FR3134680A1 - Thermal regulation assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly for thermal regulation of a space (15) delimited by a frame (10) housing electronic machines (12, 14, 16, 18) producing thermal energy. The assembly comprises: at least one ventilation device (42, 44, 46, 48) generating an air flow; a frame (40) supporting a ventilation device and installed on said frame (10); adjustment means for adjusting the position of said at least one ventilation device so that said air flow is directed towards areas accumulating thermal energy. The assembly further comprises a plurality of sensors (20 - 36) adapted to provide signals representative of the temperature. And said adjustment means comprise drive members of said ventilation device (42, 44, 46, 48) to be able to drive said at least one ventilation device in movement as a function of said signals representative of the temperature. Abstract figure: Fig. 1

Description

Thermal regulation assembly

The present invention relates to a thermal regulation assembly.

One area of application envisaged is in particular, but not exclusively, that of computer equipment, and in particular servers, which include processors releasing large quantities of heat.

Heat, in general, harms computer components and causes them to lose stability, in particular, and accelerates their aging.

It is then known to equip domestic computer equipment with fans to dissipate the thermal energy produced by the processors they include.

The towers, for example, accommodate a motherboard, one or more video cards, a power supply and several other peripherals, capable of producing thermal energy. Also, the front wall is, for example, equipped, in its lower part, with a fan, while the opposite rear wall is equipped, in its upper part, with a vent. In this way, fresh air is sucked into the lower part of the tower, it heats up on contact with the different components, then escapes to the rear in the upper part.

Server cabinets accommodate larger IT equipment concentrating large quantities of thermal energy in relatively confined spaces. Also, these cabinets are also cooled by active convection. We therefore install fans at the top of the cabinet, for example, and we take care to leave spaces between the different pieces of equipment to allow air circulation.

Also, to promote air circulation, drawers equipped with fans are also inserted into these cabinets.

It was also imagined to implement, in these drawers, adjustment means, to be able to adapt the position of the fans, to different equipment configurations with the aim of obtaining maximum thermal exchange between the air flows and the equipment generating thermal energy.

Also, we can refer to document FR3034886A1, which describes such adjustment means.

However, for each hardware configuration inside the cabinet, the position of the fans must be adjusted differently. And such an adjustment requires measuring the temperature at different points in the cabinet, and proceeding by trial and error to adjust the position of the fans so as to obtain the best heat exchange.

Also, a problem which arises and which the present invention aims to solve is not only to adjust the fans more quickly and also to obtain the best possible adjustment.

For this purpose, a thermal regulation assembly of a predefined space delimited by a frame is proposed, said frame being adapted to accommodate electronic machines producing thermal energy inside said predefined space, said assembly comprising: less a ventilation device making it possible to generate an air flow; a frame adapted to be installed on said frame, said frame being able to support said at least one ventilation device; adjustment means for being able to adjust the position of said at least one ventilation device on said frame so that said air flow is directed towards areas of said predefined space accumulating thermal energy. Said assembly further comprises a plurality of sensors adapted to provide signals representative of the temperature in order to be able to identify the position of said zones accumulating thermal energy; and said adjustment means further comprise drive members of said at least one ventilation device to be able to drive said at least one ventilation device in movement as a function of said signals representative of the temperature.

Thus, a characteristic of the invention lies, on the one hand in the implementation of sensors which make it possible to develop a thermal map of the space and on the other hand, in the implementation of drive members making it possible to automatically drive said at least one ventilation device into a position in which the air flow it generates makes it possible to dissipate the thermal energy produced by the electronic machines.

It will be observed that the sensors can also be those of a thermal camera which also provide access to thermal mapping of space.

Also, in a particularly advantageous manner, the thermal regulation assembly further comprises a control device connected to said drive members and to said plurality of sensors to be able to control the drive of said at least one ventilation device.

In this way, the control device can control the drive of the ventilation device based on the information provided by thermal sensors, in real time. In other words, if the thermal mapping of the space changes, the position of the ventilation device is readjusted to promote the best possible heat dissipation.

Preferably, the control device controls the ventilation device in order to readjust its position at a predetermined frequency. For example, he does this every minute.

Preferably, said at least one ventilation device is movable in pivoting. In this way, depending on the position of the zones identified as containing large quantities of thermal energy, the ventilation device can be pivoted in order to direct the air flow that it generates towards the zones thus identified. The possible directions of orientation of the air flow are then delimited by a cone of revolution.

Also, said at least one ventilation device is mounted in a spherical segment to form a ball joint. In this way, the ventilation device can easily be pivoted.

According to another mode of implementation, said at least one ventilation device is movable in sliding on said chassis. Such a possibility makes it possible to translate the air flow generated by the ventilation device so that it encounters areas containing large quantities of thermal energy. Furthermore, this possibility of translation of the ventilation device is advantageously combined with its pivoting possibilities so as to obtain a greater possibility of movement and consequently, of possibilities for reaching said zones.

According to a particularly advantageous implementation characteristic, said chassis comprises a frame having two opposite edges and slides extending from one of said two edges to the other, and said at least one ventilation device is slidably mounted on said slides. For example, the slides have two parallel rods spaced apart from each other and joining the two opposite edges of the frame. The two rods respectively pass through the ventilation device through two orifices with a diameter equal to that of the two rods, except for functional clearance.

According to a first alternative embodiment, the thermal regulation assembly comprises a screw-nut system connecting said at least one ventilation device and said one of said edges to cause said at least one ventilation device to slide.

Thus, an endless screw extends parallel to the slides and it is connected, on the one hand on one of the edges of the frame to an electric motor, and on the other hand to the ventilation device which it passes through engaged in a nut attached to the ventilation device. In this way, when the electric motor is controlled, the threaded rod is rotated and it allows the translational movement of the ventilation device.

According to a second alternative embodiment, the thermal regulation assembly comprises a rack system connecting said at least one ventilation device and said one of said edges to drive said at least one ventilation device in sliding.

A rack is then extended parallel to the slides from one edge of the frame to the other, while the ventilation device is equipped with an electric motor comprising a pinion meshing with the rack. In this way, when the electric motor is controlled, it causes the ventilation device to be driven in translation.

According to a preferred mode of implementation, said frame is mounted in said chassis forming a drawer. In this way, the frame can be permanently mounted through the frame, while the frame supporting the ventilation device can be extracted from the frame by sliding and be driven outside the frame. This possibility makes it possible to ensure the maintenance of the ventilation device, for example.

In addition, the thermal regulation assembly preferably comprises a plurality of ventilation devices adapted to be supported by said chassis. For example, the assembly comprises two first pairs of slides arranged parallel to each other and at a distance from each other on the frame and at a first level. These first two pairs of slides accommodate ventilation devices. Furthermore, the frame can be equipped with two second pairs of slides also arranged parallel to each other, but perpendicular to the first pairs of slides and at a second level spaced from said first level. In this way, the frame and hence the chassis, is provided with four ventilation devices. This offers great possibilities for dissipating the thermal energy produced inside the building.

In addition, the chassis is arranged substantially horizontally inside the frame. Also, it is advantageously flanked by two opposite grilles, one upper, the other lower, on either side of the frame. In this way, the air flows can pass through the grilles but on the other hand, the ventilation devices are protected from possible falling parts coming from the equipment to be cooled.

Also, the chassis is made up of a single block suitable for being permanently installed inside the frame. The frame can then be easily extracted from the chassis as will be explained in more detail below.

Other particularities and advantages of the invention will emerge on reading the description given below of particular embodiments of the invention, given for information but not limitation, with reference to the appended drawings in which:
is an operating block diagram of the thermal regulation assembly according to the invention;
is a schematic three-quarter front perspective view of an element of the thermal regulation assembly according to the invention; And,
is a detailed schematic view of the object of the .

There shows a frame 10, in the form of a cabinet, defining a space 15, receiving electronic machines 12, 14, 16, 18 in the form of “blades”. The frame 10 extends from a lower end 11 to an upper end 13.

The electronic machines 12, 14, 16, 18 are engaged horizontally through the frame 10. They each include a power supply, not shown, and a plurality of processors, not shown, and capable of generating thermal energy.

Furthermore, the processors are arranged in the electronic machines 12, 14, 16, 18, spaced from each other, forming passage paths between them. In other words, the air can travel along the paths.

Also, the frame 10 is equipped with a plurality of temperature sensors 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36 distributed inside the space 15 between the electronic machines 12, 14, 16, 18. The distribution of these sensors is adapted according to the arrangement of the machines and the presumed position of the hot sources.

The temperature sensors 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36 are respectively electrically connected to a control device 38 installed in a chassis 40.

In addition, the chassis 40 is equipped with two upper ventilation devices 42, 44 and two lower ventilation devices 46, 48. The ventilation devices 42, 44, 46, 48 are electrically connected to the control device 38.

We will refer to the in order to describe the chassis 40 in more detail. It has a general rectangular parallelepiped shape. Also, it has a front face 50 and an upper face 52, open to the . It has a lower face 54 opposite the upper face 52 and closed by a lower grille 56. It will be observed that the upper face 52 can also be closed by an upper grille.

In addition, the chassis 40 comprises a frame 58 installed to slide inside according to the arrow F to be able to be extracted through the front face 50.

The frame comprises a front part 60, opposite a rear part 62, which are parallel to each other, and two opposite side parts 64, 66, also parallel to each other. The lateral parts 64, 66 are perpendicular to the front 60 and rear 62 parts.

We find on the the frame 58, extracted from the chassis, and having its front part 60 opposite its rear part 62 and its two opposite side parts 64, 66.

The frame 58 further comprises inside, on the one hand, a front angle profile 68 opposite a rear angle profile 70 respectively integral with said front 60 and rear parts 62, and on the other hand, two side angle profiles 72, 74 opposite each other and respectively secured to the two lateral parts 64, 66.

Also, inside the frame 58, the two angle profiles, front 68 and rear 70, make it possible to support the two upper ventilation devices 42, 44 via a first pair 80 and a second pair 82 upper slides extending perpendicular to the front 60 and rear 62 parts.

The first pair of slides 80 is held in fixed position on the front angle profile 68 and on the rear angle profile 70 respectively, substantially parallel to one of the two lateral parts 66, thanks to two first opposite upper flanges 84, 86.

Also, the two upper ventilation devices 42, 44 respectively have two guide yokes crossed by the two slides of each of the pairs 80, 82. The guide yokes trap the slides. And thus, the ventilation devices are movable in translation along the pairs of slides.

At the same time, the second pair of upper slides 82 is held in fixed position on the front angle profile 68 and on the rear angle profile 70 respectively, substantially parallel to the other of the two lateral parts 64, thanks to two second opposite upper flanges 88, 90.

Thus, the two upper ventilation devices 42, 44 are slidably mounted respectively on the first pair 80 and on the second pair 82 of upper slides in directions parallel to the two lateral parts 64, 66 and, from the front part 60 up to at the rear part 62 of the frame 58.

According to the example presented on the , the first pair of upper slides 80 extends at a distance from said one of the two lateral parts 66, substantially equal to one sixth of the length of the front 68 and rear 70 angle profiles.

And in contrast, the second pair of upper slides 82 extends in the same way at a distance from said other lateral part 64, substantially equal to one sixth of the length of the front 68 and rear 70 angle profiles.

The two upper ventilation devices 42, 44 are driven respectively by two electric motors to be able to generate an air flow H towards the top of the frame 58 as will be explained below.

According to a particularly advantageous, but in no way limiting, embodiment, the upper flanges are replaced by movable members slidably mounted on the rear and rear angle profiles. prior. In addition, each of the movable members is adapted to be driven in translation by a motor member adapted to control the adjustment of the position of the pairs of upper slides respectively in relation to their lateral part of which they remain parallel.

At the same time, still inside the frame 58, the two side angle profiles 72, 74 make it possible to support two lower ventilation devices 46, 48 via a first pair 96 and a second pair 98 of slides lower extending perpendicular to the lateral parts 64, 66.

In other words, the two pairs of lower slides 96, 98 extend perpendicular to the two pairs of upper slides 80, 82 and they define a mean plane parallel and spaced from another mean plane defined by the two pairs of upper slides 80, 82.

The first pair of lower slides 96 is held in a fixed position on the two side angle profiles 72, 74 respectively, substantially parallel to the rear part 62, thanks to two first opposite lower flanges 100, 102.

At the same time, the second pair of lower slides 98 is held in fixed position on the two side angle profiles 72, 74 respectively, substantially parallel to the front part 60, thanks to two second opposite lower flanges 104, 106.

Thus, the two lower ventilation devices 46, 48 are slidably mounted respectively on the first pair 96 and on the second pair 98 of lower slides in directions parallel to the front 60 and rear 62 parts of the frame 58 and, on one from the side parts 64 to the other 66.

On the , the first pair of lower slides 96 extends at a distance from the rear part 62, substantially equal to a quarter of the length of the side angle profiles 72, 74. And on the opposite side, the second pair of lower slides 98 extends extends in the same way at a distance from the front side part 60, substantially equal to a quarter of the length of the side angle profiles 72, 74.

The pairs of slides can be adjusted differently depending on the needs and the arrangement of the electronic machines 12, 14, 16, 18 inside the space 15.

And, the two lower ventilation devices 46, 48 are also driven respectively by two electric motors to be able to generate an air flow B towards the underside of the frame 58.

According to another particularly advantageous embodiment, the lower flanges are also replaced by movable members slidably mounted on the side angle profiles. Each of the movable members is then adapted to be driven in translation by a motor member adapted to control the adjustment of the position of the pairs of lower slides respectively in relation to their front and rear part.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the electric motors of the lower ventilation devices 46, 48 and upper 42, 44 are respectively supplied with electric current via their respective pair of slides 96, 98, 80, 82.

Two electrical contact brushes not shown are installed on the ventilation devices and respectively bear on the slides of each of the pairs to ensure electrical contact.

In addition, the lower ventilation devices 46, 48 and upper 42, 44, are adapted to be driven in translation along their respective pair of slides, 96, 98, 80, 82 by means not shown on the ].

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, each of the lower ventilation devices 46, 48 and upper 42, 44 is driven in translation by means of an endless screw which extends between the slides of each of the pairs of slides and one angle profile to the other. One of the ends of the endless screw engages in an electric gear motor located on one of the flanges engaged in the angle profile, while the other end of the endless screw is free. On the other hand, the endless screw passes through a nut, or nut, held in a fixed position on the ventilation device between the slides. In this way, the rotational drive of the endless screw via the gear motor causes the translational movement of the ventilation device along the slides.

Other modes of driving the ventilation devices in translation are envisaged, and in particular a rack and pinion system, where the motor is installed on the fans.

A translational drive mode is also provided using toothed belts extended from one angle profile to another along the pairs of slides and which engage with the ventilation devices.

Furthermore, and according to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the axis of rotation of each of the lower ventilation devices 46, 48 and upper 42, 44 is movable and controllable inside a cone of revolution, which cone of revolution revolution has an axis substantially perpendicular to the average plane defined by the frame 58. The generating curve of the cone is for example inclined relative to its axis of revolution by 30°.

In this way, the air flows B and H generated by the lower ventilation devices 46, 48 and upper 42, 44 can thus be oriented independently of each other in directions contained respectively inside the aforementioned cones of revolution .

Thus, the motorization of the ventilation devices 46, 48, 42, 44, the motorization making it possible to tilt each of the axes of rotation of the ventilation devices, and the gear motors making it possible to drive the ventilation devices 46, 48, 42 in translation , 44, are connected independently of each other by electrical conductors not shown, to the control device 38 installed on the chassis 40 and illustrated on the .

Also, the motor parts of the moving parts of the pairs of slides are, where appropriate, also connected by other electrical conductors to the control device 38.

For example, the frame 58 is equipped with first plug-in means, not shown, to which all the electrical conductors of the aforementioned motors are connected, while the chassis 40 comprises second plug-in means, connected to the control device 38. Therefore , when the frame 58 is slidably engaged inside the chassis 40, the first plugging means engage in the second plugging means to ensure an electrical connection of all the electrical conductors.

There illustrates the frame 58 thus embedded in the chassis 40. The latter is equipped with a switch 108 making it possible to supply electric current, in particular the control device 38.

We will refer to the in order to describe the operation of the thermal regulation assembly.

Thus, the temperature sensors 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36 provide the control device 38 with signals representative of the temperature of their respective environment. Thanks to these signals, the control device 38 develops a three-dimensional thermal map of the space 15.

And depending on this mapping, the control device 38 controls the automatic adjustment of the position of the ventilation devices 46, 48, 42, 44, and their inclination to be able to lower the temperature inside the space as much as possible. 15 and also, so that the temperature is as uniform as possible.

In this way, the electronic machines 12, 14, 16, 18 and in particular their processors are automatically preserved.

The thermal regulation assembly according to the invention is not reserved exclusively for server cabinets.

In addition, in certain configurations, it is more efficient to install the frame receiving the ventilation devices vertically in the server cabinet so as to be able to evacuate the thermal energy, not vertically, but horizontally.

Claims (10)

Thermal regulation assembly of a predefined space (15) delimited by a frame (10), said frame being adapted to accommodate electronic machines (12, 14, 16, 18) producing thermal energy inside said space predefined, said set comprising:
- at least one ventilation device (42, 44, 46, 48) making it possible to generate an air flow;
- a frame (40) adapted to be installed on said frame (10), said frame being able to support said at least one ventilation device (42, 44, 46, 48);
- adjustment means for being able to adjust the position of said at least one ventilation device on said chassis so that said air flow is oriented towards areas of said predefined space accumulating thermal energy;
characterized in that it further comprises a plurality of sensors (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36) adapted to provide signals representative of the temperature in order to be able to identify the position of said zones accumulating thermal energy;
and in that said adjustment means further comprise drive members of said at least one ventilation device (42, 44, 46, 48) to be able to drive said at least one ventilation device in movement as a function of said signals representative of temperature. Thermal regulation assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a control device (38) connected to said drive members and to said plurality of sensors (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36) to be able to control the drive of said at least one ventilation device (42, 44, 46, 48). Thermal regulation assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said at least one ventilation device (42, 44, 46, 48) is movable in pivoting. Thermal regulation assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that said at least one ventilation device (42, 44, 46, 48) is mounted in a spherical segment to form a ball joint. Thermal regulation assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said at least one ventilation device (42, 44, 46, 48) is movable in sliding on said chassis (40). Thermal regulation assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that said chassis (40) comprises a frame (58) having two opposite edges (60, 62; 64, 66) and slides (80, 82; 96, 98) extending from one of said two edges to the other, and in that said at least one ventilation device (42, 44, 46, 48) is slidably mounted on said slides. Thermal regulation assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises a screw-nut system connecting said at least one ventilation device (42, 44, 46, 48) and said one of said edges to drive said at least one device sliding ventilation. Thermal regulation assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises a rack system connecting said at least one ventilation device (42, 44, 46, 48) and said one of said edges to drive said at least one ventilation device. sliding ventilation. Thermal regulation assembly according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that said frame (58) is mounted in said chassis (40) forming a drawer. Thermal regulation assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of ventilation devices (42, 44, 46, 48) adapted to be supported by said chassis (40).