US20200068747A1 - Flue device for computer racks - Google Patents
Flue device for computer racks Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20200068747A1 US20200068747A1 US16/671,125 US201916671125A US2020068747A1 US 20200068747 A1 US20200068747 A1 US 20200068747A1 US 201916671125 A US201916671125 A US 201916671125A US 2020068747 A1 US2020068747 A1 US 2020068747A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- ventilation channel
- flue device
- elongate body
- flue
- open end
- 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
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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
- 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
-
- 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
- H05K5/00—Casings, cabinets or drawers for electric apparatus
- H05K5/02—Details
- H05K5/0213—Venting apertures; Constructional details thereof
-
- 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
- H05K7/14—Mounting supporting structure in casing or on frame or rack
- H05K7/1401—Mounting supporting structure in casing or on frame or rack comprising clamping or extracting means
-
- 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
- H05K7/20009—Modifications to facilitate cooling, ventilating, or heating using a gaseous coolant in electronic enclosures
- H05K7/20136—Forced ventilation, e.g. by fans
- H05K7/20145—Means for directing air flow, e.g. ducts, deflectors, plenum or guides
-
- 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
- H05K7/20009—Modifications to facilitate cooling, ventilating, or heating using a gaseous coolant in electronic enclosures
- H05K7/20136—Forced ventilation, e.g. by fans
- H05K7/20172—Fan mounting or fan specifications
-
- 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
- H05K7/20718—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
Definitions
- aspects of the present disclosure involve a flue device for use in managing heat generated by computing devices of a computer rack or similar computing system.
- Data centers and similar facilities generally include interconnected computing and networking devices that are often arranged in computer racks or cabinets. Modern data centers may cover tens or even hundreds of thousands of square feet and include hundreds or even thousands of individual cabinets. Each such cabinet may include multiple computing devices that generate heat and that can suffer from inefficient performance and even damage if allowed to exceed certain operating temperatures. As a result, careful management of a data center's ambient environment and, in particular, ensuring adequate circulation of hot and cool air within such an environment is a key aspect to ensuring optimal performance and maximizing uptime of a data center.
- flue device for computer racks.
- the flue device includes an elongate body having an open end and defining a ventilation channel.
- the flue device further includes coupling features disposed along the elongate body. Each coupling feature is adapted to detachably couple the elongate body to at least one of the computer rack or a computing device retained within the computer rack.
- the elongate body When coupled to the computer rack, the elongate body extends in a substantially vertical direction with the open end extending upward and is positioned to extend over one or more vents of computing devices retained within the computer rack, to receive air from the one or more vents, and to direct the received air toward the open end.
- a computer rack in another implementation of the present disclosure includes a frame, a computing device mounted within the frame, the computing device including a vent, and a flue device supported, at least in part, by at least one of the frame or the computing device.
- the flue device includes an elongate body having an open end and defining a ventilation channel.
- the flue device further includes coupling features disposed along the elongate body. Each coupling feature is adapted to couple the elongate body to at least one of the computer rack or a computing device retained within the computer rack.
- the elongate body When coupled to the computer rack, the elongate body extends in a substantially vertical direction with the open end extending upward and is positioned to extend over one or more vents of computing devices retained within the computer rack, to receive air from the one or more vents, and to direct the received air toward the open end.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a server environment including computer racks having flue devices in accordance with the present disclosure
- FIG. 2 is a detail view of a computer rack of FIG. 1 including a flue device
- FIGS. 3A and 3B are a side elevation view and a cross-sectional side view, respectively, of the flue device of FIG. 2 ;
- FIGS. 4A and 4B are detail views of cable cutouts of the flue device of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 5 is a side detail view of a cable cutout for a second implementation of a flue device, the flue device including a knockout;
- FIG. 6 is a side detail view of a cable cutout for a third implementation of a flue device, the flue device including a fiber-based cable support system;
- FIG. 7 is a side detail view of a fourth implementation of a flue device, the flue device including magnetic coupling elements;
- FIG. 8 is a side detail view of a fifth implementation of a flue device, the flue device including hooked coupling elements;
- FIGS. 9A-9C are cross-sectional top views of a sixth flue device illustrating coupling of the sixth flue device to a wall structure
- FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of a computer rack to which a seventh implementation of a flue device is coupled;
- FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of an eighth implementation of a flue device, the flue device including internal baffles;
- FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side view of a ninth implementation of a flue device including internal airfoils;
- FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side view of a tenth implementation of a flue device including a louver mechanism
- FIG. 14A-140 are cross-sectional side views of implementations of flue devices, each of the flue devices including a fan;
- FIG. 15A-15D are cross-sectional top views of implementations of flue devices having varying cross-sectional shapes.
- a flue device for use with a computer rack or cabinet.
- the flue device is adapted to be coupled to the computer rack or cabinet, to receive hot air from exhaust ports or similar ventilation structures of computing equipment within the rack, and to direct the hot air above the computer rack.
- the heated air may subsequently be directed into a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) or similar system for managing air circulation and air temperature.
- HVAC heating ventilation and air conditioning
- FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a server or data center environment 10 including a plurality of computer racks 16 .
- Each computer rack 16 may include one or more rack-mounted computing devices including, without limitation, servers, switches, data storage devices, and computing appliances which may in turn be connected to other computing devices, including other rack-mounted computing devices within the environment 10 .
- the computer racks 16 may further include auxiliary equipment such as, without limitation, cooling units, power systems, cable management systems, and shelving or other structural components.
- rack-mounted computing devices During operation, the components of the rack-mounted computing devices contained within the computer racks 16 generate heat. Absent sufficient ventilation, such heat can cause components of the rack-mounted computing devices to function inefficiently or even fail. Accordingly, rack-mounted computing devices often include a fan or similar ventilation device to remove heated air from within the rack-mounted computing device by drawing in cool air from a forward port and pushing heated air out a rear ventilation port.
- rack-mounted computing devices often include a fan or similar ventilation device to remove heated air from within the rack-mounted computing device by drawing in cool air from a forward port and pushing heated air out a rear ventilation port.
- the collective exhaust heat in the surrounding environment can rapidly increase temperatures of the surrounding environment such that the cooling systems of the rack-mounted computing devices are essentially ineffective.
- the computer racks 16 may be arranged in parallel or substantially parallel rows with the ventilation and cooling systems of each individual rack-mounted computing device within a given row arranged to draw air in from a first side of the computer racks 16 and eject heated air from a second, opposite side. Adjacent rows are often arranged such that the rack-mounted computing devices of one row of computer racks 16 face those in the adjacent row. As a result, “cold” aisles 70 are created between the front faces of the computer racks 16 and “hot” aisles 80 are created between the rear faces of the computer racks 16 .
- HVAC heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning
- cooled air may be provided through cold air ducts 14 embedded into the floor into the cold aisles 70 while heated air may be drawn out through an overhead ventilation system 12 from the hot aisles 80 .
- the computer racks 16 each include a flue device 100 coupled to their respective rear faces.
- the flue devices 100 are configured to accumulate exhaust air from the rack-mounted computing devices of their respective computer racks 16 and to direct the heated air upward and away from the supply of cooled air received from the cold air ducts 14 . By doing so, mixing of the heated exhaust air and fresh cooled air is minimized, thereby improving the overall cooling efficiency of the individual computer racks 16 and reducing heat buildup within the overall environment 10 .
- FIG. 2 is a side detail view of a flue device 100 coupled to a computer rack 16 (shown in dashed lines).
- the flue device 100 is illustrated in FIG. 2 in a simplified configuration including an elongate body 102 having an upper open end 101 and a closed bottom end 103 .
- the elongate body 102 generally defines a ventilation channel 105 with an open side 107 that faces the computer rack 16 when the flue device 100 is coupled to the computer rack 16 .
- the ventilation channel 105 is positioned to receive heated air from cooling and ventilation systems of the rack-mounted equipment of the computer rack 16 .
- the computer rack 16 includes a rack-mounted computing device 18 including a fan 20 or similar ventilation system that draws air through the rack-mounted computing device 18 and into the ventilation channel 105 .
- the heated air 50 within the ventilation channel 105 is then permitted to rise upward and out of the flue device 100 through the upper open end 101 .
- FIGS. 3A and 3B are side elevation and side cross-sectional views of the flue device 100 detached from the computer rack 16 .
- the flue device 100 includes an elongate body 102 .
- the elongate body 102 may define multiple cable cutouts distributed along its length.
- the elongate body 102 includes both side cutouts 104 and rear cutouts 106 such that cables may be routed through or into the elongated body 102 .
- a side cable cutout 104 and a set of rear cable cutouts 106 are illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B , which are detailed side and rear views of the flue device 100 , respectively.
- the shapes of the side cutouts 104 and the rear cutouts 106 shown in FIGS. 3A-4B are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. More generally, the side cutouts 104 and the rear cutouts 106 may or may not be included in implementations of the current disclosure and, when included, may be distributed and may have shapes other than those illustrated. Rather, the cutouts 104 , 106 are more generally intended to enable cables to be run into or through the flue device 100 .
- the flue device 100 generally includes each of a side cable cutout 104 and a set of rear cable cutouts 106 disposed at regular intervals along the length of the elongate body 102 .
- such intervals may be based on standard rack units (RU), which are approximately 1.75 inches, such that each side cable cutout 104 and corresponding set of rear cable cutouts 106 is disposed at regular 1 RU, 2 RU, 4 RU, or any other suitable RU intervals.
- RU standard rack units
- the cable cutouts 104 , 106 may be unevenly distributed along the length of the elongate body 102 or otherwise omitted along some or all of the length of the elongate body 102 .
- the elongate body 102 may omit cable cutouts 104 , 106 in locations corresponding to portions of the computer rack 16 in which no fan 20 or similar ventilation system is disposed.
- FIG. 5 is a side detail view of another flue device 200 .
- the flue device 200 includes an elongate body 202 defining at least one cable cutout 204 .
- the flue device 200 includes a knockout 206 that substantially covers the cable cutout 204 and that may be removed in order to open the cable cutout 204 .
- the knockout 206 includes tabs, such as a tab 208 , which couple the knockout 206 to the elongate body 202 . To remove the knockout 206 , force may be applied to the knockout 206 to break the tabs 208 , allowing the knockout 206 to be removed.
- Such knockouts 206 may be disposed along the length of the elongate body 202 such that, when installing the flue device 200 onto a computer rack, the option is provided to remove only the knockouts 206 corresponding to locations in which cables will actually be run. As a result, the opportunity for air to leak from within the elongate body is reduced.
- caps or similar detachable covers may be used in addition to or instead of the knockouts 206 .
- the covers may be selectively coupled and decoupled from the elongate body 202 such that the flue device 200 may be reconfigured. While illustrated in FIG. 5 as being applied to a side cable cutout 204 , similar knockouts, caps, or other covers may also be used on any other cable cutouts or openings of flue devices in accordance with this disclosure.
- FIG. 6 is another flue device 300 including an elongate body 302 defining a cable cutout 304 .
- the flue device 300 includes a set of fibers 306 extending from the elongate body 302 into the cable cutout 304 .
- Such fibers 306 support and retain cables or other objects extending into the elongate body 302 while also reducing leakage from the elongate body 302 .
- Similar to the previously discussed knockouts and caps, similar fibers may be included in any opening or cutout of the flue device 300 .
- FIG. 7 illustrates another flue device 400 including an elongate body 402 that further includes extensions 406 and that defines cable cutouts, such as cable cutout 404 .
- Each of the extensions 406 terminates in a magnet 408 that may be used to couple the flue device 400 to a corresponding magnetic structure of a computer rack.
- magnets on the flue device 400 are not limited to such arrangements. Rather, magnets may be placed anywhere along the surface of the flue device 400 that contacts the computer rack to which the flue device 400 is coupled.
- the magnets may be removable or slidable along rails, grooves, or similar features of the elongate body 402 such that the magnets may be repositioned relative to the elongate body 402 to account for variations in computer racks.
- FIG. 8 is an alternative flue device 500 including an elongate body 502 that further includes extensions 506 and that defines cable cutouts, such as cable cutout 504 .
- Each of the extensions 506 terminates in a hook structure 508 that may be used to couple the flue device 500 to a corresponding structure of a computer rack.
- the hook structure 508 may be shaped to be inserted into a slot or to otherwise engage a corresponding structure of the computer rack itself or a device or accessory of the computer rack.
- FIGS. 9A-9C are cross-sectional views of another flue device 600 in accordance with the present disclosure and illustrate coupling of the flue device 600 to a wall 20 of a computer rack or device contained within a computer rack.
- the flue device 600 includes an elongate body 602 and a pair of opposed extensions 606 that terminate in tabs 608 .
- the extensions 606 are adapted to flex inwardly when an inward force is applied such that the tabs 608 may be inserted into gaps 22 defined within the wall 20 .
- the inward force may be removed from the extensions 606 such that the elongate body 602 returns to its original shape and the tabs 608 prevent removal of the flue device 600 from the wall 20 .
- FIGS. 7-9C are merely examples of ways that flue devices in accordance with this disclosure may be coupled to computer racks or similar structures.
- other approaches may be used.
- hook and loop fasteners, tapes, or adhesives may be used to attach the flue device to a computer rack. If tape or an adhesive is used, the tape or adhesive is preferably sufficiently heat resistant such that the tape or adhesive does not degrade when exposed to the operating temperatures of air within the flue device.
- the flue device may be coupled to the computer rack or other structure using fasteners such as, without limitation, clips, screws, latches, or bolts.
- the flue device may also be attached using, without limitation, one or more of rope, belts, bands, straps, or tie downs.
- FIG. 10 illustrates yet another flue device 700 coupled to a computer rack 16 .
- the computer rack 16 includes various rack-mounted computing devices 55 A- 55 F, each of which includes a respective ventilation or fan system 57 A- 57 F.
- the flue device 700 is intended to illustrate various features of flue devices in accordance with this disclosure. Implementations of this disclosure are not limited to the specific details of the flue device 700 , rather, the flue device 700 is intended to illustrate various features that may be included, alone or in combination, in flue devices of this disclosure.
- the flue device 700 includes various segments and components that are coupled together to define an elongate body 702 .
- the segments and components may be designed to have varying structures and functions to accommodate variations in computer rack designs.
- the flue device 700 includes a base segment 705 which may generally include a closed bottom 703 that prevents air within the elongate body 702 from dropping out of the flue device 700 .
- the base segment 705 is generally sized to cover the fan system 57 A of the rack-mounted computing device 55 A.
- the fan system 57 B of the rack-mounted computing device 55 B is covered by a similar flue segment 704 as the fan system 57 A of the rack-mounted computing device 55 A, however, because the fan system 57 B is not aligned with the fan system 57 A, the base segment 705 is coupled to the flue segment 704 by a bellows 706 .
- the bellows 706 is generally formed of a material and/or has a construction that enables expansion, contraction, and bending to accommodate differences in alignment between fan systems of rack-mounted computing devices. In other implementations, an angled or curved flue segment may be used instead of the bellows to account for such differences in alignment.
- the flue segment 704 is then coupled to a double-width segment 708 shaped to accommodate the fan system 57 B of the rack-mounted computing device 55 B.
- the double-width segment forms an s-shaped section such that it covers both fans of the fan system 57 B.
- the double-width segment 708 is generally representative of any segment of the flue device required to accommodate a sudden increase in width of the elongate body 702 .
- Such segments may expand to accommodate two or more fans and may include inlets and outlets that are collinear or, as is the case with the double-width segment 708 , may be offset relative to each other.
- the next segment 710 of the flue device 700 is shaped to accommodate both a fan system 57 D of the rack-mounted computing device 55 D, but also a rod 30 extending across the rack-mounted computing device 55 D.
- the segment 710 is representative of any segment of a flue device in accordance with this disclosure that must accommodate or otherwise extend around additional structural elements of the computer rack to which it is coupled.
- the segment 710 may include an additional extension 712 through which the rod 30 or other structural element may extend.
- the segment 710 may include a groove or other depression to avoid interference with the structural element.
- the segment 710 may be formed of a flexible material such that the segment 710 may be bent around or otherwise shaped to pass the structural element.
- the segment 710 may include cutouts, knockouts, or fibers, similar to the implementations illustrated in FIGS. 4A-6 through which the structural element may pass. In still other implementations, the segment 710 may include multiple segment portions that clip together or can otherwise be combined around structural elements.
- the fan system 57 E of rack-mounted computing device 55 E is substantially larger than the remaining fan systems 57 A- 57 D and 57 F.
- the flue device 700 may include an expanding segment 714 , coupled to a large segment 716 which in turn is coupled to a contracting segment 718 . Accordingly, the flue device 700 may expand via the expanding segment 714 to accommodate the larger size of the fan system 57 E with the large segment 716 then subsequently reduce via the contracting segment 718 to accommodate the smaller fan system 57 F of the rack-mounted computing device 55 F.
- the flue device 700 terminates in a terminal segment 720 that includes the upper open end 701 of the flue device 700 .
- the terminal segment 720 is shown as being longitudinally adjustable.
- the terminal segment 720 may be slid or otherwise translated within the segment 719 .
- the segment 719 may include slots or protrusions that mate with corresponding features of the terminal segment 720 .
- the terminal segment 720 may be retained within the segment 719 by a frictional fit.
- the various features of the preceding discussion may be implemented throughout flue devices in accordance with this disclosure.
- one or more bellows or similar features may be used along the length of a flue device to accommodate multiple changes in alignment between subsequent fan systems.
- the telescoping/longitudinally translatable feature of the terminal segment 720 may be included at other locations along the elongate body 702 to enable length adjustments and more precise configurations of the flue device 700 .
- FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of a flue device 800 according to the present disclosure.
- the flue device 800 includes an elongate body 802 defining a ventilation channel 805 .
- the elongate body 802 may further define cable or similar cutouts, however, such cutouts are omitted from FIG. 11 for clarity.
- a set of baffles such as the baffle 804 , are disposed within the ventilation channel 805 to direct airflow received by the flue device 800 .
- the baffles 804 may be arranged and oriented within the ventilation channel 805 to direct air received from rack-mounted computing equipment of a computer rack to which the flue device 800 is coupled in an upward or other direction.
- the baffles 804 of the flue device 800 are disposed toward an open side 810 of the flue device 800 such that an unobstructed column 812 extends along the ventilation channel 805 to the open end 801 of the elongate body 802 .
- the baffles 804 are also oriented at progressively greater angles along the elongate body 802 such that the baffles near the open end 801 direct airflow at a more aggressive angle.
- flue devices may differ from that illustrated in FIG. 11 .
- flue devices may have any suitable quantity of baffles, each of which may be positioned and oriented at any suitable angle to encourage airflow along the ventilation channel 805 .
- the baffles 804 may be integrally formed with the elongate body 802 .
- the elongate body 802 may include holes, grooves, tongues, or other features to which the baffles 804 may be coupled.
- the baffles 804 may also be retained within the elongate body 802 using clips or other fasteners.
- the baffles 804 may be selectively installed and removed from the flue device 800 to accommodate variations in computer rack design, including variations in the positioning of rack-mounted equipment.
- FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side view of another flue device 900 according to this disclosure.
- the flue device 900 includes an elongate body 902 having an open end 901 and defining a ventilation channel 905 . Similar to the baffles 804 of the flue device 800 of FIG. 11 , the flue device 900 further in includes airfoils, such as the airfoil 905 , disposed within the elongate body 902 along the ventilation channel 905 . Also similar to the baffles 804 of FIG. 11 , the airfoils 905 may be positioned and oriented along the ventilation channel 905 to direct airflow.
- the airfoils 905 may also be removable and/or adjustable within the ventilation channel 905 to enable the flue device 900 to be used with different computer rack configurations. Each of the airfoils 905 may further be shaped and oriented within the ventilation channel 905 to encourage airflow within the ventilation channel 905 by creating eddies or areas of varying air pressure within the ventilation channel 905 .
- FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side view of yet another flue device 1000 according to this disclosure.
- the flue device 1000 includes an elongate body 1002 having an open end 1001 and defining a ventilation channel 1005 .
- the flue device 1000 further includes a plurality of adjustable louvers, such as the louver 1004 , disposed along the ventilation channel 1005 .
- Each of the louvers 1004 is rotatable about a pivot, such as the pivot 1006 to vary the angle of deflection provided by the louvers 1004 .
- the louvers 1004 may be coupled to a rod 1008 or similar element that may be translated vertically to cause simultaneous rotation of each of the louvers 1004 .
- flue devices according to this disclosure may include a fan, blower, or similar forced air device. Examples of such implementations are illustrated in each of FIGS. 14A-140 .
- FIG. 14A illustrates a flue device 1100 having an elongate body 1102 with an open end 1101 and defining a ventilation channel 1105 .
- the flue device 1100 further includes a fan 1104 disposed opposite the open end 1101 .
- the fan 1104 draws intake air 1106 into the ventilation channel 1105 and creates a forced air current 1108 within the elongate body 1102 to encourage airflow toward the open end 1101 .
- FIG. 14B illustrates another flue device 1200 having an elongate body 1202 with an open end 1201 and defining a ventilation channel 1205 .
- the flue device 1200 further includes a fan 1204 disposed at the open end 1201 .
- the fan 1204 pulls air from within the ventilation channel 1205 , as indicated by arrow 1206 , and through the open end 1201 , thereby encouraging air flow through the flue device 1200 .
- FIG. 14C illustrates yet another flue device 1300 with an elongate body 1302 having an open end 1301 and defining a ventilation channel 1305 .
- the flue device 1300 further includes a fan 1304 disposed adjacent the open end 1301 such that forced air generated by the fan 1304 blows across the open end 1301 . By doing so, the fan 1304 creates an area of low pressure adjacent the open end 1301 that encourages airflow through the flue device 1300 .
- the fan 1304 is shown in FIG. 14C as being coupled to the flue device 1300 by a bracket 1306 . In certain implementations, the fan 1304 may be positioned to force air across multiple flue devices.
- flue devices may include one or more sensors, such as sensor 1110 , disposed along the ventilation channel 1105 or otherwise located to measure characteristics of the airflow within the flue device 1100 .
- the sensor 1110 may be used to measure one or more parameters including, without limitation, one or more of temperature, pressure, and flow rate within the ventilation channel 1105 .
- the sensor 1110 may in turn be coupled to a controller 1112 or other computing device adapted to receive measurements from the sensor 1110 and to control one or more actuators for controlling operation of the flue device 1100 .
- a controller 1112 may activate the fan 1104 in response to the sensor 1110 measuring airflow below a predetermined threshold or temperature above a predetermined threshold.
- controller 1112 may be communicatively coupled to an actuator that changes the position and/or orientation of baffles, louvers, airfoils, or other structures disposed within the elongate body 1102 in response to measurements obtained from the sensor 1110 .
- FIGS. 15A-15D are cross-sectional views of various flue devices according to this disclosure and are intended to illustrate some shapes of possible flue devices.
- FIGS. 15A-15D are not intended to be limiting and flue devices having cross-sectional shapes other than those illustrated are within the scope of this disclosure.
- FIG. 15A illustrates a flue device 1400 having a substantially square/rectangular or U-shaped profile.
- the flue device 1400 includes an elongate body 1402 having a rear wall 1440 and a pair of parallel side walls 1442 A, 1442 B extending substantially perpendicular to the rear wall 1440 such that the elongate body 1402 defines a ventilation channel 1405 .
- the rear wall 1440 defines rear cutouts 1406 A- 1406 C and each of the side walls 1442 A, 1442 B similarly define side cutouts 1404 A, 1404 B.
- the rear cutouts 1406 A- 1406 C and the side cutouts 1404 A, 1404 B may be used, for example, to insert cables into or run cables through the flue device 1400 .
- FIG. 15B illustrates a flue device 1500 having a V-shaped profile.
- the flue device 1500 includes an elongate body 1502 having intersecting side walls 1542 A, 1542 B such that the elongate body 1502 defines a ventilation channel 1505 .
- Each of the first side wall 1542 A and the second side wall 1542 B further define pairs of cutouts 1504 A, 1506 A and 1504 B, 1504 B, respectively.
- FIG. 15C illustrates a flue device 1600 having a partially curved profile.
- the flue device 1600 includes an elongate body 1602 having a curved rear wall 1640 and a pair of parallel side walls 1642 A, 1642 B extending from the curved rear wall 1640 such that the elongate body 1602 defines a ventilation channel 1605 .
- the curved rear wall 1640 defines rear cutouts 1606 A- 1606 C and each of the side walls 1642 A, 1642 B similarly define side cutouts 1604 A, 1604 B.
- FIG. 15D illustrates a flue device 1700 having an angular profile.
- the flue device 1700 includes an elongate body 1702 having a rear wall 1740 , a first pair of side walls 1742 A, 1742 B extending from the rear wall 1740 and a second pair of side walls 1744 A, 1744 B extending perpendicular to the rear wall 1740 , thereby defining a ventilation channel 1705 .
- the rear wall 1740 defines a rear cutout 1706
- the sidewalls 1742 A, 1742 B and 1744 A, 1744 B define a cutouts 1704 A- 1704 D.
- the computer rack may include a frame adapted to receive one or more computing devices including respective ventilation/fan systems.
- a flue device or segments of a flue device may be coupled to or integrally formed with the frame of the computer rack in locations corresponding to the ventilation/fan systems of one or more of the computing devices.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Ventilation (AREA)
- Cooling Or The Like Of Electrical Apparatus (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This application is a continuation and claims the benefit of priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/176,755, filed Oct. 31, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,470,340, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) from U.S. Patent Application No. 62/579,697 filed Oct. 31, 2017, entitled “FLUE DEVICE FOR A COMPUTER RACKS,” the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
- Aspects of the present disclosure involve a flue device for use in managing heat generated by computing devices of a computer rack or similar computing system.
- Data centers and similar facilities generally include interconnected computing and networking devices that are often arranged in computer racks or cabinets. Modern data centers may cover tens or even hundreds of thousands of square feet and include hundreds or even thousands of individual cabinets. Each such cabinet may include multiple computing devices that generate heat and that can suffer from inefficient performance and even damage if allowed to exceed certain operating temperatures. As a result, careful management of a data center's ambient environment and, in particular, ensuring adequate circulation of hot and cool air within such an environment is a key aspect to ensuring optimal performance and maximizing uptime of a data center.
- With these thoughts in mind among others, aspects of the cable spool system disclosed herein were conceived.
- In one implementation of the present disclosure, flue device for computer racks. The flue device includes an elongate body having an open end and defining a ventilation channel. The flue device further includes coupling features disposed along the elongate body. Each coupling feature is adapted to detachably couple the elongate body to at least one of the computer rack or a computing device retained within the computer rack. When coupled to the computer rack, the elongate body extends in a substantially vertical direction with the open end extending upward and is positioned to extend over one or more vents of computing devices retained within the computer rack, to receive air from the one or more vents, and to direct the received air toward the open end.
- In another implementation of the present disclosure a computer rack. The computer rack includes a frame, a computing device mounted within the frame, the computing device including a vent, and a flue device supported, at least in part, by at least one of the frame or the computing device. The flue device includes an elongate body having an open end and defining a ventilation channel. The flue device further includes coupling features disposed along the elongate body. Each coupling feature is adapted to couple the elongate body to at least one of the computer rack or a computing device retained within the computer rack. When coupled to the computer rack, the elongate body extends in a substantially vertical direction with the open end extending upward and is positioned to extend over one or more vents of computing devices retained within the computer rack, to receive air from the one or more vents, and to direct the received air toward the open end.
- Example embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures of the drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than limiting.
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a server environment including computer racks having flue devices in accordance with the present disclosure; -
FIG. 2 is a detail view of a computer rack ofFIG. 1 including a flue device; -
FIGS. 3A and 3B are a side elevation view and a cross-sectional side view, respectively, of the flue device ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIGS. 4A and 4B are detail views of cable cutouts of the flue device ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 5 is a side detail view of a cable cutout for a second implementation of a flue device, the flue device including a knockout; -
FIG. 6 is a side detail view of a cable cutout for a third implementation of a flue device, the flue device including a fiber-based cable support system; -
FIG. 7 is a side detail view of a fourth implementation of a flue device, the flue device including magnetic coupling elements; -
FIG. 8 is a side detail view of a fifth implementation of a flue device, the flue device including hooked coupling elements; -
FIGS. 9A-9C are cross-sectional top views of a sixth flue device illustrating coupling of the sixth flue device to a wall structure; -
FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of a computer rack to which a seventh implementation of a flue device is coupled; -
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of an eighth implementation of a flue device, the flue device including internal baffles; -
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side view of a ninth implementation of a flue device including internal airfoils; -
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side view of a tenth implementation of a flue device including a louver mechanism; -
FIG. 14A-140 are cross-sectional side views of implementations of flue devices, each of the flue devices including a fan; and -
FIG. 15A-15D are cross-sectional top views of implementations of flue devices having varying cross-sectional shapes. - Aspects of the present disclosure involve a flue device for use with a computer rack or cabinet. The flue device is adapted to be coupled to the computer rack or cabinet, to receive hot air from exhaust ports or similar ventilation structures of computing equipment within the rack, and to direct the hot air above the computer rack. The heated air may subsequently be directed into a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) or similar system for managing air circulation and air temperature.
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FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a server or data center environment 10 including a plurality of computer racks 16. Eachcomputer rack 16 may include one or more rack-mounted computing devices including, without limitation, servers, switches, data storage devices, and computing appliances which may in turn be connected to other computing devices, including other rack-mounted computing devices within the environment 10. The computer racks 16 may further include auxiliary equipment such as, without limitation, cooling units, power systems, cable management systems, and shelving or other structural components. - During operation, the components of the rack-mounted computing devices contained within the computer racks 16 generate heat. Absent sufficient ventilation, such heat can cause components of the rack-mounted computing devices to function inefficiently or even fail. Accordingly, rack-mounted computing devices often include a fan or similar ventilation device to remove heated air from within the rack-mounted computing device by drawing in cool air from a forward port and pushing heated air out a rear ventilation port. However, in an environment including multiple computer racks, each of which may include multiple heat-producing computing devices, the collective exhaust heat in the surrounding environment can rapidly increase temperatures of the surrounding environment such that the cooling systems of the rack-mounted computing devices are essentially ineffective.
- To overcome this issue and as illustrated in
FIG. 1 , thecomputer racks 16 may be arranged in parallel or substantially parallel rows with the ventilation and cooling systems of each individual rack-mounted computing device within a given row arranged to draw air in from a first side of the computer racks 16 and eject heated air from a second, opposite side. Adjacent rows are often arranged such that the rack-mounted computing devices of one row of computer racks 16 face those in the adjacent row. As a result, “cold” aisles 70 are created between the front faces of the computer racks 16 and “hot” aisles 80 are created between the rear faces of the computer racks 16. In such an arrangement, a heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system may be used to provide cooled air into the cold aisles 70 and to receive heated air from the hot aisles 80. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 1 , cooled air may be provided through cold air ducts 14 embedded into the floor into the cold aisles 70 while heated air may be drawn out through an overhead ventilation system 12 from the hot aisles 80. - Although such an arrangement may improve air flow within the environment 10, hot air may nevertheless accumulate and pool within the hot aisles 80 and eventually mix with the cooled air provided into the cold aisles 70. To facilitate directing heated air from the computer racks 16 to a volume above the computer racks 16 such that the heated air may be removed by an overhead ventilation system 12, the computer racks 16 each include a
flue device 100 coupled to their respective rear faces. In general, theflue devices 100 are configured to accumulate exhaust air from the rack-mounted computing devices of theirrespective computer racks 16 and to direct the heated air upward and away from the supply of cooled air received from the cold air ducts 14. By doing so, mixing of the heated exhaust air and fresh cooled air is minimized, thereby improving the overall cooling efficiency of the individual computer racks 16 and reducing heat buildup within the overall environment 10. -
FIG. 2 is a side detail view of aflue device 100 coupled to a computer rack 16 (shown in dashed lines). Theflue device 100 is illustrated inFIG. 2 in a simplified configuration including anelongate body 102 having an upperopen end 101 and a closedbottom end 103. Theelongate body 102 generally defines aventilation channel 105 with anopen side 107 that faces thecomputer rack 16 when theflue device 100 is coupled to thecomputer rack 16. When theflue device 100 is coupled to thecomputer rack 16, theventilation channel 105 is positioned to receive heated air from cooling and ventilation systems of the rack-mounted equipment of thecomputer rack 16. For example, thecomputer rack 16 includes a rack-mountedcomputing device 18 including afan 20 or similar ventilation system that draws air through the rack-mountedcomputing device 18 and into theventilation channel 105. Theheated air 50 within theventilation channel 105 is then permitted to rise upward and out of theflue device 100 through the upperopen end 101. -
FIGS. 3A and 3B are side elevation and side cross-sectional views of theflue device 100 detached from thecomputer rack 16. As previously noted, theflue device 100 includes anelongate body 102. As shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B , theelongate body 102 may define multiple cable cutouts distributed along its length. For example, theelongate body 102 includes bothside cutouts 104 andrear cutouts 106 such that cables may be routed through or into theelongated body 102. Aside cable cutout 104 and a set ofrear cable cutouts 106 are illustrated inFIGS. 4A and 4B , which are detailed side and rear views of theflue device 100, respectively. - The shapes of the
side cutouts 104 and therear cutouts 106 shown inFIGS. 3A-4B are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. More generally, theside cutouts 104 and therear cutouts 106 may or may not be included in implementations of the current disclosure and, when included, may be distributed and may have shapes other than those illustrated. Rather, thecutouts flue device 100. For example, theflue device 100 generally includes each of aside cable cutout 104 and a set ofrear cable cutouts 106 disposed at regular intervals along the length of theelongate body 102. In certain implementations, such intervals may be based on standard rack units (RU), which are approximately 1.75 inches, such that eachside cable cutout 104 and corresponding set ofrear cable cutouts 106 is disposed at regular 1RU, 2RU, 4RU, or any other suitable RU intervals. In other implementations, thecable cutouts elongate body 102 or otherwise omitted along some or all of the length of theelongate body 102. For example, to reduce the likelihood of air escaping from theventilation channel 105, theelongate body 102 may omitcable cutouts computer rack 16 in which nofan 20 or similar ventilation system is disposed. -
FIG. 5 is a side detail view of anotherflue device 200. Similar to theflue device 100, theflue device 200 includes anelongate body 202 defining at least onecable cutout 204. In contrast to theflue device 100, however, theflue device 200 includes aknockout 206 that substantially covers thecable cutout 204 and that may be removed in order to open thecable cutout 204. For example, theknockout 206 includes tabs, such as atab 208, which couple theknockout 206 to theelongate body 202. To remove theknockout 206, force may be applied to theknockout 206 to break thetabs 208, allowing theknockout 206 to be removed.Such knockouts 206 may be disposed along the length of theelongate body 202 such that, when installing theflue device 200 onto a computer rack, the option is provided to remove only theknockouts 206 corresponding to locations in which cables will actually be run. As a result, the opportunity for air to leak from within the elongate body is reduced. - In other implementations, caps or similar detachable covers may be used in addition to or instead of the
knockouts 206. In such implementations, the covers may be selectively coupled and decoupled from theelongate body 202 such that theflue device 200 may be reconfigured. While illustrated inFIG. 5 as being applied to aside cable cutout 204, similar knockouts, caps, or other covers may also be used on any other cable cutouts or openings of flue devices in accordance with this disclosure. -
FIG. 6 is anotherflue device 300 including anelongate body 302 defining acable cutout 304. Theflue device 300 includes a set offibers 306 extending from theelongate body 302 into thecable cutout 304.Such fibers 306 support and retain cables or other objects extending into theelongate body 302 while also reducing leakage from theelongate body 302. Similar to the previously discussed knockouts and caps, similar fibers may be included in any opening or cutout of theflue device 300. - Flue devices in accordance with this disclosure may be coupled to a computer rack in various ways. For example,
FIG. 7 illustrates anotherflue device 400 including anelongate body 402 that further includesextensions 406 and that defines cable cutouts, such ascable cutout 404. Each of theextensions 406 terminates in amagnet 408 that may be used to couple theflue device 400 to a corresponding magnetic structure of a computer rack. Although illustrated as being disposed on the tip of each extension, the placement of magnets on theflue device 400 are not limited to such arrangements. Rather, magnets may be placed anywhere along the surface of theflue device 400 that contacts the computer rack to which theflue device 400 is coupled. In certain implementations, the magnets may be removable or slidable along rails, grooves, or similar features of theelongate body 402 such that the magnets may be repositioned relative to theelongate body 402 to account for variations in computer racks. -
FIG. 8 is analternative flue device 500 including anelongate body 502 that further includesextensions 506 and that defines cable cutouts, such ascable cutout 504. Each of theextensions 506 terminates in ahook structure 508 that may be used to couple theflue device 500 to a corresponding structure of a computer rack. For example, thehook structure 508 may be shaped to be inserted into a slot or to otherwise engage a corresponding structure of the computer rack itself or a device or accessory of the computer rack. -
FIGS. 9A-9C are cross-sectional views of anotherflue device 600 in accordance with the present disclosure and illustrate coupling of theflue device 600 to awall 20 of a computer rack or device contained within a computer rack. Theflue device 600 includes anelongate body 602 and a pair ofopposed extensions 606 that terminate intabs 608. As shown inFIG. 9B , theextensions 606 are adapted to flex inwardly when an inward force is applied such that thetabs 608 may be inserted intogaps 22 defined within thewall 20. After insertion of thetabs 608 into thewall 20, the inward force may be removed from theextensions 606 such that theelongate body 602 returns to its original shape and thetabs 608 prevent removal of theflue device 600 from thewall 20. - The magnet, hook and clip arrangements of
FIGS. 7-9C are merely examples of ways that flue devices in accordance with this disclosure may be coupled to computer racks or similar structures. In other implementations, other approaches may be used. For example, in certain implementations hook and loop fasteners, tapes, or adhesives may be used to attach the flue device to a computer rack. If tape or an adhesive is used, the tape or adhesive is preferably sufficiently heat resistant such that the tape or adhesive does not degrade when exposed to the operating temperatures of air within the flue device. In other implementations, the flue device may be coupled to the computer rack or other structure using fasteners such as, without limitation, clips, screws, latches, or bolts. The flue device may also be attached using, without limitation, one or more of rope, belts, bands, straps, or tie downs. -
FIG. 10 illustrates yet anotherflue device 700 coupled to acomputer rack 16. Thecomputer rack 16 includes various rack-mountedcomputing devices 55A-55F, each of which includes a respective ventilation orfan system 57A-57F. - The
flue device 700 is intended to illustrate various features of flue devices in accordance with this disclosure. Implementations of this disclosure are not limited to the specific details of theflue device 700, rather, theflue device 700 is intended to illustrate various features that may be included, alone or in combination, in flue devices of this disclosure. - Generally, the
flue device 700 includes various segments and components that are coupled together to define anelongate body 702. The segments and components may be designed to have varying structures and functions to accommodate variations in computer rack designs. - The
flue device 700 includes abase segment 705 which may generally include aclosed bottom 703 that prevents air within theelongate body 702 from dropping out of theflue device 700. Thebase segment 705 is generally sized to cover thefan system 57A of the rack-mountedcomputing device 55A. - As shown, the
fan system 57B of the rack-mountedcomputing device 55B is covered by asimilar flue segment 704 as thefan system 57A of the rack-mountedcomputing device 55A, however, because thefan system 57B is not aligned with thefan system 57A, thebase segment 705 is coupled to theflue segment 704 by abellows 706. The bellows 706 is generally formed of a material and/or has a construction that enables expansion, contraction, and bending to accommodate differences in alignment between fan systems of rack-mounted computing devices. In other implementations, an angled or curved flue segment may be used instead of the bellows to account for such differences in alignment. - The
flue segment 704 is then coupled to a double-width segment 708 shaped to accommodate thefan system 57B of the rack-mountedcomputing device 55B. As shown, the double-width segment forms an s-shaped section such that it covers both fans of thefan system 57B. The double-width segment 708 is generally representative of any segment of the flue device required to accommodate a sudden increase in width of theelongate body 702. Such segments may expand to accommodate two or more fans and may include inlets and outlets that are collinear or, as is the case with the double-width segment 708, may be offset relative to each other. - The
next segment 710 of theflue device 700 is shaped to accommodate both afan system 57D of the rack-mountedcomputing device 55D, but also arod 30 extending across the rack-mountedcomputing device 55D. Thesegment 710 is representative of any segment of a flue device in accordance with this disclosure that must accommodate or otherwise extend around additional structural elements of the computer rack to which it is coupled. In certain implementations, for example, thesegment 710 may include anadditional extension 712 through which therod 30 or other structural element may extend. Alternatively, thesegment 710 may include a groove or other depression to avoid interference with the structural element. In still other implementations, thesegment 710 may be formed of a flexible material such that thesegment 710 may be bent around or otherwise shaped to pass the structural element. In still other elements, thesegment 710 may include cutouts, knockouts, or fibers, similar to the implementations illustrated inFIGS. 4A-6 through which the structural element may pass. In still other implementations, thesegment 710 may include multiple segment portions that clip together or can otherwise be combined around structural elements. - As shown in
FIG. 10 , thefan system 57E of rack-mountedcomputing device 55E is substantially larger than the remainingfan systems 57A-57D and 57F. To accommodate the larger size of thefan system 57E, theflue device 700 may include an expandingsegment 714, coupled to alarge segment 716 which in turn is coupled to acontracting segment 718. Accordingly, theflue device 700 may expand via the expandingsegment 714 to accommodate the larger size of thefan system 57E with thelarge segment 716 then subsequently reduce via thecontracting segment 718 to accommodate thesmaller fan system 57F of the rack-mountedcomputing device 55F. - In the implementation illustrated in
FIG. 10 , theflue device 700 terminates in aterminal segment 720 that includes the upperopen end 701 of theflue device 700. Theterminal segment 720 is shown as being longitudinally adjustable. For example, theterminal segment 720 may be slid or otherwise translated within thesegment 719. To facilitate such translation, thesegment 719 may include slots or protrusions that mate with corresponding features of theterminal segment 720. In other implementations, theterminal segment 720 may be retained within thesegment 719 by a frictional fit. - Although shown as being implemented in specific locations along the
flue device 700, the various features of the preceding discussion may be implemented throughout flue devices in accordance with this disclosure. For example, one or more bellows or similar features may be used along the length of a flue device to accommodate multiple changes in alignment between subsequent fan systems. Similarly, the telescoping/longitudinally translatable feature of theterminal segment 720 may be included at other locations along theelongate body 702 to enable length adjustments and more precise configurations of theflue device 700. -
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of aflue device 800 according to the present disclosure. Theflue device 800 includes anelongate body 802 defining aventilation channel 805. Theelongate body 802 may further define cable or similar cutouts, however, such cutouts are omitted fromFIG. 11 for clarity. - As shown in
FIG. 11 , a set of baffles, such as thebaffle 804, are disposed within theventilation channel 805 to direct airflow received by theflue device 800. Thebaffles 804 may be arranged and oriented within theventilation channel 805 to direct air received from rack-mounted computing equipment of a computer rack to which theflue device 800 is coupled in an upward or other direction. - The
baffles 804 of theflue device 800 are disposed toward anopen side 810 of theflue device 800 such that anunobstructed column 812 extends along theventilation channel 805 to theopen end 801 of theelongate body 802. Thebaffles 804 are also oriented at progressively greater angles along theelongate body 802 such that the baffles near theopen end 801 direct airflow at a more aggressive angle. - In other implementations of flue devices according to this disclosure and including baffles, the configuration of the baffles may differ from that illustrated in
FIG. 11 . For example, flue devices may have any suitable quantity of baffles, each of which may be positioned and oriented at any suitable angle to encourage airflow along theventilation channel 805. - In certain implementations, the
baffles 804 may be integrally formed with theelongate body 802. In other implementations, theelongate body 802 may include holes, grooves, tongues, or other features to which thebaffles 804 may be coupled. Thebaffles 804 may also be retained within theelongate body 802 using clips or other fasteners. In implementations in which the baffles are not integrally formed with theelongate body 802, thebaffles 804 may be selectively installed and removed from theflue device 800 to accommodate variations in computer rack design, including variations in the positioning of rack-mounted equipment. -
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side view of anotherflue device 900 according to this disclosure. Theflue device 900 includes anelongate body 902 having anopen end 901 and defining aventilation channel 905. Similar to thebaffles 804 of theflue device 800 ofFIG. 11 , theflue device 900 further in includes airfoils, such as theairfoil 905, disposed within theelongate body 902 along theventilation channel 905. Also similar to thebaffles 804 ofFIG. 11 , theairfoils 905 may be positioned and oriented along theventilation channel 905 to direct airflow. Theairfoils 905 may also be removable and/or adjustable within theventilation channel 905 to enable theflue device 900 to be used with different computer rack configurations. Each of theairfoils 905 may further be shaped and oriented within theventilation channel 905 to encourage airflow within theventilation channel 905 by creating eddies or areas of varying air pressure within theventilation channel 905. -
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side view of yet anotherflue device 1000 according to this disclosure. Theflue device 1000 includes anelongate body 1002 having anopen end 1001 and defining aventilation channel 1005. Theflue device 1000 further includes a plurality of adjustable louvers, such as thelouver 1004, disposed along theventilation channel 1005. Each of thelouvers 1004 is rotatable about a pivot, such as thepivot 1006 to vary the angle of deflection provided by thelouvers 1004. In certain implementations, thelouvers 1004 may be coupled to arod 1008 or similar element that may be translated vertically to cause simultaneous rotation of each of thelouvers 1004. - In certain implementations, flue devices according to this disclosure may include a fan, blower, or similar forced air device. Examples of such implementations are illustrated in each of
FIGS. 14A-140 . -
FIG. 14A , for example, illustrates aflue device 1100 having anelongate body 1102 with anopen end 1101 and defining aventilation channel 1105. Theflue device 1100 further includes afan 1104 disposed opposite theopen end 1101. During operation, thefan 1104 drawsintake air 1106 into theventilation channel 1105 and creates a forced air current 1108 within theelongate body 1102 to encourage airflow toward theopen end 1101. -
FIG. 14B illustrates anotherflue device 1200 having anelongate body 1202 with anopen end 1201 and defining aventilation channel 1205. Theflue device 1200 further includes afan 1204 disposed at theopen end 1201. During operation, thefan 1204 pulls air from within theventilation channel 1205, as indicated byarrow 1206, and through theopen end 1201, thereby encouraging air flow through theflue device 1200. -
FIG. 14C illustrates yet anotherflue device 1300 with anelongate body 1302 having anopen end 1301 and defining aventilation channel 1305. Theflue device 1300 further includes afan 1304 disposed adjacent theopen end 1301 such that forced air generated by thefan 1304 blows across theopen end 1301. By doing so, thefan 1304 creates an area of low pressure adjacent theopen end 1301 that encourages airflow through theflue device 1300. Thefan 1304 is shown inFIG. 14C as being coupled to theflue device 1300 by abracket 1306. In certain implementations, thefan 1304 may be positioned to force air across multiple flue devices. - Referring back to
FIG. 14A , flue devices according to the present disclosure may include one or more sensors, such assensor 1110, disposed along theventilation channel 1105 or otherwise located to measure characteristics of the airflow within theflue device 1100. For example, thesensor 1110 may be used to measure one or more parameters including, without limitation, one or more of temperature, pressure, and flow rate within theventilation channel 1105. Thesensor 1110 may in turn be coupled to acontroller 1112 or other computing device adapted to receive measurements from thesensor 1110 and to control one or more actuators for controlling operation of theflue device 1100. In certain implementations, for example, acontroller 1112 may activate thefan 1104 in response to thesensor 1110 measuring airflow below a predetermined threshold or temperature above a predetermined threshold. In other implementations, thecontroller 1112 may be communicatively coupled to an actuator that changes the position and/or orientation of baffles, louvers, airfoils, or other structures disposed within theelongate body 1102 in response to measurements obtained from thesensor 1110. -
FIGS. 15A-15D are cross-sectional views of various flue devices according to this disclosure and are intended to illustrate some shapes of possible flue devices.FIGS. 15A-15D are not intended to be limiting and flue devices having cross-sectional shapes other than those illustrated are within the scope of this disclosure. -
FIG. 15A illustrates aflue device 1400 having a substantially square/rectangular or U-shaped profile. Theflue device 1400 includes anelongate body 1402 having a rear wall 1440 and a pair ofparallel side walls elongate body 1402 defines aventilation channel 1405. The rear wall 1440 definesrear cutouts 1406A-1406C and each of theside walls side cutouts rear cutouts 1406A-1406C and theside cutouts flue device 1400. -
FIG. 15B illustrates aflue device 1500 having a V-shaped profile. Theflue device 1500 includes anelongate body 1502 having intersectingside walls elongate body 1502 defines aventilation channel 1505. Each of thefirst side wall 1542A and thesecond side wall 1542B further define pairs ofcutouts -
FIG. 15C illustrates aflue device 1600 having a partially curved profile. Theflue device 1600 includes anelongate body 1602 having a curvedrear wall 1640 and a pair ofparallel side walls rear wall 1640 such that theelongate body 1602 defines aventilation channel 1605. The curvedrear wall 1640 definesrear cutouts 1606A-1606C and each of theside walls side cutouts -
FIG. 15D illustrates aflue device 1700 having an angular profile. Theflue device 1700 includes anelongate body 1702 having arear wall 1740, a first pair ofside walls rear wall 1740 and a second pair ofside walls rear wall 1740, thereby defining aventilation channel 1705. Therear wall 1740 defines arear cutout 1706, while the sidewalls 1742A, 1742B and 1744A, 1744B define acutouts 1704A-1704D. - Although described herein as being separate and attachable to a computer rack, flue devices in accordance with the present disclosure may also be incorporated, in whole or in part, into the structure of the computer rack itself. For example, in certain implementations, the computer rack may include a frame adapted to receive one or more computing devices including respective ventilation/fan systems. A flue device or segments of a flue device may be coupled to or integrally formed with the frame of the computer rack in locations corresponding to the ventilation/fan systems of one or more of the computing devices.
- It is believed that the present disclosure and many of its attendant advantages should be understood by the foregoing description, and it should be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction, and arrangement of the components without departing from the disclosed subject matter or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form described is merely explanatory, and it is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.
- While the present disclosure has been described with reference to various embodiments, it should be understood that these embodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the disclosure is not limited to them. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. More generally, embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure have been described in the context of particular implementations. Functionality may be separated or combined in blocks differently in various embodiments of the disclosure or described with different terminology. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the disclosure as defined in the claims that follow.
Claims (20)
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US10470340B2 (en) * | 2017-10-31 | 2019-11-05 | Level 3 Communications, Llc | Flue device for computer racks |
US11483946B2 (en) * | 2017-12-20 | 2022-10-25 | Switch, Ltd. | Security panels for use in data centers |
US11495267B2 (en) * | 2019-08-23 | 2022-11-08 | Seagate Technology Llc | Data storage retainer systems, methods, and devices |
US11510344B2 (en) * | 2019-09-30 | 2022-11-22 | TechnoGuard Inc. | Computer server cabinet portable louver system |
CN112764475A (en) * | 2019-11-05 | 2021-05-07 | 纬联电子科技(中山)有限公司 | Telescopic fan bracket and case |
CN113811137A (en) * | 2020-06-15 | 2021-12-17 | 戴尔产品有限公司 | System and method for sharing airflow between adjacent information handling resource modules |
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US6557357B2 (en) * | 2000-02-18 | 2003-05-06 | Toc Technology, Llc | Computer rack heat extraction device |
US7752858B2 (en) * | 2002-11-25 | 2010-07-13 | American Power Conversion Corporation | Exhaust air removal system |
US20050237716A1 (en) * | 2004-04-21 | 2005-10-27 | International Business Machines Corporation | Air flow system and method for facilitating cooling of stacked electronics components |
BRPI0603080A (en) * | 2006-08-03 | 2008-03-18 | Carlos Wagner De Souza | data center and similar cooling system |
CN102236396A (en) * | 2010-04-29 | 2011-11-09 | 鸿富锦精密工业(深圳)有限公司 | Server heat dissipation system |
CN102238850A (en) * | 2010-04-29 | 2011-11-09 | 鸿富锦精密工业(深圳)有限公司 | Server combination |
JP2012204578A (en) * | 2011-03-25 | 2012-10-22 | Nec Corp | Cover, electronic device and air conditioning system |
US9596790B2 (en) * | 2014-03-14 | 2017-03-14 | Level 3 Communications, Llc | Exhaust air ducting system |
US9936611B1 (en) * | 2014-03-17 | 2018-04-03 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Modular mass storage system |
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2018
- 2018-10-31 US US16/176,755 patent/US10470340B2/en active Active
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2019
- 2019-10-31 US US16/671,125 patent/US20200068747A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US7031154B2 (en) * | 2003-04-30 | 2006-04-18 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Louvered rack |
US7170745B2 (en) * | 2003-04-30 | 2007-01-30 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Electronics rack having an angled panel |
US7499273B2 (en) * | 2005-02-08 | 2009-03-03 | Rackable Systems, Inc. | Rack-mounted air deflector |
US8154870B1 (en) * | 2009-12-23 | 2012-04-10 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Air directing device for rack system |
US10470340B2 (en) * | 2017-10-31 | 2019-11-05 | Level 3 Communications, Llc | Flue device for computer racks |
Also Published As
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US20190132996A1 (en) | 2019-05-02 |
US10470340B2 (en) | 2019-11-05 |
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