chillerless cooling within a data enclosure of the modular data pod in high wet bulb temperature applications.
- the operation of the close-coupled cooling system 4000 may be summarized as follows.
- the first cooling circuit 4100 which includes the liquid receiver 4128 and the liquid refrigerant pump 4120 and the second cooling circuit 4200 which includes the main condenser 1300 are in operation to transfer heat from the data center assemblies 10 or 10 ′ described above via the fluid supply path 4100 a and fluid return path 4100 b and to reject heat to the environment via the low temperature supply path 4200 a and via primary cooling coil cooling water return connection 4200 m.
- the close-coupled cooling system 4000 is placed into an incremental mechanical-assist cooling mode of operation.
- first cooling circuit 4100 and the second cooling circuit 4200 as described above with respect to the free cooling mode of operation continue to remain in operation while the third cooling circuit 4300 , which includes the trim condenser 1200 b , the sub-cooler exchanger 1200 a , and the sub-cooler compressor 4310 , is placed into operation to permit incremental additional cooling of the data center assemblies 10 or 10 ′ such that the cooling capacities of the first, second and third cooling circuits 4100 , 4200 and 4300 , respectively, are adjusted incrementally depending on the on the change in heat load from the data center assemblies 10 or 10 ′ and/or any change in environmental conditions based on the wet bulb temperature.
- the first cooling circuit 4100 and the second cooling circuit 4200 as described above with respect to the free-cooling mode of operation continue to remain in operation while the fourth cooling circuit 4400 , which includes the sub-cooler condenser 1300 a and the sub-cooler compressor 4410 , is placed into operation to permit incremental additional cooling of the data center assemblies 10 or 10 ′ such that the cooling capacities of the first, second and fourth cooling circuits 4100 , 4200 and 4400 , respectively, are adjusted incrementally depending on the on the increase or decrease in heat load from the data center assemblies 10 or 10 ′ and/or any change in environmental conditions based on the wet bulb temperature.
- the close-coupled cooling system 4000 is placed into a supplemental incremental mechanical assist-mode of operation.
- the first cooling circuit 4100 , the second cooling circuit 4200 and the third cooling circuit 4300 as described above with respect to the incremental mechanical-assist mode of operation continue to remain in operation while the fourth cooling circuit 4400 is placed into operation to permit incremental additional cooling of the data center assemblies 10 or 10 ′ such that the cooling capacities of the first, second, third and fourth cooling circuits 4100 , 4200 , 4300 and 4400 , respectively, are adjusted incrementally depending on the on the increase or decrease in heat load from the data center assemblies 10 or 10 ′ and/or any increase in environmental conditions based on the wet bulb temperature.
- the cooling system 4000 has many significant advantages over traditional cooling systems, such as chilled water systems, chiller plants or direct expansion cooling systems.
- the cooling system 4000 requires far less mechanical-assisted cooling infrastructure than traditional cooling systems.
- the cooling system 4000 increases its use of mechanical-assisted cooling infrastructure only when necessary.
- the cooling system 4000 has two basic circuits, i.e., the first circuit 4100 and the second circuit 4200 , which run constantly, and two backup circuits, i.e., the third circuit 4300 and the fourth circuit 4400 , which run only when necessary.
- the third circuit 4300 is active only when the wet bulb temperature is above the threshold temperature
- the fourth circuit 4400 is active only when the first fluid liquid level is low or the first fluid temperature is above a certain threshold. Since the two backup circuits operate only when necessary, e.g., approximately 10-20% of the operating time, the cooling system 4000 overall relies on less mechanical-assisted cooling infrastructure than the traditional cooling system.
- the cooling system 4000 is less prone to failures than the traditional cooling system. Specifically, the cooling system 4000 completely avoids a full system swing over process that is common in the traditional cooling system. A full system swing over process switches between two systems by shutting down one system and starting up another, which typically happens when the traditional cooling system switches between a free cooling system and a mechanical cooling system. The full system swing over process is dangerous and prone to failures.
- the cooling system 4000 avoids the full system over process.
- the basic circuits and the backup circuits run independently, yet cooperating with each other.
- the basic circuits 4100 and 4200 run continuously regardless of the state of the backup circuits 4300 and 4400 .
- the backup circuits 4300 and 4400 are turned on only when necessary. Accordingly, the cooling system 4000 avoids the failures in the full system swing over process, and is a safer approach than the traditional cooling system.
- the cooling system 4000 has a higher tolerance for high wet bulb temperatures than the traditional cooling system.
- the traditional cooling system generally has a very high operation cost when the wet-bulb temperature is above 10° C. For instance, the maximum wet-bulb temperature that the traditional cooling system can survive in a free-cooling mode is approximately 10° C.
- the traditional cooling system must switch from a free-cooling system to a mechanical cooling system to provide sufficient cooling to an IT data center. For about every half degree above 10° C., the mechanical cooling system has to generate an additional cooling capacity of 320.6 kW, which demands the traditional cooling system to acquire sufficient power to generate the additional cooling capacity.
- the cooling system 4000 of the present disclosure has a better tolerance for high wet-bulb temperatures.
- the maximum wet bulb temperature that the cooling system 4000 can survive in a free cooling mode is approximately 17.2° C., much higher than that of the traditional cooling system.
- the cooling system 4000 switches to the mechanical compressed cooling mode.
- the mechanical compressed cooling mode generates an additional cooling capacity of 45.7 kW, which, in turn, consumes significantly less power than the traditional cooling system.
- the cooling system 4000 is better suited for a high density IT data center, e.g., 40 kW per rack, than the traditional cooling system.
- the cooling system 4000 is more energy efficient than the traditional cooling system.
- the cooling system 4000 maximizes energy savings by having the simple free cooling mode which relies on atmosphere to assist cooling the IT data center.
- the cooling system 4000 consumes a limited of power, which, for instance, is 15% less than what is required to power the traditional cooling system.
- the cooling system 4000 adjusts its power consumption dynamically as a function of the load in the IT data center. As the load increases, the cooling system 4000 increases its power consumption level to cause an increase in the flow rates in the two basic circuits and/or activate one or both of the backup circuits, which, in turn, generate more cooling capacity to compensate for the load increase. By contrast, as the load decreases, the cooling system 4000 decreases its power consumption level which, in turn, reduces its output of cooling capacity.
- the cooling system 4000 is more scalable to the size of the IT data center and easier deployable than the typical cooling system.
- the cooling system 4000 can be deployed modularly at specific, targeted locations in an IT data center, in contrast to the typical cooling system which has to be deployed as a whole covering the full extent of the IT data center. Due to its modularity, the cooling system 4000 targets specific locations in the IT data center and avoids locations that do not need cooling. Also due to its modularity, the cooling system 4000 can be deployed on existing and retrofit cooling systems which the typical cooling system fails to do. Further, the number of cooling systems 4000 deployed in an IT data center may be scaled according to the dynamic change, e.g., shrink or growth, of the IT data center.
- the cooling system 4000 has a lower overall cost than that of the traditional cooling system. For instance, the cooling system 4000 requires a relatively low initial capital and maintenance. Further, due to its energy efficiency, the cooling system 4000 has a low operation cost. As a result, the cooling system 4000 is more cost effective than the traditional cooling system. Because of its overall low cost, in addition to its high tolerance for high wet bulb temperature, the cooling system 4000 is an optimal cooling choice for the high density IT data center, e.g., 40 kW per rack.
- a control strategy is employed to enable close system pressure and flow tolerances utilizing bypass control valves, temperature and pressure sensors, and receiver safeties and pressure regulators.
- This control strategy may be executed in real time and is relational with dynamic control of all components.
- the control strategy incorporates feed back from the IT servers, in order to better facilitate close coupled cooling based on real time individual loading of the rack servers and computer loads.
- the dedicated close-coupled cooling systems (e.g., 525 ) are that they can adapt to the different heat loads that are generated by different servers contained in the modular data pods. As a result, the dedicated close-coupled cooling systems can operate efficiently. In contrast, traditional cooling systems for data centers and data pod modules are typically designed for, and operate at, the worst case conditions for a particular computer design. Also, traditional cooling systems cool all data pod modules according to the data module with the greatest heat load.
- FIGS. 13-17 illustrate a modular data pod 80 ′′ that includes an “A-Frame” cooling circuit 2601 .
- the “A-Frame” cooling circuit 2601 contains a coolant supplied from a first cooling cycle skid 3001 as discussed above with respect to FIGS. 6 and 7 .
- the “A-Frame” cooling circuit 2601 has an “A-Frame” heat exchanger assembly 3400 , which is formed partially of cooling coils 3401 a - c and 3502 a - c , illustrated in FIG. 14 , in conjunction with an air circulator support structure 816 illustrated in FIG. 13 .
- the air circulator support structure 816 includes air circulators 816 a , 816 b and 816 c that are configured and disposed in a manner to induce air circulation in the following direction.
- Cold air in the cold aisle 8002 ′ flows downwardly from the top of each server rack 803 a ′ or 807 c ′ to the bottom of the server rack.
- the air passes through a server, e.g., 813 a ′ on a server rack, e.g. 803 a ′
- the air passes across a heat exchanger 3214 a , and then enters a hot aisle 8001 ′ located between the server rack, e.g. 803 a ′, and an external wall member 1083 ′.
- the air circulates upwardly into a third volume 8003 ′ to complete one circulation cycle.
- the air then recirculates through the “A-Frame” heat exchanger assembly 3400 in the same order described above.
- the modular data pod 80 ′′ is supported on a support structure 8000 ′ which includes fluid supply paths 2701 a and 2702 a which is part of the first fluid circuit 2071 and fluid return paths 2702 a and 2702 b which is part of the second fluid circuit 2702 as explained below with respect to FIGS. 16 and 17 .
- the modular data pod 80 ′′ also includes cable trays 340 that are exemplarily mounted above the server racks, e.g., 803 a ′ and 807 c ′.
- the modular data pod 80 ′′ includes a dedicated electrical power supply, e.g. one or more batteries 832 located at a lower end 811 ′ of the data pod enclosure 108 ′′.
- External wall members 1083 ′ and 1087 ′ define an aperture 812 ′ at an upper end 811 of data enclosure 108 ′′.
- a data pod covering member 812 is configured and disposed in a manner to substantially cover the aperture 812 ′.
- FIG. 14 is an upper plan view of the modular data center pod 80 ′′ assembly having a server rack cooling structure disposed within the cold aisle above the space defined by a plurality of server racks arranged in a “U”-shape according to other embodiments of the present disclosure.
- modular octagonal data pod 80 ′′ includes a data enclosure 108 ′′ including eight external wall members 1081 ′, 1082 ′, 1083 ′, 1084 ′, 1085 ′, 1086 ′, 1087 ′ and 1088 ′ that are contiguously joined to one another along at least one edge 88 ′ in the shape of a polygon.
- Contiguous external wall members 1088 ′, 1081 ′ and 1082 ′ form a first end 88 a ′ of the modular data pod 80 ′ while correspondingly contiguous external wall members 1084 ′, 1085 ′ and 1086 ′ form a second end 88 b ′ of the modular data pod 80 ′.
- Elongated external wall member 1083 ′ includes server racks 803 a ′-c′, and the second end 88 ′ b includes two server racks 804 ′ and 806 ′.
- Elongated external wall member 1087 ′ includes server racks 807 a ′-c′.
- the server racks may be arranged in a “U”-shape as illustrated in FIG. 14 , or other shapes as described in commonly assigned PCT/US2011/41710 by Keisling et al. entitled “SPACE-SAVING HIGH DENSITY MODULAR DATA PODS AND ENERGY-EFFICIENT COOLING SYSTEM”, filed on Jun. 23, 2011, incorporated by reference herein, as described above.
- Modular data pod 80 ′′ also includes first heat exchangers 3101 a - d mounted above server racks 803 a ′, 803 b ′, 803 c ′ and 804 ′, respectively.
- Modular data pod 80 ′′ also includes second heat exchangers 3102 a - d mounted above server racks 807 c ′, 807 b ′, 807 a ′ and 806 ′, respectively.
- Modular data pod 80 ′′ also includes an auxiliary enclosure 818 ′ adjacent to one of the external wall members 1081 ′ to 1088 ′, with the auxiliary enclosure 818 ′ illustrated as being adjacent to external wall member 1081 ′.
- the auxiliary enclosure 818 ′ includes one or more close-coupled dedicated cooling systems 2601 and 2602 for chillerless operation in high wet bulb temperature applications which is further described in detail below with respect to FIG. 17 .
- FIG. 15 is a lower plan view of the modular data center pod 80 ′′ assembly of FIG. 14 illustrating forced-flow cooling devices that force air vertically through a sump below the central aisle of the modular data center pod assembly. More particularly, air circulators 816 a and 816 b are disposed below central aisle 850 of the modular data center pod 80 ′′ and are configured to force air flow vertically upwards through a sump 852 .
- the cable trays 340 exhibit a generally “U-shaped” configuration above the server racks 803 a ′-c′, 804 ′, 806 ′ and 807 a ′-c′.
- the modular data center pod 80 ′′ may include two “A-Frame” cooling circuits 2601 , 2602 .
- odd-numbered reference numerals refer to components included in the first cooling circuit 2601 and even-numbered reference numerals refer to components included in the second cooling circuit 2602 . Installation and operation of the cooling circuits 2601 and 2602 need not take place concurrently.
- the two cooling circuits 2601 , 2602 receive coolants supplied from a first cooling cycle skid 3001 and a second cooling cycle skid 3002 , respectively.
- each cooling circuit 2601 , 2602 includes a first fluid circuit 2701 , 2702 , respectively.
- the first fluid circuits 2701 and 2702 are evaporator circuits that utilize R134a or a similar refrigerant and, in one embodiment, are in thermal fluidic communication with the various heat exchangers of the data center assembly 10 or 10 ′.
- each of the first fluid circuits 2701 , 2702 includes a fluid supply path 2701 a , 2702 a and a fluid return path 2701 b , 2702 b , both of which are in fluid communication with heat exchangers, e.g. 3101 a - n , by carrying fluid or refrigerant to and from the heat exchangers.
- the heat exchangers e.g., 3101 a - n , are placed in close proximity to IT servers or IT racks in the IT data center for providing close coupled cooling at the point of load.
- the first fluid supply path 2701 a includes a first branch path 2702 a 1 which carries coolant or cooling fluid to the first heat exchangers 3101 a - n via sub branches 2703 a - n and to the second heat exchangers 3102 a - n via sub branches 2704 a - n .
- the first fluid return path 2701 b carries coolant from the first heat exchangers 3101 a - n via sub branches 2705 a - n back to the first cooling circuit 2601 , and carries coolant from the second heat exchangers 3102 a - n via sub branches 2706 a - n.
- the first fluid supply path 2701 a includes a second branch path 2702 a 2 that supplies coolant to fourth heat exchangers 3401 a - n via sub branches 2775 a - n , and then to fifth heat exchangers 3502 a - n .
- the coolant exits the fifth heat exchangers 3502 a - n via sub branches 2776 a - n to the first fluid return path 2701 b via a branch path 2701 b 2 .
- the coolant removes heat from the fourth and fifth heat exchangers and is converted to a heated fluid as a result.
- the second fluid paths 2702 a - b have similar structures and functionalities as that of the first fluid paths 2701 a - b to cool heat exchangers 3301 a - n , 3213 a - n and 3214 a - n .
- Heat exchangers 3301 a - n are not illustrated in FIG. 16 but, in one embodiment, may be installed horizontally at the base of the “A-Frame” above or below and parallel to the air circulators 816 a , 816 b , 816 c ).
- the coolant As the coolant leaves each heat exchanger, the coolant absorbs heat from the heat exchanger and becomes heated fluid, which is then delivered to the inlet of the main condenser 1300 illustrated in FIG. 12 for cooling.
- the first cooling circuit 2601 includes a cooling system similar to the cooling system 4000 of FIG. 12 .
- the first fluid supply path 2701 a and the first fluid return path 2701 b of the first cooling circuit 2601 are respectively coupled to the first supply path 4100 a and the first return path 4100 b of the first circuit 4100 of the cooling systems 4001 and 4002 , which in turn are in fluid communication with the first row 1001 ′ and the second row 1002 ′ of server racks as described above and illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 6 - 11 with respect to data assemblies 10 and 10 ′ and to modular data pod 80 ′′ as described above and illustrated in FIGS. 14-16 .
- the first fluid return path 2701 b carries the heated fluid to the first return path 4100 b , which delivers the heated fluid to the main condenser 1300 where the heated fluid is cooled and condensed.
- the main condenser 1300 may be assisted by the second circuit 4200 and the third circuit 4300 .
- the fluid flows to the refrigerant liquid receiver 4128 where the liquid level and temperature of the fluid is measured. If the liquid level is low or if the temperature is high, the sub cooler compressor 4410 and the sub cooler condenser 1300 a are activated to increase the liquid level and/or reduce the temperature of the fluid.
- the fluid flows to the liquid refrigerant pump 4120 which pumps the fluid, now the coolant, to the fluid supply path 4100 a which then delivers the coolant to the first fluid supply path 2701 a .
- the coolant would then be reused to cool the heat exchangers, e.g., heat exchangers 3101 a - n.
- cooling systems 4001 and 4002 are simplified versions of cooling system 4000 .
- a dual coil (in series) circuit can be utilized.
- the secondary coil e.g., a micro channel
- This coil may receive inlet air temperatures less than the inlet temperature to the primary coil (immediately adjacent to the IT racks). (e.g., approximately 6.2° C. (approximately 6.2° C. less than the inlet temperature to the primary coil)
- the liquid and partial vapor leaving the micro channel then enters a simple serpentine single row evaporator coil.
- This serpentine coil is closest to the IT rack. Therefore the serpentine coil receives the hottest air (e.g., approximately 46.6° C.).
- FIG. 18 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a data center assembly according to the present disclosure illustrating a hot aisle enclosure 1400 .
- the hot aisle enclosure 1400 includes a roof 1402 and a shroud 1404 that form a conduit through which air can flow.
- the hot aisle enclosure 1400 also includes a plurality of forced-flow cooling devices 1051 a , . . . , 1051 n and 1052 a , . . . , 1052 n to pull air up through the hot aisle and exhaust it to the atmosphere outside of the hot aisle enclosure 1400 .
- the hot aisle enclosure 1400 also includes an access door 1406 in an end wall 1408 through which a person can access the hot aisle and perform maintenance or upgrades on components of the data center assembly.
Abstract
Description
- This application relates to International Application No. PCT/US2011/41710, which was filed on Jun. 23, 2011, and claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/448,631, which was filed on Mar. 2, 2011; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/482,070, which was filed on May 3, 2011, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
- 1. Technical Field
- The present disclosure generally relates to computing or information technology (IT) data centers. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to structures, systems and methods for installing heat exchangers in IT data centers.
- 2. Background of Related Art
- Over the past several years, computer equipment manufacturers have expanded the data collection and storage capabilities of their servers. The expansion of server capabilities has led to an increase in total power consumption and total heat output per server and per server rack assembly in data centers. It has also led to an increase in power and temperature control requirements for computer data collection and storage. As a result, the data collection and storage industry has sought and is seeking new, innovative equipment, systems, and design strategies to handle the tremendous and continued growth in capacity of computer data collection and storage.
- Cooling systems for computer server racks have been struggling to keep pace with the ability to cool ever increasing computer server heat loads in data centers. The increase of computer server heat loads (measured in kilowatts (kW)) has required that more space be allotted for the cooling infrastructure within the data rooms or that the cooling systems are concentrated at the heat source, i.e., the computer server racks. Recently, cooling systems have been designed to concentrate the cooling at the computer server racks. These cooling systems include rear-door heat exchangers and rack-top coolers.
- Certain cooling system designs have incorporated de-ionized water while others use R-134a (i.e., 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane) refrigerant in a mostly liquid state. The latest designs are limited in their ability to be scaled to cooling requirements of increasingly high density data centers. The output capacity of rear-door exchangers is limited to the physical size of the computer rack exterior perimeter and the amount of fluid (measured in gallons per minute (gpm)) that can be applied to a rear-door exchanger without excessive pressure drops. The rear-door exchangers can produce up to approximately 12-16 kW of concentrated cooling to computer server racks. The overhead rack coolers can produce up to 20 kW of cooling output using R-134a refrigerant liquid. This is based on a cooling system design that does not change the state of the refrigerant. Therefore, the total capacity is limited to the physical size of the coils as well as the size of the enclosure for the computer server racks. This equates to approximately 41,000 to approximately 55,000 BTUs per hour (about 12 KW to about 16.1 KW) of total heat rejection capabilities per rack assembly.
- Some computer servers can now produce outputs in excess of 35 kW similar to the IBM Blue Jean Server. The rear-door heat exchangers and other similar cooling products on the market cannot handle the cooling requirements of these high-density computer servers.
- Many existing data centers have been constructed with in-row rack cooling systems and integral hot and cold aisle containment. These data centers, however, waste a significant amount of space. Also, it is difficult to increase the cooling capacity of the in-row rack cooling systems when servers are added to the server racks or existing servers are replaced with servers requiring more cooling capacity. Furthermore, it is difficult for many existing data centers to upgrade their cooling systems to comply with future government regulations that require reductions in energy consumption. Thus, the data center industry has been seeking energy efficient modular cooling solutions for new and existing white space in data centers, as well as “just-in-time” and modular cooling expansion capabilities both at the server level as well as at the overall rack level.
- In one aspect, the present disclosure features a modular server rack cooling structure for cooling at least one server in at least one rack of a data center. The modular server rack cooling structure for cooling at least one server in at least one rack of a data center includes at least a first supporting member and at least a first heat exchanger that are coupled to each other. The first supporting member is configured to position the first heat exchanger in heat transfer relationship with the server, where the first heat exchanger is not attached to the rack.
- In some embodiments, the first supporting member includes a beam member, the first heat exchanger has a dimension defining an edge of the first heat exchanger, and the edge of the first heat exchanger is rotatably coupled to the beam member. In some embodiment, the beam member is a horizontal beam member or a vertical beam member.
- In some embodiment, the first supporting member includes at least a first, second, and third beam members. The first beam member is substantially orthogonally coupled to the second beam member and the third beam member is substantially orthogonally coupled to the second beam member to form a substantially U-shaped configuration. The first heat exchanger has a dimension defining an edge of the first heat exchanger and the edge of the first heat exchanger is rotatably coupled to the first beam member, second beam member, or third beam member.
- In some embodiments, the dimension defining the edge of the first heat exchanger has a substantially longitudinal dimension defining a longitudinal edge of the first heat exchanger and the longitudinal edge of the first heat exchanger is rotatably coupled to the first beam member or the third beam member.
- In some embodiments, the second supporting member includes a beam member, the second heat exchanger has a dimension defining an edge of the second heat exchanger, and the edge of the second heat exchanger is rotatably coupled to the beam member of the second supporting member. In some embodiments, the second heat exchanger is disposed vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. In some embodiments, the second supporting member includes a beam member and the second heat exchanger is coupled to the beam member of the second supporting member.
- In some embodiments, the data center further includes at least a second rack for supporting at least one server, where the first rack and the second rack are disposed opposite one another to form a hot aisle or a cold aisle between the first rack and the second rack. The modular server rack cooling structure may further include at least a second supporting member and at least a second heat exchanger coupled to each other. The second supporting member is configured to position the second heat exchanger in heat transfer relationship with the server of the second rack, where the second heat exchanger is not attached to the second rack. In some embodiments, the modular server rack cooling structure further includes at least one forced fluid-flow device configured and disposed with respect to the first heat exchanger to provide a flow of fluid between the server and the first heat exchanger.
- In another aspect, the present disclosure features a modular data center system including at least a first rack and at least a second rack disposed opposite one another to form a hot aisle or a cold aisle between the first rack and the second rack, each of which supports at least one server. The modular data center system also includes a modular server rack cooling structure including at least a first supporting member and at least a first heat exchanger coupled to each other. The first supporting member is configured to position the first heat exchanger in heat transfer relationship with at least one server of first rack so that the first heat exchanger is not attached to the first rack. The modular data center system also includes at least a second supporting member and at least a second heat exchanger coupled to each other. The second supporting member is configured to position the second heat exchanger in heat transfer relationship with at least one server of the second rack so that the second heat exchanger is not attached to the second rack.
- In some embodiments, the first supporting member includes a beam member, the first heat exchanger has a dimension defining an edge of the first heat exchanger, the edge of the first heat exchanger is rotatably coupled to the beam member of the first supporting member, the second supporting member includes a beam member, the second heat exchanger has a dimension defining an edge of the second heat exchanger, and the edge of the second heat exchanger is rotatably coupled to the beam member of the second supporting member.
- In some embodiments, the modular data center system further includes at least one forced fluid-flow device configured to provide a flow of fluid between the servers and the heat exchangers. In some embodiments, the beam members are vertical beam members disposed adjacent to the first rack and the second rack.
- In some embodiments, the modular data center system further includes at least a third supporting member and at least a third heat exchanger coupled to each other. The third supporting member is configured to position the third heat exchanger in heat transfer relationship with the server of the first rack or the server of the second rack.
- In some embodiments, the third supporting member includes a beam member, and the third heat exchanger has a dimension defining an edge of the third heat exchanger, and the edge of the third heat exchanger is rotatably coupled to the beam member of the third supporting member. In some embodiments, the third supporting member includes a beam member and the third heat exchanger is coupled to the beam member of the third supporting member. In some embodiments, the second heat exchanger is disposed vertically, horizontally or diagonally.
- In some embodiments, the modular data center system further includes at least one forced fluid-flow device configured to provide a flow of fluid between the servers and the heat exchangers, at least a fourth supporting member, and at least a fourth heat exchanger in which the third heat exchanger is coupled to the fourth supporting member and the fourth supporting member is configured to position the fourth heat exchanger adjacent to the forced fluid-flow device.
- In yet another aspect, the present disclosure features a method of installing a modular server rack cooling structure for cooling at least a first server installed in at least a first rack and at least a second server installed in at least a second rack in which the first rack and the second rack are disposed opposite from each other to form at least a portion of a hot aisle or a cold aisle. The method includes positioning at least a portion of a modular support structure in the hot aisle or the cold aisle where the modular support structure including at least a first support member, a second support member, and a third support member. The method also includes coupling at least a first heat exchanger to the first supporting member so that the first heat exchanger is positioned adjacent to the first server of the first rack. The method also includes coupling at least a second heat exchanger to the second supporting member so that the second heat exchanger is positioned adjacent to the second server of the second rack and coupling at least a third heat exchanger to the third supporting member so that the third heat exchanger is positioned within the hot aisle or the cold aisle, where coupling the third heat exchanger to the third supporting member is performed after at least a third server is installed in the first rack or the second rack.
- Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to the drawings. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the present disclosure wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a data center assembly for information technology servers in a data center assembly that includes a plurality of modular support structures, each of which supports at least one heat exchanger according to embodiments of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 2 is an elevation view of a modular support structure for supporting at least one heat exchanger in the data center assembly ofFIG. 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 3 is a detailed elevation view of the data center assembly ofFIG. 2 showing the position of the heat exchangers with respect to the servers and server rack according to embodiments of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 4A is an elevation view of the data center assembly as taken alongsection line 4A-4A inFIG. 2 according to embodiments of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 4B is an elevation view of the data center assembly as taken alongsection line 4B-4B inFIG. 2 according to embodiments of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 5A is a plan view of the data center assembly ofFIG. 1 as seen in the direction of thearrows 5A-5B inFIG. 4A illustrating the plurality of modular support structures in the data center assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 5B is a plan view of the data center assembly ofFIG. 1 as seen in the direction of thearrows 5B-5B inFIG. 4B illustrating the plurality of modular support structures in the data center assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 6 is a plan view of a data center assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 7 is a plan view of a data center assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure illustrating the fluid circuits between refrigeration heat exchanger skids and the heat exchangers supported by the modular support structures; -
FIG. 8 is an operational end view of the data center assembly ofFIG. 7 having at least one modular support structure and associated heat exchangers for “Day One” low density operation according to embodiments of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 9 is an operational end view of the data center assembly ofFIG. 8 having at least one modular support structure and associated heat exchangers for “Day Two” increased density operation according to embodiments of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 10 is an operational end view of the data center assembly ofFIG. 9 having at least one modular support structure and associated heat exchangers for “Day Three” increased density operation according to embodiments of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 11 is an operational end view of the data center assembly ofFIG. 10 having at least one modular support structure and associated heat exchangers for high density operations according to embodiments of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 12 is an exemplary embodiment of a flow diagram for a close-coupled cooling system for chillerless operation in high wet bulb temperature applications according to the present disclosure; -
FIG. 13 illustrates a modular data pod that includes a separate cooling circuit that forms an “A-Frame” heat exchanger assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 14 is an upper plan view of the modular data pod ofFIG. 13 that includes the separate cooling circuit that forms an “A-Frame” heat exchanger assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 15 is a lower plan view of the modular data center pod assembly ofFIG. 14 illustrating forced-flow cooling devices that force air vertically through a sump below the central aisle of the modular data center pod assembly; -
FIG. 16 is a schematic flow diagram of a cooling system for a data center assembly including the close-coupled cooling system ofFIG. 12 according to embodiments of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of cooling cycle skids that are illustrated as part of the modular data pod assembly ofFIGS. 14-16 ; and -
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a data center assembly illustrating a building enclosure over the hot aisle of the data center assembly according to embodiments the present disclosure. - Embodiments of the presently disclosed heat exchanger support structures, heat exchanger support systems and installation methods will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views.
- The presently disclosed heat exchanger support structures, heat exchanger support systems and installation method advance the state of the art of data center cooling by providing additional cooling capacity within the same floor space of an existing or planned data center, thus reducing the cooling capacity foot print of the data center and increasing the cooling capacity per unit area. The presently disclosed heat exchanger support structures, heat exchanger support systems and installation method can be retrofitted into existing data centers or planned as part of new installations.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a modular unifiedracking system installation 100 for IT servers in adata center assembly 10 that includes a plurality of support structures of the modular server rack cooling structures, each of which supports at least one heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. More particularly, thedata center assembly 10 includes a plurality ofIT server racks 1001 a, . . . , 1001 n positioned adjacent to one another to form afirst row 1001′ of IT server racks. Asecond row 1002′ of adjacentIT server racks 1002 a, . . . , 1002 n is formed opposite to thefirst row 1001′ to form ahot aisle 12 between thefirst row 1001′ and thesecond row 1002′. - Those skilled in the art will recognize that the
first row 1001′ of IT server racks and an adjacent wall (not shown) of a data center facility or an adjacent row of IT server racks define a first cold aisle. Similarly, thesecond row 1002′ of IT server racks and an adjacent outer wall (not shown) of thedata center assembly 10 or an adjacent row of IT server racks define a second cold aisle. - Those skilled in the art will recognize that, in some embodiments, the
first row 1001′ of IT server racks and thesecond row 1002′ of IT server racks can form a cold aisle between thefirst row 1001′ and thesecond row 1002′. - Turning to
FIG. 3 in conjunction withFIGS. 1 and 2 , eachserver rack 1001 a, . . . , 1001 n and 1002 a, . . . , 1002 n includes a plurality of slots that are each configured to receive one server. As is known in the art,first server rack 1001 a offirst row 1001′ has a plurality ofIT servers 101 a 1, . . . , 101 a n in different slots ofserver rack 1001 a. Similarly,server rack 1002 a ofsecond row 1002′ has a plurality ofIT servers 102 a 1, . . . , 102 a n in different slots ofserver rack 1002 a. EachIT server 101 a 1, . . . , 101 a n has at least oneheat transfer path 103 a 1, . . . , 103 a n, respectively, which can include one or more exhaust fans and ports positioned at the rear end of eachIT server 101 a 1, . . . , 101 a n as shown, or which can be upper, lower and/or side surfaces of eachIT server 101 a 1, . . . , 101 a n, or other heat transfer paths that are known in the art. - As used herein throughout the specification and figures, the letter “n” in the certain reference numerals represents a variable quantity. The use of the quantity “n” in the reference numerals, such as “1001 n” or “101 a n,” does not necessarily mean that the quantity “n” is always equal in each instance where the letter “n” is used. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the value of “n” may differ for practical applications of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and that “n” is applied to convey the description of multiple or “a plurality of” components or items.
- As with
IT servers 101 a 1, . . . , 101 a n, eachIT server 102 a 1, . . . , 102 a n has at least oneheat transfer path 104 a 1, . . . , 104 a n, respectively, which can include one or more exhaust fans and ports positioned at the rear end of eachIT server 102 a 1, . . . , 102 a n, as shown, or which can also be upper, lower and/or side surfaces of theIT servers 102 a 1, . . . , 102 a n, or other heat transfer paths that are known in the art. - The modular server
rack cooling structure 2001 includes at least a first supportingmember 201 a which is exemplarily illustrated as a vertically positioned beam positioned adjacent to theserver rack 1001 a at the rear end of the plurality ofIT servers 101 a 1, . . . , 101 a n, which as noted above, are disposed in different slots of theserver rack 1001 a. - In one embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in
FIG. 3 , the modular serverrack cooling structure 2001 is configured and disposed to support at least one forced-flow cooling device 1051 a, e.g., a motorized fan, to provide forced-flow circulation from thehot aisle 12 directed toward the first cold aisle. The forced-flow cooling device 1051 a is configured and disposed to define a region of separation between thehot aisle 12 and the first cold aisle. The first forced-flow cooling device 1051 a includes asuction side 15 a and a discharge side illustrated by thearrow 17 a, which indicates the direction of air flow. Since the first forced-flow cooling device 1051 a is illustrated as being positioned vertically above theIT server rack 1001 a, the region of separation is defined along the height of the first forced-flow cooling device 1051 a above theIT server rack 1001 a and therefore the region of separation occurs between thehot aisle 12 and the volume of space above thefirst row 1001′ of IT server racks leading into the first cold aisle. - In one embodiment (not shown), the first forced-
flow cooling device 1051 a is positioned horizontally across thehot aisle 12 in proximity to the top of theIT server rack 1001 a. - In some embodiments, the modular server
rack cooling structure 2001 includes at least one heat exchanger. Thefirst heat exchanger 1101 a is configured and disposed with respect to thesuction side 15 a of the forced-flow cooling device 1051 a to provide forced-flow cooling of thefirst heat exchanger 1101 a. - In one embodiment, the
first heat exchanger 1101 a is a serpentine coil microchannel design having a thin rectangular configuration forming two large substantially flat sides such as a Model SX-2 Serpentine Coil heat exchanger manufactured by MBA Manufacturing and Supply Co. of Mundelein, Ill., USA or similar. Thefirst heat exchanger 1101 a has a first substantiallyflat side 1103 a and a second substantiallyflat side 1105 a. As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 3 , thefirst heat exchanger 1101 a is disposed in proximity to thesuction side 15 a of the first forced-flow cooling device 1051 a. The first forced-flow cooling device 1051 a is configured and disposed to maintain the region of separation between thehot aisle 12 and the firstcold aisle 141 and to enable cooling of the hot air in thehot aisle 12 that emanates from the servers in the server racks and which flows across the serpentine coils of thefirst heat exchanger 1101 a for cooling. - In one embodiment, the modular server
rack cooling structure 2001 is also configured and disposed to support at least a second forced-flow cooling device 1052 a, e.g., a motorized fan, to provide forced-flow circulation from thehot aisle 12 directed towards the secondcold aisle 142. The second forced-flow cooling device 1052 a is configured and disposed to define a region of separation between thehot aisle 12 and the secondcold aisle 142 of thedata center assembly 10. The second forced-flow cooling device 1052 a includes asuction side 16 a and a discharge side shown by thearrow 18 a, which indicates the direction of air flow. As with the first forced-flow cooling device 1051 a, since the second forced-flow cooling device 1052 a is positioned vertically above theIT server rack 1002 a, the region of separation between thehot aisle 12 and the secondcold aisle 142 is defined along the height of the second forced-flow cooling device 1052 a. - In one embodiment (not shown), the second forced-
flow cooling device 1052 a is positioned horizontally across thehot aisle 12 in proximity to the top of theIT server rack 1002 a. - In some embodiments, the
second heat exchanger 1102 a is configured and disposed with respect to thesuction side 16 a of the forced-flow cooling device 1052 a to provide forced-flow cooling of thesecond heat exchanger 1102 a. In one embodiment, thesecond heat exchanger 1102 a is again a serpentine coil microchannel design having a thin rectangular configuration forming two large substantially flat sides such as the Model SX-2 Serpentine Coil heat exchanger manufactured by MBA Manufacturing and Supply Co. of Mundelein, Ill., USA or similar, mentioned above. Thesecond heat exchanger 1102 a has a first substantiallyflat side 1104 a and a second substantially flat side 1106 a. As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 3 , thesecond heat exchanger 1102 a is disposed in proximity to thesuction side 16 a of the second forced-flow cooling device 1052 a. The second forced-flow cooling device 1052 a is configured and disposed to maintain the region of separation between thehot aisle 12 and the secondcold aisle 142 and to enable cooling of the hot air in thehot aisle 12 that emanates from the IT servers in the server racks and which flows across the serpentine coils of thesecond heat exchanger 1102 a for cooling. - As illustrated in
FIG. 4A , the first supportingmember 201 a includes at least first, second and third beam members, 201 a 1, 201 a 2, and 201 a 3, respectively. Thefirst beam member 201 a 1 is substantially orthogonally coupled to thesecond beam member 201 a 2, and thethird beam member 201 a 3 is substantially orthogonally coupled to thesecond beam member 201 a 2 to form a substantially U-shaped configuration. - The modular server
rack cooling structure 2001 further includes at least a second supportingmember 202 a which, as with first supportingmember 201 a, is exemplarily illustrated as a vertically-oriented beam positioned adjacent to theserver rack 1002 a at the rear end of the plurality ofIT servers 102 a 1, . . . , 1012 n, which as noted above, are positioned in different slots of theserver rack 1002 a. - As illustrated in
FIG. 4B , and like the first supportingmember 201 a described with respect toFIG. 4A , the second supportingmember 202 a includes at least first, second and third beam members, 202 a 1, 202 a 2, and 202 a 3, respectively. Thefirst beam member 202 a 1 is substantially orthogonally coupled to thesecond beam member 202 a 2, and thethird beam member 202 a 3 is substantially orthogonally coupled to thesecond beam member 202 a 2 to form a substantially U-shaped configuration. - As illustrated in
FIG. 3 , when the modular serverrack cooling structure 2001 includes the second supportingmember 202 a to provide stability and to enable practically simultaneous insertion of both thefirst heat exchanger 1101 a and thesecond heat exchanger 1102 a when the modular serverrack cooling structure 2001 is installed in between theserver racks rack cooling structure 2001 further includes at least a third supportingmember 203 a. In one embodiment, the third supportingmember 203 a couples the first supportingmember 201 a to the second supportingmember 202 a atupper ends 201 a′ and 202 a′ of the supportingmembers - As illustrated in
FIG. 5A , the third supportingmember 203 a includes at least twobeam members hot aisle 12 to couple the first supportingmember 201 a to the second supportingmember 202 a and to couple second supportingbeam 201 a 2 of the first supportingmember 201 a to second supportingbeam 202 a 2 of the second supportingmember 202 a. - As illustrated in
FIG. 3 , the third supportingmember 203 a includes at least one heat exchanger configured to transfer heat to or from the hot aisle following insertion of the modular serverrack cooling structure 2001 in between theserver racks third heat exchanger 301 a supported substantially horizontally across and above thehot aisle 12. - The
third heat exchanger 301 a is a serpentine coil microchannel design similar to thefirst heat exchanger 213 a and thesecond heat exchanger 214 a has a thin rectangular configuration forming two large substantially flat sides such as the Model SX-2 Serpentine Coil heat exchanger manufactured by MBA Manufacturing and Supply Co. of Mundelein, Ill., USA or similar, described previously above. The horizontal positioning ofthird heat exchanger 301 a across and above thehot aisle 12 enables significantly increased cooling capacity per unit area without an increase in the size of the cooling capacity footprint. The air exhausted horizontally from the IT servers in theserver racks hot aisle 12 is forced to rise in thehot aisle 12 and is passed vertically through the serpentine coils of thethird heat exchanger 301 a. - As described below with respect to
FIG. 9 , to enable access to the space above thehorizontal heat exchanger 301 a, particularly for maintenance activities, in some embodiments, thehorizontal heat exchanger 301 a is rotatably coupled to thesecond beam member 201 a 2 via a hinged connection 303 a so that thehorizontal heat exchanger 301 a can be rotated downwardly into the upper portion of thehot aisle 12. - In one embodiment, at least a
first heat exchanger 213 a is coupled to the first supportingmember 201 a. In one embodiment, thefirst heat exchanger 203 a is a serpentine coil microchannel design having a thin rectangular configuration forming two large substantially flat sides such as a Model SX-2 Serpentine Coil heat exchanger manufactured by MBA Manufacturing and Supply Co. of Mundelein, Ill., USA or similar. - The
first heat exchanger 213 a has a first substantiallyflat side 215 a and a second substantiallyflat side 217 a through which hot air from the servers in the server racks can flow across the serpentine coils for cooling. Consequently, the first supportingmember 201 a is configured to position thefirst heat exchanger 213 a in proximity to theheat transfer path 103 a 1 of at leastserver 101 a 1 via the first substantiallyflat side 215 a following insertion of the modular server rack cooling structure in between theserver racks rack cooling structure 2001 and theserver racks - The first substantially
flat surface 215 a is positioned to interface with, and is in proximity to, theheat transfer path 103 a of at leastserver 101 a 1 following insertion of the modular serverrack cooling structure 2001 in between theserver racks heat transfer path 103 a 1 of at leastserver 101 a 1 therefore flows to the first substantiallyflat side 215 a of thefirst heat exchanger 213 a across the coils to the second substantiallyflat side 217 a into thehot aisle 12. In other words, at least the first supportingmember 201 a is configured to position at least thefirst heat exchanger 213 a in heat transfer relationship with the one ormore servers 101 a 1, . . . , 101 a n. Also, at least thefirst heat exchanger 213 a is not attached to the one or moreIT server racks 1001 a, . . . , 1001 n. - As can be appreciated, the
first heat exchanger 213 a is configured and sized such that the substantiallyflat surfaces heat transfer paths 103 a 1, . . . , 103 a n of each of the plurality ofIT servers 101 a 1, . . . , 101 a n, respectively, that are positioned in different slots of theserver rack 1001 a. - In one embodiment, the
first heat exchanger 213 a has a dimension defining an edge 219 a 1 substantially interfacing with thefirst beam member 201 a 1, an edge 219 a 2 substantially interfacing withsecond beam member 201 a 2, and an edge 219 a 3 substantially interfacing withthird beam member 201 a 3. One of the edges 219 a 1, 219 a 2 or 219 a 3 is rotatably coupled to therespective beam member beam member 201 a 1 and edge 219 a 1. (The hinges forbeam members first heat exchanger 213 a may be rotated into thehot aisle 12 to enable access to theIT servers 101 a 1, . . . , 101 a n from the hot aisle 12 (as shown by the dashed line designated byreference numeral 213 a). - As can be appreciated, the dimensions defining edges 219 a 1 and 219 a 3 are substantially longitudinal to coincide with the orientation of
first beam member 201 a 1 andthird beam member 201 a 3, respectively. Similarly, the dimension defining edge 219 a 2 is substantially lateral to coincide with the orientation ofsecond beam member 201 a 2. - In one embodiment, the modular server
rack cooling structure 2001 further includes at least a second supportingmember 202 a which, like the first supportingmember 201 a, is exemplarily illustrated as a vertically-positioned beam positioned adjacent to theserver rack 1002 a at the rear end of the plurality ofIT servers 102 a 1, . . . , 1012 n, which as noted above, are positioned in different slots of theserver rack 1002 a. - As with the first supporting
member 201 a, at least asecond heat exchanger 214 a is coupled to the second supportingmember 202 a. Again, in some embodiments, thesecond heat exchanger 214 a is a serpentine coil microchannel design having a thin rectangular configuration forming two large substantially flat sides such as the Model SX-2 Serpentine Coil heat exchanger manufactured by MBA Manufacturing and Supply Co. of Mundelein, Ill., USA or similar. - The
second heat exchanger 214 a has a first substantiallyflat side 216 a and a second substantiallyflat side 218 a through which hot air from the servers in the server racks can flow across the serpentine coils for cooling. Consequently, the second supportingmember 202 a is configured to position thesecond heat exchanger 214 a in proximity to theheat transfer path 104 a 1 of at leastserver 102 a 1 following insertion of the modular serverrack cooling structure 2001 in between theserver racks rack cooling structure 2001 and theserver racks - The first substantially
flat surface 216 a is positioned to interface with, and is in proximity to, theheat transfer path 104 a 1 of at leastserver 102 a 1 following insertion of the modular serverrack cooling structure 2001 in between theserver racks heat transfer path 104 a 1 of at leastserver 102 a 1 therefore flows to the first substantiallyflat side 201 a of thesecond heat exchanger 214 a across the coils to the second substantiallyflat side 218 a into thehot aisle 12. In other words, at least the second supportingmember 202 a is configured to position at least thesecond heat exchanger 214 a in heat transfer relationship with the one ormore servers 102 a 1, . . . , 102 a n. Also, at least thesecond heat exchanger 214 a is not attached to the one or moreIT server racks 1002 a . . . 1002 n. - Again, as can be appreciated,
second heat exchanger 214 a generally is configured and sized such that the substantiallyflat surfaces heat transfer paths 104 a 1, . . . , 104 a n of each of the plurality ofIT servers 102 a 1, . . . , 102 a n, respectively, that are positioned at different elevation levels inserver rack 1002 a. - Those skilled in the art will recognize that the
second heat exchanger 214 a can also be rotatably mounted on hinges to be rotated into thehot aisle 12 to enable access to theIT servers 102 a 1, . . . , 201 a n from thehot aisle 12. - In one embodiment, as illustrated in
FIG. 4B , in a similar manner as with respect to the first supportingmember 201 a described with respect toFIG. 4A , the second supportingmember 202 a includes at least first, second and third beam members, 202 a 1, 202 a 2, and 202 a 3, respectively. Thefirst beam member 202 a 1 is substantially orthogonally coupled to thesecond beam member 202 a 2, and thethird beam member 202 a 3 is substantially orthogonally coupled to thesecond beam member 202 a 2 to form a substantially U-shaped configuration. - As illustrated in
FIG. 3 , in one embodiment, when the support structure of the first modular serverrack cooling structure 2001 includes the second supportingmember 202 a, to provide stability and to enable practically simultaneous insertion of both thefirst heat exchanger 213 a and thesecond heat exchanger 214 a when the modular serverrack cooling structure 2001 is installed in between theserver racks rack cooling structure 2001 further includes at least a third supportingmember 203 a. In one embodiment, the third supportingmember 203 a couples the first supportingmember 201 a to the second supportingmember 202 a atupper ends 201 a′ and 202 a′ of the supportingmembers - As illustrated in
FIG. 5A , the third supportingmember 203 a includes generally at least twobeam members hot aisle 12 to couple the first supportingmember 201 a to the second supportingmember 202 a and generally to couple second supportingbeam 201 a 2 of the first supportingmember 201 a to second supportingbeam 202 a 2 of the second supportingmember 202 a. - Thus, the support structure of the first modular server
rack cooling structure 2001 is configured to position thefirst heat exchanger 213 a in proximity to at least theheat transfer path 103 a 1 of the at leastfirst server 101 a 1 of the at leastfirst rack 1001 a following insertion of the modular serverrack cooling structure 2001 in between theserver racks member 203 a is configured to position at least thefirst heat exchanger 213 a in heat transfer relationship with the one ormore servers 101 a 1 . . . 101 a n. Also, at least thefirst heat exchanger 213 a is not attached to the one or moreIT server racks 1001 a . . . 1001 n. - At the same time, the support structure of the first modular server
rack cooling structure 2001 is configured to position thesecond heat exchanger 214 a in proximity to at least theheat transfer path 104 a 1 of the at leastfirst server 102 a 1 of the at leastsecond rack 1002 a following insertion of the support structure of the modular serverrack cooling structure 2001 in between theserver racks member 202 a is configured to position at least thesecond heat exchanger 214 a in heat transfer relationship with the one ormore servers 102 a 1 . . . 102 a n. Also, at least thesecond heat exchanger 214 a is not attached to the one or moreIT server racks 1002 a . . . 1002 n. - As illustrated in
FIG. 3 , the third supportingmember 203 a supports at least one heat exchanger configured to transfer heat to or from the aisle following insertion of the modular serverrack cooling structure 2001 in between theserver racks third heat exchanger 301 a substantially horizontally across and above thehot aisle 12. - Again,
third heat exchanger 301 a may be a serpentine coil microchannel design (similar to thefirst heat exchanger 213 a and thesecond heat exchanger 214 a) having a thin rectangular configuration forming two large substantially flat sides such as the Model SX-2 Serpentine Coil heat exchanger manufactured by MBA Manufacturing and Supply Co. of Mundelein, Ill., USA or similar. The horizontal positioning ofthird heat exchanger 301 a across and above thehot aisle 12 enables significantly additional cooling capacity per unit area without an increase in the size of the cooling capacity footprint. In this embodiment, the air exhausted horizontally from the first andsecond heat exchangers hot aisle 12 is forced to rise in thehot aisle 12 and pass vertically through the serpentine coils of thethird heat exchanger 301 a. - In one embodiment, the third supporting
member 203 a may support thethird heat exchanger 301 a and/or afourth heat exchanger 401 a that is similar to the types described above with respect to the first, second andthird heat exchangers fourth heat exchanger 401 a has a dimension defining afirst edge 411 a and an opposingsecond edge 412 a wherein thefourth heat exchanger 401 a is rotatably coupled to, and supported by, either the third supportingmember 203 a, or is rotatably coupled tosecond beam member 201 a 2 of the first supportingmember 201 a. Thefourth heat exchanger 401 a thus at least partially extends over thehot aisle 12 at an angle θ1 to the horizontal. - In one embodiment, the third supporting
member 203 a supports thefourth heat exchanger 401 a and afifth heat exchanger 502 a that is similar to the types described above with respect to the first, second andthird heat exchangers fourth heat exchanger 401 a. Thefifth heat exchanger 502 a also has a dimension defining afirst edge 511 a wherein thefifth heat exchanger 502 a is rotatably coupled to, and supported by, either the third supportingmember 203 a, or is rotatably coupled tosecond beam member 202 a 2 of the second supportingmember 202 a. Thefifth heat exchanger 502 a thus at least partially extends over thehot aisle 12 at an angle θ2 to the horizontal. - In some situations, it may be desirable to transfer heat into the
data center assembly 10 through thehot aisle 12. Those skilled in the art will recognize that by reversal of the direction of air flow and by supplying a fluid medium to the heat exchangers at a temperature above ambient, such heat transfer into the data center can be achieved. - Those skilled in the art will recognize that the sequence of installation of the aforementioned heat exchangers onto the support structure of the first modular server
rack cooling structure 2001 can be varied according to the heat removal capacity requirements or other factors as desired. Additionally, those skilled in the art will recognize that a sequence wherein thefirst heat exchanger 213 a and thesecond heat exchanger 214 a are the first heat exchangers installed on themodular support structure 2001 enables, at least during initial operation of thedata center assembly 10, elimination ofhot aisle 12 since thefirst heat exchanger 213 a and the first supportingmember 201 a are configured to enable direct interface, via the first substantiallyflat side 215 a, of thefirst heat exchanger 213 a in proximity to theheat transfer path 103 a 1 of at leastserver 101 a 1 and sincesecond heat exchanger 214 a and the first supportingmember 202 a are configured to enable direct interface, via the first substantiallyflat side 216 a, of thesecond heat exchanger 214 a in proximity to theheat transfer path 104 a 1 of at leastserver 102 a 1 As a result, only air that has already been cooled by the first andsecond heat exchangers hot aisle 12. - In one embodiment, as can be appreciated from
FIGS. 1-5B , the present disclosure relates also to asystem 50 that allows for the insertion and removal of the plurality ofheat exchangers 213 a, . . . , 213 n and 214 a, . . . , 214 n. As described above, thedata center assembly 10 includes at least tworacks 1001 a, . . . , 1001 n and/or 1002 a, . . . , 1002 n. Each rack supports at least oneserver 101 a 1, . . . , 101 a n, . . . , 101 n 1, . . . , 101 n n and/or 102 a 1, . . . , 102 a n, . . . , 102 n 1, . . . , 102 n having at least oneheat transfer path 103 a 1, . . . , 103 a n, . . . , 103 n 1, . . . , 103 n n and/or 104 a 1, . . . , 104 a n, . . . , 104 n 1, . . . , 104 n n The sequence of installation of the aforementioned heat exchangers onto the support structure of the modular serverrack cooling structure 2001 can be varied according to the heat removal capacity requirements or other factors as desired. -
System 50 includes a support structure of the modular serverrack cooling structure 2001 that is configured and disposed to support at least one forced-flow cooling device 1051 a, e.g., the motorized fan, to provide forced-flow circulation from thehot aisle 12 directed toward the firstcold aisle 141. The forced-flow cooling device 1051 a is again configured and disposed to define a region of separation between thehot aisle 12 and the firstcold aisle 141 of thedata center assembly 10. The first forced-flow cooling device 1051 a includessuction side 15 a and discharge side shown by thearrow 17 a, which indicates the direction of air flow. Since the first forced-flow cooling device 1051 a is illustrated as being positioned vertically above theIT server rack 1001 a, the region of separation is defined along the height of the first forced-flow cooling device 1051 a above theIT server rack 1001 a and therefore the region of separation occurs between thehot aisle 12 and the volume of space above thefirst row 1001′ of IT server racks leading into the firstcold aisle 141. - In one embodiment (not shown), the first forced-
flow cooling device 1051 a is positioned horizontally across thehot aisle 12 in proximity to the top of theIT server rack 1001 a. - In one embodiment, the support structure of the modular server
rack cooling structure 2001 is configured and disposed to support at least one heat exchanger. Thefirst heat exchanger 1101 a is configured and disposed with respect to thesuction side 15 a of the forced-flow cooling device 1051 a to provide forced-flow cooling of thefirst heat exchanger 1101 a. In some embodiments, thefirst heat exchanger 1101 a is a serpentine coil microchannel design having a thin rectangular configuration forming two large substantially flat sides such as a Model SX-2 Serpentine Coil heat exchanger manufactured by MBA Manufacturing and Supply Co. of Mundelein, Ill., USA or similar. - The
first heat exchanger 1101 a has a first substantiallyflat side 1103 a and a second substantiallyflat side 1105 a. As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 3 , thefirst heat exchanger 1101 a is disposed in proximity to thesuction side 15 a of the first forced-flow cooling device 1051 a. The first forced-flow cooling device 1051 a is configured and disposed to maintain the region of separation between thehot aisle 12 and the firstcold aisle 141 and to enable cooling of the hot air in thehot aisle 12 that emanates from the servers in the server racks and which flows across the serpentine coils of thefirst heat exchanger 1101 a for cooling. - In one embodiment, the support structure of the modular server
rack cooling structure 2001 is configured and disposed to support at least the second forced-flow cooling device 1052 a, e.g., a motorized fan, to provide forced-flow circulation from thehot aisle 12 directed towards the secondcold aisle 142. The second forced-flow cooling device 1052 a is configured and disposed to define a region of separation between thehot aisle 12 and the secondcold aisle 142. - The second forced-
flow cooling device 1052 a includes asuction side 16 a and a discharge side shown by thearrow 18 a, which indicates the direction of air flow. As with the first forced-flow cooling device 1051 a, since the second forced-flow cooling device 1052 a is illustrated as being positioned vertically above theIT server rack 1002 a, the region of separation is defined along the height of the second forced-flow cooling device 1052 a. In one embodiment (not shown), the second forced-flow cooling device 1052 a is positioned horizontally across thehot aisle 12 in proximity to the top of theIT server rack 1002 a. - The
second heat exchanger 1102 a is configured and disposed with respect to thesuction side 16 a of the forced-flow cooling device 1052 a to provide forced-flow cooling of thesecond heat exchanger 1102 a. In some embodiments, thesecond heat exchanger 1102 a is a serpentine coil microchannel design having a thin rectangular configuration forming two large substantially flat sides such as the Model SX-2 Serpentine Coil heat exchanger manufactured by MBA Manufacturing and Supply Co. of Mundelein, Ill., USA or similar. - The
second heat exchanger 1102 a has the first substantiallyflat side 1104 a and the second substantially flat side 1106 a. As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 3 , thesecond heat exchanger 1102 a is disposed in proximity to thesuction side 16 a of the second forced-flow cooling device 1052 a. The second forced-flow cooling device 1052 a is configured and disposed to maintain the region of separation between thehot aisle 12 and the secondcold aisle 142 and to enable cooling of the hot air in thehot aisle 12 that emanates from the servers in the server racks and which flows across the serpentine coils of thesecond heat exchanger 1102 a for cooling. - The
system 50 also includes a support structure of the modular serverrack cooling structure 2001 that includes the first supportingmember 1001 a for supporting at least afirst heat exchanger 213 a. Thefirst heat exchanger 213 a is coupled to the first supportingmember 201 a. As described above, the first supportingmember 201 a is configured to position thefirst heat exchanger 213 a in proximity to the one or moreheat transfer paths 103 a 1, . . . , 103 a n of the one ormore servers 101 a 1, . . . , 101 a n of thefirst rack 1001 a following insertion of the modular serverrack cooling structure 2001 in between theserver racks - In other words, at least the first supporting
member 201 a is configured to position at least thefirst heat exchanger 213 a in heat transfer relationship with the one ormore servers 101 a 1, . . . , 101 a n. Also, at least thefirst heat exchanger 213 a is not attached to the one or moreIT server racks 1001 a . . . 1001 n. - The
system 50 also includes a support structure of the second modular serverrack cooling structure 2002 that is identical or substantially identical to the support structure of the first modular serverrack cooling structure 2001 described above for supporting at least one heat exchanger. As with the support structure of the first modular serverrack cooling structure 2001, the support structure of the second modular serverrack cooling structure 2002 includes a first supporting member 201 b for supporting the at least afirst heat exchanger 213 b. Thefirst heat exchanger 213 b is coupled to the first supporting member 201 b. - In a similar manner as described above, the first supporting member 201 b is configured to position the
first heat exchanger 213 b in proximity to the one or more heat transfer paths 103 b 1, . . . , 103 b n of the one or more servers 101 b 1, . . . , 101 b n of thesecond rack 1001 b following insertion of the modular serverrack cooling structure 2002 in between theserver racks - In other words, at least the first supporting member 201 b is configured to position at least the
first heat exchanger 213 b in heat transfer relationship with the one or more servers 101 b 1, . . . , 101 b n. Also, at least thefirst heat exchanger 213 b is not attached to the one or moreIT server racks 1001 a, . . . , 1001 n. - In one embodiment, the
system 50 includes a support structure of the first modular serverrack cooling structure 2001 further including at least a second supportingmember 202 a for supporting at least thesecond heat exchanger 214 a. Again, the second supportingmember 202 a is configured to position thesecond heat exchanger 214 a in proximity to one or moreheat transfer paths 104 a 1, . . . , 104 a n of the one ormore servers 102 a 1, . . . , 102 a n of at leastthird rack 1002 a following insertion of the modular serverrack cooling structure 2001 in between theserver racks member 202 a is configured to position at least thesecond heat exchanger 214 a in heat transfer relationship with the one ormore servers 102 a 1 . . . 102 a n. Also, at least thesecond heat exchanger 214 a is not attached to the one or moreIT server racks 1002 a . . . 1002 n. - In one embodiment, the
data center assembly 10 includes at least afourth rack 1002 b for supporting servers 102 b 1, . . . , 102 b n having heat transfer paths 104 b 1, . . . , 104 b n, respectively. The support structure of the modular serverrack cooling structure 2002 further includes at least a second supporting member 202 b. In a similar manner as described above, thesecond heat exchanger 214 b is coupled to the second supporting member 202 b. - The second supporting member 202 b is configured to position the
second heat exchanger 214 b in proximity to the one or more heat transfer paths 104 b 1, . . . , 104 b n of the one or more servers 102 b 1, . . . , 102 b n offourth rack 1002 b following insertion of the second modular serverrack cooling structure 2002 in between theserver racks second heat exchanger 214 b in heat transfer relationship with the one or more servers 102 b 1 . . . 102 b n. Also, at least thesecond heat exchanger 214 b is not attached to the one or moreIT server racks 1002 a . . . 1002 n. - In some embodiments, the support structure of the first modular server
rack cooling structure 2001 is coupled to the support structure of the second modular serverrack cooling structure 2002 and to support structures of succeeding modular serverrack cooling structures 200 n via mechanisms known in the art such as bolting or bracing. In one embodiment, each support structure is left in a free-standing independent position. - Again, in a similar manner as described above, the support structure of the first modular server
rack cooling structure 2001 further includes at least a third supporting member, e.g., supportingmember 203 a. The third supportingmember 203 a couples the at least first supportingmember 201 a to the second supportingmember 202 a atupper ends 201 a′ and 202 a′ of the supportingmembers rack cooling structure 2001 is configured to position the at leastfirst heat exchanger 213 a in proximity to the one or moreheat transfer paths 103 a 1, . . . , 103 a n of the one ormore servers 101 a 1, . . . , 101 a n of thefirst rack 1001 a and to position the at leastsecond heat exchanger 214 a in proximity to the one or moreheat transfer paths 104 a 1, . . . , 104 a n of the one ormore servers 102 a 1, . . . , 102 a n of thesecond rack 1002 a following insertion of the first modular serverrack cooling structure 2001 in between theserver racks - In other words, the at least the third supporting
member 203 a is configured to position at least thefirst heat exchanger 213 a in heat transfer relationship with the one ormore servers 101 a 1, . . . , 101 a n. Also, at least thefirst heat exchanger 213 a is not attached to the one or moreIT server racks 1001 a, . . . , 1001 n. Additionally, at least the third supporting member 203 b is configured to position at least thesecond heat exchanger 214 b in heat transfer relationship with the one ormore servers 102 a 1, . . . , 102 a n. Also, at least thesecond heat exchanger 214 a is not attached to the one or moreIT server racks 1002 a, . . . , 1002 n. - In a similar manner as described above, in one embodiment, the at least third supporting
member 203 a again includes at least oneheat exchanger 301 a configured to transfer heat to or from theaisle 12 following insertion of the modular serverrack cooling structure 2001 in between theserver racks heat exchanger 301 a has a dimension defining an edge to which theheat exchanger 301 a is rotatably coupled, e.g., coupled to at least portions of the edge, to the third supportingmember 203 a. - Those skilled in the art will recognize that in one embodiment, the support structure of the second modular server
rack cooling structure 2002 further includes at least a third supporting member 203 b coupling the first supporting member 201 b of the support structure of the second modular serverrack cooling structure 2002 to the second supporting member 202 b of the support structure of the second modular serverrack cooling structure 2002. The support structure of the second modular serverrack cooling structure 2002 is configured to position the at leastfirst heat exchanger 213 b in proximity to the one or more heat transfer paths 103 b 1, . . . , 103 b n of the one or more servers 101 b 1, . . . , 101 b n of thefirst rack 1001 b and to position the at leastsecond heat exchanger 214 b in proximity to the one or more heat transfer paths 104 b 1, . . . , 104 b n of the one or more servers 102 b 1, . . . , 102 b n of thesecond rack 1002 b following insertion of the modular serverrack cooling structure 2002 in between theserver racks - In other words, the second supporting
member 202 a is configured to position at least thesecond heat exchanger 214 a in heat transfer relationship with the one ormore servers 102 a 1, . . . , 102 a n. Also, at least thesecond heat exchanger 214 a is not attached to the one or moreIT server racks 1002 a, . . . , 1002 n. - Those skilled in the art will recognize that the
system 50 in various embodiments includes in the above described combinations the heat exchangers analogous toheat exchangers rack cooling structure rack cooling structures 2003, . . . , 200 n can be constructed in an identical manner as described in their entirety above and connected in a modular manner one to another as required depending on the number of servers and server racks and their cooling (or heating) requirements. -
FIG. 6 illustrates a variation of the embodiments of the third, fourth andfifth heat exchangers server rack 1001 a, . . . , 1001 n and 1002 a, . . . , 1002 n and/or of eachserver 101 a 1, . . . , 101 a n, . . . , 101 n 1, . . . , 101 n n and/or 102 a 1, . . . , 102 a n, . . . , 102 n 1, . . . , 102 n n. As illustrated, the third, fourth and fifth heat exchangers have a width dimension WM that generally equals twice the width dimension WR of each server rack. Accordingly, the third heat exchangers are designated 301 ab, 301 cd, . . . , 301(n-1)(n), the fourth heat exchangers are designated 401 ab, 401 cd, . . . , 401(n-1)(n), and the fifth heat exchangers are designated 502 ab, 502 cd, 502(n 1-1)(n). The forced-flow cooling devices 1051 a through 1051 n and 1052 a through 1052 n retain their original designation since only one device is shown dedicated toindividual racks 1001 a through 1001 n and 1002 a through 1002 n, respectively. Thefirst heat exchangers heat exchangers 1101 n-1 and 1101 n are designated as 1101(n-1)n. - Additionally, as illustrated in
FIG. 2 and as known in the art, each heat exchanger has cooling fluid connections, e.g., piping conduits, that are coupled by flexible connections, as described below and as shown in more detail with respect toFIGS. 7-11 . As exemplarily illustrated inFIGS. 4A , 5A, 6 and 7 and best illustrated inFIG. 6 andFIG. 7 , the heat exchangers associated with thefirst row 1001′ are fluidically coupled to a firstcooling cycle skid 3001 while the heat exchangers associated with thesecond row 1002′ are fluidically coupled to a secondcooling cycle skid 3002. In one embodiment, the first and second cooling cycle skids 3001 and 3002, respectively, include a cooling cycle, such as that described in the aforementioned U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/482,070, which was filed on May 3, 2011, the entire contents of which is incorporated by reference herein. Other cycles as known in the art also can be applied to the first and second cooling cycle skids 3001 and 3002 to fluidically couple to the heat exchangers. A description of the close-coupled cooling system as applied to first and second cooling cycle skids 3001 and 3002, respectively, is described below with reference toFIG. 12 . - With respect to the connection of the modular support structures, referring to
FIGS. 1-6 , the present disclosure relates to a method for installing a support structure for supporting a plurality of heat exchangers in a data center, e.g.,modular support structure 2001 for supportingheat exchangers data center assembly 10. Thedata center assembly 10 includes the plurality ofracks 1001 a, . . . , 1001 n and 1002 a, . . . , 1002 n for supporting the plurality of servers each having at least one heat transfer path as described above. The method includes the steps of: providing a modular support structure, e.g., 2001 or 2002 . . . or 200 n, including at least two heat exchangers, e.g., at least heat exchangers 213 a and 214 a and/or 213 b and 214 b and/or 213 n and/or 214 n, and installing the modular support structure, e.g., 2001 or 2002 . . . or 200 n, to directly interface the at least two heat exchangers 213 a and 214 a and/or 213 b and 214 b . . . and/or 213 n and 214 n, with at least two respective heat transfer paths of the plurality of servers, e.g., one or more heat transfer paths 103 a 1, . . . , 103 a n and 104 a 1, . . . , 104 a n and/or 103 b 1, . . . , 103 b n and 104 b 1, . . . , 104 b n . . . and/or 103 n 1, . . . , 103 n n and 104 n 1, . . . , 104 n n of the one or more respective servers, e.g., servers 101 a 1, . . . , 101 a n and 102 a 1, . . . , 102 a n and/or 101 b 1, . . . , 101 b n and 102 b 1, . . . , 102 b n . . . and/or 101 n 1, . . . , 101 n n and 102 n 1, . . . , 102 n n of the respective first racks, e.g., racks 1001 a, . . . , 1001 n, and second racks, e.g., racks 1002 a, . . . , 1002 n, without contact between the respective modular support structure, e.g., modular support structures 2001, . . . , 200 n, and the plurality of racks, e.g., racks 1001 a, . . . , 1001 n and 1002 a, . . . , 1002 n, and without contact between the respective modular support structure, e.g., modular support structures 2001, . . . , 200 n, and the plurality of servers, e.g., servers 101 a 1, . . . , 101 a n and 102 a 1, . . . , 102 a n and/or 101 b 1, . . . , 101 b n and 102 b 1, . . . , 102 b n . . . and/or 101 n 1, . . . , 101 n n and 102 n 1, . . . , 102 n n. - In one embodiment, the method also includes installing the third, fourth and
fifth heat exchangers 301 a, . . . , 301 n, 401 a, . . . , 401 n and 502 a, . . . , 502 n in the respective support structures of the modular serverrack cooling structures 2001, . . . , 200 n in the manner as described above for the various embodiments. - Alternatively, in some embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of installing a modular server rack cooling structure for cooling at least a first server installed in at least a first rack and at least a second server installed in at least a second rack, e.g., modular server
rack cooling structure first rack 1001 a, . . . , 1001 n and the at least asecond rack 1002 a, . . . , 1002 n are disposed opposite each other to form ahot aisle 12 or a cold aisle. The method includes positioning at least a portion of the modular serverrack cooling structure hot aisle 12 or the cold aisle. The modular serverrack cooling structure first support member 201 a, . . . , 201 n, asecond support member 202 a, . . . , 202 n, and athird support member 203 a, . . . , 203 n, and coupling at least a first heat exchanger, e.g.,heat exchanger 213 a, . . . , 213 n, to the at least a first supportingmember 201 a, . . . , 201 n so that the at least afirst heat exchanger 213 a . . . 213 n is positioned adjacent to the at least afirst server 101 a 1, . . . , 101 a n of the at least afirst rack 1001 a; coupling at least a second heat exchanger, e.g.,heat exchanger 214 a, . . . , 214 n, to the at least a second supportingmember 202 a, . . . , 202 n so that the at least asecond heat exchanger 214 a, . . . , 214 n is positioned adjacent to the at least asecond server 102 a 1, . . . , 102 a n of the at least asecond rack 1002 a; and coupling at least a third heat exchanger, e.g.,heat exchanger 301 a, . . . , 301 n to the at least a third supportingmember 203 a, . . . , 203 n after at least a third server 101 b 1, . . . , 101 b n or 102 b 1, . . . , 121 b n is installed in the at least afirst rack 1001 a or the at least asecond rack 1002 a, respectively. -
FIGS. 7-11 are operational schematics for the heat exchangers associated with the modular serverrack cooling structure 2001, . . . , 200 n described above showing a phased installation of the various heat exchangers added to the modular support structures as necessary to accommodate increased heat loads. - More particularly,
FIG. 7 is an operational schematic plan view of adata center assembly 10′ according to one embodiment of the present disclosure illustrating the fluid circuits between refrigeration heat exchanger skids and the heat exchangers supported by the modular server rack cooling structures.Data center assembly 10′ is substantially identical todata center assembly 10 except that inFIG. 7 , as compared toFIGS. 1 , 4A and 4B, a single circulatingexhaust fan rack 1001′a, 1001′b, . . . , 1001′n infirst row 1001′ and 1002′a, 1002′b, . . . , 1002′n in thesecond row 1002′, respectively, mounted above each rack on respective support structures of the modular serverrack cooling structures FIGS. 1 , 4A and 4B. Eachexhaust fan exhaust heat exchangers exhaust heat exchangers - Primary
exhaust heat exchangers cooling cycle skid 3001 through a firstprimary cooling circuit 1111 and primaryexhaust heat exchangers cooling cycle skid 3002 through a secondprimary cooling circuit 1112. - In one embodiment, again the third supporting
member 203 a includesthird heat exchanger 301 a supported substantially horizontally across and above thehot aisle 12. In this embodiment, the air exhausted horizontally from the first andsecond heat exchangers hot aisle 12 is forced to rise in thehot aisle 12 and pass vertically through the serpentine coils of thethird heat exchanger 301 a. - As illustrated in and described above with respect to
FIG. 3 ,fourth heat exchanger 401 a and, as illustrated inFIG. 7 , an additional plurality of substantially identical thin, rectangularly configured heat exchangers 401 b, . . . , 401 n are positioned on the respective modular serverrack cooling structures hot aisle 12 and straddling thefirst row 1001′ of racks. Thus, in a similar manner as described above with respect toFIG. 3 , thefourth heat exchangers 401 a, . . . , 401 n at least partially extend over thehot aisle 12 at an angle θ1 to the horizontal. - Similarly, as illustrated in and described above with respect to
FIG. 3 ,fifth heat exchanger 502 a and, as illustrated inFIG. 7 , an additional plurality of substantially identical thin, rectangularly configured heat exchangers 502 b, . . . , 402 n are positioned on the respective modular serverrack cooling structures hot aisle 12 and straddling thesecond row 1002′ of racks. Again, in a similar manner as described above with respect toFIG. 3 , thefifth heat exchangers 502 a, . . . , 502 n thus at least partially extend over thehot aisle 12 at an angle θ2 to the horizontal. - The angles θ1 and θ2 are generally equal and as illustrated in
FIG. 3 , and as shown inFIG. 11 discussed in more detail below, thefourth heat exchangers 401 a, 401 b, . . . , 401 n and thefifth heat exchangers 502 a, 502 b, . . . , 502 n form an “A-Frame” configuration when thesecond edges fourth heat exchangers 401 a, 401 b, . . . , 401 n and thesecond edges fifth heat exchangers 502 a, 502 b, . . . , 502 n are either in direct contact as shown inFIG. 3 or in close proximity as shown inFIG. 11 . -
Fourth heat exchangers 401 a, 401 b, . . . , 401 n are fluidically coupled to firstcooling cycle skid 3001 through a first “A-Frame”cooling circuit 1131 andfifth heat exchangers 502 a, 502 b, . . . , 502 n are fluidically coupled to secondcooling cycle skid 3002 through a second “A-Frame”cooling circuit 1132. -
FIG. 8 is an operational or installation schematic end view of thedata center assembly 10′ having at least one modular support structure and associated heat exchangers for “Day One” low density operation. More particularly, thedata center assembly 10′ forms a firstcold aisle 141 between the outer structural walls of the data center (not shown) and thefirst row 1001′ of IT server racks and a secondcold aisle 142 between the outer structural walls of the data center (not shown) and thesecond row 1002′ of the IT server racks. As illustrated above inFIG. 3 , the servers in the server racks in thefirst row 1001′ and the servers in the server racks in the second row each transfer heat into the commonhot aisle 12. - In
FIG. 8 , the modular serverrack cooling structures hot aisle 12 with their associated heat exchangers in proximity to the heat transfer paths of the servers. Thus, during operation of thedata center assembly 10′, heat is generated in the servers from one or both rows of servers. The heat exhausts through the server heat transfer paths into thehot aisle 12 first passing through the associated vertically-mountedheat exchangers rack cooling structures - However, in the “low density” operational mode or “low density” phased installation illustrated in
FIG. 8 , the circulation cooling circuits (shown inFIG. 10 below) for theheat exchangers rack cooling structures - High temperature server exhaust air A1 and A2 enters the
hot aisle 12 and is circulated vertically upward in the hot aisle and passes through the primaryexhaust heat exchangers respective exhaust fans exhaust heat exchangers respective exhaust fans cold aisles - As described above with respect to
FIG. 7 , primaryexhaust heat exchangers cooling cycle skid 3001 through the firstprimary cooling circuit 1111 and primaryexhaust heat exchangers cooling cycle skid 3002 through secondprimary cooling circuit 1112. The first and secondprimary cooling circuits data center assembly 10′, as required. The cooling circuits for the remaining heat exchangers discussed with respect toFIG. 7 are not in operation due to the low magnitude of the heat load per unit volume. -
FIG. 9 is an operational or installation schematic end view of thedata center assembly 10′ illustrated inFIG. 8 for “Day Two” “increased density” operation according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The difference between the “increased density” operation illustrated inFIG. 9 and the “low density” operation described above with respect toFIG. 8 is that inFIG. 9 ,cooling circuit 1121 forhorizontal heat exchangers data center assembly 10′, as required. - As previously described above, to enable access to the space above the
horizontal heat exchanger 301 a particularly for maintenance activities, in one embodiment, thehorizontal heat exchanger 301 a is rotatably coupled to thesecond beam member 201 a 2 via a hinged connection 303 a such that thehorizontal heat exchanger 301 a can be reversibly rotated downwardly into the upper portion of thehot aisle 12 as shown by the angle φ below the horizontal. -
FIG. 10 is an operational or installation schematic end view of thedata center assembly 10′ illustrated inFIG. 9 for “Day Three “increased density operation according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The difference between the “Day Three” “increased density” operation illustrated inFIG. 10 and the “Day Two” “increased density” operation described above with respect toFIG. 9 is that inFIG. 10 , thefirst cooling circuit 1141 and thesecond cooling circuit 1142 for the respectivefirst heat exchangers second heat exchangers FIGS. 3-6 are also installed to further remove heat from thedata center assembly 10′, as required. -
FIG. 11 is an operational or installation schematic end view of thedata center assembly 10′ illustrated inFIG. 10 for “high density” operation according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The difference between the “high density” operation illustrated inFIG. 11 and the “Day Two” “increased density” operation described above with respect toFIG. 10 is that inFIG. 11 , as described above with respect toFIGS. 3 and 7 , the first andsecond cooling circuits fourth heat exchangers 401 a, 401 b, . . . , 401 n andfifth heat exchangers 502 a, 502 b, . . . , 502 n are installed and in full or partial operation to further remove heat from thedata center assembly 10′, as required. As shown in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 11 , thesecond edges fourth heat exchangers 401 a, 401 b, . . . , 401 n and thesecond edges fifth heat exchangers 502 a, 502 b, . . . , 502 n are in close proximity to each other and separated by a gap G as shown inFIG. 11 . The fourth “A-Frame”heat exchangers 401 a, 410 b, . . . , 401 n thus at least partially extend over thehot aisle 12 at angle θ1 to the horizontal. Similarly, the fifth “A-Frame”heat exchangers 502 a, 502 b, . . . , 502 n thus at least partially extend over thehot aisle 12 at angle θ2 to the horizontal. -
FIG. 12 illustrates a flow diagram of one embodiment of a close-coupledcooling system 4000 designed to cool electronic equipment of an IT data center such as theIT data assemblies FIGS. 1-11 . Thesystem 4000 includes four independent, yet cooperating, fluid circuits designated as 4100, 4200, 4300, and 4400, respectively. - The
first circuit 4100 interfaces with the electronic equipment of the IT data center and provides cooling to the electronic equipment via a first fluid. The first fluid may contain a liquid refrigerant R134a or similar refrigerants. Thefirst circuit 4100 includes at least one evaporator coil (not shown inFIG. 12 , but see, e.g., the evaporator coils ofFIG. 16 and corresponding description) that is in thermal communication with the electronic equipment and extracts heat from the electronic equipment to the first fluid. As the first fluid flows from an inlet of the at least one evaporator coil to an outlet of the evaporator coil, heat is transferred from the electronic equipment to the first fluid. In one embodiment, the first fluid enters the at least one evaporator coil at a temperature of approximately 23° C. During heat transfer or exchange, the first fluid transforms from a liquid state to an at least partially vapor state. - The
first circuit 4100 includes afluid supply path 4100 a and afluid return path 4100 b coupled to the inlet and outlet of the at least one evaporator coil, respectively. Thefluid supply path 4100 a delivers the first fluid in a liquid state to the inlet of the at least one evaporator coil, and thefluid return path 4100 b receives the first fluid in an at least partially vapor state from the outlet of the at least one evaporator coil. Thefirst circuit 4100 includes aliquid refrigerant pump 4120 that pumps the first fluid through thefluid supply path 4100 a. Thefirst circuit 4100 also includes avariable frequency drive 4125 that regulates capacity and motor speed of theliquid refrigerant pump 4120. - The
first circuit 4100 further includes amain condenser 1300 that receives the first fluid from thefluid return path 4100 b. Themain condenser 1300 is a refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger that cools the first fluid that passes through themain condenser 1300 and condenses the first fluid from the at least partially vapor state to the liquid state. In one embodiment, to fully condense and cool the first fluid, themain condenser 1300 is maintained at a predetermined condensing temperature of approximately 23.3° C. or lower. - Further, the
first circuit 4100 may include (1) afluid path 4100 c that carries the first fluid from themain condenser 1300 to arefrigerant liquid receiver 4128, and (2) afluid path 4100 d that carries the first fluid from therefrigerant liquid receiver 4128 to a suction side of theliquid refrigerant pump 4120. - The
refrigerant liquid receiver 4128 is configured to detect and regulate the temperature of the first fluid. Specifically, therefrigerant liquid receiver 4128 is configured to reduce the temperature of the first fluid by thermally coupling thefirst circuit 4100 to thefourth circuit 4400. In some embodiments, therefrigerant liquid receiver 4128 maintains the first fluid at a predetermined temperature between approximately 22.2° C. and approximately 23.3° C. - The
refrigerant liquid receiver 4128 may also include components (e.g., a detector and a controller) configured to detect and regulate the liquid level of the first fluid contained in therefrigerant liquid receiver 4128. A low liquid level in therefrigerant liquid receiver 4128 may cause cavitation problems at theliquid refrigerant pump 4120. To avoid this problem, therefrigerant liquid receiver 4128 includes aliquid level controller 4127 that detects the liquid level in thereceiver 4128 and triggers an alarm if a low liquid level is detected. Also, therefrigerant liquid receiver 4128 may collect the first fluid in thefirst circuit 4100 when thecooling system 4000 is in an idle or standby mode. - The
first circuit 4100 also includes atemperature sensor 4126 that is located on thefluid path 4100 c at the exit of themain condenser 1300. Thetemperature sensor 4126 detects the temperature of the first fluid when it exits from themain condenser 1300. The readings of thetemperature sensor 4126 reflect the temperature of themain condenser 1300. - The
second circuit 4200 interfaces with thefirst circuit 4100 at themain condenser 1300 a, where thesecond circuit 4200 performs heat exchange with thefirst circuit 4100. Specifically, thesecond circuit 4200 has a second fluid flowing through it. The second fluid removes heat from the first fluid of thefirst circuit 4100 at themain condenser 1300 a. In one embodiment, upon exiting themain condenser 1300 a, the second fluid has a temperature of approximately 22.8° C. - The
second circuit 4200 includes afluid path 4200 a that carries the second fluid from a cooling tower, fluid cooler, or dry cooler (not shown inFIG. 12 ) to thesecond circuit 4200. Thefluid path 4200 a is fluidly coupled to afluid path 4200 d which delivers the second fluid to themain condenser 1300. The second circuit further includes afluid path 4200 h that receives the second fluid from themain condenser 1300. Thefluid path 4200 h is fluidly coupled to afluid path 4200 e which carries the second fluid to afluid path 4200 m that delivers the second fluid back to the cooling tower, fluid cooler or dry cooler. - In some embodiments, the
second circuit 4200 includes a pump to facilitate the flow of the second fluid through thesecond circuit 4200. In one embodiment, the second fluid is regulated at a flow rate of approximately 1192 liters/minute. The pump may be in any of the following forms: a central pumping and cooling tower, dry cooler, fluid cooler or other chilled, well water circuit, or other chilled water circuit. - Further, the
second circuit 4200 may include a mixedwater temperature sensor 4220 that monitors the temperature of the second fluid before it enters themain condenser 1300. Thesecond circuit 4200 may also include awater regulating valve 4214, which operatively communicates with thetemperature sensor 4126 of thefirst circuit 4100. Thewater regulating valve 4214 is configured to regulate the flow rate of the second fluid in proportion to the readings of thetemperature sensor 4126. - For instance, to maintain the
main condenser 1300 at or below a predetermined condensing temperature (e.g., 23.3° C.), thewater regulating valve 4214 adjusts the flow rate of the second fluid based on the temperature of themain condenser 1300 as measured by thetemperature sensor 4126. For example, if thetemperature sensor 4126 has a reading significantly higher than the predetermined condensing temperature (e.g., 23.3° C.) of themain condenser 1300, thewater regulating valve 4214 then significantly increases the flow rate of the second fluid flowing through thesecond circuit 4200 to thereby rapidly reduce the temperature of themain condenser 1300. However, if thetemperature sensor 4126 has a reading slightly higher than the predetermined condensing temperature (e.g., 23.3° C.), thewater regulating valve 4214 then slightly increases the flow rate of the second fluid flowing through thesecond circuit 4200. - In some embodiments, to maintain the temperature of the
main condenser 1300 at or below the predetermined condensing temperature (e.g., 23.3° C.), the second fluid is maintained at a threshold temperature of approximately 18.9° C. or lower. - To maintain the second fluid at or below the threshold temperature (e.g., 18.9° C.), the
second circuit 4200 may include at least one cooling mode to cool the second fluid. For example, thesecond circuit 4200 may include a simple free cooling mode in which thesecond circuit 4200 relies on the atmosphere to cool the second fluid via a cooling tower, fluid cooler, or dry cooler (not shown inFIG. 12 ). In operation, after heat is transferred from the first fluid to the second fluid at themain condenser 1300, the second fluid follows thefluid paths FIG. 12 ) to reject its heat into the atmosphere. The cooled second fluid then follows thefluid paths main condenser 1300 to cool the first fluid. It is envisioned that the second fluid may continuously repeat the above cycle. - In one embodiment, the simple free cooling mode maintains the second fluid at or below the threshold temperature (e.g., 18.9° C.), only when the wet bulb temperature of the IT data center is below 17.2° C. If the wet bulb temperature is above 17.2° C., the second fluid may exceed its threshold temperature.
- Further, the
second circuit 4200 may include a mechanical compressed cooling mode, in which thethird circuit 4300 cools thesecond circuit 4200 through mechanical compression cycles. A third fluid flows through thethird circuit 4300. The third fluid may contain a liquid refrigerant, such as R134a, or any other suitable refrigerant. - The
third circuit 4300 includes an atmosphericsub-cooler exchanger 1200 a to sub-cool thesecond fluid 4200 before the second fluid arrives at themain condenser 1300. The atmosphericsub-cooler exchanger 1200 a is a refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger that trims or cools at least a portion of the second fluid. Thethird circuit 4300 may also include atrim condenser 1200 b, which is a refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger that transfers heat in the third fluid, which is the heat that the third fluid has absorbed from the second fluid at the atmosphericsub-cooler exchanger 1200 a, back to the second fluid. Thethird circuit 4300 may further include asub-cooler compressor 4310 that compresses the third fluid. - The
third circuit 4300 includes afluid path 4300 a that carries the third fluid from the atmosphericsub-cooler exchanger 1200 a to thesub-cooler compressor 4310 for compression, and afluid path 4300 b that carries the compressed third fluid to thetrim condenser 1200 b. Additionally, thethird circuit 4300 includes afluid path 4300 c that carries the third fluid from thetrim condenser 1200 b to a metering device, or athermal expansion valve 4311, which expands the third fluid back to the atmosphericsub-cooler exchanger 1200 a. It is envisioned that the third fluid may continuously flow through thethird circuit 4300 as long as thethird circuit 4300 is activated. - In some embodiments, the
third circuit 4300 is activated only when the second fluid exceeds its threshold temperature (e.g., 18.9° C.), which may occur when the wet bulb temperature is over 17.2° C. The cooling capacity of thethird circuit 4300 may be regulated in direct proportion to the wet bulb temperature that is in excess of 17.2° C., as illustrated in Table 1 below. -
TABLE 1 WET BULB COOLING CAPACITY OF THE TEMPERATURE THIRD CIRCUIT 4300 63 wb (17.2° C.) 0 kW 64 wb (17.8° C.) 45.7 kW 65 wb (18.3° C.) 91.4 kW 66 wb (18.9° C.) 137.2 kW 67 wb (19.4° C.) 182.9 kW 68 wb (20° C.) 228.6 kW 69 wb (20.6° C.) 274.3 kW 70 wb (21.1° C.) 320 kW - The
third circuit 4300 closely controls the temperature of the second fluid by trimming and cooling the temperature of the second fluid one degree at a time. For instance, if the second fluid temperature rises above its threshold temperature by one degree, thethird circuit 4300 then reduces the temperature of the second fluid by one degree. - In one embodiment, for efficiency reasons, the
second circuit 4200 directs a small portion of the second fluid to perform heat exchange with the third fluid, before the second fluid enters themain condenser 1300. Specifically, thesecond circuit 4200 includes asplitter tee 4210 on thefluid path 4200 d before an inlet of themain condenser 1300. Thesplitter tee 4210 diverts a portion of the second fluid, e.g., approximately one third of the second fluid, to an inlet of the atmosphericsub-cooler exchanger 1200 a. In some embodiments, the portion of the second fluid has a temperature of 22.2° C. at the inlet of the atmosphericsub-cooler exchanger 1200 a. - The
second circuit 4200 may include anothersplitter tee 4211 on thefluid path 4200 d upstream from thesplitter tee 4210. In conjunction with a flow balancing or flowcontrol valve 4200 g positioned influid path 4200 d betweensplitter tee 4210 andsplitter tee 4211, thesplitter tee 4211 allows the portion of the second fluid to flow from an outlet of the atmosphericsub-cooler exchanger 1200 a back to thefluid path 4200 d. At thesplitter tee 4211, the portion of the second fluid, e.g., approximately one third of the second fluid, rejoins the remaining portion of the second fluid, e.g., approximately two thirds of the second fluid. The blended second fluid then proceeds to themain condenser 1300. It is envisioned that the blended second fluid has a temperature of approximately 18.9° C. before entering themain condenser 1300. - Alternatively, depending upon the degree or percentage opening of the flow control or flow balancing
valve 4200 g, flow control or flow balancingvalve 4200 g can allow either complete or partial divergence of flow from themain condenser 1300 to the atmosphericsub-cooler exchanger 1200 a or force flow influid path 4200 d entirely throughmain condenser 1300. - Additionally, for efficiency reasons, the
second circuit 4200 may direct only a small portion of the second fluid to perform heat exchange with the third fluid, after the second fluid exits from themain condenser 1300. Specifically, thesecond circuit 4200 includes asplitter tee 4212 on thefluid path 4200 h at the exit of themain condenser 1300. Thesplitter tee 4212 diverts a portion of the second fluid, e.g., approximately one third of the second fluid via afluid path 4200 i to thetrim condenser 1200 b to reclaim heat from the third fluid. In some embodiments, the approximately one third of the second fluid has a temperature of approximately 27.4° C. at an outlet of thetrim condenser 1200 b. Thesecond circuit 4200 may include anadditional splitter tee 4213 on thefluid path 4200 h downstream from thesplitter tee 4212. In conjunction with a flow balancing or flowcontrol valve 4200 k positioned influid path 4200 e betweensplitter tee 4212 andsplitter tee 4213, thesplitter tee 4213 allows the portion of the second fluid, e.g., approximately one third of the second fluid exiting from thetrim condenser 1200 b to join the rest of the second fluid. At thesplitter tee 4213, the portion of the second fluid, e.g., approximately one third of the second fluid rejoins the remaining portion of the second fluid, e.g., approximately two thirds of the second fluid. In some embodiments, the blended second fluid has a temperature of approximately 26.4° C. at thesplitter tee 4213. The blended second fluid then together follows thefluid paths second circuit 4200. - Alternatively, depending upon the degree or percentage opening of the flow balancing or flow
control valve 4200 k, flow balancing or flowcontrol valve 4200 k can allow either partial or complete divergence of flow from themain condenser 1300 to thetrim condenser 1200 b or force flow influid paths main condenser 1300. - In some embodiments, the
third circuit 4300 does not include the atmosphericsub-cooler exchanger 1200 a or thetrim condenser 1200 b. Rather, thethird circuit 4300 includes a trim chiller which is configured to cool the entire IT data center. - In one embodiment, the
second circuit 4200 may exclusively have only one cooling mode, either the simple free cooling mode or the mechanical compressed cooling mode described above. - In another embodiment, the
second circuit 4200 may have both of the cooling modes that alternate with each other. For instance, thesecond circuit 4200 switches to the simple free cooling mode when the wet bulb temperature is at or below a threshold temperature, e.g., 17.2° C., and switches to the mechanical compressed cooling mode once the wet bulb temperature exceeds the threshold temperature. - In other embodiments, the two cooling modes cooperate with other, and the
second circuit 4200 may operate in both cooling modes concurrently. In these embodiments, the simple free cooling mode is always on, such that the simple free cooling mode remains active regardless of the wet bulb temperature. On the other hand, the mechanical compressed cooling mode, e.g., thethird circuit 4300, is activated only when the simple free cooling mode alone cannot maintain the second fluid at or below the threshold temperature, e.g., 18.9° C., such as when the wet bulb temperature is above the threshold temperature, e.g., 17.2° C. In these embodiments, when the wet bulb temperature is at or below its threshold temperature, thesecond circuit 4200 relies solely on the atmosphere for cooling. Once the wet bulb temperature reaches beyond its threshold temperature, thethird circuit 4300 is activated and is controlled to generate cooling capacity in proportion to the wet bulb temperature that is in excess of the threshold temperature. It is envisioned that thethird circuit 4300 can be turned on and off automatically without user intervention. For instance, the atmosphericsub-cooler exchanger 1200 a automatically becomes active or inactive as the wet bulb temperature crosses its threshold temperature. - Statistically, the
cooling system 4000 operates exclusively in the simple free cooling mode for approximately 95% of the operating time. The mechanical compressed cooling mode is turned on for approximately 5% of the operating time. In a geographical area where the wet bulb temperature is about 18.3° C., thecooling system 4000 may run exclusively in the simple free cooling mode virtually all year round and turns on the mechanical compressed cooling mode for less than 0.04% of the operating time. If the area has a wet bulb temperature of about 20.6° C., the mechanical compressed cooling mode is active for about 3% of the operating time. In all these scenarios, a traditional, large, oversized cooling electrical infrastructure as in the prior art would rely on mechanical compression cycles for about 40-60% of its operating time, thus inducing a much higher operation cost than that of thecooling system 4000. - In addition to the
second circuit 4200, thefourth circuit 4400 may also perform heat exchange with thefirst circuit 4100. Specifically, thefourth circuit 4400 interfaces with thefirst circuit 4100 at therefrigerant liquid receiver 4128 where thefourth circuit 4400 condenses and cools the first fluid via a fourth fluid that flows through thefourth circuit 4400. Therefrigerant liquid receiver 4128 has asub-cooler coil 4129, which is an evaporator thermally coupled to both thefirst circuit 4100 and thefourth circuit 4400. - The
fourth circuit 4400 includes asub-cooler compressor 4410 configured to compress the fourth fluid and asub-cooler condenser 1300 a which transfers heat from thefourth circuit 4400 to thesecond circuit 4200. Both thesub-cooler compressor 4410 and thesub-cooler condenser 1300 a are fluidly coupled to thesub-cooler coil 4129 of therefrigerant liquid receiver 4128. - The
fourth circuit 4400 includes afluid path 4400 a that carries the fourth fluid from thereceiver sub-cooler coil 4129 to a suction side of thesub-cooler compressor 4410 for compression, afluid path 4400 b that carries the compressed fourth fluid from thesub-cooler compressor 4410 to thesub-cooler condenser 1300 a, and afluid path 4400 c that carries the fourth fluid from thesub-cooler condenser 1300 a to athermal expansion valve 4420, which expands the fourth fluid and provides the expanded fourth fluid to thesub-cooler coil 4129. - In some embodiments, the
fourth circuit 4400 is automatically turned on and off based on the conditions detected by therefrigerant liquid receiver 4128. For instance, thefourth circuit 4400 becomes active when the liquid level detected by therefrigerant liquid receiver 4128 drops below a predetermined threshold. Specifically, thefourth circuit 4400 may be activated in response to an alarm signal generated by theliquid level controller 4127 when a low liquid level is detected, and may become inactive when the liquid level reaches the predetermined threshold. Further, thefourth circuit 4400 may also controlled based on the temperature of the first fluid as detected by therefrigerant liquid receiver 4128. For instance, thefourth circuit 4400 may become active when the temperature of the first fluid exceeds a predetermined threshold, and become inactive when the temperature drops to or below the predetermined threshold. - The
second circuit 4200 removes heat from thefourth circuit 4400 at thesub-cooler condenser 1300 a. In some embodiments, thesecond circuit 4200 includes asplitter tee 4205 on thefluid path 4200 d. Thesplitter tee 4205 includes asplit path 4200 b that diverts a small portion of the second fluid, e.g., approximately 19 liters/minute, to an inlet of thesub-cooler condenser 1300 a where the small portion of the second fluid extracts heat from thefourth circuit 4400. The remaining, undiverted portion of the second fluid follows thefluid path 4200 d to themain condenser 1300 to remove heat from thefirst circuit 4100. - The
second circuit 4200 may also include anothersplitter tee 4215 on thefluid path 4200 e. Thesplitter tee 4215 has asplit branch 4200 c that carries the small portion of the second fluid returned from an outlet of thesub-cooler condenser 1300 a to thefluid path 4200 e to join the rest of the second fluid proceeding towards the exit of thesecond circuit 4200. In one embodiment, the temperature of the second fluid at thesplitter tee 4215 is approximately 26.4° C. when thefourth circuit 4400 is active, i.e., when thesub-cooler condenser 1300 a is turned on, and approximately 26.7° C. when thefourth circuit 4400 is inactive, i.e., when thesub-cooler condenser 1300 a is turned off. - The close-coupled
cooling system 4000 may be installed in an auxiliary enclosure of a modular data pod (seeFIGS. 13-17 and related discussion below) and may provide chillerless cooling within a data enclosure of the modular data pod in high wet bulb temperature applications. - The operation of the close-coupled
cooling system 4000 may be summarized as follows. In the free cooling mode of operation, thefirst cooling circuit 4100 which includes theliquid receiver 4128 and theliquid refrigerant pump 4120 and thesecond cooling circuit 4200 which includes themain condenser 1300 are in operation to transfer heat from thedata center assemblies fluid supply path 4100 a andfluid return path 4100 b and to reject heat to the environment via the lowtemperature supply path 4200 a and via primary cooling coil coolingwater return connection 4200 m. - When the environmental conditions preclude exclusive reliance on the free cooling mode of operation, e.g., if the wet-bulb temperature is at or exceeds a predetermined wet-bulb temperature limit, or if there is an increase in the heat load generated within the
data center assemblies cooling system 4000 is placed into an incremental mechanical-assist cooling mode of operation. In the incremental mechanical assist cooling mode of operation,first cooling circuit 4100 and thesecond cooling circuit 4200 as described above with respect to the free cooling mode of operation continue to remain in operation while thethird cooling circuit 4300, which includes thetrim condenser 1200 b, thesub-cooler exchanger 1200 a, and thesub-cooler compressor 4310, is placed into operation to permit incremental additional cooling of thedata center assemblies third cooling circuits data center assemblies - In an alternative incremental mechanical-assist cooling mode of operation, the
first cooling circuit 4100 and thesecond cooling circuit 4200 as described above with respect to the free-cooling mode of operation continue to remain in operation while thefourth cooling circuit 4400, which includes thesub-cooler condenser 1300 a and thesub-cooler compressor 4410, is placed into operation to permit incremental additional cooling of thedata center assemblies fourth cooling circuits data center assemblies - When the environmental conditions and/or the heat load from the
data center assemblies cooling system 4000 is placed into a supplemental incremental mechanical assist-mode of operation. In the supplemental incremental mechanical assist mode of operation, thefirst cooling circuit 4100, thesecond cooling circuit 4200 and thethird cooling circuit 4300 as described above with respect to the incremental mechanical-assist mode of operation continue to remain in operation while thefourth cooling circuit 4400 is placed into operation to permit incremental additional cooling of thedata center assemblies fourth cooling circuits data center assemblies - The
cooling system 4000 has many significant advantages over traditional cooling systems, such as chilled water systems, chiller plants or direct expansion cooling systems. First, thecooling system 4000 requires far less mechanical-assisted cooling infrastructure than traditional cooling systems. Thecooling system 4000 increases its use of mechanical-assisted cooling infrastructure only when necessary. Specifically, thecooling system 4000 has two basic circuits, i.e., thefirst circuit 4100 and thesecond circuit 4200, which run constantly, and two backup circuits, i.e., thethird circuit 4300 and thefourth circuit 4400, which run only when necessary. Specifically, thethird circuit 4300 is active only when the wet bulb temperature is above the threshold temperature, and thefourth circuit 4400 is active only when the first fluid liquid level is low or the first fluid temperature is above a certain threshold. Since the two backup circuits operate only when necessary, e.g., approximately 10-20% of the operating time, thecooling system 4000 overall relies on less mechanical-assisted cooling infrastructure than the traditional cooling system. - Second, the
cooling system 4000 is less prone to failures than the traditional cooling system. Specifically, thecooling system 4000 completely avoids a full system swing over process that is common in the traditional cooling system. A full system swing over process switches between two systems by shutting down one system and starting up another, which typically happens when the traditional cooling system switches between a free cooling system and a mechanical cooling system. The full system swing over process is dangerous and prone to failures. Thecooling system 4000, on the other hand, avoids the full system over process. In thecooling system 4000, the basic circuits and the backup circuits run independently, yet cooperating with each other. Thebasic circuits backup circuits backup circuits cooling system 4000 avoids the failures in the full system swing over process, and is a safer approach than the traditional cooling system. - Third, the
cooling system 4000 has a higher tolerance for high wet bulb temperatures than the traditional cooling system. The traditional cooling system generally has a very high operation cost when the wet-bulb temperature is above 10° C. For instance, the maximum wet-bulb temperature that the traditional cooling system can survive in a free-cooling mode is approximately 10° C. When the wet-bulb temperature exceeds 10° C., the traditional cooling system must switch from a free-cooling system to a mechanical cooling system to provide sufficient cooling to an IT data center. For about every half degree above 10° C., the mechanical cooling system has to generate an additional cooling capacity of 320.6 kW, which demands the traditional cooling system to acquire sufficient power to generate the additional cooling capacity. - On the other hand, the
cooling system 4000 of the present disclosure has a better tolerance for high wet-bulb temperatures. In some embodiments, the maximum wet bulb temperature that thecooling system 4000 can survive in a free cooling mode is approximately 17.2° C., much higher than that of the traditional cooling system. Once the wet-bulb temperature exceeds 17.2° C., thecooling system 4000 switches to the mechanical compressed cooling mode. For every half degree above 17.2° C., the mechanical compressed cooling mode generates an additional cooling capacity of 45.7 kW, which, in turn, consumes significantly less power than the traditional cooling system. Because of its high tolerance for high wet bulb temperature, thecooling system 4000 is better suited for a high density IT data center, e.g., 40 kW per rack, than the traditional cooling system. - Fourth, the
cooling system 4000 is more energy efficient than the traditional cooling system. Thecooling system 4000 maximizes energy savings by having the simple free cooling mode which relies on atmosphere to assist cooling the IT data center. In the simple free cooling mode, thecooling system 4000 consumes a limited of power, which, for instance, is 15% less than what is required to power the traditional cooling system. Further, thecooling system 4000 adjusts its power consumption dynamically as a function of the load in the IT data center. As the load increases, thecooling system 4000 increases its power consumption level to cause an increase in the flow rates in the two basic circuits and/or activate one or both of the backup circuits, which, in turn, generate more cooling capacity to compensate for the load increase. By contrast, as the load decreases, thecooling system 4000 decreases its power consumption level which, in turn, reduces its output of cooling capacity. - Fifth, the
cooling system 4000 is more scalable to the size of the IT data center and easier deployable than the typical cooling system. For instance, thecooling system 4000 can be deployed modularly at specific, targeted locations in an IT data center, in contrast to the typical cooling system which has to be deployed as a whole covering the full extent of the IT data center. Due to its modularity, thecooling system 4000 targets specific locations in the IT data center and avoids locations that do not need cooling. Also due to its modularity, thecooling system 4000 can be deployed on existing and retrofit cooling systems which the typical cooling system fails to do. Further, the number ofcooling systems 4000 deployed in an IT data center may be scaled according to the dynamic change, e.g., shrink or growth, of the IT data center. - Lastly, the
cooling system 4000 has a lower overall cost than that of the traditional cooling system. For instance, thecooling system 4000 requires a relatively low initial capital and maintenance. Further, due to its energy efficiency, thecooling system 4000 has a low operation cost. As a result, thecooling system 4000 is more cost effective than the traditional cooling system. Because of its overall low cost, in addition to its high tolerance for high wet bulb temperature, thecooling system 4000 is an optimal cooling choice for the high density IT data center, e.g., 40 kW per rack. - Thus, a control strategy is employed to enable close system pressure and flow tolerances utilizing bypass control valves, temperature and pressure sensors, and receiver safeties and pressure regulators. This control strategy may be executed in real time and is relational with dynamic control of all components. The control strategy incorporates feed back from the IT servers, in order to better facilitate close coupled cooling based on real time individual loading of the rack servers and computer loads.
- One of the benefits of the dedicated close-coupled cooling systems (e.g., 525) is that they can adapt to the different heat loads that are generated by different servers contained in the modular data pods. As a result, the dedicated close-coupled cooling systems can operate efficiently. In contrast, traditional cooling systems for data centers and data pod modules are typically designed for, and operate at, the worst case conditions for a particular computer design. Also, traditional cooling systems cool all data pod modules according to the data module with the greatest heat load.
-
FIGS. 13-17 illustrate a modular data pod 80″ that includes an “A-Frame”cooling circuit 2601. In one embodiment, the “A-Frame”cooling circuit 2601 contains a coolant supplied from a firstcooling cycle skid 3001 as discussed above with respect toFIGS. 6 and 7 . For the specific application of the modular data pod 80″ illustrated inFIGS. 13-15 “A-Frame The “A-Frame”cooling circuit 2601 has an “A-Frame”heat exchanger assembly 3400, which is formed partially of cooling coils 3401 a-c and 3502 a-c, illustrated inFIG. 14 , in conjunction with an aircirculator support structure 816 illustrated inFIG. 13 . - With reference to
FIG. 13 , the aircirculator support structure 816 includesair circulators cold aisle 8002′ flows downwardly from the top of eachserver rack 803 a′ or 807 c′ to the bottom of the server rack. After the air passes through a server, e.g., 813 a′ on a server rack, e.g. 803 a′, the air passes across aheat exchanger 3214 a, and then enters ahot aisle 8001′ located between the server rack, e.g. 803 a′, and anexternal wall member 1083′. Subsequently, the air circulates upwardly into athird volume 8003′ to complete one circulation cycle. The air then recirculates through the “A-Frame”heat exchanger assembly 3400 in the same order described above. - The modular data pod 80″ is supported on a
support structure 8000′ which includesfluid supply paths fluid return paths FIGS. 16 and 17 . - The modular data pod 80″ also includes
cable trays 340 that are exemplarily mounted above the server racks, e.g., 803 a′ and 807 c′. In one embodiment, the modular data pod 80″ includes a dedicated electrical power supply, e.g. one ormore batteries 832 located at alower end 811′ of thedata pod enclosure 108″. -
External wall members 1083′ and 1087′ define anaperture 812′ at anupper end 811 ofdata enclosure 108″. A datapod covering member 812 is configured and disposed in a manner to substantially cover theaperture 812′. -
FIG. 14 is an upper plan view of the modular data center pod 80″ assembly having a server rack cooling structure disposed within the cold aisle above the space defined by a plurality of server racks arranged in a “U”-shape according to other embodiments of the present disclosure. More particularly, modular octagonal data pod 80″ includes adata enclosure 108″ including eightexternal wall members 1081′, 1082′, 1083′, 1084′, 1085′, 1086′, 1087′ and 1088′ that are contiguously joined to one another along at least oneedge 88′ in the shape of a polygon. - Contiguous
external wall members 1088′, 1081′ and 1082′ form afirst end 88 a′ of the modular data pod 80′ while correspondingly contiguousexternal wall members 1084′, 1085′ and 1086′ form asecond end 88 b′ of the modular data pod 80′. - Elongated
external wall member 1083′ includesserver racks 803 a′-c′, and thesecond end 88′b includes twoserver racks 804′ and 806′. Elongatedexternal wall member 1087′ includesserver racks 807 a′-c′. - The server racks may be arranged in a “U”-shape as illustrated in
FIG. 14 , or other shapes as described in commonly assigned PCT/US2011/41710 by Keisling et al. entitled “SPACE-SAVING HIGH DENSITY MODULAR DATA PODS AND ENERGY-EFFICIENT COOLING SYSTEM”, filed on Jun. 23, 2011, incorporated by reference herein, as described above. - Modular data pod 80″ also includes first heat exchangers 3101 a-d mounted above
server racks 803 a′, 803 b′, 803 c′ and 804′, respectively. Modular data pod 80″ also includes second heat exchangers 3102 a-d mounted aboveserver racks 807 c′, 807 b′, 807 a′ and 806′, respectively. - Modular data pod 80″ also includes an
auxiliary enclosure 818′ adjacent to one of theexternal wall members 1081′ to 1088′, with theauxiliary enclosure 818′ illustrated as being adjacent toexternal wall member 1081′. Similarly, theauxiliary enclosure 818′ includes one or more close-coupleddedicated cooling systems FIG. 17 . -
FIG. 15 is a lower plan view of the modular data center pod 80″ assembly ofFIG. 14 illustrating forced-flow cooling devices that force air vertically through a sump below the central aisle of the modular data center pod assembly. More particularly,air circulators central aisle 850 of the modular data center pod 80″ and are configured to force air flow vertically upwards through asump 852. Thecable trays 340 exhibit a generally “U-shaped” configuration above the server racks 803 a′-c′, 804′, 806′ and 807 a′-c′. - In one embodiment, as illustrated in
FIGS. 16-17 , the modular data center pod 80″ may include two “A-Frame”cooling circuits first cooling circuit 2601 and even-numbered reference numerals refer to components included in thesecond cooling circuit 2602. Installation and operation of thecooling circuits - The two
cooling circuits cooling cycle skid 3001 and a secondcooling cycle skid 3002, respectively. - As shown in
FIG. 17 , eachcooling circuit data center assembly - Returning to
FIG. 16 , each of the first fluid circuits 2701, 2702 includes afluid supply path fluid return path - The first
fluid supply path 2701 a includes afirst branch path 2702 a 1 which carries coolant or cooling fluid to the first heat exchangers 3101 a-n via sub branches 2703 a-n and to the second heat exchangers 3102 a-n via sub branches 2704 a-n. The firstfluid return path 2701 b carries coolant from the first heat exchangers 3101 a-n via sub branches 2705 a-n back to thefirst cooling circuit 2601, and carries coolant from the second heat exchangers 3102 a-n via sub branches 2706 a-n. - In one embodiment, the first
fluid supply path 2701 a includes asecond branch path 2702 a 2 that supplies coolant to fourth heat exchangers 3401 a-n via sub branches 2775 a-n, and then to fifth heat exchangers 3502 a-n. The coolant exits the fifth heat exchangers 3502 a-n via sub branches 2776 a-n to the firstfluid return path 2701 b via abranch path 2701 b 2. The coolant removes heat from the fourth and fifth heat exchangers and is converted to a heated fluid as a result. - It is envisioned that the second fluid paths 2702 a-b have similar structures and functionalities as that of the first fluid paths 2701 a-b to cool heat exchangers 3301 a-n, 3213 a-n and 3214 a-n. (Heat exchangers 3301 a-n are not illustrated in
FIG. 16 but, in one embodiment, may be installed horizontally at the base of the “A-Frame” above or below and parallel to theair circulators - As the coolant leaves each heat exchanger, the coolant absorbs heat from the heat exchanger and becomes heated fluid, which is then delivered to the inlet of the
main condenser 1300 illustrated inFIG. 12 for cooling. - As shown in
FIG. 17 , thefirst cooling circuit 2601 includes a cooling system similar to thecooling system 4000 ofFIG. 12 . The firstfluid supply path 2701 a and the firstfluid return path 2701 b of thefirst cooling circuit 2601 are respectively coupled to thefirst supply path 4100 a and thefirst return path 4100 b of thefirst circuit 4100 of thecooling systems 4001 and 4002, which in turn are in fluid communication with thefirst row 1001′ and thesecond row 1002′ of server racks as described above and illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 6-11 with respect todata assemblies FIGS. 14-16 . In operation, the firstfluid return path 2701 b carries the heated fluid to thefirst return path 4100 b, which delivers the heated fluid to themain condenser 1300 where the heated fluid is cooled and condensed. For purposes of cooling the heated fluid, themain condenser 1300 may be assisted by thesecond circuit 4200 and thethird circuit 4300. - After the fluid exits from the
main condenser 1300, the fluid flows to therefrigerant liquid receiver 4128 where the liquid level and temperature of the fluid is measured. If the liquid level is low or if the temperature is high, thesub cooler compressor 4410 and the subcooler condenser 1300 a are activated to increase the liquid level and/or reduce the temperature of the fluid. After the fluid exits from therefrigerant liquid receiver 4128, the fluid flows to theliquid refrigerant pump 4120 which pumps the fluid, now the coolant, to thefluid supply path 4100 a which then delivers the coolant to the firstfluid supply path 2701 a. The coolant would then be reused to cool the heat exchangers, e.g., heat exchangers 3101 a-n. - Having now received the benefit of the description of
cooling system 4000 described above with respect toFIG. 12 , those skilled in the art will recognize thatcooling systems 4001 and 4002 are simplified versions ofcooling system 4000. - For extremely high density applications (e.g., greater than 25 kW per rack), a dual coil (in series) circuit can be utilized. The secondary coil (e.g., a micro channel) receives the coldest refrigerant liquid first. This coil may receive inlet air temperatures less than the inlet temperature to the primary coil (immediately adjacent to the IT racks). (e.g., approximately 6.2° C. (approximately 6.2° C. less than the inlet temperature to the primary coil) The liquid and partial vapor leaving the micro channel then enters a simple serpentine single row evaporator coil. This serpentine coil is closest to the IT rack. Therefore the serpentine coil receives the hottest air (e.g., approximately 46.6° C.). The remaining liquid can be boiled off in serpentine coil thereby utilizing the full heat rejection benefits of latent heat of vaporization principles. There are no thermal expansion valves or other pressure metering devices ahead of the coils. Such a dual coil circuit is described in commonly-owned international application no. PCT/US2011/043893, which was filed on Jul. 13, 2011, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
-
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a data center assembly according to the present disclosure illustrating ahot aisle enclosure 1400. Thehot aisle enclosure 1400 includes aroof 1402 and ashroud 1404 that form a conduit through which air can flow. Thehot aisle enclosure 1400 also includes a plurality of forced-flow cooling devices 1051 a, . . . , 1051 n and 1052 a, . . . , 1052 n to pull air up through the hot aisle and exhaust it to the atmosphere outside of thehot aisle enclosure 1400. Thehot aisle enclosure 1400 also includes anaccess door 1406 in anend wall 1408 through which a person can access the hot aisle and perform maintenance or upgrades on components of the data center assembly. - While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shown in the drawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/517,092 US20120300391A1 (en) | 2011-03-02 | 2011-12-28 | Modular it rack cooling assemblies and methods for assembling same |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201161448631P | 2011-03-02 | 2011-03-02 | |
US201161482070P | 2011-05-03 | 2011-05-03 | |
PCT/US2011/067685 WO2012118554A1 (en) | 2011-03-02 | 2011-12-28 | Modular it rack cooling assemblies and methods for assembling same |
US13/517,092 US20120300391A1 (en) | 2011-03-02 | 2011-12-28 | Modular it rack cooling assemblies and methods for assembling same |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2011/067685 A-371-Of-International WO2012118554A1 (en) | 2011-03-02 | 2011-12-28 | Modular it rack cooling assemblies and methods for assembling same |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/665,866 Continuation US20150195958A1 (en) | 2011-03-02 | 2015-03-23 | Modular it rack cooling assemblies and methods for assembling same |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20120300391A1 true US20120300391A1 (en) | 2012-11-29 |
Family
ID=45852684
Family Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/517,092 Abandoned US20120300391A1 (en) | 2011-03-02 | 2011-12-28 | Modular it rack cooling assemblies and methods for assembling same |
US14/665,866 Abandoned US20150195958A1 (en) | 2011-03-02 | 2015-03-23 | Modular it rack cooling assemblies and methods for assembling same |
US15/362,487 Active US9839163B2 (en) | 2011-03-02 | 2016-11-28 | Modular IT rack cooling assemblies and methods for assembling same |
Family Applications After (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/665,866 Abandoned US20150195958A1 (en) | 2011-03-02 | 2015-03-23 | Modular it rack cooling assemblies and methods for assembling same |
US15/362,487 Active US9839163B2 (en) | 2011-03-02 | 2016-11-28 | Modular IT rack cooling assemblies and methods for assembling same |
Country Status (8)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (3) | US20120300391A1 (en) |
EP (2) | EP2681978A1 (en) |
JP (2) | JP2014513336A (en) |
KR (2) | KR20140023296A (en) |
AU (2) | AU2011360945A1 (en) |
CA (2) | CA2828694A1 (en) |
SG (2) | SG193259A1 (en) |
WO (2) | WO2012118554A1 (en) |
Cited By (51)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20120199311A1 (en) * | 2007-11-19 | 2012-08-09 | International Business Machines Corporation | Apparatus and method for facilitating servicing of a liquid-cooled electronics rack |
US20120229972A1 (en) * | 2009-01-28 | 2012-09-13 | American Power Conversion Corporation | Hot aisle containment cooling system and method |
US20130078901A1 (en) * | 2011-09-23 | 2013-03-28 | Kingspan Holdings (Irl) Limited | Cooling systems and methods for data centers |
CN103777737A (en) * | 2013-08-15 | 2014-05-07 | 中华电信股份有限公司 | Cloud computer room energy saving method based on server resource load and position sensing |
US20140362527A1 (en) * | 2013-05-06 | 2014-12-11 | Green Revolution Cooling, Inc. | System and method of packaging computing resources for space and fire-resistance |
US8943757B2 (en) * | 2012-12-12 | 2015-02-03 | Vert.com Inc. | Prefabricated vertical data center modules and method of large-scale deployment |
US20150098177A1 (en) * | 2013-10-03 | 2015-04-09 | Liebert Corporation | System and method for modular data center |
US20150146367A1 (en) * | 2013-11-22 | 2015-05-28 | Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. | Container data center and heat dissipation system |
US9072200B2 (en) | 2008-09-10 | 2015-06-30 | Schneider Electric It Corporation | Hot aisle containment panel system and method |
US9357671B2 (en) | 2011-01-11 | 2016-05-31 | Schneider Electric It Corporation | Cooling unit and method |
US20160157387A1 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2016-06-02 | Switch Ltd | Data Center Facility Design Configuration |
US9497893B2 (en) | 2013-06-04 | 2016-11-15 | International Business Machines Corporation | Scalable panel cooling system |
US9537291B1 (en) * | 2015-06-08 | 2017-01-03 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Elevated automatic transfer switch cabinet |
US20170013742A1 (en) * | 2015-07-10 | 2017-01-12 | Fujitsu Limited | Electronic device |
US20170231118A1 (en) * | 2014-07-31 | 2017-08-10 | Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development Lp | Air and fluid cooling of a data center |
US9756766B2 (en) | 2014-05-13 | 2017-09-05 | Green Revolution Cooling, Inc. | System and method for air-cooling hard drives in liquid-cooled server rack |
US20170261227A1 (en) * | 2016-03-08 | 2017-09-14 | Heatcraft Refrigeration Products Llc | Modular rack for climate control system |
US20170280586A1 (en) * | 2016-03-28 | 2017-09-28 | Lenovo (Beijing) Limited | Electronic devices, methods, and program products for determining an atmospheric pressure |
US9795062B1 (en) * | 2016-06-29 | 2017-10-17 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Portable data center for data transfer |
US9843470B1 (en) * | 2013-09-27 | 2017-12-12 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Portable data center |
US9888614B1 (en) * | 2014-05-22 | 2018-02-06 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Modular data center row infrastructure |
US20180066859A1 (en) * | 2016-09-02 | 2018-03-08 | Inertech Ip Llc | Air curtain containment system and assembly for data centers |
US9930810B2 (en) * | 2015-10-30 | 2018-03-27 | Schneider Electric It Corporation | Aisle containment roof system having a fixed perforated panel and a movable perforated panel |
US9999166B1 (en) | 2007-06-14 | 2018-06-12 | Switch, Ltd. | Integrated wiring system for a data center |
US10091912B2 (en) | 2014-01-21 | 2018-10-02 | International Business Machines Corporation | Variable air cooling system for data centers |
CN108668513A (en) * | 2018-07-10 | 2018-10-16 | 广东宏达通信有限公司 | A kind of data center apparatus cooling system |
US10178796B2 (en) | 2007-06-14 | 2019-01-08 | Switch, Ltd. | Electronic equipment data center or co-location facility designs and methods of making and using the same |
US20190150313A1 (en) * | 2016-07-28 | 2019-05-16 | Suzhou A-Rack Enclosure Systems Co., Ltd. | Modular Computer Room for Servers |
US20190174651A1 (en) * | 2017-12-04 | 2019-06-06 | Vapor IO Inc. | Modular data center |
US10327361B2 (en) * | 2017-04-07 | 2019-06-18 | Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. | Managing air temperature within a server rack |
US10368467B2 (en) * | 2017-10-10 | 2019-07-30 | Facebook, Inc. | System and method for data center heat containment |
US10398061B1 (en) | 2016-06-29 | 2019-08-27 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Portable data center for data transfer |
US10448539B2 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2019-10-15 | Inertech Ip Llc | Systems and assemblies for cooling server racks |
US10476298B1 (en) | 2015-09-02 | 2019-11-12 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Elevated automatic transfer switch cabinet |
US10592280B2 (en) | 2016-11-23 | 2020-03-17 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Resource allocation and scheduling for batch jobs |
WO2020227811A1 (en) * | 2019-05-15 | 2020-11-19 | Upstream Data Inc. | Portable blockchain mining system and methods of use |
US10888034B2 (en) | 2007-06-14 | 2021-01-05 | Switch, Ltd. | Air handling unit with a canopy thereover for use with a data center and method of using the same |
US10965525B1 (en) | 2016-06-29 | 2021-03-30 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Portable data center for data transfer |
US20220007547A1 (en) * | 2020-07-02 | 2022-01-06 | Google Llc | Modular Data Center Serverhall Assembly |
US11275413B2 (en) | 2007-06-14 | 2022-03-15 | Switch, Ltd. | Data center air handling unit including uninterruptable cooling fan with weighted rotor and method of using the same |
US11359865B2 (en) | 2018-07-23 | 2022-06-14 | Green Revolution Cooling, Inc. | Dual Cooling Tower Time Share Water Treatment System |
US11574372B2 (en) | 2017-02-08 | 2023-02-07 | Upstream Data Inc. | Blockchain mine at oil or gas facility |
USD982145S1 (en) | 2020-10-19 | 2023-03-28 | Green Revolution Cooling, Inc. | Cooling system enclosure |
US11659682B2 (en) | 2020-03-21 | 2023-05-23 | Upstream Data Inc. | Portable blockchain mining systems and methods of use |
US20230200025A1 (en) * | 2021-12-17 | 2023-06-22 | Baidu Usa Llc | Prefabricated module for heterogeneous data centers |
WO2023139556A1 (en) * | 2022-01-24 | 2023-07-27 | Coolit Systems, Inc. | Smart components, systems and methods for transferring heat |
USD998770S1 (en) | 2020-10-19 | 2023-09-12 | Green Revolution Cooling, Inc. | Cooling system enclosure |
US11805624B2 (en) | 2021-09-17 | 2023-10-31 | Green Revolution Cooling, Inc. | Coolant shroud |
US11825627B2 (en) | 2016-09-14 | 2023-11-21 | Switch, Ltd. | Ventilation and air flow control with heat insulated compartment |
US11882644B1 (en) * | 2020-09-16 | 2024-01-23 | Core Scientific Operating Company | Air deflector for cooling computing devices |
US11925946B2 (en) | 2022-03-28 | 2024-03-12 | Green Revolution Cooling, Inc. | Fluid delivery wand |
Families Citing this family (22)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9606588B2 (en) | 2012-11-08 | 2017-03-28 | Silicon Graphics International Corp. | Closed-loop cooling system for high-density clustered computer system |
US9025331B2 (en) | 2012-11-12 | 2015-05-05 | International Business Machines Corporation | Inlet-air-cooling door assembly for an electronics rack |
JP2014127024A (en) * | 2012-12-26 | 2014-07-07 | Hitachi Systems Ltd | Rack capping device |
US20160037685A1 (en) | 2014-07-30 | 2016-02-04 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Adaptable container mounted cooling solution |
WO2016057854A1 (en) * | 2014-10-08 | 2016-04-14 | Inertech Ip Llc | Systems and methods for cooling electrical equipment |
US9832912B2 (en) * | 2015-05-07 | 2017-11-28 | Dhk Storage, Llc | Computer server heat regulation utilizing integrated precision air flow |
ES2797738T3 (en) * | 2015-09-02 | 2020-12-03 | Revolver 26 Invest Corporation | Integrated high-density server chamber with HVAC UPS backup |
US9769953B2 (en) * | 2016-02-04 | 2017-09-19 | Google Inc. | Cooling a data center |
US9723762B1 (en) | 2016-03-15 | 2017-08-01 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Free cooling in high humidity environments |
CA3031935A1 (en) * | 2016-07-25 | 2018-02-01 | Robert W. Jacobi | Modular system for heating and/or cooling requirements |
US11076509B2 (en) | 2017-01-24 | 2021-07-27 | The Research Foundation for the State University | Control systems and prediction methods for it cooling performance in containment |
US10785895B2 (en) | 2017-10-04 | 2020-09-22 | Google Llc | Managing a data center |
US10888013B2 (en) | 2017-10-04 | 2021-01-05 | Google Llc | Managing a data center |
US10314206B1 (en) | 2018-04-25 | 2019-06-04 | Dell Products, L.P. | Modulating AHU VS RAM air cooling, based on vehicular velocity |
US10440863B1 (en) | 2018-04-25 | 2019-10-08 | Dell Products, L.P. | System and method to enable large-scale data computation during transportation |
US11036265B2 (en) | 2018-04-25 | 2021-06-15 | Dell Products, L.P. | Velocity-based power capping for a server cooled by air flow induced from a moving vehicle |
CN115943085A (en) * | 2018-10-08 | 2023-04-07 | 沙特阿拉伯石油公司 | Cement-based direct writing ink for 3D printing of complex-architecture structural body |
US11737238B1 (en) * | 2018-10-26 | 2023-08-22 | United Services Automobile Association (Usaa) | Data center cooling system |
US11202394B1 (en) * | 2018-10-26 | 2021-12-14 | United Sendees Automobile Association (USAA) | Data center cooling system |
WO2020163968A2 (en) | 2019-02-15 | 2020-08-20 | Scot Arthur Johnson | Transportable datacenter |
US11910557B2 (en) * | 2019-02-15 | 2024-02-20 | Digital Shovel Holdings Inc. | Transportable datacenter |
US11326830B2 (en) | 2019-03-22 | 2022-05-10 | Robert W. Jacobi | Multiple module modular systems for refrigeration |
Citations (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20050168945A1 (en) * | 2003-12-29 | 2005-08-04 | Giovanni Coglitore | Computer rack cooling system with variable airflow impedance |
US20080060372A1 (en) * | 2006-09-13 | 2008-03-13 | Sun Microsystems, Inc. | Cooling air flow loop for a data center in a shipping container |
US20080273306A1 (en) * | 2007-05-04 | 2008-11-06 | International Business Machines Corporation | System and method of facilitating cooling of electronics racks of a data center employing multiple cooling stations |
US20080291626A1 (en) * | 2007-05-23 | 2008-11-27 | Sun Microsystems, Inc. | Method and apparatus for cooling electronic equipment |
US20090046427A1 (en) * | 2007-06-04 | 2009-02-19 | Yahoo! Inc. | Cold Row Encapsulation for Server Farm Cooling System |
US20090251860A1 (en) * | 2008-04-02 | 2009-10-08 | Microsoft Corporation | Power-efficent data center |
US20100144265A1 (en) * | 2008-10-24 | 2010-06-10 | Wright Line Llc | Data Center Air Routing System |
US20100190430A1 (en) * | 2009-01-29 | 2010-07-29 | International Business Machines Corporation | Air permeable material for data center cooling |
US20100188816A1 (en) * | 2009-01-28 | 2010-07-29 | American Power Conversion Corporation | Hot aisle containment cooling system and method |
US20100263830A1 (en) * | 2009-04-21 | 2010-10-21 | Yahoo! Inc. | Cold Row Encapsulation for Server Farm Cooling System |
US20110108207A1 (en) * | 2009-11-09 | 2011-05-12 | LDM Products, Inc. | Retractable computer rack aisle roof |
US8031468B2 (en) * | 2009-06-03 | 2011-10-04 | American Power Conversion Corporation | Hot aisle containment cooling unit and method for cooling |
US20110299242A1 (en) * | 2009-06-12 | 2011-12-08 | Roy Grantham | Method and apparatus for installation and removal of overhead cooling equipment |
Family Cites Families (74)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4535386A (en) | 1983-05-23 | 1985-08-13 | Allen-Bradley Company | Natural convection cooling system for electronic components |
SE505455C2 (en) | 1993-12-22 | 1997-09-01 | Ericsson Telefon Ab L M | Cooling system for air with two parallel cooling circuits |
US5467250A (en) | 1994-03-21 | 1995-11-14 | Hubbell Incorporated | Electrical cabinet with door-mounted heat exchanger |
EP0937950B1 (en) | 1998-02-23 | 2004-10-20 | Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha | Air conditioner |
US6034873A (en) | 1998-06-02 | 2000-03-07 | Ericsson Inc | System and method for separating air flows in a cooling system |
US6164369A (en) | 1999-07-13 | 2000-12-26 | Lucent Technologies Inc. | Door mounted heat exchanger for outdoor equipment enclosure |
IT1317633B1 (en) | 2000-03-16 | 2003-07-15 | Rc Group Spa | REFRIGERATOR GROUP WITH FREE-COOLING, SUITABLE TO OPERATE EVEN VARIABLE CONPORTA, SYSTEM AND PROCEDURE. |
JP3765732B2 (en) | 2001-04-18 | 2006-04-12 | 株式会社荏原製作所 | Heat pump and dehumidifying air conditioner |
US20040020225A1 (en) * | 2002-08-02 | 2004-02-05 | Patel Chandrakant D. | Cooling system |
US6714412B1 (en) | 2002-09-13 | 2004-03-30 | International Business Machines Corporation | Scalable coolant conditioning unit with integral plate heat exchanger/expansion tank and method of use |
US7378479B2 (en) | 2002-09-13 | 2008-05-27 | Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc. | Multi-purpose polymers, methods and compositions |
US7255640B2 (en) | 2002-10-11 | 2007-08-14 | Liebert Corporation | Cable and air management adapter system for enclosures housing electronic equipment |
US20040084175A1 (en) | 2002-10-31 | 2004-05-06 | Bruce Kranz | Multi-zone temperature control system |
US7836597B2 (en) | 2002-11-01 | 2010-11-23 | Cooligy Inc. | Method of fabricating high surface to volume ratio structures and their integration in microheat exchangers for liquid cooling system |
US6775137B2 (en) | 2002-11-25 | 2004-08-10 | International Business Machines Corporation | Method and apparatus for combined air and liquid cooling of stacked electronics components |
JP4199018B2 (en) | 2003-02-14 | 2008-12-17 | 株式会社日立製作所 | Rack mount server system |
JP4311538B2 (en) | 2003-06-27 | 2009-08-12 | 株式会社日立製作所 | Disk storage device cooling structure |
US6819563B1 (en) | 2003-07-02 | 2004-11-16 | International Business Machines Corporation | Method and system for cooling electronics racks using pre-cooled air |
DE10354454B4 (en) | 2003-11-21 | 2009-11-26 | Technotrans Ag | Temperature control device for printing machines |
US7106590B2 (en) | 2003-12-03 | 2006-09-12 | International Business Machines Corporation | Cooling system and method employing multiple dedicated coolant conditioning units for cooling multiple electronics subsystems |
US7184267B2 (en) | 2003-12-12 | 2007-02-27 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, Lp. | Longitudinally cooled electronic assembly |
US7278273B1 (en) | 2003-12-30 | 2007-10-09 | Google Inc. | Modular data center |
DE202004003310U1 (en) | 2004-03-01 | 2004-08-12 | Kuse, Kolja | Cooling system for computer housing, has small nozzle-shaped air inlets on front panel through which cool air is drawn into housing and directed over processor |
DE202004003309U1 (en) | 2004-03-01 | 2004-08-12 | Kuse, Kolja | Cooling of a computer cluster uses individual fans to draw air over motherboards with main fan to evacuate housing |
US7864527B1 (en) | 2004-03-31 | 2011-01-04 | Google Inc. | Systems and methods for close coupled cooling |
US7647787B2 (en) | 2004-04-22 | 2010-01-19 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Upgradeable, modular data center cooling apparatus |
US7810341B2 (en) | 2004-04-22 | 2010-10-12 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Redundant upgradeable, modular data center cooling apparatus |
US7036330B2 (en) | 2004-06-24 | 2006-05-02 | Carrier Corporation | Free cooling activation optimized controls |
DE102005005296B3 (en) | 2005-02-04 | 2006-05-18 | Knürr AG | Cooling unit for electronic modules used in server, comprises a supply of cool air, an air-liquid heat exchanger, and ventilators |
US7385810B2 (en) | 2005-04-18 | 2008-06-10 | International Business Machines Corporation | Apparatus and method for facilitating cooling of an electronics rack employing a heat exchange assembly mounted to an outlet door cover of the electronics rack |
US20070019391A1 (en) | 2005-07-20 | 2007-01-25 | Sun Microsystems, Inc. | Techniques for cooling electronic equipment |
US7724516B2 (en) | 2005-08-26 | 2010-05-25 | The Boeing Company | Cooling enclosure for maintaining commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) equipment in vehicles |
US7312993B2 (en) | 2005-12-22 | 2007-12-25 | Alcatel Lucent | Electronics equipment cabinet |
US8672732B2 (en) | 2006-01-19 | 2014-03-18 | Schneider Electric It Corporation | Cooling system and method |
US20070227710A1 (en) * | 2006-04-03 | 2007-10-04 | Belady Christian L | Cooling system for electrical devices |
EP2310926B1 (en) * | 2006-06-01 | 2013-11-20 | Google Inc. | Modular computing environments |
WO2007139559A1 (en) | 2006-06-01 | 2007-12-06 | Exaflop Llc | Controlled warm air capture |
US20070283710A1 (en) | 2006-06-12 | 2007-12-13 | Sun Microsystems, Inc. | Method and system for cooling electronic equipment |
CN101517185B (en) | 2006-07-18 | 2013-06-12 | 力博特公司 | Integral swivel hydraulic connectors, door hinges, and methods and systems for the use thereof |
US20080024997A1 (en) | 2006-07-28 | 2008-01-31 | Apple Computer, Inc. | Staggered memory layout for improved cooling in reduced height enclosure |
US7397661B2 (en) | 2006-08-25 | 2008-07-08 | International Business Machines Corporation | Cooled electronics system and method employing air-to-liquid heat exchange and bifurcated air flow |
US7551971B2 (en) | 2006-09-13 | 2009-06-23 | Sun Microsystems, Inc. | Operation ready transportable data center in a shipping container |
WO2008039773A2 (en) | 2006-09-25 | 2008-04-03 | Rackable Systems, Inc. | Container-based data center |
US7400505B2 (en) | 2006-10-10 | 2008-07-15 | International Business Machines Corporation | Hybrid cooling system and method for a multi-component electronics system |
GB2444981A (en) | 2006-12-19 | 2008-06-25 | Ove Arup & Partners Internat L | Computer cooling system |
CN101680699B (en) | 2006-12-28 | 2012-07-18 | 开利公司 | Free-cooling capacity control for air conditioning systems |
JP5030631B2 (en) | 2007-03-22 | 2012-09-19 | 富士通株式会社 | Cooling system for information equipment |
US8706914B2 (en) | 2007-04-23 | 2014-04-22 | David D. Duchesneau | Computing infrastructure |
US7511959B2 (en) | 2007-04-25 | 2009-03-31 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Scalable computing apparatus |
US7746637B2 (en) | 2007-05-17 | 2010-06-29 | Chatsworth Products, Inc. | Electronic equipment enclosure with exhaust air duct and adjustable filler panel assemblies |
US8094452B1 (en) * | 2007-06-27 | 2012-01-10 | Exaflop Llc | Cooling and power grids for data center |
US8320125B1 (en) * | 2007-06-29 | 2012-11-27 | Exaflop Llc | Modular data center cooling |
TW200934352A (en) | 2007-08-07 | 2009-08-01 | Cooligy Inc | Internal access mechanism for a server rack |
US7963119B2 (en) | 2007-11-26 | 2011-06-21 | International Business Machines Corporation | Hybrid air and liquid coolant conditioning unit for facilitating cooling of one or more electronics racks of a data center |
JP2009135287A (en) * | 2007-11-30 | 2009-06-18 | Sanyo Electric Co Ltd | Electronic apparatus cooling device |
US7768222B2 (en) | 2008-02-15 | 2010-08-03 | International Business Machines Corporation | Automated control of rotational velocity of an air-moving device of an electronics rack responsive to an event |
US8250877B2 (en) | 2008-03-10 | 2012-08-28 | Cooligy Inc. | Device and methodology for the removal of heat from an equipment rack by means of heat exchangers mounted to a door |
US8763414B2 (en) | 2008-03-31 | 2014-07-01 | Google Inc. | Warm floor data center |
US7660116B2 (en) | 2008-04-21 | 2010-02-09 | International Business Machines Corporation | Rack with integrated rear-door heat exchanger |
JP4607203B2 (en) | 2008-04-28 | 2011-01-05 | 株式会社日立製作所 | Disk array device |
GB2463956B (en) * | 2008-05-20 | 2010-11-03 | Semper Holdings Ltd | Rack mounted cooling unit |
FR2931961B1 (en) | 2008-06-02 | 2010-06-11 | Bull Sas | DEVICE FOR COOLING A COMPUTER BAY AND COMPUTER-BASED INSTALLATION COMPRISING SUCH A DEVICE |
CA2676213A1 (en) * | 2008-08-19 | 2010-02-19 | Turner Logistics | Data center and methods for cooling thereof |
US8006496B2 (en) | 2008-09-08 | 2011-08-30 | Secco2 Engines, Inc. | Closed loop scroll expander engine |
US8312734B2 (en) | 2008-09-26 | 2012-11-20 | Lewis Donald C | Cascading air-source heat pump |
US8077457B2 (en) | 2009-02-27 | 2011-12-13 | Microsoft Corporation | Modularization of data center functions |
WO2011019909A1 (en) | 2009-08-14 | 2011-02-17 | Johnson Controls Technology Company | Free cooling refrigeration system |
US8120916B2 (en) | 2009-09-17 | 2012-02-21 | International Business Machines Corporation | Facilitating cooling of an electronics rack employing water vapor compression system |
US8113010B2 (en) | 2009-11-02 | 2012-02-14 | Exaflop Llc | Data center cooling |
US8820113B2 (en) | 2009-12-31 | 2014-09-02 | Facebook, Inc. | Cooling computing devices in a data center with ambient air cooled using heat from the computing devices |
JP2011237887A (en) | 2010-05-06 | 2011-11-24 | Hitachi Plant Technologies Ltd | Cooling method and cooling system for electronic equipment |
US8560132B2 (en) | 2010-07-09 | 2013-10-15 | International Business Machines Corporation | Adaptive cooling system and method |
US8534119B2 (en) | 2010-12-30 | 2013-09-17 | Schneider Electric It Corporation | System and method for air containment zone air leakage detection |
US8817473B2 (en) * | 2011-09-26 | 2014-08-26 | Mellanox Technologies Ltd. | Liquid cooling system for modular electronic systems |
-
2011
- 2011-12-28 US US13/517,092 patent/US20120300391A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2011-12-28 EP EP11826152.8A patent/EP2681978A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2011-12-28 AU AU2011360945A patent/AU2011360945A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2011-12-28 CA CA2828694A patent/CA2828694A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2011-12-28 SG SG2013065925A patent/SG193259A1/en unknown
- 2011-12-28 WO PCT/US2011/067685 patent/WO2012118554A1/en active Application Filing
- 2011-12-28 JP JP2013556614A patent/JP2014513336A/en active Pending
- 2011-12-28 SG SG2013064894A patent/SG192974A1/en unknown
- 2011-12-28 AU AU2011360944A patent/AU2011360944A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2011-12-28 KR KR1020137025668A patent/KR20140023296A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2011-12-28 CA CA2827960A patent/CA2827960C/en active Active
- 2011-12-28 WO PCT/US2011/067679 patent/WO2012118553A2/en active Application Filing
- 2011-12-28 EP EP11859919.0A patent/EP2681637A2/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2011-12-28 JP JP2013556613A patent/JP2014509726A/en active Pending
- 2011-12-28 KR KR1020137025670A patent/KR20140015416A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
-
2015
- 2015-03-23 US US14/665,866 patent/US20150195958A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2016
- 2016-11-28 US US15/362,487 patent/US9839163B2/en active Active
Patent Citations (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20050168945A1 (en) * | 2003-12-29 | 2005-08-04 | Giovanni Coglitore | Computer rack cooling system with variable airflow impedance |
US20080060372A1 (en) * | 2006-09-13 | 2008-03-13 | Sun Microsystems, Inc. | Cooling air flow loop for a data center in a shipping container |
US20080273306A1 (en) * | 2007-05-04 | 2008-11-06 | International Business Machines Corporation | System and method of facilitating cooling of electronics racks of a data center employing multiple cooling stations |
US20090122487A1 (en) * | 2007-05-04 | 2009-05-14 | International Business Machines Corporation | System of facilitating cooling of electronics racks of a data center employing multiple cooling stations |
US20080291626A1 (en) * | 2007-05-23 | 2008-11-27 | Sun Microsystems, Inc. | Method and apparatus for cooling electronic equipment |
US20090046427A1 (en) * | 2007-06-04 | 2009-02-19 | Yahoo! Inc. | Cold Row Encapsulation for Server Farm Cooling System |
US20100091448A1 (en) * | 2007-06-04 | 2010-04-15 | Yahool Inc. | Cold Row Encapsulation for Server Farm Cooling System |
US20090251860A1 (en) * | 2008-04-02 | 2009-10-08 | Microsoft Corporation | Power-efficent data center |
US20100144265A1 (en) * | 2008-10-24 | 2010-06-10 | Wright Line Llc | Data Center Air Routing System |
US20100188816A1 (en) * | 2009-01-28 | 2010-07-29 | American Power Conversion Corporation | Hot aisle containment cooling system and method |
US20100190430A1 (en) * | 2009-01-29 | 2010-07-29 | International Business Machines Corporation | Air permeable material for data center cooling |
US20100263830A1 (en) * | 2009-04-21 | 2010-10-21 | Yahoo! Inc. | Cold Row Encapsulation for Server Farm Cooling System |
US8031468B2 (en) * | 2009-06-03 | 2011-10-04 | American Power Conversion Corporation | Hot aisle containment cooling unit and method for cooling |
US20120012283A1 (en) * | 2009-06-03 | 2012-01-19 | American Power Conversion Corporation | Hot aisle containment cooling unit and method for cooling |
US20110299242A1 (en) * | 2009-06-12 | 2011-12-08 | Roy Grantham | Method and apparatus for installation and removal of overhead cooling equipment |
US20110108207A1 (en) * | 2009-11-09 | 2011-05-12 | LDM Products, Inc. | Retractable computer rack aisle roof |
Cited By (84)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10356968B2 (en) | 2007-06-14 | 2019-07-16 | Switch, Ltd. | Facility including externally disposed data center air handling units |
US9999166B1 (en) | 2007-06-14 | 2018-06-12 | Switch, Ltd. | Integrated wiring system for a data center |
US11622484B2 (en) | 2007-06-14 | 2023-04-04 | Switch, Ltd. | Data center exterior wall penetrating air handling technology |
US10178796B2 (en) | 2007-06-14 | 2019-01-08 | Switch, Ltd. | Electronic equipment data center or co-location facility designs and methods of making and using the same |
US11889630B2 (en) | 2007-06-14 | 2024-01-30 | Switch, Ltd. | Data center facility including external wall penetrating air handling units |
US10356939B2 (en) | 2007-06-14 | 2019-07-16 | Switch, Ltd. | Electronic equipment data center or co-location facility designs and methods of making and using the same |
US10888034B2 (en) | 2007-06-14 | 2021-01-05 | Switch, Ltd. | Air handling unit with a canopy thereover for use with a data center and method of using the same |
US11275413B2 (en) | 2007-06-14 | 2022-03-15 | Switch, Ltd. | Data center air handling unit including uninterruptable cooling fan with weighted rotor and method of using the same |
US8857057B2 (en) * | 2007-11-19 | 2014-10-14 | International Business Machines Corporation | Apparatus and method for facilitating servicing of a liquid-cooled electronics rack |
US20120199311A1 (en) * | 2007-11-19 | 2012-08-09 | International Business Machines Corporation | Apparatus and method for facilitating servicing of a liquid-cooled electronics rack |
US9072200B2 (en) | 2008-09-10 | 2015-06-30 | Schneider Electric It Corporation | Hot aisle containment panel system and method |
US8934242B2 (en) * | 2009-01-28 | 2015-01-13 | Schneider Electric It Corporation | Hot aisle containment cooling system and method |
US20120229972A1 (en) * | 2009-01-28 | 2012-09-13 | American Power Conversion Corporation | Hot aisle containment cooling system and method |
US9357671B2 (en) | 2011-01-11 | 2016-05-31 | Schneider Electric It Corporation | Cooling unit and method |
US20130078901A1 (en) * | 2011-09-23 | 2013-03-28 | Kingspan Holdings (Irl) Limited | Cooling systems and methods for data centers |
US8943757B2 (en) * | 2012-12-12 | 2015-02-03 | Vert.com Inc. | Prefabricated vertical data center modules and method of large-scale deployment |
US20150159389A1 (en) * | 2012-12-12 | 2015-06-11 | Vert.Com Inc | Data Center Modules and Method of Large-Scale Deployment |
US9228366B2 (en) * | 2012-12-12 | 2016-01-05 | Vert. COM Inc. | Data center modules and method of large-scale deployment |
US20160076265A1 (en) * | 2012-12-12 | 2016-03-17 | Vert. COM Inc. | Data center modules and method of large-scale deployment |
US11602074B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2023-03-07 | Inertech Ip Llc | Systems and assemblies for cooling server racks |
US10448539B2 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2019-10-15 | Inertech Ip Llc | Systems and assemblies for cooling server racks |
US20160157387A1 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2016-06-02 | Switch Ltd | Data Center Facility Design Configuration |
US9795061B2 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2017-10-17 | Switch, Ltd. | Data center facility design configuration |
US9504190B2 (en) * | 2013-05-06 | 2016-11-22 | Green Revolution Cooling, Inc. | System and method of packaging computing resources for space and fire-resistance |
US10624242B2 (en) | 2013-05-06 | 2020-04-14 | Green Revolution Cooling, Inc. | System and method of packaging computing resources for space and fire-resistance |
US20140362527A1 (en) * | 2013-05-06 | 2014-12-11 | Green Revolution Cooling, Inc. | System and method of packaging computing resources for space and fire-resistance |
US9720463B2 (en) | 2013-06-04 | 2017-08-01 | International Business Machines Corporation | Scalable panel cooling system |
US10379550B2 (en) | 2013-06-04 | 2019-08-13 | International Business Machines Corporation | Scalable panel cooling system |
US9497893B2 (en) | 2013-06-04 | 2016-11-15 | International Business Machines Corporation | Scalable panel cooling system |
CN103777737A (en) * | 2013-08-15 | 2014-05-07 | 中华电信股份有限公司 | Cloud computer room energy saving method based on server resource load and position sensing |
US9843470B1 (en) * | 2013-09-27 | 2017-12-12 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Portable data center |
US10172261B2 (en) * | 2013-10-03 | 2019-01-01 | Vertiv Corporation | System and method for modular data center |
US9572288B2 (en) * | 2013-10-03 | 2017-02-14 | Liebert Corporation | System and method for modular data center |
RU2700001C2 (en) * | 2013-10-03 | 2019-09-12 | Вертив Корпорэйшн | Modular data processing centre and formation method thereof |
US20150098177A1 (en) * | 2013-10-03 | 2015-04-09 | Liebert Corporation | System and method for modular data center |
US9850655B2 (en) | 2013-10-03 | 2017-12-26 | Liebert Corporation | System and method for modular data center |
CN105594313A (en) * | 2013-10-03 | 2016-05-18 | 力博特公司 | System and method for modular data center |
US20150146367A1 (en) * | 2013-11-22 | 2015-05-28 | Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. | Container data center and heat dissipation system |
US10091912B2 (en) | 2014-01-21 | 2018-10-02 | International Business Machines Corporation | Variable air cooling system for data centers |
US10617039B2 (en) | 2014-01-21 | 2020-04-07 | International Business Machines Corporation | Variable air cooling system for data centers |
US9756766B2 (en) | 2014-05-13 | 2017-09-05 | Green Revolution Cooling, Inc. | System and method for air-cooling hard drives in liquid-cooled server rack |
US9888614B1 (en) * | 2014-05-22 | 2018-02-06 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Modular data center row infrastructure |
US20170231118A1 (en) * | 2014-07-31 | 2017-08-10 | Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development Lp | Air and fluid cooling of a data center |
US10548242B2 (en) * | 2014-07-31 | 2020-01-28 | Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development Lp | Air and fluid cooling of a data center |
US11153992B2 (en) | 2014-07-31 | 2021-10-19 | Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development Lp | Air and fluid cooling of a data center |
US9537291B1 (en) * | 2015-06-08 | 2017-01-03 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Elevated automatic transfer switch cabinet |
US9894799B2 (en) * | 2015-07-10 | 2018-02-13 | Fujitsu Limited | Electronic device |
US20170013742A1 (en) * | 2015-07-10 | 2017-01-12 | Fujitsu Limited | Electronic device |
US10476298B1 (en) | 2015-09-02 | 2019-11-12 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Elevated automatic transfer switch cabinet |
US9930810B2 (en) * | 2015-10-30 | 2018-03-27 | Schneider Electric It Corporation | Aisle containment roof system having a fixed perforated panel and a movable perforated panel |
US20170261227A1 (en) * | 2016-03-08 | 2017-09-14 | Heatcraft Refrigeration Products Llc | Modular rack for climate control system |
US10655888B2 (en) * | 2016-03-08 | 2020-05-19 | Heatcraft Refrigeration Products Llc | Modular rack for climate control system |
US20170280586A1 (en) * | 2016-03-28 | 2017-09-28 | Lenovo (Beijing) Limited | Electronic devices, methods, and program products for determining an atmospheric pressure |
US10212848B2 (en) * | 2016-03-28 | 2019-02-19 | Lenovo (Beijing) Limited | Electronic devices, methods, and program products for determining an atmospheric pressure |
US10398061B1 (en) | 2016-06-29 | 2019-08-27 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Portable data center for data transfer |
US9795062B1 (en) * | 2016-06-29 | 2017-10-17 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Portable data center for data transfer |
US10965525B1 (en) | 2016-06-29 | 2021-03-30 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Portable data center for data transfer |
US20190150313A1 (en) * | 2016-07-28 | 2019-05-16 | Suzhou A-Rack Enclosure Systems Co., Ltd. | Modular Computer Room for Servers |
US11015824B2 (en) * | 2016-09-02 | 2021-05-25 | Inertechip Llc | Air curtain containment system and assembly for data centers |
US20180066859A1 (en) * | 2016-09-02 | 2018-03-08 | Inertech Ip Llc | Air curtain containment system and assembly for data centers |
US11927363B2 (en) | 2016-09-02 | 2024-03-12 | Inertech Ip Llc | Air curtain containment system and assembly for data centers |
US11825627B2 (en) | 2016-09-14 | 2023-11-21 | Switch, Ltd. | Ventilation and air flow control with heat insulated compartment |
US10592280B2 (en) | 2016-11-23 | 2020-03-17 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Resource allocation and scheduling for batch jobs |
US11314551B2 (en) | 2016-11-23 | 2022-04-26 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Resource allocation and scheduling for batch jobs |
US11574372B2 (en) | 2017-02-08 | 2023-02-07 | Upstream Data Inc. | Blockchain mine at oil or gas facility |
US10327361B2 (en) * | 2017-04-07 | 2019-06-18 | Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. | Managing air temperature within a server rack |
US10757838B2 (en) | 2017-10-10 | 2020-08-25 | Facebook, Inc. | System and method for data center heat containment |
US10368467B2 (en) * | 2017-10-10 | 2019-07-30 | Facebook, Inc. | System and method for data center heat containment |
US10853460B2 (en) * | 2017-12-04 | 2020-12-01 | Vapor IO Inc. | Modular data center |
US20190174651A1 (en) * | 2017-12-04 | 2019-06-06 | Vapor IO Inc. | Modular data center |
CN108668513A (en) * | 2018-07-10 | 2018-10-16 | 广东宏达通信有限公司 | A kind of data center apparatus cooling system |
US11359865B2 (en) | 2018-07-23 | 2022-06-14 | Green Revolution Cooling, Inc. | Dual Cooling Tower Time Share Water Treatment System |
US11907029B2 (en) | 2019-05-15 | 2024-02-20 | Upstream Data Inc. | Portable blockchain mining system and methods of use |
WO2020227811A1 (en) * | 2019-05-15 | 2020-11-19 | Upstream Data Inc. | Portable blockchain mining system and methods of use |
US11659682B2 (en) | 2020-03-21 | 2023-05-23 | Upstream Data Inc. | Portable blockchain mining systems and methods of use |
US11324146B2 (en) * | 2020-07-02 | 2022-05-03 | Google Llc | Modular data center serverhall assembly |
US20220007547A1 (en) * | 2020-07-02 | 2022-01-06 | Google Llc | Modular Data Center Serverhall Assembly |
US11882644B1 (en) * | 2020-09-16 | 2024-01-23 | Core Scientific Operating Company | Air deflector for cooling computing devices |
USD982145S1 (en) | 2020-10-19 | 2023-03-28 | Green Revolution Cooling, Inc. | Cooling system enclosure |
USD998770S1 (en) | 2020-10-19 | 2023-09-12 | Green Revolution Cooling, Inc. | Cooling system enclosure |
US11805624B2 (en) | 2021-09-17 | 2023-10-31 | Green Revolution Cooling, Inc. | Coolant shroud |
US20230200025A1 (en) * | 2021-12-17 | 2023-06-22 | Baidu Usa Llc | Prefabricated module for heterogeneous data centers |
WO2023139556A1 (en) * | 2022-01-24 | 2023-07-27 | Coolit Systems, Inc. | Smart components, systems and methods for transferring heat |
US11925946B2 (en) | 2022-03-28 | 2024-03-12 | Green Revolution Cooling, Inc. | Fluid delivery wand |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2012118553A2 (en) | 2012-09-07 |
JP2014513336A (en) | 2014-05-29 |
KR20140023296A (en) | 2014-02-26 |
CA2827960A1 (en) | 2012-09-07 |
US20150195958A1 (en) | 2015-07-09 |
US20170079165A1 (en) | 2017-03-16 |
EP2681637A2 (en) | 2014-01-08 |
JP2014509726A (en) | 2014-04-21 |
AU2011360944A1 (en) | 2013-09-19 |
SG192974A1 (en) | 2013-09-30 |
WO2012118553A3 (en) | 2012-10-26 |
CA2827960C (en) | 2020-02-18 |
EP2681978A1 (en) | 2014-01-08 |
WO2012118554A1 (en) | 2012-09-07 |
AU2011360945A1 (en) | 2013-09-05 |
CA2828694A1 (en) | 2012-09-07 |
KR20140015416A (en) | 2014-02-06 |
SG193259A1 (en) | 2013-10-30 |
US9839163B2 (en) | 2017-12-05 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US9839163B2 (en) | Modular IT rack cooling assemblies and methods for assembling same | |
US9706689B2 (en) | Data center cooling system | |
US11867426B2 (en) | System and methods utilizing fluid coolers and chillers to perform in-series heat rejection and trim cooling | |
US9119326B2 (en) | System and methods for cooling electronic equipment | |
AU2021212117B2 (en) | Active/Passive Cooling System | |
US8118084B2 (en) | Heat exchanger and method for use in precision cooling systems | |
KR101391344B1 (en) | Sub-cooling unit for cooling system and method | |
EP3113593A1 (en) | Cooling system and method having micro-channel coil with countercurrent circuit | |
JP2010190553A (en) | Cooling system for electronic apparatus | |
US20120180986A1 (en) | Modular cooling and heating systems | |
CN112752475A (en) | External cooling unit design for data center with two-phase fluid thermal loop | |
US9448001B2 (en) | Indirect cooling unit | |
US20230371202A1 (en) | Server rack cooling system architecture | |
CN117596845A (en) | Refrigerating system of heat pipe refrigerating integrated cabinet | |
WO2023133478A1 (en) | Active/passive cooling system with pumped refrigerant |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: INERTECH IP LLC, CONNECTICUT Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:KEISLING, EARL;COSTAKIS, JOHN;MCDONNELL, GERALD;SIGNING DATES FROM 20130110 TO 20130111;REEL/FRAME:029618/0794 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: JABIL CIRCUIT, INC., FLORIDA Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:INERTECH IP, LLC;REEL/FRAME:033293/0118 Effective date: 20140710 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: TELL/AE LENDER, LLC, GEORGIA Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNORS:ALIGNED ENERGY, LLC;KARBON ENGINEERING, LLC;ENERGY METRICS, LLC;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:034286/0726 Effective date: 20141113 Owner name: ENERGY METRICS, LLC, CONNECTICUT Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:JABIL CIRCUIT, INC.;REEL/FRAME:034197/0254 Effective date: 20141114 Owner name: KARBON ENGINEERING, LLC, CONNECTICUT Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:JABIL CIRCUIT, INC.;REEL/FRAME:034197/0254 Effective date: 20141114 Owner name: ALIGNED ENERGY, LLC, CONNECTICUT Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:JABIL CIRCUIT, INC.;REEL/FRAME:034197/0254 Effective date: 20141114 Owner name: INERTECH IP LLC, CONNECTICUT Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:JABIL CIRCUIT, INC.;REEL/FRAME:034197/0254 Effective date: 20141114 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: ENERGY METRICS, LLC, CONNECTICUT Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:TELL/AE LENDER, LLC;REEL/FRAME:045396/0553 Effective date: 20150202 Owner name: INERTECH IP LLC, CONNECTICUT Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:TELL/AE LENDER, LLC;REEL/FRAME:045396/0553 Effective date: 20150202 Owner name: ALIGNED ENERGY, LLC, CONNECTICUT Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:TELL/AE LENDER, LLC;REEL/FRAME:045396/0553 Effective date: 20150202 Owner name: KARBON ENGINEERING, LLC, CONNECTICUT Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:TELL/AE LENDER, LLC;REEL/FRAME:045396/0553 Effective date: 20150202 |