U.S. patent application number 11/518976 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-11 for plenum partition baffle system.
Invention is credited to Laurie Taylor.
Application Number | 20070238408 11/518976 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38575938 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070238408 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Taylor; Laurie |
October 11, 2007 |
Plenum partition baffle system
Abstract
A system for directing airflow within a plenum comprising
sizeable, shapeable and interconnectable baffles that can be
nondestructively attached to plenum support structures. The system
includes means for removably interconnecting the baffles and also
for removably and non-destructively attaching the baffles to plenum
support structure without tools.
Inventors: |
Taylor; Laurie; (Wildwood,
MO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GALLOP, JOHNSON & NEUMAN, L.C.
101 S. HANLEY, SUITE 1600
ST. LOUIS
MO
63105
US
|
Family ID: |
38575938 |
Appl. No.: |
11/518976 |
Filed: |
September 11, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60790883 |
Apr 11, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
454/186 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 7/10 20130101; E04F
15/02458 20130101; H05K 7/20745 20130101; F24F 2221/40 20130101;
H02G 3/385 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
454/186 |
International
Class: |
F24F 7/007 20060101
F24F007/007 |
Claims
1. A plenum partition baffle system for use within the plenum of a
raised floor, the raised floor having floor panels supported by one
or more pedestals, the system comprising: one or more baffles
scored into segments such that the one or more baffles can be sized
and shaped by the breaking apart or tearing off of segments from
the one or more baffles; the one or more baffles further having one
or more scored aperture outlines, the portions of each baffle
within the one or more scored aperture outlines being capable of
removal from the baffle by the application of pressure upon those
portions and wherein upon removal of a portion of each baffle
within a scored aperture outline, a fastener-accepting aperture
results that allows each baffle to be attached to the one or more
pedestals and interconnected with another like baffle; means for
interconnecting the one or more baffles to another like baffle; and
means for attaching the one or more baffles to the one or more
pedestals.
2. The plenum partition baffle system of claim 1 wherein the one or
more baffles can be sized and shaped without use of a tool.
3. The plenum partition baffle system of claim 1 wherein the
pressure required to remove the portions of each baffle within the
one or more scored aperture outlines is finger pressure.
4. The plenum partition baffle system of claim 1 wherein the means
for interconnecting the one or more baffles to another like baffle
does not require use of a tool.
5. The plenum partition baffle system of claim 1 wherein the means
for attaching the one or more baffles to the one or more pedestals
does not require use of a tool.
6. The plenum partition baffle system of claim 1 wherein the one or
more baffles can be removably interconnected to another like baffle
and the means for interconnecting the one or more baffles to
another like baffle allows for removable interconnection.
7. The plenum partition baffle system of claim 6 wherein the means
for removably interconnecting the one or more baffles to another
like baffle does not require use of a tool.
8. The plenum partition baffle system of claim 1 wherein the one or
more baffles can be nondestructively and removably attached to the
one or more pedestals and the means for attaching the one or more
baffles to the one or more pedestals allows for removable and
non-destructive attachment.
9. The plenum partition baffle system of claim 8 wherein the means
for removably and non-destructively attaching the plurality of
baffles to the one or more pedestals does not require use of a
tool.
10. The plenum partition baffle system of claim 1 wherein at least
one of the one or more scored aperture outlines are oval or
racetrack shaped and oriented horizontally on the baffle.
11. The plenum partition baffle system of claim 1 wherein at least
one of the one or more baffles has a plurality of oval or racetrack
shaped scored aperture outlines that are horizontally oriented in
one or more rows on the baffle, and the horizontal distance between
at least two adjacent scored aperture outlines is one inch.
12. The plenum partition baffle system of claim 1 wherein at least
one of the one or more scored aperture outlines is oval or
racetrack shaped and oriented vertically on the baffle.
13. The plenum partition baffle system of claim 1 wherein at least
one of the one or more baffles is made from flame retardant
polypropylene insulation.
14. The plenum partition baffle system of claim 1 wherein at least
one of the one or more baffles has accordiated pleats.
15. The plenum partition baffle system of claim 1 wherein the
system further comprises one or more air blades mountable on at
least one of the one or more baffles.
16. The plenum partition baffle system of claim 1 wherein at least
one of the one or more baffles has scored lines creating horizontal
strips.
17. The plenum partition baffle system of claim 1 wherein at least
one of the one or more baffles is scored vertically in the center
of the baffle.
18. A plenum partition baffle system for use within the plenum of a
drop ceiling, the drop ceiling having ceiling tiles held in a
framework connected to one or more framework supports, the system
comprising: one or more baffles scored into segments such that the
one or more baffles can be sized and shaped by the breaking apart
or tearing off of segments from the one or more baffles; the one or
more baffles further having one or more scored aperture outlines,
the portions of each baffle within the one or more scored aperture
outlines being capable of removal from the baffle by the
application of pressure upon those portions and wherein upon
removal of a portion of each baffle within a scored aperture
outline, a fastener-accepting aperture results that allows each
baffle to be attached to the one or more framework supports and
interconnected with another like baffle; means for interconnecting
the one or more baffles to another like baffle; and means for
attaching the one or more baffles to the one or more framework
supports.
19. The plenum partition baffle system of claim 18 wherein the one
or more baffles can be sized or shaped without use of a tool.
20. The plenum partition baffle system of claim 18 wherein the
pressure required to remove the portions of each baffle within the
one or more scored aperture outlines is finger pressure.
21. The plenum partition baffle system of claim 18 wherein the
means for interconnecting the one or more baffles to another like
baffle does not require use of a tool.
22. The plenum partition baffle system of claim 18 wherein the
means for attaching the one or more baffles to the one or more
framework supports does not require use of a tool.
23. The plenum partition baffle system of claim 18 wherein the one
or more baffles can be removably interconnected to another like
baffle and the means for interconnecting the one or more baffles to
another like baffle allows for removable interconnection.
24. The plenum partition baffle system of claim 23 wherein the
means for removably interconnecting the one or more baffles to
another like baffle does not require use of a tool.
25. The plenum partition baffle system of claim 18 wherein the one
or more baffles can be nondestructively and removably attached to
the one or more framework supports and the means for attaching the
one or more baffles to the one or more framework supports allows
for removable and non-destructive attachment.
26. The plenum partition baffle system of claim 25 wherein the
means for removably and non-destructively attaching the plurality
of baffles to the one or more framework supports does not require
use of a tool.
27. The plenum partition baffle system of claim 18 wherein at least
one of the one or more scored aperture outlines is oval or
racetrack shaped and oriented horizontally on the baffle.
28. The plenum partition baffle system of claim 18 wherein at least
one of the one or more baffles has a plurality of oval or racetrack
shaped scored aperture outlines that are horizontally oriented in
one or more rows on the baffle, and the horizontal distance between
at least two adjacent scored aperture outlines is one inch.
29. The plenum partition baffle system of claim 18 wherein at least
one of the one or more scored aperture outlines is oval or
racetrack shaped and oriented vertically on the baffle.
30. The plenum partition baffle system of claim 18 wherein at least
one of the one or more baffles is made from flame retardant
polypropylene insulation.
31. The plenum partition baffle system of claim 18 wherein at least
one of the one or more baffles has accordiated pleats.
32. The plenum partition baffle system of claim 18 wherein the
system further comprises one or more air blades mountable on at
least one of the one or more baffles.
33. The plenum partition baffle system of claim 18 wherein at least
one of the one or more baffles has scored lines creating horizontal
strips.
34. The plenum partition baffle system of claim 18 wherein at least
one of the one or more baffles is scored vertically in the center
of the baffle.
35. A baffle for use within a plenum, the plenum having one or more
plenum support structures, the baffle comprising: scored segments
such that each baffle can be sized and shaped without tools by the
breaking apart or tearing off of segments from the baffle; and one
or more scored aperture outlines, the portions of the baffle within
the one or more scored aperture outlines being capable of removal
from the baffle by the application of pressure upon those portions
and wherein upon removal of a portion of the baffle within a scored
aperture outline, a fastener-accepting aperture results that allows
the baffle to be non-destructively and removably attached to the
one or more plenum support structures and removably interconnected
with another like baffle.
36. The baffle of claim 35 wherein the pressure required to remove
the portions of the baffle within the one or more scored aperture
outlines is finger pressure.
37. The baffle of claim 35 wherein at least one of the one or more
scored aperture outlines are oval or racetrack shaped and oriented
horizontally on the baffle.
38. The baffle of claim 35 wherein at least one of the one or more
scored aperture outlines are oval or racetrack shaped and oriented
vertically on the baffle.
39. The baffle of claim 35 wherein the baffle is made from flame
retardant polypropylene insulation.
40. The baffle of claim 35 wherein the baffle further comprises
accordiated pleats.
41. A method for directing air flow in a plenum, the plenum having
one or more plenum support structures, the method comprising:
providing one or more baffles scored into segments and having one
or more scored aperture outlines; sizing and shaping the one or
more baffles by breaking apart or tearing off segments from the one
or more baffles; creating one or more fastener-accepting apertures
in each of the one or more baffles by removing a portion of each
baffle within the one or more scored aperture outlines by applying
pressure to the portion of each baffle within the one or more
scored aperture outlines; and attaching the one or more baffles to
a plenum support structure by means of a fastener inserted through
a fastener-accepting aperture.
42. The method of claim 41 wherein the fastener-accepting apertures
are created without use of a tool.
43. The method of claim 41 wherein the one or more baffles are
attached to a plenum support structure without use of a tool.
44. The method of claim 41 wherein the one or more baffles are
non-destructively and removably attached to a plenum support
structure
45. The method of claim 41 further comprising interconnecting at
least one of the one or more baffles to another like baffle.
46. The method of claim 45 wherein the one or more baffles are
interconnected without use of a tool.
47. The method of claim 45 wherein the one of more baffles are
removably interconnected.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/790,883, filed on Apr. 11, 2006, which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
SEQUENCE LISTING, TABLE OR COMPUTER PROGRAM ON COMPACT DISC
[0003] Not applicable.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0004] This invention relates generally to a system that directs
airflow. More specifically, it relates to an assembly of baffles
that direct airflow in a plenum, and a method of using same.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Underfloor air distribution (UFAD) is a method of delivering
conditioned air inside offices and commercial buildings. UFAD is an
alternative to ceiling-based heating, ventilation and
air-conditioning (HVAC) methods. The open space between the
sub-floor (usually a structural concrete slab) and the underside of
a raised access floor is called the plenum or air handling space.
UFAD systems use the plenum to deliver conditioned air into the
occupied zones of the building. In a typical UFAD system,
conditioned air is emitted by an air-handling unit (AHU), through
the plenum and into workspaces via a variety of supply outlets
(diffusers) or perforated floor tiles. The AHU is typically located
in the plenum or is connected to the plenum via a minimum amount of
ductwork. These supply outlets are usually located at floor level
(most common), or as part of the furniture and partitions.
[0006] The underfloor plenum is formed by installation of a raised
floor system. Usually this raised floor system consists of floor
panels supported on pedestals and positioned above the concrete
structural slab of the building. The conditioned air, being
pressurized vis-a-vis the air above the plenum, typically flows
freely in the plenum to the supply outlets or perforated tiles. The
plenum thus provides a path for cooled air to travel from the AHU
to the workspace. Access to the plenum can be achieved simply by
removing one or more floor panels.
[0007] Equipment and data centers are also cooled using the plenum
or underfloor air handling space. UFAD systems are particularly
advantageous in light of the thermal cooling requirements of
computer equipment and data centers. In fact, raised floors were
developed in the 1950's and 1960's to facilitate the use and
operation of mainframe computers, which required bottom air intake.
However, equipment needs have changed in data centers over the past
forty years, and servers and other equipment have replaced
mainframes in the data center. The servers that have virtually
replaced the mainframes can generate more heat than the mainframes
in a more concentrated space. Current servers may produce up to six
times more heat than the equipment they replace. Hence, data
centers have greater cooling requirements than ever before.
[0008] Controlling high temperatures within data centers is very
difficult and complex. Yet, keeping computers and data center
equipment at the right temperature is critical for the life of the
equipment. Such electronic equipment must be maintained in
appropriate temperature environments subject to regulated rates of
temperature change in order to maintain equipment reliability,
abide electronic equipment warranty provisions and ascertain
optimum energy usage. Achieving these requirements is an ever
constant and evolving concern for the HVAC or IT professional due
to the fact that computer and data processing equipment trend
toward increasing the amount of power usage, and thus thermal
output and cooling demand, over available space. Server
manufacturers have used high out put fans and enclosed chiller
lines to control the high temperatures within data centers.
[0009] Another method of cooling electronic equipment environments
and thus meet the thermal demands of computer equipment involves
using a dedicated Computer Room Air Conditioner (CRAC) in
association with a UFAD system. Electronic equipment, including
computer systems, can be cooled using a pressured plenum under a
raised floor. Powerful fans in the CRAC units draw in hot air
exhausted by equipment in a data center. In a conventional CRAC
arrangement, fans cool the hot air by forcing it through a
liquid-to-air heat exchanger. With a CRAC-UFAD system, pressurized
cooling air enters the plenum beneath the raised floor of a data
center. Cooled air exits from conventional CRACs at a very high
velocity. However, air velocities are low and constant after the
air has traveled away from the CRAC a certain distance. The plenum
provides a path for cooled air to travel from the CRAC to the data
center. Cooled air is distributed to the equipment in the room by
placing supply outlets in the form of floor tiles with perforations
in close proximity to the cool air inlet vents of the
equipment.
[0010] The plenum of today's building must now house building
components and infrastructure beyond HVAC apparatus. By combining a
building's HVAC system with its power, voice, and data cabling into
the under floor plenum, significant improvements can be realized in
terms of increased flexibility and reduced costs associated with
reconfiguring building services. Consequently, under-floor systems,
including UFAD systems, have become desirable in view of the fact
that office buildings today have high office space reconfiguration
rates resulting from tenant turnover and from the extensive and
ever-changing information technology infrastructure and needs of
business.
[0011] When cabling runways, copper and fiber distribution and
power feeds for servers share plenum space with pressurized air,
plenum airflow distribution becomes less predictable. Because rigid
building structural members often define the lateral confines of
the plenum, the configuration of a plenum cannot easily change to
meet airflow demands. This is particularly a concern when dealing
with a data center that was built many years ago, and has not been
upgraded to meet current standards. Airflow is generally calculated
to provide for sufficient cooling in newly constructed or recently
updated data centers. Based upon such airflow calculations and
measurements, perforated floor tiles and CRAC blower speeds are
adjusted to achieve a desired airflow rate. However, after thermal
demands are calculated and cooling parameters set, airflow rates
are often unintentionally changed. Airflow rates often decrease due
to the addition of cables and other items within the plenum.
Modifications, such as holes, in the plenum can also cause drastic
changes to the airflow rates by creating a low-resistance bypass
for the high-pressure cooling air. Conditions and modifications
within the plenum space and imprecise calculations and measurements
often produce undesirable airflow distribution through the
perforated floor tiles, which could, in turn, harm electronic
equipment. There is thus a need in the art for a system that can
direct airflow within a plenum and which can be easily installed,
modified and removed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention meets the need in the art by providing
for a plenum partition baffle system that non-destructively mounts
to the existing plenum support structures. The system is adjustable
in height and width. The system comprises an assembly of
interconnectable flexible baffle panels ("baffles"). Each baffle
has a first and second surface. In the preferred embodiment at
least one surface of the baffle includes a scored grid pattern that
divides the baffle into segments. The terms "scored" or "scoring"
as used in this patent application are defined to include marks or
lines created upon a surface by way of scoring, press-cutting,
etching or any other technique that produces surface marks via the
incomplete cutting or removal of material. The elemental shape of
the scored grid is preferably rectangular, but may be any regular
shape including, but not limited to, a polygon, a circle, an
ellipse or an oval. The grid pattern may even comprise varying and
irregular shapes. The scored segments allow the baffle to be sized
and shaped simply by breaking apart or tearing off segments of the
baffle along the scored grid lines. The baffle can thus be sized
and shaped on-site with or without tools. By virtue of its
removably segmented construct, cable, ductwork and other building
infrastructure inside the plenum may be routed through the baffle
anywhere in the system and including directly to the applicable
equipment.
[0013] In the preferred embodiment, each scored rectangle (the
elemental shape) contains an additional scored aperture outline
generally centered within it and which in the preferred embodiment
is racetrack or oval shaped. The areas of the baffle within the
scored aperture outlines constitute "pop-out sections." These
pop-out sections may be removed by hand from the baffle by
application of pressure applied upon the area of the baffle within
the aperture outline. In the preferred embodiment, the pressure
necessary to remove the pop-out section is finger pressure.
Alternatively, the pop-out section can be pressed out with a tool
or can be cut out by drawing a knife-edge or sharp tool along the
scored outline. Once the pop-out section is removed, a
fastener-accepting aperture results in the baffle. These apertures
provide means by which each baffle may be interconnected with
another baffle to create a longer or larger array of baffles. The
resulting apertures also allow any baffle to be mounted, without
tools, to the floor pedestals supporting the raised floor and
without destructive attachment to either the floor pedestals or any
intra-plenum structures.
[0014] By virtue of its interconnection feature and its
non-destructive mounting feature, the baffle system can be easily
reconfigured as cooling needs change. Data center in-house
personnel can install the system to direct airflow from the CRAC
units to areas where it is needed most. The adjustable and flexible
nature of the system also allows the system to be installed in
plenums that vary widely in dimensions such as in height of the
raised floor above the sub-floor.
[0015] When installed, the system directs airflow from CRAC units
to equipment within the data center. The system can also direct
airflow away from workstations, corridor spaces and command control
console areas where cooled air is not required or desired. By
directing airflow, the system allows data centers to save
electricity and costs associated with electricity usage. In some
circumstances, installation of the system may lower costs
associated with the purchase of one or more CRACs. The present
invention provides a system to direct cool airflow under the raised
floor to more effectively control the high heat temperature zones
within a data center. By increasing efficiency the invention may
lower electricity costs. The system may reduce the number of CRACs
required to cool a data center. The system can also be used to
partition off areas under workstations, corridor stations and
command control console areas where cooled air is not required or
desired. The system can also be used to separate hot aisles of air
from cold aisles of air. The system provides a solution to airflow
distribution problems without major reconstruction of the existing
structure and without adding sheet metal ducting within the plenum
spaces of data centers. The system is removable and repositionable
thereby allowing data center managers increased flexibility in
arranging equipment within a data center. The system according to
the present invention is constructed of material that is more
flexible and easier to work with than sheet metal or ductwork. The
cost of labor for installation of the system may also be less
expensive than the installation of sheet metal ductwork. It is a
feature and advantage of the invention disclosed herein that the
baffles can be adapted for use within any plenum, including the
plenum of a hung or drop ceiling, and can be mounted to any plenum
support structures including but not limited to floor pedestals or
ceiling tile framework supports. These and other advantages and
features of the present invention will become apparent from the
following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a data center.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a cut-away perspective view of a raised floor
arrangement illustrating a typical pedestal supporting floor tiles
and further illustrating examples of cable trays and conduits.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a cut-away perspective view of the raised floor
arrangement as drawn in FIG. 2 illustrating a preferred embodiment
baffle of the present invention installed.
[0019] FIG. 4 is an elevation view of a baffle according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 5 is an elevation view of a baffle in which a cable
tray opening, another opening and a flexible self-sealing dam have
been inserted in areas where segments of the baffle have been
removed.
[0021] FIG. 6 is an elevation view of two interconnected
baffles.
[0022] FIG. 7 is an overhead section view depicting how two
overlapping baffles may be interconnected using a pass-through
attachment device such as a screw or rivet.
[0023] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a baffle attached to a
pedestal.
[0024] FIG. 9 is an elevation view of a baffle attached to a
pedestal.
[0025] FIG. 10 is a cross section view of a baffle connected to a
pedestal in a bypass or straight arrangement.
[0026] FIG. 11 is a cross section view a baffle connected to a
pedestal with the baffle in a corner or curved arrangement.
[0027] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a baffle with air blades
attached to it.
[0028] FIG. 13 is an elevation view of a baffle depicting an
alternate embodiment of scored cut features.
[0029] FIG. 14 is an elevation view of an alternate embodiment
baffle having accordiated pleats.
[0030] FIG. 15 is an elevation view of an alternate embodiment
baffle having accordiated pleats.
[0031] FIG. 16 is a cross section of a baffle drawn in FIG. 15
illustrating an example of the baffle in an extended state.
[0032] FIG. 17 is a cross section of the baffle drawn in FIG. 15
illustrating an example of the baffle in a compacted state.
[0033] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a hung ceiling and further
illustrating an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0034] The invention is a plenum partition baffle system comprised
of lightweight and flexible baffles that may be easily
interconnected and easily installed upon plenum support structures
without destructive attachment to the structures. After
installation the baffles may be easily separated from each other
and also easily removed from the support structures. In the
preferred embodiment the baffles are scored to allow for
break-apart sizing and shaping. Due to their break-apart or
tear-away construct the baffles may be sized and shaped with or
without tools to allow for intra-plenum installation. The
break-apart construct also allows for the passage of cables and
building infrastructure through them in form-fitting or near
form-fitting manner.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a data center 1. Within
the data center 1 are CRACs 3, controlled air zones 5 and equipment
racks 59 for servers and other conventional computer and data
center equipment. FIG. 2 shows a raised floor 7 of the data center
1. The raised floor 7 of the data center 1 may have floor tiles 8
that are perforated (not shown) to allow air to flow up through the
perforated floor tiles 8 into the data center 1. Pedestals 9 extend
from sub-floor 11 and support the raised floor 7. Plenum 13 is the
space between raised floor 7 and the sub-floor 11. In a building
having a conventional raised floor, cable raceways 15 and cable
trays 17 provide support paths for wires and cables running through
the plenum 13 and on into the equipment within the data center 1.
FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the plenum partition baffle system 19
of the present invention in use within the plenum 13 depicted in
FIG. 2.
[0036] In operation, system 19 directs airflow within the plenum
13. System 19 is assembled from individual interconnecting baffles
21. Individual baffles 21 are connected to form an assembly of
baffles 20. In the preferred embodiment, the baffles 21 are
rectangular in shape, but can be any other shape. In the preferred
embodiment, the baffles 21 are made from a flame retardant
polypropylene material, such as FORMEX.TM. GK 40. However, baffles
21 may be manufactured from any fire retardant substance that is
flexible enough to allow bending around and contouring around
pedestals and other intra-plenum structure without breaking.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 4, the preferred embodiment of the baffle
21 includes elemental segments 23 scored into at least one of its
surfaces. In the preferred embodiment, the elemental segments 23
are rectangular shaped. The rectangular shape is produced by
horizontal and vertical scored lines 25 which allow the baffle 21
to be re-sized or re-shaped by removing a desired number of
segments 23 in one or more desired locations. Because of the
horizontal and vertical scored lines 25, portions of the baffle 21
may be removed to achieve a more refined system 19, shape or size
without use of a tool simply by breaking apart or tearing away
segments of the baffle. Segments of a baffle may be removed so as
to provide the baffle 21 with one or more defined openings 31 as is
shown in FIG. 5. The segments 23 allow portions of the baffle 21 to
be removed in order to accommodate cable tray openings 29 or other
openings 31. FIG. 5 depicts a baffle with defined openings
receiving a cable tray 29 and a flexible self-sealing dam 33 to
provide raceways for cables 15 or other equipment. The removed
portions of the baffle 21 can be patched or repaired by simply
adding a baffle 21 or a portion of a baffle 21 to a specific area
of the baffle 21 or system 19.
[0038] In a preferred embodiment, each elemental segment 23 has a
generally horizontally oriented racetrack or oval shaped scored
outline 27 generally centered within it that defines a potential
aperture. The inner portion 28 of the scored oval outline is
preferably removed (popped out) manually by application of finger
pressure to the portion of the baffle within the scored oval
outline. Alternatively, the inner portion of the scored oval
outline could be removed by using a common pressing or cutting hand
tool. As shown in FIGS. 8-9, upon removal of the inner portion 28 a
generally horizontally oriented racetrack shaped aperture 37 is
formed. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 4, oval shaped apertures
37 can be arranged in one or more rows whereby adjacent oval shaped
aperture outlines are separated by horizontal distance N. In
prototype versions of the preferred embodiment baffle system,
baffles wherein the distance N between the generally horizontally
oriented oval shaped outlines equals one inch were shown to offer
overall improved interconnection and pedestal mounting than baffles
having a shorter or longer distance N.
[0039] In operation, the system 19 directs airflow within the
plenum space 13 of a data center 1. The system 19 is made of an
assembly of baffles 20. As shown in FIGS. 6-7, individual baffles
21 are connected to form the assembly of baffles 20. The baffles
may be interconnected by overlapping one baffle with another,
aligning a fastener-accepting aperture in one baffle with a like
aperture of another baffle and inserting a fastener through the
aligned apertures. Any type of fasteners, including but not limited
to screws, rivets, bolts or threaded posts, can be used to
interconnect the baffles. In the depicted embodiment, a rivet 35
that passes through both baffles 21 via the oval shaped aperture 37
connects the baffles 21. A preferred rivet 35 is manufactured by
Micro Plastics.RTM. Inc. (part number 401009). Because each baffle
can be reduced in size and re-shaped and because baffles can be
interconnected in horizontal or vertical arrangement, an assembled
baffle panel of any needed width or height can be built.
[0040] FIGS. 8-9 show the preferred embodiment method of attaching
the baffles 21 to the pedestals 9. In the depicted embodiment,
baffle 21 is attached to pedestal 9 by means of fastener 39 that
loops around the pedestal 9 and through at least two
fastener-accepting apertures 37. A preferred embodiment mounting
fastener 39 is a Richco, Inc. cable tie (part number QTE-30XL). As
shown in FIG. 3, pedestals 9 supporting the raised floor 7 also
support the assembly of baffles. The baffles 21 may be connected to
a pedestal 9 in such a way so as to allow the baffle to bypass the
pedestal or bend around the pedestal to form a corner or angle 40.
FIG. 10 is a cross section view of a baffle mounted to pedestal 9
whereby the baffle connects to the pedestal in straight or bypass
fashion, producing an approximate straight edge 38. FIG. 11 is a
cross section view of a baffle 21 mounted to the pedestal 9 whereby
the baffle bends around the pedestal forming a corner or angle 40.
In the preferred embodiment, the fastener 39 connects the baffle 21
nondestructively to the pedestal 9 by means of a fastener passing
through the fastener-accepting apertures 37. It will now be
understood that the baffle may be connected or attached to any side
or surface of the pedestal 9. It will also be appreciated that the
oval shaped apertures of the preferred embodiment in the baffles
provide distinct advantages over round, square or other shape
apertures. First, because the oval aperture is in the nature of a
horizontally oriented slot, a baffle comprised of oval apertures
has a certain degree of "play" or side-to-side movement when
connecting a baffle to another baffle or a pedestal. Thus, the oval
shape feature of the apertures also allow for less precise
measuring and shaping of the baffle as compared to a round or
square hole when sizing and shaping the baffles for installation.
This shape feature of the aperture also protects each baffle, the
baffle system and any supporting structures from any forces acting
against them due to thermodynamic expansion and contraction.
Additionally, should the need arise to bend a baffle along a line
including a fastener-accepting aperture, insertion of a fastener
through a round or square aperture could be rendered difficult or
even impossible by virtue of the deformation (reduction of the
surface area) of the aperture due to the bending. However, with an
oval aperture, the baffle can be bent along a line including an
aperture without rendering the aperture impassable. Hence, the oval
shape feature of the aperture allows for insertion of fasteners
under conditions where the baffle is flexed or bent. Additionally,
by virtue of the fact that the oval apertures do not have any
interior corners that could serve as starting points for cracks or
tears in the baffle material, the oval apertures are structurally
advantageous over polygonal apertures.
[0041] The system 19 may be used to partition off a specific area
in the plenum 13. It may also be employed to direct airflow to a
specific area of the plenum 13 or may direct airflow away from a
specific area of the plenum 13. The system 19 can vary in size
depending on the size of the data center 1 or the plenum 13.
Baffles 21 can be added to the system 19 to achieve the desired
height or width. The unique assembly of the invention allows the
system 19 to be easily removed and moved and reassembled in another
location in the plenum or in another plenum altogether to
accommodate data center 1 reconfigurations. This unique assembly
allows the system 19 to be increased in size or decreased in size
as conditions change or airflow needs change.
[0042] Baffles having the grid pattern made up of elemental scored
rectangles having generally centered, horizontally oriented scored
oval aperture outlines have proven flexibility in intra-plenum
installation. However, other patterns may be used as well. FIG. 13
shows another embodiment of a baffle 63 having vertically oriented,
elongated scored oval aperture outlines. The area of the baffle
within each elongated oval scored feature can be removed in pop-out
manner, preferably by the application of finger pressure to the
area. Alternatively, the area within the elongated oval feature can
be removed by using a tool to press or cut the area out. When this
area is removed, vertically oriented slots are formed, which allow
for greater up and down positioning of the baffle. The embodiment
baffle 63 depicted in FIG. 13 also demonstrates that a baffle can
be provided with full-length vertical scored lines 47 in the center
of the baffle 63. By virtue of the vertically oriented slots
[0043] FIG. 14 depicts another embodiment baffle 67 having
horizontally scored lines 65 that result in horizontal strips 49.
The baffles 67 can also be scored vertically 51 in the center of
the baffle.
[0044] The system can be adapted to use accordion baffles 69, such
as is depicted in FIGS. 15-17. As seen in these figures, this
baffle embodiment has accordiated pleats 53 that are connected by
vertical scored lines 71. The accordiated pleats 53 may form the
entire baffle 69 (not shown) or only part of the baffle 69 as shown
in FIG. 15. In FIG. 15, baffle 69 also has a un-accordiated portion
73. FIG. 16 is a cross section view of an accordion baffle 69
illustrating the accordiated pleats 53 in an extended state. FIG.
17 illustrates the accordiated pleats 53 in a compacted state.
[0045] FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of the invention whereby
air blades 43 are mounted to a baffle. The air blades 43 can be
utilized with other embodiments of the invention as well. In a
preferred embodiment, the air blades 43 illustrated in FIG. 12 can
be connected, attached or located in operative association with or
to the baffle 21 and in a preferred embodiment the racetrack or
oval shaped apertures 37 are located relative to connection tabs 61
and a rivet 35 may be used to hold the connection tab and blade in
place relative to the baffle. The air blades 43 help move the
airflow in a vertical direction.
[0046] The plenum partition baffle system disclosed herein can be
easily adapted for use in the plenum or air handling space in a
hung or drop ceiling. This embodiment is shown in FIG. 18. In this
embodiment, plenum partition baffle system 19 is located in the
plenum created by a hung ceiling 55 by using framework supports 81.
Fasteners 39 connect the baffles 21 to the framework supports 81.
Framework supports 81 connect framework 75 (and thus hung ceiling
55) to building structure 57. Hung ceiling 55 has ceiling tiles 77
with which may include vents 79. The ceiling tiles 77 rest in
framework 75 (typically arranged in a grid) or other suspended,
hung or dropped ceiling support systems.
[0047] While specific embodiments have been shown and described,
many variations are possible. The particular shape of the segments
and scored lines and markings, scoring depths and aperture outlines
including all horizontal and vertical orientations, dimensions and
thicknesses may be changed as desired to suit the floor or ceiling
plenum with which the invention is used. The material and its
configuration and number of segments may vary although a preferred
embodiment is shown and described, for example, the segments may be
interlocking puzzle-piece-like shapes and the baffles may be
non-rectangular. In addition, though the invention is
representatively described herein for use in a pressurized plenum,
the invention is equally adaptable for use in heating or cooling
system in which the conditioned air in the plenum is maintained at
a zero or negative pressure with respect to workspace air and the
conditioned air is delivered to the workspace by means of active
(e.g., powered fan) supply outlets. The terms, descriptions and
figures used herein are set forth by way of illustration only and
are not meant as limitations. Those skilled in the art will
recognize that many variations are possible within the scope of the
invention, which is intended to be defined by the following claims
and their equivalents, in which all terms are meant in their
broadest reasonable sense unless otherwise indicated.
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