WO2010065182A1

WO2010065182A1 - Underground battery compartment

Info

Publication number: WO2010065182A1
Application number: PCT/US2009/058766
Authority: WO
Inventors: Zachary M. Thompson
Original assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
Priority date: 2008-12-04
Filing date: 2009-09-29
Publication date: 2010-06-10
Also published as: TW201024186A

Abstract

An underground equipment compartment has a first housing that defines an enclosure and has a first inlet port and a first outlet port. A battery chamber is positioned within the first enclosure. A hermetically sealed electronics chamber is positioned within the first enclosure. A heat exchanger is at least partially positioned within the third housing and extends through the third housing. An internal air loop positioned within the hermetically sealed electronics chamber passes through at least a portion of the heat exchanger. A pass-through port is positioned within the third housing and is in electrical communication with the electronic equipment. The underground equipment compartment can be used in conjunction with an above-ground utilities box having airflow vents.

Description

UNDERGROUND BATTERY COMPARTMENT

BACKGROUND

In recent years, consumer demand for content providers such as telecommunication and cable companies to offer bundled (Triple Play) high speed data, video, and voice service has increased drastically. As a result, the amount of active electronics required in the Outside Plant Network (OSP) has increased as well. Upgrading traditional telecommunications service to broadband Digital Subscriber Loop (DSL) services often requires the addition of active electronics nearer to the customer premises. These electronic components require a protective enclosure that can perform a basic number of functions such as cooling, environmental/electrical protection, means for electrical connection, and alarm monitoring to maintain quality of network service at all times. As part of an emergency communications network, the electrical power supply to these components must be uninterrupted and reliable. As a result, local power systems such as batteries are employed to provide backup power to the electronic equipment in the event of power failure. The most common source of backup power in use today is the Valve Regulated Lead-Acid Battery (VRLA). One drawback to these batteries is the emission of hydrogen gas that must be evacuated from an enclosed chamber to reduce potential fire hazards and safety concerns for maintenance workers. Due to restrictions and requirements from various governmental entities (e.g., city municipalities), it has become increasingly difficult to obtain the required permits for the addition of above ground utility cabinets and enclosures. Accordingly, specific interest has materialized to reduce the size of, or eliminate entirely, above-ground "expansion" enclosures for existing service areas.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides an underground equipment compartment comprising: a first housing, the first housing defining a first enclosure having a first inlet port in fluid communication with a first outlet port; a battery chamber comprising a second housing positioned within the first enclosure, the second housing defining a second enclosure having an second inlet port and a second outlet port, at least one battery being positioned within the second enclosure, wherein the first inlet port, the second inlet port, the first outlet port, and the second outlet port are in fluid communication; a hermetically sealed electronics chamber positioned within the first enclosure, the hermetically sealed electronics chamber comprising a third housing defining a third enclosure, wherein electronic equipment is positioned within the third enclosure; a heat exchanger at least partially positioned within the third housing and extending through the third housing, wherein the heat exchanger facilitates heat transfer out of the third enclosure and into the first enclosure; an internal air loop positioned within the hermetically sealed electronics chamber that passes through at least a portion of the heat exchanger; and a pass-through port positioned within the third housing and in electrical communication with the electronic equipment.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a utilities storage system comprising: an underground equipment compartment comprising: a first housing, the first housing defining a first enclosure having a first inlet port in fluid communication with a first outlet port; a battery chamber comprising a second housing positioned within the first enclosure, the second housing defining a second enclosure having an second inlet port and a second outlet port, at least one battery being positioned within the second enclosure, wherein the first inlet port, the second inlet port, the first outlet port, and the second outlet port are in fluid communication; a hermetically sealed electronics chamber positioned within the first enclosure, the hermetically sealed electronics chamber comprising a third housing defining a third enclosure, wherein electronic equipment is positioned within the third enclosure; a heat exchanger at least partially positioned within the third housing and extending through the third housing, wherein the heat exchanger facilitates heat transfer from the third enclosure and into the first enclosure; an internal air loop positioned within the hermetically sealed electronics chamber that passes through at least a portion of the heat exchanger; and a pass-through port positioned within the third housing and in electrical communication with the electronic equipment; an above-ground utilities box having airflow vents; and ducting that fluidly connects the first inlet port and the first outlet port to the airflow vents, wherein the electronic equipment and the at least one battery are in electrical communication with at least one electrical component positioned within the above-ground utilities box.

In some embodiments, the first housing further comprises a resealable access point. In some embodiments, insulated wiring is positioned outside the hermetically sealed electronics chamber and in electrical communication with the pass-through port. In some embodiments, the electrical equipment is in electrical communication with an electronic component positioned within the above-ground utilities box.

In some embodiments, a first airflow device is included that is capable of moving air through the ducting. In some embodiments, the first airflow device is selected from the group consisting of fans, turbines, and combinations thereof. In some of these embodiments, the first airflow device is positioned within the above-ground utilities box. In some embodiments, an airflow diverter capable of restricting airflow through the second inlet port is included. In some embodiments, the electronic equipment is in electrical communication with an electronic component in the above-ground utilities box. Advantageously, utilities storage systems that include an underground equipment compartment according to the present disclosure can store bulky heat generating electronics and bulky battery back up packs out of sight of a casual observer, and can be located at considerable distance from an associated above-ground utilities box, if desired. Additionally, the heat exchanger is located below ground, which reduces audible noise at street level. No visible above ground vent pipes are required because of venting through air slits in the above-ground utilities box. Further, the present disclosure is suitable for both new installations as well as "expansion" installations that upgrade service. Accordingly, no increase in above-ground footprint is necessary to perform service upgrades, which may alleviate permitting requirements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of an exemplary utilities storage system 100 according to the present disclosure; and Fig. 2 is a schematic cutaway side view of an exemplary underground equipment compartment 120 according to the present disclosure attached to ducting 114a, 1 14b.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to Fig. 1, the present disclosure provides a utilities storage system 100. Utilities storage system 100 comprises an above-ground utilities box 110 and an underground equipment compartment 120 that lies underground and is not visible from the surface, thereby avoiding becoming a visual nuisance. Above-ground utilities box 110 includes typical above-ground utilities cabinets as well as expansion modules mounted thereto, but not in direct contact with the ground. Above-ground utilities box 110 contains at least one electrical component 112

(e.g., a passive cross-connect block and/or alarm monitoring) that is in electrical communication with electronic equipment located within underground equipment compartment 120 (as shown in Fig. 2, see below) through insulated wiring 116. Ducting, shown as 114a, 114b, fluidly connects above-ground utilities box 110 and underground equipment compartment 120, facilitating airflow through underground equipment compartment 120. If desired, insulated wiring 116 may run through ducting 114a and/or 114b to protect it from subterranean environmental conditions such as for example moisture and animals. While insulated wiring 116 is shown positioned within ducting 114a and/or 114b, it could also be positioned outside ducting 114a and/or 114b; for example, in a separate duct or without any ducting. Above-ground utilities box 110 has airflow vents 118 that permit air to flow through ducting 114a, 114b. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, a first airflow device 117 (e.g., a fan, turbine, or combination thereof) is positioned within above-ground utilities box 110 such that it directs air into ducting 114a, although it could also be positioned elsewhere such as, for example, in the underground equipment compartment 120 with similar effect.

The above-ground utilities box 110, underground equipment compartment 120, and ducting 114a, 114b may be independently constructed of any suitable material that is capable of withstanding the elements such as, for example, metal, high density polyolefm, or fiber reinforced composite material. Underground equipment compartment 120 will be better understood with reference to Fig. 2, wherein underground equipment compartment 120 comprises a first housing 122 that defines first enclosure 123 having a first inlet port 124 in fluid communication with a first outlet port 126.

While not required, underground equipment compartment 120 typically has a resealable access point 128 that facilitates entry into the compartment for maintenance. Resealable access point 128 may be, for example, a hinged door or a lid, and may be gasketed and/or mechanically secured (e.g., by clamps) to form a watertight seal when closed.

Underground equipment compartment 120 further comprises battery chamber 130.

Battery chamber 130 comprises second housing 132 positioned within first enclosure 123. Second housing 132 defines second enclosure 133 having second inlet port 134 and second outlet port 136. Batteries 138 are positioned within second enclosure 133. First inlet port 124, second inlet port 134, first outlet port 126, and second outlet port 136 are in fluid communication. While a plurality of batteries is shown in Fig. 2, it will be recognized that a single battery may also be used. Second housing 132 helps to protect the batteries 138 from any contaminants (e.g., water) that may find their way into first housing

122. The battery or batteries used in conjunction with the present disclosure may be of any type. In general, lead-acid batteries are well-suited for use. Sufficient battery capacity should be present to allow for backup during power interruptions for a suitable period of time (e.g., 6 hrs, 12 hrs, or longer). Batteries 138 should be in electrical communication with electrical equipment 147 such that they may provide backup power as necessary. Typically, they should also be connected to a source of electrical power (e.g., by insulated wiring 116) so that they may be recharged as necessary. Lead-acid batteries (including valve regulated lead-acid batteries) generate hydrogen gas and sometimes heat during operation. Diverting air through battery chamber 130 can dispel any build up of hydrogen gas and facilitate cooling of batteries 138. In some embodiments, a flow diverter 164 (e.g., an adjustable louver), capable of diverting airflow, is fitted to the second inlet port 134. It will be recognized that battery chamber 130 can be located upstream of the heat exchanger 150 with regard to external air circulation through ducting 114a, 114b, in which case cooler air will pass over batteries 138 instead of the hotter air.

Hermetically sealed electronics chamber 140 is positioned within first enclosure

123. Hermetically sealed electronics chamber 140 comprises third housing 142 defining third enclosure 143. Electronic equipment 147 is positioned within third enclosure 143. Examples of electronic equipment include DSL nodes and expansion modules, electronic switches, transformers, battery chargers, passive electronic components (e.g., cross connect blocks), and combinations thereof. Heat exchanger 150 is at least partially positioned within third housing 142 and extends through third housing 142. Heat exchangers generally include a heat exchange core assembly positioned within a housing. There are many commercially available models; for example, those marketed by Kooltronic, Inc., of Pennington, N. J. The heat exchanger can be an air-to-air type (low maintenance, low risk of leaking fluid) although other types such as for example liquid to air or air to liquid to air may also be used.

An internal airflow loop 145 positioned within hermetically sealed electronics chamber 140 passes air through at least a portion of heat exchangerl50. Internal airflow loop 145 may be established by convection or through use of a second airflow device 174 (e.g., a fan, turbine, or combination thereof) positioned within hermetically sealed electronics chamber 140. A pass-through port 159 that maintains a hermetic seal is positioned within third housing 142 to facilitate external electrical communication (e.g., through insulated wires 180) with electronic equipment 147 positioned within hermetically sealed electronics chamber 140. If desired, battery chamber 130 may be positioned externally or internally to third housing 142; however, if positioned within the third housing, then care must be taken to ensure a hermetic seal at the second input and second output ports.

Various modifications and alterations of this disclosure may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure, and it should be understood that this disclosure is not to be unduly limited to the illustrative embodiments set forth herein.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An underground equipment compartment comprising: a first housing, the first housing defining a first enclosure having a first inlet port in fluid communication with a first outlet port; a battery chamber comprising a second housing positioned within the first enclosure, the second housing defining a second enclosure having an second inlet port and a second outlet port, at least one battery being positioned within the second enclosure, wherein the first inlet port, the second inlet port, the first outlet port, and the second outlet port are in fluid communication; a hermetically sealed electronics chamber positioned within the first enclosure, the hermetically sealed electronics chamber comprising a third housing defining a third enclosure, wherein electronic equipment is positioned within the third enclosure; a heat exchanger at least partially positioned within the third housing and extending through the third housing, wherein the heat exchanger facilitates heat transfer from the third enclosure and into the first enclosure; an internal air loop positioned within the hermetically sealed electronics chamber that passes through at least a portion of the heat exchanger; and a pass-through port positioned within the third housing and in electrical communication with the electronic equipment.

2. The underground equipment compartment of claim 1 , wherein the first housing further comprises a resealable access point.

3. The underground equipment compartment of claim 1, further comprising insulated wiring positioned outside the hermetically sealed electronics chamber and in electrical communication with the pass-through port.

4. The underground equipment compartment of claim 1, further comprising a flow diverter capable of directing airflow through the second inlet port.

5. The underground equipment compartment of claim 1, further comprising an airflow device positioned within the hermetically sealed electronics chamber and capable of propelling air in contact with the heat exchanger.

6. A utilities storage system comprising: an underground equipment compartment comprising: a first housing, the first housing defining a first enclosure having a first inlet port in fluid communication with a first outlet port; a battery chamber comprising a second housing positioned within the first enclosure, the second housing defining a second enclosure having an second inlet port and a second outlet port, at least one battery being positioned within the second enclosure, wherein the first inlet port, the second inlet port, the first outlet port, and the second outlet port are in fluid communication; a hermetically sealed electronics chamber positioned within the first enclosure, the hermetically sealed electronics chamber comprising a third housing defining a third enclosure, wherein electronic equipment is positioned within the third enclosure; a heat exchanger at least partially positioned within the third housing and extending through the third housing, wherein the heat exchanger facilitates heat transfer from the third enclosure and into the first enclosure; an internal air loop positioned within the hermetically sealed electronics chamber that passes through at least a portion of the heat exchanger; and a pass-through port positioned within the third housing and in electrical communication with the electronic equipment; an above-ground utilities box having airflow vents; and ducting that fluidly connects the first inlet port and the first outlet port to the airflow vents, wherein the electronic equipment and the at least one battery are in electrical communication with at least one electrical component positioned within the above-ground utilities box.

7. The utilities storage system of claim 6, wherein the first housing further comprises a resealable access point.

8. The utilities storage system of claim 6, further comprising insulated wiring positioned outside the hermetically sealed electronics chamber and in electrical communication with the pass-through port.

9. The utilities storage system of claim 6, further comprising a first airflow device capable of moving air through the ducting.

10. The utilities storage system of claim 9, wherein the heat exchanger comprises the first airflow device.

11. The utilities storage system of claim 9, wherein the first airflow device is positioned within the above-ground utilities box.

12. The utilities storage system of claim 9, wherein the first airflow device is selected from the group consisting of fans, turbines, and combinations thereof.

13. The utilities storage system of claim 6, further comprising an airflow diverter capable of directing airflow through the second inlet port.

14. The utilities storage system of claim 6, wherein the electronic equipment is in electrical communication with an electronic component positioned within the above- ground utilities box.

15. The utilities storage system of claim 6, further comprising a second airflow device positioned within the hermetically sealed electronics chamber and capable of propelling air in contact with the heat exchanger.