U.S. patent application number 12/498434 was filed with the patent office on 2010-04-22 for rear door heat exchanger transition frame.
This patent application is currently assigned to Vette Corp.. Invention is credited to John P Menoche, Shlomo Novotny.
Application Number | 20100096105 12/498434 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42107694 |
Filed Date | 2010-04-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100096105 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Novotny; Shlomo ; et
al. |
April 22, 2010 |
REAR DOOR HEAT EXCHANGER TRANSITION FRAME
Abstract
A transition frame system integrates a liquid cooling door with
associated computer equipment racks. Dissimilar dimensions of
equipment racks and cooling doors are accommodated by a transition
frame. The frame has a top, bottom, first side, and a second side;
each providing a rack face opposing a door face. The frame may be
one piece. The rack face includes a means for mating/sealing with
the rack and the door face includes a means for mating/sealing with
a cooling door that may include replacement hinges and latches. The
transition frame can be included as part of the rack or the door.
Cooling of equipment in the rack is maintained through airflow
through the cooling door.
Inventors: |
Novotny; Shlomo; (Wayland,
MA) ; Menoche; John P; (North Smithfield,
RI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Vern Maine & Associates
100 MAIN STREET, P O BOX 3445
NASHUA
NH
03061-3445
US
|
Assignee: |
Vette Corp.
Portsmouth
NH
|
Family ID: |
42107694 |
Appl. No.: |
12/498434 |
Filed: |
July 7, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61106691 |
Oct 20, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
165/80.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H05K 7/20736
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
165/80.2 |
International
Class: |
F28F 13/00 20060101
F28F013/00 |
Claims
1. A transition frame for a cooling system for an equipment rack
comprising: a top connected to a first side and a second side, said
sides connected to a bottom; wherein each of said top, said bottom,
said first side and said second side has a rack face opposing a
door face; wherein said rack face is adjacent said equipment rack
and operationally connected with said rack; said door face is
adjacent a cooling system door and operationally connected with
said cooling door; wherein cooling of equipment in said rack is
maintained through said door, and wherein dissimilar dimensions of
said rack and said door are accommodated.
2. The transition frame of claim 1 wherein said cooling system door
is a rear door heat exchanger.
3. The transition frame of claim 1 wherein said cooling system door
is added without rack replacement and without equipment shut
down.
4. The transition frame of claim 1 wherein said frame comprises a
unitary body.
5. The transition frame of claim 1 wherein said frame is integrated
with said equipment rack.
6. The transition frame of claim 1 wherein said frame is integrated
with said cooling door.
7. The transition frame of claim 1 wherein at least one of said
operational connection with said equipment rack and said
operational connection with said cooling door comprises a
replacement latch.
8. The transition frame of claim 1 wherein at least one of said
operational connection with said equipment rack and said
operational connection with said cooling door comprises an
extendible gasket.
9. The transition frame of claim 8 wherein said gasket is
conductive, whereby enclosure shielding is maintained.
10. The transition frame of claim 1 wherein at least one of said
operational connection with said equipment rack and said
operational connection with said cooling door comprises at least
one replacement hinge.
11. The transition frame of claim 10 wherein said at least one
replacement hinge supports opening angles of up to 270 degrees.
12. The transition frame of claim 1 wherein at least one of said
operational connection with said rack and said operational
connection with said cooling door comprises threaded
fittings-tapped in said transition frame.
13. The transition frame of claim 1 wherein at least one of said
operational connection with said rack and said operational
connection with said cooling door comprises slots.
14. The transition frame of claim 2 wherein said frame maintains
operation of cooling hoses of said rear door heat exchanger.
15. A method of adapting a cooling door to a rack comprising the
steps of: providing a transition frame for a cooling system for an
equipment rack comprising: a top connected to a first side and a
second side, said sides connected to a bottom; wherein each of said
top, said bottom, said first side and said second side has a rack
face opposing a door face; wherein said rack face is adjacent said
equipment rack and comprises a means for mating with said rack;
said door face is adjacent a cooling system door and comprises a
means for mating with said cooling door; wherein cooling of
equipment in said rack is maintained through said door, and wherein
dissimilar dimensions of said rack and said door are accommodated;
and installing said transition frame on at least one of said rack
and said door.
16. The method of claim 15 wherein airflow impedance is
maintained.
17. The method of claim 15 wherein said frame comprises a unitary
body.
18. The method of claim 15 wherein said frame is integrated with
said cooling door.
19. The transition frame of claim 1 wherein said frame is compliant
with European Union directives on restriction of use of certain
hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment.
20. A transition frame for a cooling system for an equipment rack
comprising: a top connected to a first side and a second side, said
sides connected to a bottom; wherein each of said top, said bottom,
said first side and said second side has a rack face opposing a
door face; wherein said rack face is adjacent said equipment rack
and comprises a means for mating with said rack; said door face is
adjacent a cooling system door and comprises a means for mating
with said cooling door; wherein cooling of equipment in said rack
is maintained through said door, and wherein dissimilar dimensions
of said rack and said door are accommodated.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/106,691, filed Oct. 20, 2008; this application
is herein incorporated in its entirety by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to a system and method to support
cooling heat generating components, and more particularly, to a
system and method for integrating a liquid cooling door with
associated computer equipment racks.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Liquid cooling of electronics cabinets to control heat rise
is known. Increases in electronics density are accompanied by
increases in heat production for a given volume of electronic
equipment. This has reached the point where air conditioning
systems are unable to cool computing facilities without
supplemental liquid cooling.
[0004] Competition among computing providers such as server farms,
communications vendors, and data storage centers has generated a
need for reliable, scalable cooling solutions as they expand their
facilities.
[0005] Rear door heat exchangers, such as that available from IBM
and described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,385,810, are effective at dealing
with data center hot-spots and facilitate the deployment of fully
loaded racks. They offer space savings and flexibility for sites
that have often exceeded their cooling capacity. They decrease the
load on air conditioning and, with separate cooling circuits, can
provide redundancy and added shut-down time should air conditioning
fail. For example, temperatures can climb 2 degrees Centigrade per
minute following air conditioning failure, resulting in server shut
down and 100 degree Fahrenheit temperatures in less than 15
minutes. Rear door heat exchangers are also typically the most
energy efficient data center cooling system.
[0006] Existing liquid cooling solutions however, require equipment
racks custom designed for liquid heat exchangers. These are
expensive and often exceed the needs and budget of start-ups and
cost-sensitive operations. Currently, the upgrade options available
are limited and operationally prohibitive, often requiring shutting
down equipment and replacing the racks housing it. This rack
replacement involving shutting down mission critical servers,
removing the hardware, and reinstalling the equipment is a very
expensive and labor intensive process.
[0007] No alternative may exist though, if expansion requires a new
rack to accommodate a rear door heat exchanger. Upgrade paths are
not normal in the industry. While standardized rack sizes exist,
variations prevent direct interchangeability of components such as
doors. Hinges and latches are an example of this variability. This
lack of interchangeability requires an extensive initial investment
for a more advanced rack than may be required at start-up if rear
door heat exchangers are anticipated.
[0008] There is a need therefore, for an efficient, low labor,
inexpensive, reliable and scalable apparatus and method for meeting
the cooling needs of enterprises operating equipment generating
increasingly greater heat loads.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] A system and method for integrating a liquid cooling door
with associated computer equipment racks is disclosed. Transition
frame embodiments include replacements for rack hinges and latches,
overcoming the lack of standards in this area. The solution enables
the purchase of inexpensive air-cooled racks initially, when
relatively few components are installed. Then, as rack capacity is
reached by adding components resulting in peak heat loads, the
existing rack can be retrofitted with a rear door heat
exchanger.
[0010] Embodiments include a transition frame for a cooling system
for an equipment rack comprising: a top; a bottom; a first side;
and a second side; wherein each of the top, bottom, first side and
second side has a rack face opposing a door face; wherein the rack
face comprises a means for mating/sealing the rack; the door face
comprises a means for mating/sealing a cooling door; wherein
cooling of equipment in the rack is maintained through the door,
and wherein dissimilar dimensions of the rack and the door are
accommodated.
[0011] Another embodiment provides a transition frame for a cooling
system for an equipment rack comprising an integrated component
unitary body having a rack face opposing a door face; whereby
mismatch of rack and door hinges and latches and dissimilar
dimensions of the rack and door are accommodated and cooling of
equipment in the rack is maintained through a cooling door adjacent
to the transition frame door face.
[0012] Yet other embodiments include a transition frame for a
cooling system for an equipment rack comprising a top connected to
a first side and a second side, the sides connected to a bottom;
wherein each of the top, bottom, first side and second side has a
rack face opposing a door face; wherein the rack face is adjacent
to the equipment rack and operationally connected with the rack;
the door face is adjacent a cooling system door and operationally
connected with the cooling door; wherein cooling of equipment in
the rack is maintained through the door, and wherein dissimilar
dimensions of the rack and the door are accommodated. For other
embodiments, the cooling system door is a rear door heat exchanger,
and the cooling system door is added without rack replacement and
without equipment shut down. In one embodiment, the frame comprises
a unitary body. In yet other embodiments, the frame is integrated
with the equipment rack, and in others the frame is integrated with
the cooling door. Further embodiments provide that at least one of
the operational connection with the equipment rack and the
operational connection with the cooling door comprises a
replacement latch, and at least one of the operational connection
with the equipment rack and the operational connection with the
cooling door comprises an extendible gasket. In another embodiment,
the gasket is conductive, whereby enclosure shielding is
maintained. In yet a further embodiment, at least one of the
operational connection with the equipment rack and the operational
connection with the cooling door comprises at least one replacement
hinge. In another, the at least one replacement hinge supports
opening angles of up to 270 degrees. For some embodiments, at least
one of the operational connection with the rack and the operational
connection with the cooling door comprises threaded fittings-tapped
in the transition frame, and at least one of the operational
connection with the rack and the operational connection with the
cooling door comprises slots. For another, the frame maintains
operation of cooling hoses of the rear door heat exchanger.
[0013] Other embodiments provide a method of adapting a cooling
door to a rack comprising the steps of providing a transition frame
for a cooling system for an equipment rack comprising a top
connected to a first side and a second side, the sides connected to
a bottom; wherein each of the top, bottom, first side and second
side has a rack face opposing a door face; wherein the rack face is
adjacent the equipment rack and comprises a means for mating with
the rack; the door face is adjacent a cooling system door and
comprises a means for mating with the cooling door; wherein cooling
of equipment in the rack is maintained through the door, and
wherein dissimilar dimensions of the rack and the door are
accommodated; and installing the transition frame on at least one
of the rack and the door. For other embodiments, airflow impedance
is maintained. In yet other embodiments, the frame comprises a
unitary body, and the frame is integrated with the cooling door.
Other embodiments provide that the frame is compliant with European
Union directives on restriction of use of certain hazardous
substances in electrical and electronic equipment.
[0014] Further embodiments include a transition frame for a cooling
system for an equipment rack comprising a top connected to a first
side and a second side, the sides connected to a bottom; wherein
each of the top, bottom, first side and second side has a rack face
opposing a door face; wherein the rack face is adjacent the
equipment rack and comprises a means for mating with the rack; the
door face is adjacent a cooling system door and comprises a means
for mating with the cooling door; wherein cooling of equipment in
the rack is maintained through the door, and wherein dissimilar
dimensions of the rack and the door are accommodated.
[0015] The features and advantages described herein are not
all-inclusive and, in particular, many additional features and
advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in
view of the drawings, specification, and claims. Moreover, it
should be noted that the language used in the specification has
been principally selected for readability and instructional
purposes, and not to limit the scope of the inventive subject
matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 depicts simplified perspective diagrams of
multi-component frame 1A, and integrated component frame 1B,
configured in accordance with embodiments.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a simplified perspective diagram of transition
frame alignment with a rack and cooling door configured in
accordance with an embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a diagram of components comprising a first
transition frame embodiment configured in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a diagram of components comprising a second
transition frame embodiment configured in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a diagram of components comprising a third
transition frame embodiment configured in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a diagram of components comprising a fourth
transition frame embodiment configured in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention.
[0022] FIG. 7 is a diagram of components comprising a fifth
transition frame embodiment configured in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention.
[0023] FIG. 8 is a diagram of components comprising a sixth
transition frame embodiment configured in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention.
[0024] FIG. 9 is a simplified diagram of transition frame first and
second hinge embodiments configured in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention.
[0025] FIG. 10 is a simplified diagram of a transition frame third
hinge embodiment configured in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention.
[0026] FIG. 11 is a simplified perspective diagram of transition
frame latch interfaces configured in accordance with
embodiments.
[0027] FIG. 12 is a simplified a perspective diagram of a
transition frame integrated with a rack configured in accordance
with an embodiment.
[0028] FIG. 13 is a simplified a perspective diagram of a
transition frame integrated with a door configured in accordance
with an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] The invention is susceptible of many embodiments. What
follows is illustrative, but not exhaustive of the scope of the
invention.
[0030] In the description, relative terms such as "horizontal,"
"vertical," "up," "down," "top" and "bottom" as well as derivatives
should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described
or as shown in the drawing figure under discussion. These relative
terms are for convenience of description and normally are not
intended to require a particular orientation. Terms including
"inwardly" versus "outwardly," "front" versus "back" and the like
are to be interpreted relative to one another or relative to an
axis as appropriate. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the
like, such as "connected" and "interconnected," refer to a
relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one
another either directly or indirectly through intervening
structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or
relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. The term
"operatively connected" refers to such an attachment, coupling or
connection that allows the pertinent structures to operate as
intended by virtue of that relationship.
[0031] The term "electronics cabinet" is used interchangeably with
"equipment rack" or "rack" in this application. It refers to a
container for heat generating equipment. It may be any housing for
containing components of an electronics system or computer system.
Components may be standalone computers, power supplies, memory
storage devices or communication interfaces, for example. The term
heat exchanger is used to define any heat exchange mechanism
through which coolant can circulate. It may include one or more
discrete heat exchange devices coupled in series or in
parallel.
[0032] Embodiments of the present invention provide a low-cost
addition of liquid cooling to equipment racks, an installation
requiring no down time, and an easy upgrade path maintaining
investment in racks.
[0033] Elements of embodiments include a rack mating interface that
is easy to connect and provides thermal benefits such as control of
thermal expansion. Door mating interface embodiments provide easy
connection, can conduct rack heat to door exchanger, and control
thermal expansion.
[0034] Heat exchanger door hose configurations are accommodated by
the transition frame rails and air flow control, including air flow
impedance, is maintained.
[0035] Embodiments provide size adaptability to variations in rack
height and or width. For example, various embodiments can support
widths from approximately 25 to 35 inches and heights from
approximately 76 to 83 inches. Transition frame hinge embodiments
support locking, can hold the door open, and provide auto-opening.
Hinge embodiments support opening angles of up to 270 degrees.
[0036] Sealing methods enable easy installation, are
ultra-reliable, and maintain thermal control. In embodiments,
conductive gaskets support electromagnetic interference (EMI)
protection while maintaining the plenum function of the door
housing to direct air through the heat exchanger. Gasket examples
include Holland Shielding Systems BV Conductive Rubber 5750. In
other embodiments, foam gaskets are used. Latch mechanism
embodiments provide: an even gap, compression of the sealing
gasket, ensure EMI control, airflow performance, and maintain
environmental integrity of the enclosure. Embodiments provide
narrow gaps between movable components of approximately 1/8 inch or
less when closed.
[0037] Connections include, by nonlimiting example, bolts, screws,
slide fittings, clamps, grommets, adhesive, interlocking fingers,
mating channel, and surrounding gasket. In embodiments, screws
affix to threaded fittings-tapped in the transition frame. No
special modification is necessary to use transition frames.
Transition frame embodiments provide for mismatches between rack
and door hinges by supplying compatible replacement components.
Embodiments are compliant with European Union directives on the
restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in
electrical and electronic equipment. In particular, Directive
2002/95/EC on the Restriction of the Use of certain Hazardous
Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (ROHS) as of Jun.
15, 2009, providing that products not contain lead, cadmium,
mercury, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) or
polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) (Article 4(1)). This controls
risk during fabrication and reduces personnel and disposal hazards
while expanding markets.
[0038] FIG. 1 presents simplified perspective diagrams 100 of
embodiments of multi-component 1A, and integrated unitary component
1B, transition frames. In FIG. 1A, top 105, bottom 110, first side
115, and second side 120 are configured to form a frame having rack
face 125 and door face 130. Alternatively, the frame can be
comprised of a single, integrated unitary, piece 135 as in FIG. 1B
having rack face 140 and door face 145.
[0039] FIG. 2 is a simplified perspective diagram 200 of transition
frame 205 alignment with rack 210 and cooling door 215. Embodiments
of transition frame 205 direct airflow from the rack 210 through to
heat exchanger door 215. The frame is depicted with hinges 220 and
225 and latch 230. The frame mates and seals rack and door
peripheries. It provides hinge mounts for the heat exchanger door
and supports coolant hoses without interference. Frame rail
configurations can provide adjustment to fit multiple racks with
multiple doors.
[0040] FIG. 3 is a diagram of components comprising a first
transition frame embodiment 300 depicting vertical side 305 and
cross section A-A 310 of vertical side 305. Second view 315 of
vertical side depicts view B-B of section 310. Perspective view of
horizontal side 320 is also shown in orthogonal view C-C 325.
[0041] FIG. 4 is a diagram of components comprising a second
transition frame embodiment 400 depicting vertical side 405 and
cross section A-A 410 of vertical side 405. Second view 415 of
vertical side depicts view B-B of section 410. Perspective view of
horizontal side 420 is also shown in orthogonal view C-C 425.
[0042] FIG. 5 is a diagram of components comprising a third
transition frame embodiment 500 depicting vertical side 505 and
cross section A-A 510 of vertical side 505. Second view 515 of
vertical side depicts view B-B of section 510. Perspective view of
horizontal side 520 is also shown in orthogonal view C-C 525.
[0043] FIG. 6 is a diagram of components comprising a fourth
transition frame embodiment 600 depicting vertical side 605 and
cross section A-A 610 of vertical side 605. Second view 615 of
vertical side depicts view B-B of section 610. Perspective view of
horizontal side 620 is also shown in orthogonal plan view C-C 625.
Perspective view of horizontal side 630 is also shown in orthogonal
view D-D 635.
[0044] FIG. 7 is a diagram of components comprising a fifth
transition frame embodiment 700 depicting vertical side 705 and
cross section A-A 710 of vertical side 705. Second view 715 of
vertical side depicts view B-B of section 710. Perspective view of
horizontal side 720 is also shown in orthogonal plan view C-C 725.
Perspective view of horizontal side 730 is also shown in orthogonal
view D-D 735.
[0045] FIG. 8 is a diagram of components comprising a sixth
transition frame embodiment 800 depicting vertical side 805 and
cross section A-A 810 of vertical side 805. Second view 815 of
vertical side depicts view B-B of section 810. Perspective view of
horizontal side 820 is also shown in orthogonal view C-C 825.
[0046] FIG. 9 is a simplified diagram of transition frame hinge
interface embodiments 900. A first transition frame hinge interface
embodiment is identified in 9A. First hinge component is shown in
perspective 905, and orthogonal view 910. Note that hinge pin
length is varied in embodiments with the top or bottom hinge's pin
being longer to facilitate attachment alignment. A second
transition frame hinge interface embodiment is identified in 9B.
Second hinge component is shown in perspective 915, and orthogonal
view 920. Note again that hinge pin length is varied in embodiments
with the top or bottom hinge's pin being longer to facilitate
attachment alignment. Transition frame embodiments provide for
mismatches between rack and door hinges by supplying compatible
replacement components.
[0047] FIG. 10 is a simplified perspective diagram of a third
transition frame hinge interface embodiment 1000. Third hinge
component is shown in perspective 1005, and orthogonal view 1010.
Exploded view 1015 depicts individual components comprising hinge
embodiments. Embodiments support opening angles of up to 270
degrees.
[0048] FIG. 11 is a simplified perspective diagram of transition
frame latch interface embodiments 1100. First 1105, and second,
1110, latch components are shown in perspective. As with the
transition frame hinge interface, transition frame embodiments
provide for mismatches between rack and door latches by supplying
compatible replacement components.
[0049] FIG. 12 is a simplified perspective diagram of an embodiment
of a transition frame integrated with a rack 1200 showing equipment
rack 1205 with transition frame 1210 integrated with its face to
accommodate cooling door (not shown). This provides initially for a
rack unit to accommodate a cooling door.
[0050] FIG. 13 is a simplified perspective diagram of an embodiment
of a transition frame integrated with a door 1300 showing cooling
door 1305 with transition frame 1310 integrated with its face to
accommodate equipment rack (not shown). This provides initially for
a door unit to accommodate an equipment rack.
[0051] Other and various embodiments will be readily apparent to
those skilled in the art, from this description, figures, and the
claims that follow.
[0052] The foregoing description of the embodiments of the
invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and
description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and
variations are possible in light of this disclosure. It is intended
that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed
description, but rather by the claims appended hereto.
* * * * *