WO2018000045A1

WO2018000045A1 - Computer enclosure system, barriers and partitions

Info

Publication number: WO2018000045A1
Application number: PCT/AU2017/050675
Authority: WO
Inventors: Steven Adams; Thomas MEAD
Original assignee: Kamarra Technologies Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2016-06-30
Filing date: 2017-06-30
Publication date: 2018-01-04

Abstract

Computer enclosure system comprising a plurality of computer enclosures for housing one or more computer components and the flexible barrier for separating air in a first and a second regions of a room. The flexible barrier comprising a flexible barrier portion to extend between a first and second computer enclosure, with fasteners at the first and second sides of the portion to fasten with respective the computer enclosures. The flexible barrier comprises a first and a second deflection surface portions, wherein air from the first region towards the second region is deflected by the first deflection surface portion towards the first computer enclosure, and air is deflected by the second deflection surface portion towards the second computer enclosure. Also a partition system comprising a partition body to extend between a top portion of at least one of the plurality of computer enclosures and a ceiling of the room.

Description

"Computer enclosure system, barriers and partitions"

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a computer enclosure system. Also described are barriers and partitions to separate regions in a room having computer enclosures.

Background

[0002] Computer systems, in particular large computer server(s), may be located in a dedicated computer room. Typically, these include providing computer components of the computer server inside computer enclosures. Such computer enclosures may also be known as frames or cabinets. In some particular examples, the computer enclosures are called "racks" that house components of the computer server which may be known as "rack mount". A known format includes " 19-inch rack" format (such as those described in EIA-310-E). The racks may configured to provide power and communications (e.g. via cables and sockets) as well as ventilation to the components.

[0003] Such computer servers may be required to run for extended periods of time and process large volumes of data. Therefore cooling of the computer components is an important consideration. Some enclosures may include ventilation so that cool air enters the enclosure from one side, to cool the computer components therein, and heated air is exhausted at an opposing side. Where multiple computer enclosures are provided, it may be beneficial to arrange the computer enclosures in abutment with each other in rows so that cool air is drawn from one part of the room and hot air exhausted to another portion. When arranged this way, this can create a "hot aisle" and/or a "cold aisle" in the room. This may minimise the chance of hot air from entering back into the computer enclosure.

[0004] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

[0005] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application.

Summary

[0006] A flexible barrier for separating air in a first region and a second region of a room having a plurality of computer enclosures, the flexible barrier comprising: a flexible barrier portion to extend between a first and second computer enclosure, wherein the flexible barrier portion has opposite first and second sides; and fasteners at the first and second sides to fasten with respective first and second computer enclosures.

[0007] The flexible barrier may further comprise a first deflection surface portion, wherein at least part of a flow of air from the first region towards the second region is deflected by the first deflection surface portion towards the first computer enclosure; and a second deflection surface portion, wherein at least part of the flow of air is deflected by the second deflection surface portion towards the second computer enclosure.

[0008] The flexible barrier may further comprise at least one rib that extends between the first and the second sides. The at least one rib may support the flexible barrier portion to provide the first deflection surface portion and the second deflection surface portion. The rib may be a resilient member to bias the first and second sides towards the respective first and second computer enclosures.

[0009] In the flexible barrier, the fasteners may comprise at least one magnet at the first and second sides.

[0010] In the flexible barrier, the flexible barrier portion may comprise a plastic sheet. The flexible barrier portion may comprise one or more of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE). In some examples, the PE may include chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE). It is to be appreciated that other polymers may be used.

[0011] A partition system for separating air in a first region and a second region of a room having a plurality of computer enclosures, the partition system comprising: a partition body to extend between a top portion of at least one of the plurality of computer enclosures and a ceiling of the room, wherein the partition body has a bottom; partition fasteners at the bottom to fasten with a top portion of at least one of the plurality of computer enclosures; and a mount fixed to the ceiling of the room, wherein the partition body is supported, at least in part, by the mount.

[0012] The partition system may further comprise at least one cable extending between the mount and the partition body, wherein at least part of a weight of the partition body is supported through the at least one cable. The partition system may further comprise a coupling at a top of the partition body, wherein the cable is coupled to the coupling.

[0013] In the partition system, the mount may further comprise a bearing to allow motion of the supported partition body in at least one direction in a horizontal plane. The bearing may be a linear bearing comprising a slider, slidingly mounted to a rail, to allow motion in the at least one direction.

[0014] The rail may be fixed to the ceiling of the room, and wherein the rail extends along a rail axis parallel to the horizontal plane, and wherein at least part of a weight of the partition body is supported through the slider. The partition body may be substantially planar, and the at least one direction in a horizontal plane (that may coincide with the rail axis) may be substantially planar to the surface of the partition body.

[0015] In the partition system, the partition fasteners at the bottom may comprise at least one magnet.

[0016] In the partition system, the partition body comprises opposite first and second sides, wherein additional partition fasteners may be provided at the first and second sides. These additional partition fasteners fasten with respective first and second sides of an adjacent partition body.

[0017] In the partition system, the partition body may comprise one or more of

polycarbonate, PVC, PE, and/or CSPE. This may include flexible polymers, semi-rigid polymers and/or rigid polymers (or combinations thereof).

[0018] A computer enclosure system comprising: a plurality of computer enclosures for housing one or more computer components, wherein in use the plurality of computer enclosures are located in a room and spaced from one another; and at least one flexible barrier described above for separating air in a first region and a second region of the room.

[0019] A computer enclosure system comprising: a plurality of computer enclosures for housing one or more computer components, wherein in use the plurality of computer enclosures are located in a room; and at least one partition system described above for separating air in a first region and a second region of the room.

[0020] A computer enclosure system may further comprise both the flexible barrier and the partition system described above.

[0021] A computer enclosure system comprising: a plurality of computer enclosures for housing one or more computer components, wherein in use the plurality of computer enclosures are located in a room and spaced from one another; and a plurality of computer enclosure supports, wherein the plurality of computer enclosure supports extend between respective stays fixed to a ceiling of the room and lugs at the computer enclosures, wherein the computer enclosure supports includes a spring and/or damper to reduce effects of oscillation of the plurality of computer enclosure during a seismic event.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0022] Examples of the present disclosure will be described with reference to:

[0023] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a room having a computer enclosure system;

[0024] Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the room in Fig. 1;

[0025] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a computer enclosure;

[0026] Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a computer enclosure;

[0027] Fig. 5 is a side view of a plurality of computer enclosures in part of a room, with computer enclosure supports between the computer enclosures and a ceiling of the room;

[0028] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a flexible barrier; [0029] Fig. 7 is a top view of a flexible barrier between two computer enclosures;

[0030] Fig. 8 is a side view of a partition system for use in the computer enclosure system;

[0031] Fig. 9 is an end view of the partition system of Fig. 8;

[0032] Fig. 10 is a detailed view of a bottom of the partition system of Figs. 8 and 9; and

[0033] Fig. 11 is a top view of an alternative flexible barrier between two computer enclosures.

Description of Embodiments

Summary

[0034] A computer enclosure system 1 will now be described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2. The computer enclosure system 1 is located in a room 3 having a plurality of computer enclosures 5. The room 3 may be formed by surrounding walls 4, a ceiling 21 and a floor 34. The room has a first region 7 and a second region 9 and in the illustrated example, air from the first region 7 may be ventilated through the computer enclosures 5 to the second region 9. In some examples the air in the first region 7 may be cool air to assist cooling of computer components in the computer enclosures 5.

[0035] The computer enclosures 5 are spaced apart from one another so that movement of one of the computer enclosures 5 does not impact adjacent computer enclosures 5. This may be advantageous in areas susceptible to earthquake so that during an earthquake each computer enclosure 5 is an independent oscillating element. This may minimise the interference between the computer enclosures 5 and any resultant damage.

[0036] A flexible barrier 11 may extend between adjacent computer enclosures 5. This provides a barrier between adjacent spaced apart enclosures 5 so that air in the first region 7 is separated from air in the second region 9. It may assist in reducing, or preventing, air to transfer between the first region 7 and the second region 9 through gaps 13 between the spaced apart computer enclosures 9. This may also assist in channelling air from the first region 7 to ventilate through the computer enclosure 5 to the second region 9. Since the flexible barrier 11 is flexible, this reduces any direct transfer of force, via the flexible barrier 11, during a seismic event (e.g. earthquake) from one computer enclosure 5 to an adjacent computer enclosure 5. In some examples, the flexible barrier 11 may act as a spring and/or damper between adjacent computer enclosures 5 to reduce the effects of oscillation of the computer enclosures 5 during a seismic event.

[0037] A partition system 15 may be provided above one or more of the computer enclosures 5. In particular, the partition system 15 may be fastened to a top portion 17 of the computer enclosures 5, and with a partition body extending between the top portion and a ceiling to separate, in the higher levels of the room, air in the first region 7 and the second region 9. The partition system 15 may include a mount 19 fixed to a ceiling 21 of the room 3, whereby a partition body 23 is supported by the mount 19. This mount 19 may assist in retaining the partition system 15 above the computer enclosures 5 during a seismic event, in particular if the seismic event compromises the fastening of the partition system 15 to the top portion 17 of the computer enclosure 5.

[0038] The components of the enclosure system 1 will now be described in detail. The computer enclosures 5

[0039] The computer enclosures 5 will now be described with reference to Figs. 3 and 4. The computer enclosure 5 may be of a general rectangular prism shape with a top portion 17 (in the form of a top panel), a front panel 25, a rear panel 27, and side panels 29, 31. One or more of the top portion 17 and panels 25, 27, 29, 31 may include apertures 33 to allow ventilation of air through the computer enclosure 5. For example, the apertures 33 may be of various forms for example, a single aperture, a series of large apertures, or a pattern of perforations in the panel. In some examples, it may be advantageous to have a pattern of smaller apertures to prevent objects (such as clothes, body parts, pens, tools etc.) from inadvertently entering the interior of the computer enclosure 5, whist allowing air to pass through. In some examples, the apertures 33 may be in a pattern and size to allow a user from outside the computer enclosure 5 to visually inspect the computer components within.

[0040] One or more of the panels 25, 27, 29, 31 may openable (like a door) and/or removable. This may facilitate assembly and servicing of the computer enclosure 5, insertion/removal and servicing of computer components in the computer enclosure 5, as well as additional ventilation and cooling of computer components.

[0041] Fig. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the computer enclosure 5 that shows a frame 35 that supports the panels 25, 27, 29, 31 and top portion 17. The frame 33 may include various mounts and mounting points (such as apertures to receive fasteners) so that computer components may be mounted therein. In some examples, the computer enclosure 5 may be in a "19 inch" format to accept computer components and modules, such as the formats described in EIA-310-E. The computer enclosure 5 may further be configured to accept power and data cabling for the computer components. In some further examples, the computer enclosure 5 may also accept fans to assist ventilation of air through the enclosure. In yet further examples, the computer enclosure 5 may include other cooling components such as a heat exchanger to draw heat from inside the computer enclosure 5.

[0042] Referring to Fig. 5, the computer enclosure 5 may be fixed to a floor 34 of the room 3. In some examples, the computer enclosure 5 may be fixed to the floor via a vibration mounts 32, such as a rubber (or rubber-like) bushing. This may assist in absorbing and/or dampening shocks during a seismic event.

[0043] The width of the gap 13 may be selected to allow for movement of the computer enclosures 5, as oscillating elements, to withstand a specified level of earthquake. For example, a specified level of earthquake may include movement of up to 75mm at frequencies up to 6Hz. In some examples, the width of the gap 13 may be 150mm or more. In some examples, the width of the gap 13 may be approximately 100mm, whereby at least some of the movement is ameliorated by springs and/or dampers between the enclosures, or between the enclosures and surroundings which will be described below.

[0044] In some examples, computer enclosure supports 36 may provide additional support to the computer enclosures 5. Referring to Fig. 5, the computer enclosure supports 36 extend between stays 38 that are fixed to the ceiling 21 and lugs 40 at the computer enclosures 5. The computer enclosure supports 36 may reduce the likelihood of the computer enclosure 5 from tipping over during a seismic event. In some examples, the computer enclosure support 36 includes a spring and/or damper to reduce the effects of oscillation of the computer enclosure 5 during a seismic event. In some examples, this may allow a reduction in the width of the gap 13. For example, the springs and/or dampers may absorb 25mm of motion from and expected 75mm movement of a seismic event, which will result in individual movement of the computer enclosure to 50mm, and thereby allowing a gap width between adjacent computer enclosures to be approximately 100mm. It is to be appreciated that other widths for the gap may used depending on specific seismic requirements.

The flexible barrier 11

[0045] The flexible barrier 11 will now be described with reference to Figs. 6 and 7. The flexible barrier 11 includes a flexible barrier portion 41 that extends between a first computer enclosure 5' and a second computer enclosure 5" . The flexible barrier portion has a first side 43 and an opposite second side 45.

[0046] Fasteners 47', 47" are provided at the first and second sides 43. 45 to fasten with respective first and second computer enclosures 5', 5" . Referring now to the top view in Fig. 7, the flexible barrier 11 separates air in a first region 7 and a second region 9, and in particular prevents, or reduces, direct flow of air from the first region 7 to the second region 9.

[0047] The flexible barrier 11 may further include a first deflection surface portion 51 wherein at least part of a flow of air 53 from the first region 7 towards the second region 9 is deflected by the first deflection surface portion 51 towards the first computer enclosure 5' . This deflected flow of air 53 may then pass through apertures 33 in the side panel 29 such that the air is ventilated into the first computer enclosure 5' to cool the computer components therein. The heated air may then flow 55' out of the first computer enclosure 5' through apertures 33 in the front panel 25. It is to be noted that other air flow 57' from the first region 7 may ventilate into the first computer enclosure 5' via apertures 33 in the back panel 27.

[0048] The flexible barrier 11 may similarly have a second deflection portion 61 wherein at least part of a flow of air 63 from the first region 7 towards the second region 9 is deflected by the second deflection surface portion towards the second computer enclosure 5" . This deflected flow of air 63 may then pass through the apertures 33 of the side panel 31 and into the second computer enclosure 5" to cool the computer components. That is, the flexible barrier 11 may be used as a "choke" for the flow of air. [0049] In some examples, the fasteners 47', 47" (such as magnetic fasteners described below) may allow a user to selectively position the flexible barrier 11. For example, a fastener 47', 47" including magnets at the sides 43, 47 may allow the user to selectively position the flexible barrier 11 along the lengths of the side panels 29, 31. This may allow selective adjustment of the amount of the flow of air 53, 63 into the computer enclosure 5 through the apertures 33 in the panels 29, 31. For example, if the flexible barrier 11 is positioned on the panels 29, 31 proximal to the back panel 27, this will decrease (or at the extreme, stop) the flow of air 53, 63 through the side panels 29, 31 into the computer enclosure 5', 5". Alternatively, if the flexible barrier 11 is positioned towards the front panels 25, this will expose a greater area of the apertures of the side panels 29, 31 which may increase the flow of air 53, 63 into the computer enclosure 5". This option may allow a user to tailor the flow of air, and hence cooling, of particular computer enclosures in the plurality of computer enclosures 5. This may be important operationally and for efficiency of the overall system if some computer enclosures 5 require more cooling than others.

[0050] The flexible barrier 11 may further comprise one or more ribs 71 ', 71 " that extend between the first and second sides 43, 45. The ribs 71 ', 71 " may support the flexible barrier portion 41 to give it shape. In particular, to provide the first and second deflection surface portions 51, 61.

[0051] In some examples, the rib 71 ', 71 " is a resilient member such as plastic, fibre reinforced plastic, spring steel etc. The resilient member rib 71 ', 71 " may assist to bias the first and second sides 43, 45 towards the respective first and second computer enclosures 5', 5" . This may be useful in cases where there are variations in the width of the gap 13 between the first and second computer enclosures 5', 5" by allowing the flexible barrier 11 to extend or contract to adapt to the width of the gap 13. In some examples, it may be desirable for an uninhibited rib 71 ', 71 " to bias the flexible barrier 11 such that the first and second sides 43, 45 at maximum separation is greater than the anticipated width of the gap 13. Thus when installed, the fasteners 47', 47" are biased against the computer enclosures 5', 5" which may assist in retention of the flexible barrier 11. This may be particularly advantageous during a seismic event if the width of the gap 13 is temporarily greater than the normal anticipated width of the gap 13. [0052] In some examples, the fasteners 47', 47" may comprise at least one magnet at the first and second sides 43, 45. In some particular examples, this may include one or more magnets (including a magnetic strip) fixed to the sides 43, 45, whereby the magnets are attracted to ferromagnetic materials of the panels 29, 31. In another example, the fasteners may include ferromagnetic materials fixed to the sides 43, 45 and one or more magnets fixed to the panels 29, 31. An advantage of fasteners including one or more magnets may include ease of installation. Another advantage of magnets is ease of separation of the flexible barrier 11 and the computer enclosures 5', 5" . For example, during a seismic event the computer enclosures 5 may move violently and with force and the magnetic fasteners 47', 47" may allow separation of the flexible barrier 11 such that the forces are not transferred to adjacent computer enclosures 5.

[0053] In yet other examples, the fasteners 47', 47" may include mechanical fasteners such as screws, bolts, pins etc. In some examples, this may include a push fit fastener configured to release the flexible barrier 11 from one or more of the computer enclosures 5', 5" upon an excessive amount of movement and/or force, such as those caused by a seismic event. In some examples, the fasteners may include a shear pin, wherein upon an excessive amount of force the flexible barrier 11 is released from one or more of the computer enclosures 5', 5".

[0054] In some examples, the fasteners may include one or more flexible joints. The flexible joints may allow a limited degree of separation and movement. In some examples, the fasteners may include two fastening mechanisms: a first mechanism to fasten and locate the flexible barrier 11 during normal conditions, but releasable during excessive force or movement in a seismic event; and a second mechanism that is captive of the flexible barrier 11 and allows a limited range of movement during the seismic event. In some examples, the fasteners may include a sliding mechanism to allow the flexible barrier 11 to slide relative to the computer enclosure 5 and/or floor. In some examples, this may include a rail and slider system.

[0055] In some examples, the flexible barrier portion 41 includes a flexible plastic sheet. In some examples, the flexible barrier portion 41 may include a polyvinyl chloride material (PVC). In some examples, the flexible barrier portion 41 may include a polyethylene material (PE), and in some further examples this may be a chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE) material. It is to be appreciated that other materials may be used including rubber or rubberlike synthetic materials, other materials and/or combinations of the above.

[0056] In some examples, the flexible barrier portion 41 may be impervious to air. This may assist, in some examples, of providing a hermetic (or close to hermetic) seal between the gaps 13 between the computer modules 5. In some further examples, this may allow an air pressure differential between the first region 7 and the second region 9 and in particular a higher relative pressure in the first region 7. In some examples, the higher pressure flow of air, upon entering the computer module 5 may expand and subsequently decrease in pressure as it passes through the computer module 5 and flow 55 out to the second region 9. This may provide adiabatic cooling as an additional cooling mechanism.

[0057] In some alternative examples, the flexible barrier portion 41 may allow some air to pass through. For example, the flexible barrier portion 41 may include a slightly gas permeable material, or have some apertures in the flexible barrier portion 41. Thus the barrier portion 41 may act to hinder but not entirely prevent air to pass directly through from the first region 7 to the second region 9. This may be aided by having some gaps (such as between the flexible barrier 11 and the floor of the room 3) to allow some air to directly exchange between the first and second regions 7, 9. This may be useful in some circumstances where it is not desirable to create a significant pressure differential between the first region 7 and second region 9.

The partition system 15

[0058] The partition system 15 will now be described with reference to Figs. 8 to 10. The partition system 15 includes a partition body 23 to extend between the top portion 17 (for example a top panel) of the computer enclosures 5 and the ceiling 21. The partition body has a bottom 81 whereby the bottom 81 is fastened to the top portion 17 by partition fasteners 83. A mount 19 is fixed to the ceiling 21 to support, at least in part, the partition body 23.

[0059] The partition system 15 may further comprise at least one cable 89 extending between the mount 19 and the partition body 23, wherein at least part of a weight of the partition body 23 is supported through the at least one cable 89. At the top 87 of the partition body 23, a coupling 85 is provided to be coupled with the cable 89. The use of cable 89 to support the partition body 23 allows the partition body 23 to hang from the mount 19, which may allow some degree(s) of relative movement between the partition body 23 and the ceiling 21. This may be particularly advantageous during seismic activity.

[0060] The mount 19 may also comprise a bearing 91 to allow motion of the supported partition body 19 in at least one direction in a horizontal plane (which is a plane generally parallel with an even and flat floor of the room 3). In one example, this may be in the form of a linear bearing 91, that comprises a slider 95 that is slidingly mounted to a rail 93, to allow motion for the supported partition body 23 in at least one direction. In another example, the mount 19 may include a multiple axis bearing system to allow motion of the supported partition body in multiple directions in the horizontal plane. It is to be appreciated that in further examples, additional movement in other directions and rotation may be provided by the bearing.

[0061] In the illustrated example in Figs. 1, 8 and 9, the rail 93 is fixed to the ceiling 23 of the room 3, and the rail 93 extends along a rail axis parallel to the horizontal plane. The slider 95, mounted to the rail 93, in turn supports at least part of the weight of the partition body 23. In this example, this is achieved by connecting the cable 89 to the slider 95.

[0062] It is to be appreciated that in alternative configurations, one or more sliders 91 may be fixed to the ceiling 23. The rail 93 (mounted to the sliders 91) may be connected to the cable 89 to slidingly support the partition body 23.

[0063] The partition body 23 may be substantially planar as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 8 to 10. In some examples, the bearing may be configured so that the motion in at least one direction in a horizontal plane is perpendicular to the planar surface of the partition body 23, as illustrated in Fig. 1 where the rails 93 and corresponding rail axis is perpendicular to the planar partition body 23. It is to be appreciated that motion in other directions or multiple directions may be provided.

[0064] Referring to Fig. 10, the partition fasteners 83 at the bottom 81 may include one or more magnets. This may include providing a magnet attached to the bottom 81 of the partition body 23 such that the magnet is attracted to a ferromagnetic material at the top portion 17 (such as a steel panel) of the computer enclosure 5. In another alternative, a ferromagnetic material may be fixed to the bottom 81 and one or more magnets are fixed to the top potion 17. Advantageously, the magnetic fasteners may allow the partition body 23 to unfasten to the top portion 17 in the event of relative movement and/or force between the partition body 23 and the computer enclosure 23, such as during a seismic event. Since the mounts 19 support the partition body 23, this may prevent the partition body 23 from falling and causing damage and/or injury. The cables 89 and the bearing 91 may assist in allowing the hanging partition body 23 to move and swing, thus reducing the potential for damage in contrast with a rigid partition system.

[0065] It is to be appreciated that in other examples, other forms of partition fasteners 83 may be provided including mechanical fasteners such as those described above for fasteners 47', 47" of the flexible barrier 11. As described above, this may include one or more flexible joints to allow a limited degree of separation and movement. In some examples, this may also include providing a sliding mechanism to allow the partition body 23 of the partition system 15 to slide relative to the computer enclosures 5. One example includes providing a rail and slider system between the partition body 23 and the computer enclosure 5.

[0066] In further examples, opposite first and second sides 96, 97 of the partition body 23 may be provided with additional fasteners. The additional fasteners may assist to fasten the first and second sides 96, 97 with respective first and second sides 96, 97 of an adjacent partition body 23.

[0067] The partition body 23 may be made of plastic. In one example, the partition body 23 is made of a rigid plastic. In another example, the partition body 23 is made of a flexible plastic. In yet further examples, the partition body includes a rigid plastic portion 23' and a flexible plastic portion 23" . In some examples, part or all of the partition body 23 includes a clear material that aides in transmission of light from light fittings.

[0068] In some examples, the partition body 23 is made of PVC material. In some examples, the partition body 23 is made of PVC material. In some examples, the partition body 23 is made of PE, and in some further examples this may be a CSPE material. It is to be appreciated that this is not a limiting list and that combination of the above and/or other materials may be used. Other components of the system 1

[0069] The system 1 may include further components. For example a variation of the partition system 15', as illustrated in Fig. 1, may include a partition body 23 having one or more apertures 16. The apertures 16 may be provided to allow hot air in the second region 9 to exit. For example, an extractor of a ventilation system may be place at, or near, the aperture 16.

[0070] The system 1 may further include a door 99 to separate the first region 7 and the second region 9, whilst allowing users to selective open to the door to move between the regions 7, 9. The door 99 may be swinging door that are biased to self-close. In some examples, the door 99 may be swingingly mounted and/or magnetically mounted such that during a seismic event, the door 99 may move and/or break free to minimise damage.

Alternatives

[0071] An example of an alternative flexible barrier will now be described with reference to Fig. 11. In this alternative, the flexible barrier 111 includes a flexible barrier portion 141 that includes two rigid pieces 160, 162 that are joined at a pivot 164. The rigid pieces 160, 162 provide the first deflection portion 51 and the second deflection portion 61 that function in a similar manner as those described in the above examples.

[0072] The rigid pieces 160, 162 extend to respective sides 43, 45 that, in turn are attached to the enclosure 5 via fasteners 47', 47" . A strut 170, with a spring 172 may be provided to push against the rigid pieces 160, 162 to bias the fasteners 47', 47" towards the computer enclosures 5. Thus the strut 170 may function similar to the rib 71 described above.

Although in this example, the strut 170 is mounted to the rigid pieces 160, 162, it is to be appreciated that in further variations the strut 170 may be mounted to the fasteners 47', 47" .

[0073] The spring 172 at the strut 170 may also act as a spring between computer enclosures 5', 5" to reduce the effects of oscillation of the computer enclosures 5', 5" during a seismic event (which may allow a reduction in the width of the gap 13). In some examples, this may include dampers to reduce the effects of oscillations. In yet further examples, this may include having an active system or a hybrid system (such as a hybrid hydraulic system) to assist in reducing the effects of oscillations.

[0074] In the described examples, the first region 7 was described to have "cool" air that vents through the computer enclosures 5 such that heated air flows to the second region 9 at the middle part of the room 3. However, it is to be appreciated that alternative configurations could be used, for example introducing cool air into a region at the middle of the room and having the air flow to region(s) at the periphery of the room.

[0075] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A flexible barrier for separating air in a first region and a second region of a room having a plurality of computer enclosures, the flexible barrier comprising:

- a flexible barrier portion to extend between a first and second computer enclosure, wherein the flexible barrier portion has opposite first and second sides; and

- fasteners at the first and second sides to fasten with respective first and second computer enclosures.

2. A flexible barrier according to claim 1, wherein the flexible barrier further comprises:

- a first deflection surface portion, wherein at least part of a flow of air from the first region towards the second region is deflected by the first deflection surface portion towards the first computer enclosure; and

- a second deflection surface portion, wherein at least part of the flow of air is deflected by the second deflection surface portion towards the second computer enclosure.

3. A flexible barrier according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one rib that extends between the first and the second sides.

4. A flexible barrier according to either claim 2 to 3, wherein the at least one rib supports the flexible barrier portion to provide the first deflection surface portion and the second deflection surface portion.

5. A flexible barrier according to either claim 3 or 4 wherein the rib is a resilient member to bias the first and second sides towards the respective first and second computer enclosures.

6. A flexible barrier according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the fasteners comprise at least one magnet at the first and second sides.

7. A flexible barrier according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the flexible barrier portion comprises a plastic sheet.

8. A flexible barrier according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the flexible barrier portion comprises one or more of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE), and/or other polymers.

9. A partition system for separating air in a first region and a second region of a room having a plurality of computer enclosures, the partition system comprising:

- a partition body to extend between a top portion of at least one of the plurality of computer enclosures and a ceiling of the room, wherein the partition body has a bottom;

- partition fasteners at the bottom to fasten with a top portion of at least one of the plurality of computer enclosures; and

- a mount fixed to the ceiling of the room, wherein the partition body is supported, at least in part, by the mount.

10. A partition system according to claim 9 further comprising at least one cable extending between the mount and the partition body, wherein at least part of a weight of the partition body is supported through the at least one cable.

11. A partition system according to claim 10 further comprising a coupling at a top of the partition body, wherein the cable is coupled to the coupling.

12. A partition system according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the mount further comprises a bearing to allow motion of the supported partition body in at least one direction in a horizontal plane.

13. A partition system according to claim 12 wherein the bearing is a linear bearing comprising a slider, slidingly mounted to a rail, to allow motion in the at least one direction.

14. A partition system according to claim 13 wherein the rail is fixed to the ceiling of the room, and wherein the rail extends along a rail axis parallel to the horizontal plane, and wherein at least part of a weight of the partition body is supported through the slider.

15. A partition system according to any one of claims 9 to 14 wherein the partition body is substantially planar.

16. A partition system according to any one of claims 12 to B15 wherein the at least one direction in a horizontal plane is substantially perpendicular to a planar surface of the partition body.

17. A partition system according to any one of claims 9 to 16 wherein the partition fasteners at the bottom comprise at least one magnet.

18. A partition system according to any one of claims 9 to 17 wherein the partition body comprises opposite first and second sides, wherein additional partition fasteners are provided at the first and second sides to fasten with respective first and second sides of an adjacent partition body.

19. A partition system according to any one of claims 9 to 18 wherein the partition body comprises one or more of polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE), and/or other polymers.

20. A computer enclosure system comprising:

- a plurality of computer enclosures for housing one or more computer components, wherein in use the plurality of computer enclosures are located in a room and spaced from one another; and

- at least one flexible barrier according to any one of claims 1 to 8 for separating air in a first region and a second region of the room.

21. A computer enclosure system comprising:

- a plurality of computer enclosures for housing one or more computer components, wherein in use the plurality of computer enclosures are located in a room; and

- at least one partition system according to any one of claims 9 to 19 for separating air in a first region and a second region of the room.

22. A computer enclosure system comprising:

- a plurality of computer enclosures for housing one or more computer components, wherein in use the plurality of computer enclosures are located in a room and spaced from one another;

- at least one flexible barrier according to any one of claims 1 to 8 for separating air in a first region and a second region of the room; and

23. A computer enclosure system comprising:

-a plurality of computer enclosures for housing one or more computer components, wherein in use the plurality of computer enclosures are located in a room and spaced from one another; and

- a plurality of computer enclosure supports, wherein the plurality of computer enclosure supports extend between respective stays fixed to a ceiling of the room and lugs at the computer enclosures, wherein the computer enclosure supports includes a spring and/or damper to reduce effects of oscillation of the plurality of computer enclosure during a seismic event.