JP6234555B2 - Cooling system - Google Patents

Description

  Electronic parts generate waste heat energy when in use. This thermal energy should be removed to mitigate the possibility of component overheating and malfunction. Computer systems typically have many such components, namely, waste heat sources, including but not limited to printed circuit boards, mass storage devices, power supplies and processors. For example, one personal computer system can generate 100 to 150 watts of waste heat, and some larger computers with multiple processors can generate 250 watts of waste heat. Some known computer systems have a plurality of larger processor computers, which are rack mounted components, and are installed in a racking system. Some known racking systems have as many as 40 such rack-mounted components, so such racking systems will generate waste heat on the order of 10 kilowatts. In addition, some known data centers have multiple such racking systems.

  In addition, some known data centers include methods and apparatus configured to facilitate the removal of waste heat from multiple racking systems. In addition, known data centers have multiple racking systems that include multiple configurations that are not uniform in terms of component density and usage, with each racking system at a non-uniform speed compared to the rest of the racking system. Some produce waste heat. In such a data center, applying a uniform heat removal method and apparatus to a non-uniform waste heat generation source is not always sufficiently efficient and effective in removing waste heat.

  Some data centers use outside air as an important cooling air. However, the characteristics and quality of outside air can vary widely even at a given location. Apart from the noticeable changes in temperature and humidity caused by seasonal changes, the environmental quality of the outside air can change due to a myriad of external factors. Temporal changes in availability, cooling capacity and outdoor air quality create difficult challenges in the effective scale of data centers and the operation of air cooling systems. For example, a mechanical cooling system that is scaled in a cooler, drier period of the year may not be able to provide adequate cooling in hot and humid weather. Conversely, mechanical cooling systems that are scaled to provide effective cooling during the hot and humid summer months are cooler and drier times of the year Can be a significantly oversized system.

1 illustrates one embodiment of a data center including a venturi section in which a two-phase mixture of air and water droplets is formed. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a data center including a venturi section and a bypass duct that mixes a two-phase mixture of air and fog with return air. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a data center including a venturi section and a desiccant wheel operable to dry a two-phase mixture of air and water droplets. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a desiccant wheel. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a data center having a desiccant wheel with a damper that controls the air flow of the desiccant wheel and the desiccant bypass duct. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a data center having a plurality of desiccant wheels with dampers that control the air flow to the desiccant wheel. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a data center having a heat exchanger that converts heat from the data center electrical load to a desiccant reactivation loop. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a data center having a solar thermal system that facilitates reactivation of the desiccant. FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a building having a desiccant wheel with a backflow arrangement to reactivate the desiccant. 1 illustrates one embodiment of cooling a data center electrical system using a two-phase mixture of air and water droplets. FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of cooling a data center electrical system with controlled airflow relative to a desiccant wheel. FIG. 2 is a fluid schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of an evaporative cooling system having upper and lower evaporative media banks.

  Various modifications and variations of the various embodiments described in this specification are possible. Particular embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and are described in detail herein. However, the drawings and detailed description thereof are not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular disclosed form, but on the contrary, all modifications that come within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Is intended to encompass equality and alternatives. The headings herein are used for systematic purposes only and are not intended to be used to limit the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, “may do” means a sense of tolerance (ie, potential) rather than a forced sense (ie, must) ). Similarly, the terms “including”, “including” and “including” (third-person singular) mean including, but not limited to.

  Various embodiments of systems and methods for cooling electrical devices in a data center are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a system for cooling a heat-generating component of a building includes a duct coupled to the building room and one or more air transfer devices. The duct includes a venturi section. The air transfer device transfers air through the venturi section of the duct so that at least a portion of the moisture in the air is converted from water vapor to water droplets. The water droplets are carried downstream from the venturi section by a two-phase mixture containing air and water.

  According to one embodiment, a system for cooling a heat-generating component of a building includes a duct coupled to the building room and one or more air transfer devices. The duct includes a constricted portion. The air transfer device transfers air through the constricted portion of the duct so that moisture in the air is converted from water vapor into water droplets. The water droplets are carried downstream from the constriction by a two-phase mixture containing air and water.

  According to one embodiment, a method of removing heat from a building electrical system transfers air through a constriction in a duct so that at least a portion of the moisture in the air is converted from water vapor to water droplets. Air and water droplets of the two-phase mixture are transferred. The electrical device is cooled using a two-phase mixture.

  According to one embodiment, the data center includes electrical devices, cooling systems, and methods. The cooling system includes a desiccant wheel, an evaporative cooling device downstream from the desiccant wheel, an air transfer device, and an air flow control device. The air transfer device transfers air across the heat generating component of the electrical device via a desiccant wheel, evaporative cooling device. The air flow control device controls the flow through at least one desiccant wheel.

  According to one embodiment, a system for removing heat from an electrical system includes a dehumidifier with a desiccant, an evaporative cooling device, and an air transfer device and an air flow control device. The air transfer device transfers air through a dehumidifying device, an evaporative cooling device, and an electrical system. The air flow control device controls the speed of the flow through the dehumidifier.

  According to one embodiment, a method for removing heat from an electrical system includes controlling the speed of one or more air streams. An air stream is passed across the desiccant to remove water vapor from the air. The air stream is transferred through a humid medium. Heat is removed from the electrical system using air from a humid medium.

  As used herein, a “data center” is intended to include any facility or part of a facility where computer operations are performed. A data center may include servers, other systems, and specific functions (eg, e-commerce, database management) or components dedicated to providing multiple functions. Examples of computer operations include information processing, communication, and operational control.

  As used herein, “mechanical cooling” refers to the cooling of air by a process involving mechanical action on at least one fluid, such as occurs in a vapor compression cooling system.

  As used herein, “evaporative cooling” refers to cooling air by evaporation of a liquid.

  As used herein, “direct evaporative cooling” refers to cooling air by direct evaporation of liquid into a cooled air stream.

  As used herein, “thermal insulation system” refers to a system that cools by evaporation of liquid.

  As used herein, “ambient” refers to the outside air situation where the system or data center is located. Ambient temperature can be measured, for example, at or near the intake hood of an air treatment system.

  As used herein, “computing device” refers to any of a variety of devices, such as a computer system or components thereof, on which computing operations are performed. One embodiment of the computing device is a rack-mounted server. The computing device used in this specification is not limited to an integrated circuit referred to as a computer in this technical field, but is widely used as a processor, a server, a microcontroller, a microcomputer, a programmable logic controller (PLC), an application specific integrated circuit, and Refers to other programmable circuits, and these terms are used interchangeably herein. Some exemplary computing devices include e-commerce servers, network devices, communication devices, medical devices, power management control devices, and professional audio devices (digital, analog or combinations thereof). In various embodiments, the memory may include, but is not limited to, computer readable media such as random access memory (RAM). Alternatively, compact disc-read only memory (CD-ROM), magneto-optical disc (MOD) and / or digital versatile disc (DVD) may also be used. Additional input channels also include computer peripherals associated with the operator interface such as a mouse and keyboard. Alternatively, other computer peripheral devices that may include, for example, a scanner may be used. Further, in some embodiments, the additional output channel may include an operator interface monitor and / or a printer.

  As used herein, a “damper” includes any device or component that can be moved to control (eg, increase or decrease) fluid flow through a duct or other path. Examples of dampers include plates, blades, panels or disks or any combination thereof. For example, the damper may include a series of parallel plates that can be rotated simultaneously near the duct. “Positioning” a damper as used herein refers to placing one or more damper elements to achieve a desired flow characteristic through the damper, such as opening, closing or partially opening. Or say to leave. In a system with four air handling subsystems, positioning the outside air damper is to open the outside air damper in one of the subsystems and keep the outside air damper closed in the other three subsystems.

  As used herein, “free cooling mode” means that the air treatment subsystem draws air at least partially from an external source (such as air outside the facility) and the air treatment subsystem does not actively cool the air. Includes an operating mode in which electrical fluid is sprayed on (eg, fluid flow through the cooling coil of the air treatment subsystem is interrupted by closing the flow control valve).

  As used herein, “room” refers to a room or space in a building. “Computer room” refers to a room in which a computer system such as a rack-mounted server is operated.

  In some embodiments, the cooling system includes a dehumidification system. In certain embodiments, the dehumidification system is installed upstream of other devices in the cooling system, such as an evaporative cooling system. The dehumidification system may provide the data room and / or the cooling device of the air treatment subsystem with, for example, air that is relatively dry compared to the outside air.

  In some embodiments, some systems have a duct with a constriction that converts water vapor into water droplets. The water droplets are carried downstream by a two-phase mixture of air and water. At least some of the water droplets are removed from the mixture.

  In some embodiments, a system for cooling heat-generating components of a building includes a duct having a venturi section that converts water vapor in the air into water droplets (eg, fog). The water droplets are carried downstream from the venturi section by a two-phase mixture of air and water. Water droplets can be removed from the mixture.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a data center cooling system with a dehumidification system and a direct evaporative cooling section. The cooling system 100 can remove heat from a computer system operating in the data center 102. The cooling system 100 in the embodiment of FIG. 1 includes an air treatment subsystem 104. The air processing subsystem 104 may direct cooling air to the data center 102.

  The number of air treatment subsystems 104 of the cooling system 100 may vary. In one embodiment, the cooling system 100 may include a number of air treatment subsystems 104. In one embodiment, the cooling system 100 may include four air treatment subsystems 104. In another embodiment, the cooling system 100 includes only one air treatment subsystem 104. In installations with multiple air treatment subsystems and / or multiple data centers, crossover-over so that cooling air from the air treatment subsystem is distributed and / or redirected within or between data centers. Ducts are provided (eg on the supply side, the return side or both). The air treatment subsystems may be controlled in common, separately or in combination. In certain embodiments, only a portion of the integrated air treatment subsystem for the data center has an outside air vent. For example, half of the data center air treatment system may have both an outside air vent vent and a return air vent, while the other half of the data center air treatment system may have only a return air vent.

  Each air treatment subsystem 104 may be connected to the data center 102 by a supply duct 108 and a return duct 110. Cooling air can enter the plenum 112 from the air treatment subsystem 104 via the supply duct 108. From the plenum 112, cooling air can pass through the flow restrictor 114 to the room 116. Cooling air can pass through the rack 118. After the air is warmed by the rack 118, the air can pass through the return duct 110. Air is recirculated through one or more air treatment subsystems or is exhausted from the system via an exhaust vent 120. The exhaust vent 120 includes an exhaust damper 122.

  The air of the air cooling system 100 may be taken from outside air, recirculated air or a combination of outside air and recirculating air. The air treatment subsystem 104 includes an outside air vent 124. The outside air vent 124 includes an outside air damper 126. The air treatment subsystem 104 includes a mixed air damper 130.

  The cooling system 100 includes a dehumidification system 132, an evaporative cooler 136, a supply fan 138, and a return fan 144. The cooling system 100 includes a bypass duct 140. The bypass duct 140 can bypass all or part of the supply air to the evaporative cooler 136. The evaporative cooler bypass damper 141 and the evaporative cooler face damper 142 can be selectively positioned to control the flow through the evaporative cooler 136. The cooling system 100 includes a return air bypass 151 and a return air bypass damper 152. Supply fan 138 and return fan 144 are coupled to VFD 146. The VFD 146 is connected to the control unit 150.

  The dehumidification system 132 includes a duct 170, an impingement plate system 172, and a bypass system 173. Duct 170 includes a venturi section 174. The venturi section may be in the form of a venturi nozzle. Venturi section 174 has a constriction where the cross-sectional area of the duct is reduced. Venturi section 174 has a converging section 176, a narrow section 178, and an enlarged section 180. The venturi section 174 may be a two-dimensional venturi or a three-dimensional venturi.

  Outside air, return air, or a combination of both may be provided as source air. Source air may be drawn by the supply fan 138 through the venturi section 174. Compared to the speed and pressure of the air entering the venturi section 174, the narrow section 178 increases the air speed and decreases the pressure. At or near the narrow section 178, some of the water vapor in the air can escape from saturation and water droplets are formed in the air. A multiphase mixture of air and mist is formed. In certain embodiments, the temperature of the narrow section 178 may decrease.

  The impingement plate system 172 includes a plate 182, a discharge pan 184 and a discharge pipe 186. Supply fan 138 draws air from venturi section 174 across impingement plate system 172. The impingement plate system 172 can serve as a moisture removal device. As a mixture of air and water droplets flows from the venturi section 174 across the plate 182, water can accumulate on the plate 182 (eg, in the form of condensate). The water on the plate can fall from the plate 182 and collect in the discharge pan 184. Water collected in the exhaust pan 184 can be carried away from the air treatment subsystem 104 to the exhaust pipe 186.

  The supply fan 138 moves the air that has passed through the condensing plate system 172 via the evaporative cooler 136. Since some of the source air moisture has been removed, the air supplied to the evaporative cooler 136 may be relatively dry. Providing the evaporative cooler 136 with relatively dry air can increase the effectiveness of the cooling system.

  The bypass system 173 includes a damper set that allows bypass of either or both of the duct and venturi section 174 and the impingement plate system 172.

  In FIG. 1, impingement plate system 172 is shown for illustrative purposes as being downstream of constriction 178. In some embodiments, the water removal device is located at a position different from the constricted portion of the duct. For example, an impingement plate for collecting water may be placed in the narrowest section of the duct (eg, narrow section 178) or an enlarged portion of the duct (eg, enlarged section 180). In some embodiments, a moisture removal device is placed in the duct to optimize mist removal from the two-phase mixture of air and mist.

  In the cooling system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1, a dehumidification system 132 is used in accordance with the operating mode of the cooling system 100 to dehumidify air from outside air, recirculated air, or a combination of outside air and recirculated air.

  The controller 150 is programmed to control the controllers of the air treatment subsystem 102 and the dehumidification system 132. The control device 150 is connected to the supply fan 138, the return fan 144, the outside air damper 126, the exhaust damper 122, and the mixed air damper 130. The control device 150 performs data communication with the temperature sensor, the humidity sensor, and the pressure sensor. For example, the controller 150 is in data communication with a temperature sensor 190 located near the intake hood of the cooling system 100. In one embodiment, the controller 150 is in data communication with a sensor 192 downstream of the dehumidification system 132.

  In one embodiment, all data center air treatment subsystems and dehumidification systems are controlled by a common controller. In other embodiments, separate controllers are provided for individual air treatment and dehumidification subsystems, or for a subset of the air treatment and / or dehumidification subsystems. The devices in the air treatment and dehumidification subsystems can be controlled automatically, manually, or a combination thereof.

  In certain embodiments, the controller 150 has at least one programmable logic controller. In particular, the PLC can open and close the damper of the air treatment system 104 based on command signals from the operator to create the air flow channel through the data center 102 that is required for popular operating conditions. . Instead, the PLC can adjust the damper between a fully open position that regulates the airflow and a fully closed position.

  In one embodiment, the cooling system 100 includes a plurality of temperature measuring devices that are thermocouples. Alternatively, the temperature measuring device includes, but is not limited to, a resistance temperature detector (RTD) and any device that facilitates the operation of the cooling system 100 described herein.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the air treatment subsystem 104 can flow air into the plenum 112 via the supply duct 108. In other embodiments, cooling air can flow directly into the room 116 via the supply duct without passing through the plenum. In various embodiments, the flow restriction device 114 can be selected to control the flow rate and the distribution of air between the racks 118 in the room 116.

  In various embodiments, the operation of one or more air treatment subsystems, dehumidification systems, or evaporative cooling devices of the cooling system is controlled in response to one or more conditions. For example, when one or more predetermined conditions such as temperature and humidity are met, the controller can be programmed to switch the air source of the air treatment subsystem from return air to ambient air.

  In various embodiments, the data center cooling system is operated in two or more different modes. The mode of operation for a given time can be selected based on ambient characteristics, air characteristics at various locations in the cooling system, and other characteristics prevailing at or near the data center. In various embodiments, the multi-mode cooling system can minimize the amount of energy required to cool the data center. Multi-mode systems reduce the size / capacity of one or more elements of the system, reduce operating costs of the cooling system and / or cooling effectiveness for more efficient use of components of the cooling air system (E.g., through data center computer systems at lower operating temperatures).

  In some embodiments, the cooling of the data center includes pre-dehumidification of source air (such as outside air). In one embodiment, the ambient temperature and / or the temperature upstream of the dehumidification system is monitored, and the dehumidification coil fluid is maintained a few degrees cooler than the measured air temperature. The air can be relatively hot and humid, as can be seen in southern Florida during the summer months. The air leaving the dehumidification system is relatively hot and dry. In one embodiment, the cooling mode may be evaporative cooling. In some embodiments, the cooling mode is a hybrid mode that includes mechanical cooling and evaporative cooling. In certain embodiments, the operating parameters of the dehumidification system are controlled so that the supply air achieves the desired characteristics for the cooling device. In one embodiment, the water in the dehumidification system coil is maintained at a temperature several degrees cooler than the outside air and / or the incoming air of the dehumidification system. In certain embodiments, air from the data room may be recirculated through a dehumidification system and / or a cooling device.

  The sequence to which the control condition is assigned can be different for each embodiment. The control conditions are monitored in time series (continuously, periodically, or irregularly), and the mode switch can be performed based on changes in the conditions. The dehumidification system may be enabled or disabled in various modes of operation described herein, either continuously or based on air conditions.

  In one embodiment, the building supply fan is 180,000 cubic feet per minute for Greenhack QEP-54. In one embodiment, the building return fan is 180,000 cubic feet per minute for Comefri ATLI0-40T2.

  In some embodiments, a multi-phase mixture of air and liquid water (eg, mist) can be mixed with return air from the heat generating components of the building. FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a data center that includes a venturi section and a bypass duct for mixing a two-phase mixture of air and fog with return air. The system illustrated in FIG. 2 may be similar to the system described above with respect to FIG. The cooling system 200 has a venturi section 174, a mixing region 202 and a bypass 204. Mixing region 202 is selectively placed in fluid communication with return duct 110 via vent 206. The damper 208 is actuated to control the air flow from the return duct 110 to the mixing zone 202.

  Source air may be drawn by the supply fan 138 through the venturi section 174. In the narrow section 178, the air velocity increases and the pressure decreases in relation to the velocity and pressure of air arriving at the venturi section 174. At or near the narrow section 178, some of the water vapor in the air can escape from saturation and water droplets are formed in the air. Water droplets can be formed in the air of a two-phase mixture of air and mist.

  Air from the return duct 110 may be introduced into the mixing region 202 via the duct 206. In the mixing region 202, the two-phase mixture of air and mist can be mixed with the air from the return duct 110. The air introduced from the return duct 110 may be heated by the components of the data center 102. Heat from the air from the return duct 110 can return some of the water droplets of the two-phase mixture to saturation. In this way, the return air can be cooled before being recirculated to the data center 102.

  In some embodiments, the desiccant system removes water from the source air before the air is used to cool the building components. In certain embodiments, the air dehumidified by the desiccant system is cooled using a direct evaporative cooler before being used to cool the component.

  In some embodiments, the desiccant system is used to remove water from a two-phase mixture of air and mist. FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a data center with a desiccant wheel system operable to dry a venturi section and a two-phase mixture of air and water droplets. The cooling system 220 has a dehumidification system 222. Dehumidification system 222 includes a venturi section 170, a desiccant wheel system 224 and a bypass 226.

  The desiccant wheel system 224 includes a desiccant wheel 228 and a wheel drive unit 230. Desiccant drive unit 230 has a portion of desiccant wheel 228 in the flow of supply air to the heat generating components of data center 102 and another portion of desiccant wheel 228 generates heat in data center 102. Desiccant wheel 228 may be rotated so that it is in the flow of return air from the component.

  The desiccant wheel 224 includes a desiccant material that removes water from the air as it is drawn by the supply fan 138 through the desiccant wheel 228. Air flowing through the return duct 110 is transported through a portion of the desiccant wheel 228 to reactivate the desiccant material. In some embodiments, the heater 232 is activated to heat the air in the return duct 110 before passing through a portion of the desiccant wheel 228 where the air is reactivated. The heater 232 may be a gas heater or an electric heater in various embodiments.

  In some embodiments, the air for reactivating the desiccant device is drawn from outside air. For example, in one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the return air damper 235 and the return air bypass damper 162 are closed or partially used to use outside air to reactivate the desiccant wheel 228. Closed. The ambient air reactivation damper 236 may be opened so that the air transfer device 144 transfers air through a portion of the desiccant wheel 228 and the desiccant wheel 228 is reactivated. In some embodiments, the reactivation air is a mixture of outside air and return air. For example, both the outside air reactivation damper 236 and the return air damper 235 may be partially opened so that a mixture of air and outside air from the computing room is supplied to the reactivation section of the desiccant wheel 228. Also good.

  FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a desiccant wheel. The desiccant wheel 240 includes a desiccant material 242. The desiccant wheel 240 is rotated (eg, using a belt drive) so that portions of the desiccant wheel 240 alternately pass through the drying zone 244 and the reactivation zone 246. A system of ducts for directing the dehumidified air stream to the drying zone 244 and the air stream to be reactivated (eg, drying the dried material) to the reactivation zone 246 (Not shown in FIG. 4) can be used. Exemplary desiccants that can be used in the desiccant wheel include silica gel, activated carbon, calcium chloride or lithium chloride. As the desiccant wheel 240 rotates, portions of the desiccant wheel 240 cycle between a drying mode and a reactivation mode.

  In some embodiments, a system for removing heat from an electrical system includes one or more desiccant dehumidifying devices and an evaporative cooling device. The air flow to the dehumidifier is controlled using an air flow controller.

  In some embodiments, the data center includes electrical equipment and a cooling system. The cooling system includes a desiccant wheel and an evaporative cooling device downstream of the desiccant wheel. An air flow control device (eg, a set of louvers) is used to control the air flow to the desiccant wheel.

  In some embodiments, air enters the unit through a set of louvers. The louver is motorized to control the inlet air flow. From there, air passes through the desiccant wheel. The desiccant wheel reduces the moisture content (or relative humidity (%)) of the air. The air passes through the fan compartment and then through an evaporative cooling medium that cools the air. Finally, air is sent to the conditioned space.

  FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a data center having a desiccant wheel and a desiccant bypass duct with a damper that controls the air flow in the desiccant wheel. Cooling system 260. The cooling system 260 includes a dehumidification system 262. The cooling dehumidification system 262 includes a desiccant wheel system 234, a bypass 264, a wheel damper 266, and a bypass damper. The wheel damper 266 and the bypass damper 268 may be connected to the control unit 150. Air flow to the desiccant wheel 224 is controlled using a wheel damper 266 and a bypass damper 268. For example, if dehumidification is required before air is introduced into the evaporative cooler 136, the wheel damper 266 can be opened and the bypass damper 268 can be closed. When air dehumidification is not required, the wheel damper 266 can be closed and the bypass damper 268 can be opened. In some embodiments, the air introduced into the evaporative cooler 136 is a mixture of air and ambient air that has been dehumidified by the use of one or more of the desiccant wheel systems 262.

  In some embodiments, multiple desiccant wheels are used to deliver an amount of processed air to the space. Using fresh air through the duct and a damper mechanism, the amount of air being processed is increased or decreased while maintaining a certain amount of air sent to the conditioned space.

  FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of a data center with a plurality of desiccant wheels having dampers for controlling the flow of air to the desiccant wheel. The cooling system 280 includes a desiccant wheel system 282, a desiccant duct system 284, a reactivation duct system 286, a desiccant system bypass 287 and a reactivation system bypass 288. The desiccant system main damper 289 and the desiccant system bypass damper 290 may be operated to control the source air to the supply fan 138. The reactivation main damper 291 and the reactivation bypass damper 292 may be operated to control air flow to reactivate the desiccant in the desiccant wheel system 282.

  Each desiccant wheel system 282 includes a desiccant wheel system 294, a desiccant damper 296, and a reactivation damper 298. The desiccant wheel system 294, the desiccant damper 296 and the reactivation damper 298 are controlled by the control unit 150.

  In some embodiments, one or more desiccant wheel systems 282 are activated to dehumidify the air before it passes across the evaporative cooler 136. The number of activated desiccant wheel systems, and thus the operating parameters of each activated desiccant wheel system, may be based on conditions within the data center or environmental conditions inside and outside the data center. The number of desiccant wheel systems that are reactivated may similarly be based on conditions within the data center or environmental conditions inside and outside the data center. For example, if the ambient air humidity is relatively low, all three of the desiccant wheel systems 282 can be bypassed using the desiccant system bypass 287. Conversely, when the humidity of the outside air is relatively high, all three of the desiccant wheel system 282 are operated by opening the desiccant system damper 296 and the desiccant system main damper 2989. In some embodiments, only a subset of the desiccant wheel system 282 may be activated (eg, only one or two of the desiccant wheel systems 282). In some embodiments, the air supplied to the evaporative cooler 136 is a mixture with dehumidified air using ambient air and one or more desiccant wheel systems 282.

  FIG. 7 illustrates a data center with a heat exchanger for transferring heat from an electrical load in the data center to the desiccant reactivation loop. The cooling system 320 includes a dehumidification system 322, a computing room exhaust duct 324, a computing room exhaust fan 326, and a reactivation loop 328. The reactivation loop 328 includes a reactivation heat exchanger 330. The reactivation heat exchanger 330 can transfer heat from the air passing through the computing room exhaust duct 324 to the air in the reactivation loop 330. The heated air can be forced through the reactivation zone of the desiccant wheel 228 to reactivate the desiccant in the wheel. In one embodiment, the reactivation heat exchanger 330 is a thermal wheel. In another embodiment, the reactivation heat exchanger 330 is a flat frame heat exchanger. In certain embodiments, the air in the computing room exhaust duct 324 is preheated using the heater 232 before passing through the reactivation heat exchanger 330.

  As illustrated in FIG. 7, air for the reactivation loop is drawn from the main supply air duct into the computer room. However, in certain embodiments, air for the reactivation loop may be drawn from outside air in addition to or instead of the supply air duct.

  FIG. 8 shows a data center having a solar heat system to facilitate reactivation of the desiccant. The cooling system 360 includes a dehumidification system 362 and a solar heating device 364. The solar heating device 364 can transfer solar heat to the air in the reactivation loop 366. In order to reactivate the desiccant in the wheel, the heated air can be forced through the reactivation zone of the desiccant wheel 228. In certain embodiments, solar heating of the air in the reactivation loop 366 is supplemented using other heat sources such as an electric heater or a gas heater.

  In some embodiments, the air for reactivating the desiccant wheel from the process air is dehumidified using the desiccant wheel. In one embodiment, the air for reactivation of the desiccant wheel in the computing room is isolated from the air passing through the electrical system in the data center.

  In some embodiments, air for reactivating the desiccant wheel is introduced on the same side of the wheel to be dehumidified. FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of a building having a reverse flow desiccant wheel for desiccant reactivation. System 380 includes a reactivation duct system 382. A portion of the desiccant wheel 228 that is reactivated passes through the reactivation duct system 382. The reactivated air transfer device 384 transfers air through a portion of the desiccant wheel 228 being reactivated (from right to left in FIG. 9). The reactivation duct system 382 is isolated from the return duct 110.

  In an embodiment, a method for removing heat from an electrical system in a building includes transferring an air flow through a constriction in a duct to convert some of the moisture in the air into water droplets. There are also things.

  FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of using a two-phase mixture of air and water droplets to cool an electrical system in a data center. At 400, air is transferred through the constriction of the duct so that at least some of the moisture in the air is converted from water vapor to water droplets. In one embodiment, the constriction is included in the venturi section of the duct. Water vapor escapes from saturation at high speed and low pressure.

  At 402, a two-phase mixture containing air and water droplets is sent through a duct. In some embodiments, the two-phase mixture includes mist. The two-phase mixture may be drawn from the constriction by an air transfer device downstream of the constriction.

  At 404, the electrical equipment is cooled using the two-phase mixture. In some embodiments, water is removed from the two-phase mixture by a moisture removal device such as an impingement plate system or a desiccant wheel. Dry air downstream of the moisture removal apparatus can be passed through an evaporative cooler. Air from the evaporative cooler is used to cool electrical equipment such as servers in the data center.

  In some embodiments, air flow and other operational characteristics within the dehumidification system are controlled based on information from sensors inside and outside the building. The types of sensors used to control dehumidification include temperature sensors, humidity sensors, pressure sensors, and air velocity sensors.

  In some embodiments, a method for removing heat from an electrical system includes controlling the flow rate of an air stream. An air stream is transported across the desiccant to dehumidify the air. Dehumidified air is transported through the moist medium. Heat is removed from the electrical system using air from the moist medium.

  FIG. 11 illustrates one embodiment of controlling the air flow to the desiccant wheel to cool the data center electrical system. At 420, the speed of the air flow is controlled.

  At 422, one or more air streams are transported across the desiccant to remove water vapor from the air. In some embodiments, air passes through the desiccant wheel. In some embodiments, airflow to two or more desiccant wheels is independently controlled. The air flow to each desiccant wheel is controlled based on conditions in the data center, outside air, or both. For example, if the source air introduced into the cooling system is relatively dry, the damper to one desiccant wheel may open, or none of the desiccant wheels open. If the source air of the cooling system is relatively humid, the damper can be opened to supply air to two or more desiccant wheels.

  At 424, an air stream passes across or through the wet medium. In some embodiments, air passes through the evaporative cooler.

  At 426, heat is removed from the electrical system using air from the wet medium. In some embodiments, the electrical system is a rack-mounted computing device in a data center computing room.

  FIG. 12 is a fluid circuit diagram illustrating one embodiment of an evaporative cooling system including upper and lower evaporative media banks. The evaporative cooling system 500 includes an evaporating medium upper bank 502 and an evaporating medium lower bank 504. In one embodiment, the evaporation medium is a Celdek medium from Hunters Corporation. Supply from a domestic water supply facility is made via a supply valve 506. Water is supplied to the evaporation medium upper bank 502 and the evaporation medium lower bank 504 through the distribution manifold 508, respectively. Water may be supplied from the bottom sump 512 to the distribution manifold 508 using the pump 510. Balance valve 514 is controlled to balance the flow to manifold 508 and / or the water level in the media. Water can be recycled to sump 512 via three-way valve 520. Water can be drained or removed from the system via drain valve 522.

  In certain embodiments, the evaporative cooling system is inhibited from flowing through other evaporative media banks, but can be operated using any of the evaporative media banks. Air from the evaporative cooler can pass through the supply vent 402 to one or more rooms in the data center.

  Return air from the data center is accommodated in a return air chamber. In some embodiments, the air in the return air chamber is discharged to the outside via the exhaust port. In other embodiments, the mixed air damper is actuated to mix some or all of the return air with outside air entering the mixing zone. In certain embodiments, the air in the return air chamber is forced through a return air bypass. The flow through the return air bypass is controlled by a return air bypass damper.

  Certain embodiments include a mechanical cooling system instead of or in place of the evaporative cooling system. In one embodiment, the heat removal subsystem comprises an air conditioning refrigerant subsystem. In another embodiment, the heat removal subsystem comprises a cooling tower subsystem. Furthermore, in another embodiment, the heat removal subsystem comprises a tap water subsystem. In certain embodiments, a mechanical cooling system, such as an air conditioning refrigerant system, provides direct heat transfer communication to cooling air in an air treatment subsystem, such as the air treatment subsystem 104 described above with respect to FIG. You may do it.

  In certain embodiments, the operation of one or more subsystems (eg, CRAC) is controlled to increase or decrease the total power of the cooling system. In certain embodiments, the number of units to switch from normal mode to free cooling mode can be selected to achieve the desired level of cooling performance. In some embodiments, switching between outside air and return air and / or shutting down the refrigerator can be programmed to occur in stages.

  In the above figure, the connections between the control unit, the damper and the fan are not shown for the sake of clarity. However, in various embodiments, some or all of the illustrated dampers are automatically controlled (eg, a programmable logic controller). Also, any or all of the dampers shown in the drawings may include an actuator or other mechanism to control the position of the damper.

  Despite being described in many embodiments herein, non-mechanical cooling, including dehumidification, is described for illustrative purposes for electrical systems in a data center. However, dehumidification may be performed in other embodiments for other types of buildings and other types of heat generating components. For example, non-mechanical cooling, including dehumidification, can be used to cool a power plant, manufacturing plant, medical facility, or office building.

The disclosed embodiments can be described in view of the following sections.
1. A plurality of electrical devices including heat generating components; and
A cooling system,
One or more desiccant wheels;
One or more evaporative cooling devices downstream of the at least one desiccant wheel;
One or more pneumatic transfer devices;
Comprising one or more air flow control devices;
The cooling system;
At least one air transfer device is configured to transfer air via at least one desiccant wheel, at least one or more evaporative cooling devices, and at least one heat generating component of the electrical device;
The at least one air flow control device is configured to control flow through the at least one desiccant wheel;
A data center comprising.
2. The cooling system is configured to transfer air through the at least one desiccant wheel to reactivate the desiccant wheel, the cooling system transferring heat from an electrical device to the at least one desiccant wheel. The system of clause 1, wherein the system is configured to convert at least a portion of the air supplied to facilitate reactivation.
3. The system of clause 1, wherein the one or more desiccant wheels comprise two or more desiccant wheels, each of the at least two desiccant wheels being configured to dehumidify a different air flow.
4). A system for removing heat from an electrical system,
One or more dehumidifiers with a desiccant;
One or more evaporative cooling devices;
One or more pneumatic transfer devices;
Comprising one or more air flow control devices;
The at least one air transfer device is configured to transfer air via at least one dehumidifying device, at least one or more evaporative cooling devices, and one or more electrical systems;
The one or more air flow control devices are configured to control the flow rate via at least one dehumidification device.
5. The system of clause 4, wherein the at least one dehumidifier comprises a desiccant wheel.
6). The at least one air flow control device comprises one or more sets of dampers, and the at least one air flow control device opens and closes at least one damper to change the flow rate of air through the dehumidification device. Section 4 system configured as follows.
7). The system of clause 4, further comprising one or more ducts configurable to bypass at least one dehumidifier.
8). The system of clause 4, wherein the at least one air flow control device comprises a controller, the controller configured to control a flow rate of air through the at least one dehumidification device.
9. Further comprising one or more temperature sensors coupled to the control system, wherein the control system is configured to control the air flow in the duct based at least in part on information from the at least one temperature sensor. , Section 8 system.
10. Further comprising one or more humidity sensors coupled to the control system, wherein the control system is configured to control the air flow in the duct based at least in part on information from the at least one humidity sensor. , Section 8 system.
11. The system of clause 4, further comprising a mixing plenum, wherein the system is configured to mix outside air and air conditioned by at least one dehumidifier.
12. The system of clause 4, wherein the one or more dehumidifiers comprise two or more desiccant wheels, each of the at least two desiccant wheels being configured to dehumidify a different air flow.
13. The one or more air flow control devices comprise two or more air flow control devices, each of the at least two air flow control devices having an air flow velocity through one different desiccant wheel of the desiccant wheel. Section 12 system configurable to control.
14 A constriction is further provided in the duct upstream of the at least one dehumidifier, and the at least one air transfer device directs air through the constriction of the duct so that at least a portion of the moisture in the air is converted from water vapor to water droplets. The system of clause 4, configured to move.
15. An electrical device is in the data center and the system is configured to transfer heated air from the data center electrical device through at least one desiccant wheel, the heated air facilitating reactivation of the desiccant wheel. , Section 4 system.
16. The system of section 4, further comprising a solar heating device configured to heat the air, wherein the system was heated by the solar heating device to facilitate reactivation of the desiccant wheel. A system configured to transfer at least a portion of air via at least one desiccant wheel.
17. 4. The system of clause 4, further comprising a heat exchanger configured to convert heat of the first air stream heated by the electrical system to heat of the second air stream, the system further comprising a recycle of the desiccant wheel. A system configured to transfer at least a portion of the air from the second air stream via at least one desiccant wheel to facilitate activation.
18. The duct further comprises one or more venturi sections so that the venturi system reduces the pressure of at least a portion of the air used to facilitate reactivation of the at least one desiccant wheel. The system of Section 4 configured as follows.
19. controlling the flow rate of one or more air streams;
Transferring at least a portion of at least one air stream through the desiccant to remove water vapor from the air;
Transferring at least a portion of the air stream through a wet medium;
Removing heat from one or more electrical systems using at least a portion of the air from the moist medium;
A method for removing heat from an electrical system, comprising:
20. 20. The method of clause 19, further comprising transferring at least a portion of the air heated by the electrical system through at least a portion of the desiccant to reactivate the desiccant.
21. Solar heating the air flow;
Transferring at least a portion of the solar heated air through the desiccant to reactivate the desiccant;
The method of paragraph 19, further comprising:
22. The method of paragraph 19, wherein controlling the flow rate of the one or more air streams includes activating one or more dampers to change the speed of the air stream relative to the desiccant.
23. Controlling the flow rate of the one or more air flows includes controlling the flow rate of the first air flow relative to the first desiccant wheel and the second air flow relative to the second desiccant wheel. Controlling the flow rate, and transferring at least a portion of at least one of the air streams through the desiccant causes the first air stream to pass through the first desiccant wheel and the second air stream to the second desiccant wheel. The method of paragraph 19, wherein the wheel is passed.
24. A duct connected to a room of a building comprising one or more venturi sections;
One or more air transfer devices,
At least one of the air transfer devices transfers air through at least one of the at least one venturi section of the duct so that at least a portion of the moisture in the air is converted from water vapor to water droplets. Configured,
A building heat generating component cooling system, wherein at least a portion of the water droplets are conveyed downstream from at least one venturi section by a two-phase mixture comprising air and water.
25. 24. The system of clause 24, further comprising one or more moisture removal devices configured to remove at least a portion of the water from the mixture.
26. The system of clause 24, further comprising an evaporative cooling device downstream from the at least one venturi section of the duct, the evaporative cooling device configured to cool at least a portion of the air passing through the evaporative cooling device. .
27. The room is a data center computing room, and at least one air transfer device is configured to transfer air through the computing room electrical device to remove heat from the electrical device. The system of verse 24.
28. A duct connected to a room of a building, the duct having one or more constrictions;
One or more air transfer devices,
At least one air transfer device is configured to transfer air through at least one of the constricted portions of the duct such that at least a portion of the moisture in the air is converted from water vapor to water droplets, and at least one of the water droplets is The part is conveyed downstream of the at least one constriction part by a two-phase mixture comprising air and water,
system.
29. The system of clause 28, wherein the at least one air transfer device is downstream from the at least one constriction of the duct.
30. The system of clause 28, wherein the air transfer device is configured to transfer air through the constriction of the duct so that the temperature of the air is lowered.
31. The room is a data center computing room and the at least one air transfer device is configured to transfer air through the computing room electrical device to remove heat from the air transfer device. Clause system.
32. The system of clause 28, further comprising one or more moisture removal devices configured to remove at least a portion of the moisture from the mixture.
33. The system of clause 32, wherein the at least one moisture removal device comprises one or more plates configured to collect at least a portion of the liquid moisture of the mixture as a condensate.
34. The system of clause 32, wherein the at least one moisture removal device comprises one or more desiccant devices configured to remove at least a portion of the liquid moisture from the mixture.
35. The system of clause 28, further comprising an evaporative cooling device downstream of the constriction of the duct, wherein the evaporative cooling device is configured to cool at least a portion of the air passing beyond the evaporative cooling device.
36. The system of clause 28, wherein at least a portion of the two-phase mixture further comprises a plenum configured to mix with heated air returned from the room.
37. The system of clause 28, further comprising a control system configured to control the at least one air transfer device.
38. 28. The system of clause 28, wherein the system comprises one or more moisture removal devices and the control system directs at least one constriction of the duct without directing air through the one or more moisture removal devices. A system that can be configured to direct air through a section.
39. The system of clause 28, wherein the control system is configurable to direct air through at least one moisture removal device without directing air through one or more constrictions in the duct.
40. The system of clause 28, wherein the control system is configurable to mix outside air with the downstream air of the constriction of the duct.
41. One or more temperature sensors coupled to the control system, wherein the control system is configured to control the air flow in the duct based at least in part on information from the at least one temperature sensor; Section 28 system.
42. One or more humidity sensors coupled to the control system, wherein the control system is configured to control the air flow in the duct based at least in part on information from the at least one humidity sensor; Section 28 system.
43. Transferring air through the constriction of the duct so that at least a portion of the moisture in the air is converted from water vapor into water droplets;
Transferring a two-phase mixture comprising air and at least a portion of a water droplet;
Cooling one or more electrical devices using at least a portion of the two-phase mixture;
A method of removing heat from a building electrical system, including:
44. The method of clause 43, further comprising removing at least some of the water droplets from the two-phase mixture.
45. 45. The method of clause 44, further comprising cooling the air by evaporating water into the air downstream from the constriction.
46. The method of clause 43, wherein cooling the one or more electrical devices further comprises removing heat from the data center computing device.
47. cooling one or more electrical devices;
Mixing the two-phase mixture with the return air from the building room to cool the return air;
44. The method of clause 43, comprising recirculating at least a portion of the return air to the room.

  Although the embodiments described above have been described in considerable detail, numerous variations and modifications will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art once the above disclosure is fully appreciated. The following claims are intended to embrace all such variations and modifications.

Claims (15)

One or more dehumidifiers with a desiccant;
One or more evaporative cooling devices;
One or more pneumatic transfer devices;
One or more air flow control devices ,
A system for removing heat from the electrical system, further comprising a constriction of the duct upstream of the at least one dehumidifier ;
At least one of the air transfer devices is configured to transfer air via at least one of the dehumidifying devices, one or more evaporative cooling devices, and one or more of the electrical systems;
At least one of the air flow control devices is configured to control a flow rate via the at least one of the dehumidification devices ;
At least one of the air transfer devices is configured to transfer air through the constricted portion of the duct such that at least a portion of the moisture in the air is converted from water vapor into water droplets ;
A system for removing heat from the electrical system.   The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the dehumidifying devices comprises a desiccant wheel.   At least one of the air flow control devices comprises one or more sets of dampers, and at least one of the air flow control devices is configured to change at least one of the air flow rates through the dehumidification device. The system of claim 1, configured to open and close a damper.   The system of claim 1, further comprising one or more ducts configurable to bypass at least one of the dehumidifiers.   The system of claim 1, wherein at least one air flow controller comprises a controller, the controller configured to control a flow rate of air through the at least one dehumidifier.   And further comprising one or more temperature sensors coupled to the control system, the control system controlling the air flow in the duct based at least in part on information from at least one of the temperature sensors. 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the system is configured.   And further comprising one or more humidity sensors coupled to the control system, wherein the control system controls air flow in the duct based at least in part on information from at least one of the humidity sensors. 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the system is configured.   The system of claim 1, further comprising a mixing plenum, wherein the system is configured to mix outside air and air conditioned by at least one of the dehumidifiers.   The said one or more dehumidifiers comprise two or more desiccant wheels, each of the at least two or more desiccant wheels being configured to dehumidify air of a different airflow. The system of claim. The electrical device is in the data center, and the system is configured to transfer heated air from the electrical device of the data center through at least one desiccant wheel, the heated air being the desiccant wheel. The system of claim 1, which promotes reactivation. A solar heating device configured to heat the air, wherein the system includes at least a portion of the air heated by the solar heating device to facilitate reactivation of the desiccant wheel. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is configured to transfer through one of the desiccant wheels. Further comprising a heat exchanger configured to convert heat of the first air stream heated by the electrical system to heat of a second air stream, the system to facilitate reactivation of the desiccant wheel; The system of claim 1, wherein the system is configured to transfer at least a portion of the air from the second air stream through at least one of the desiccant wheels. Controlling the flow rate of one or more air streams;
In order to remove water vapor from the air,
  Transferring at least a portion of the at least one air stream through a constriction to convert a portion of saturated water vapor into water droplets and then passing through a desiccant;
Transferring at least a portion of the air stream through a wet medium;
Removing heat from one or more electrical systems using at least a portion of the air from the moist medium;
A method for removing heat from an electrical system, comprising: A duct connected to a room of a building, the duct comprising one or more constrictions;
One or more air transfer devices,
At least one of the air transfer devices transfers air through at least one of the constricted portions of the duct so that at least a portion of the moisture in the air is converted from water vapor to water droplets. Composed of
A system configured such that at least a portion of the water droplets are carried downstream from the at least one constriction toward the room by a two-phase mixture comprising air and water. The one or more dehumidifiers include one or more desiccant wheels;
The one or more evaporative cooling devices are downstream of at least one of the desiccant wheels;
The one or more evaporative cooling devices are configured to evaporate liquid into the air stream flowing through the one or more evaporative cooling devices to cool the air stream;
  At least a portion of the air flow flowing in the one or more evaporative cooling devices flows through at least one of the desiccant wheels located upstream of the one or more evaporative cooling devices;
The at least one portion of the air flow flowing in the one or more evaporative cooling devices bypasses at least one of the desiccant wheels located upstream of the one or more evaporative cooling devices. 2. The system according to 1.

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