U.S. patent application number 17/548523 was filed with the patent office on 2022-03-31 for security panels for use in data centers.
The applicant listed for this patent is Switch, Ltd.. Invention is credited to Rob Roy.
Application Number | 20220104390 17/548523 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006024343 |
Filed Date | 2022-03-31 |
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20220104390 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Roy; Rob |
March 31, 2022 |
SECURITY PANELS FOR USE IN DATA CENTERS
Abstract
Disclosed is an integrated data center that provides for
efficient cooling as well as efficient wire routing. The data
center houses electronic equipment stored in clusters of cabinets.
The space inside the data center is shared, such as on a leased
basis, between multiple different entities who operate their own
electronic equipment. To achieve privacy, security, and cooling air
flow, one or more layers of a security paneling surround one or
more clusters of cabinets to create a secure interior space. This
allows access to only authorized personal, prevents people from
viewing into the secure interior space, and allows cooling air flow
to pass into the secure interior space to cool the electronic
equipment. The security paneling comprises sheets of metal with
small apertures. Two or more security panels may be arranged with
offset apertures to further prevent viewing of the electronic
equipment in the secure interior space.
Inventors: |
Roy; Rob; (Las Vegas,
NV) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Switch, Ltd. |
Las Vegas |
NV |
US |
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Family ID: |
1000006024343 |
Appl. No.: |
17/548523 |
Filed: |
December 11, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16225773 |
Dec 19, 2018 |
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17548523 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H05K 5/04 20130101; H05K
7/20745 20130101; H05K 7/20127 20130101; H05K 7/20709 20130101;
H05K 5/0213 20130101; H05K 7/1497 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H05K 7/20 20060101
H05K007/20; H05K 5/04 20060101 H05K005/04; H05K 5/02 20060101
H05K005/02; H05K 7/14 20060101 H05K007/14 |
Claims
1. A facility for maintaining electronic equipment at a cool
temperature, the facility comprising: a plurality of cabinet
clusters, each cabinet cluster comprising a plurality of cage
cabinets positioned in a back-to-back configuration in two
separated rows defining a hot aisle therebetween, the cage cabinets
housing electronic equipment that emits heat towards the hot aisle,
and the plurality of cabinet clusters being disposed in a cabinet
array defining at least common cold aisle between cabinet clusters
of the plurality of cabinet clusters, the at least one common cold
aisle being parallel and aligned with the hot aisle, air flow
within the facility being directed to pass into the at least one
cold aisle, over the electronic equipment, and into the hot aisle;
a security perimeter surrounding the plurality of cabinet clusters,
the perimeter comprising: an interior wall formed from first
panels, the first panels being configured to allow air to flow
therethrough; a second wall formed from second panels, the second
panels being configured to allow air to flow therethrough, the
second panels being aligned with the first panels to prevent a view
of the cabinet cluster from outside the perimeter.
2. The facility of claim 1, wherein the first panels comprise first
apertures to allow air to flow therethrough.
3. The facility of claim 2 wherein the first apertures are formed
in at least one first hole array on the first panels.
4. The facility of claim 3, wherein the at least one first hole
array has a rectangular shape.
5. The facility of claim 4, wherein the rectangular shape extends
horizontally.
6. The facility of claim 3, wherein the second panels comprise
second apertures to allow air to flow therethrough, and the second
apertures are formed in at least one second hole array on the first
panels.
7. The perimeter of claim 6, wherein the second panels are aligned
with the first panels so that the at least one second hole array
does not overlap with the at least one first hole array, preventing
a view of the cabinet cluster from outside the perimeter.
8. A perimeter for a cabinet cluster storing electronic devices,
the perimeter comprising: an interior wall formed from first
panels, the first panels having one or more first panel apertures
configured to allow air to flow therethrough; a second wall formed
from second panels, the second panels having one or more second
panel apertures to allow air to flow therethrough, the second panel
apertures not aligned with the first panel apertures to prevent a
view of the cabinet cluster from outside the perimeter.
9. The perimeter of claim 8, wherein the first panels and the
second panels are formed from sheet metal.
10. The perimeter of claim 8 wherein the first panel apertures are
formed in at least one first hole array on the first panels and the
second panel apertures are formed in at least one second hole array
on the second panels.
11. The perimeter of claim 10, wherein the at least one first hole
array has a rectangular shape.
12. The perimeter of claim 11, wherein the rectangular shape
extends horizontally.
13. The perimeter of claim 8, wherein the first panels and second
panels extend from a floor to a ceiling.
14. The perimeter of claim 10, wherein the second panels are
aligned with the first panels so that the at least one second hole
array does not horizontally overlap with the at least one first
hole array, preventing a view of the cabinet cluster from outside
the perimeter.
15. The perimeter of claim 8, wherein the perimeter is rectangular
shaped and generally parallel to the cabinet cluster.
16. The perimeter of claim 8, wherein the view is a direct line of
sight from outside the perimeter to inside of the perimeter.
17. The perimeter of claim 14, wherein the view is a direct line of
sight from outside the perimeter to inside of the perimeter.
18. The perimeter of claim 10, wherein the at least one first hole
array is hexagonal to form a honeycomb shape in the array.
19. The perimeter of claim 8, wherein the perimeter entirely
surrounds the cabinet cluster.
20. The perimeter of claim 8, wherein the interior wall and
exterior wall comprises lockable fencing to permit access to an
interior of the perimeter.
Description
BACKGROUND
1. Priority Claim
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/225,773 entitled "Security Panels For Use
In Data Centers" filed on Dec. 19, 2018, which claims priority to
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/608,529 entitled
"Security Panels For Use In Data Centers" filed on Dec. 20, 2017,
which applications are expressly incorporated by reference
herein.
2. Field of the Invention
[0002] The disclosed embodiments relate to electronic equipment
data centers or co-location facility designs and methods of making
and using the same in an environmentally aware manner.
3. Background of the Invention
[0003] Data centers and server co-location facilities are
well-known. In such facilities, rows of electronics equipment, such
as servers, typically owned by different entities, are stored. In
many facilities, cabinets are used in which different electronics
equipment is stored, so that only the owners of that equipment, and
potentially the facility operator, have access therein. In many
instances, the owner of the facilities manages the installation and
removal of servers within the facility, and is responsible for
maintaining utility services that are needed for the servers to
operate properly. These utility services typically include
providing electrical power for operation of the servers, providing
telecommunications ports that allow the servers to connect to
transmission grids that are typically owned by telecommunication
carriers, and providing air-conditioning services that maintain
temperatures in the facility at sufficiently low levels for
reliable operation.
[0004] There are some well-known common aspects to the designs of
these facilities. For example, it is known to have the electronic
equipment placed into rows, and further to have parallel rows of
equipment configured back-to back so that each row of equipment
generally forces the heat from the electronic equipment toward a
similar area, known as a hot aisle, as that aisle generally
contains warmer air that results from the forced heat from the
electronics equipment. In the front of the equipment is thus
established a cold aisle.
[0005] There are different systems for attempting to collect hot
air that results from the electronics equipment, cooling that hot
air, and then introducing cool air to the electronics equipment.
These air-conditioning systems also must co-exist with power and
communications wiring for the electronics equipment. Systems in
which the electronics equipment is raised above the floor are
well-known, as installing the communications wiring from below the
electronics equipment has been perceived to offer certain
advantages. Routing wiring without raised floors is also
known--though not with systematic separation of power and data as
described herein.
[0006] In the air conditioning units that are used in conventional
facility systems, there are both an evaporator unit and a condenser
unit. The evaporator units are typically located inside a facility
and the condenser units are typically disposed outside of the
facility. These units, however, are not located in standardized,
accessible and relatively convenient positions relative to the
facility should any of the units need to be accessed and/or removed
for repair or replacement. Further, these units are not themselves
created using an intentionally transportable design.
SUMMARY
[0007] The present invention provides an integrated data center
that provides for efficient cooling, as well as efficient wire
routing.
[0008] In one aspect is provided a facility with an internal area
and an external area in an external environment for maintaining
electronic equipment disposed in a plurality of cabinet clusters in
the internal area at a cool temperature, the facility comprises:
[0009] a building that includes an exterior load wall separating
the internal area and the external area; [0010] a plurality of
exterior wall openings in the exterior load wall; [0011] a floor
within the internal area of the building on which the plurality of
cabinet clusters are disposed; [0012] a plurality of cabinets for
holding the electronic equipment therein, the plurality of cabinets
positioned in a plurality of rows within each of a plurality of
cabinet clusters so that the electronic equipment disposed within
the cabinets emit heated air from the cabinets in each row of each
cabinet cluster toward a central hot air area associated with each
cabinet cluster; [0013] a plurality of support brackets within each
cabinet cluster, disposed along each of the plurality of rows, that
together provide support for distribution power wiring and
conduits, electronic equipment power wiring and conduits, and
communication wiring, wherein a portion of each of the support
brackets is disposed above the plurality of cabinets within each
cabinet cluster, and wherein some of the distribution power wiring
and conduits string across other cabinets in other cabinet
clusters; [0014] a thermal shield supported by the at least some of
the plurality of support brackets, the thermal shield providing a
contiguous wall around the central hot air area and defining a hot
air containment chamber that traps the heated air within the
central hot air area and causes substantially all the heated air
within the central hot air area to rise up within the hot air
containment chamber; [0015] a plurality of air conditioning units
disposed in the external area outside the building that each
receive heated air, emit cooled air, and emit vented air, wherein
the vented air is released into the external environment; [0016] a
warm air escape gap within the building disposed above the hot air
containment chamber, the warm air escape channel feeding the heated
air to the plurality of air conditioning units, the warm air escape
gap being lowerly bounded by a false ceiling; [0017] cool air ducts
within the building that couple the plurality of air conditioning
units and the cold aisles, the cool air ducts being disposed below
the false ceiling and delivering cool air from the plurality of air
conditioning units toward the plurality of rows of cabinets within
each of the plurality of cabinet clusters; and [0018] warm air
connectors and cool air duct connectors that respectively connect
the warm air escape channel and the cold air ducts to the plurality
of air conditioning units, and which pass through the plurality of
exterior wall openings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] These and other aspects and features of the present
invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art upon review of the following description of specific
embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying
figures, wherein:
[0020] FIG. 1A illustrates a floor design used in a data center or
co-location facility according to the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 1B illustrates floor-based components disposed over the
floor design according to the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 1C illustrates a perspective cut-away view along line
c-c from FIG. 1A of FIG. 1A according to the present invention.
[0023] FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate various cut-away perspective views of
the thermal compartmentalization and cable and conduit routing
system according to the present invention.
[0024] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate modular thermal shields used in
the thermal compartmentalization and cable and conduit routing
system according to the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates illustrate a telecommunication bracket
used in the thermal compartmentalization and cable and conduit
routing system according to the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 5A illustrates a top view of a data center or
co-location facility according to another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0027] FIG. 5B1 and 5B2 illustrate cut-away perspective views of an
exterior and interior portion of the data center or co-location
facility according to other embodiments of the present
invention.
[0028] FIG. 5C shows a first security panel allowing air flow
therethrough, according to one exemplary embodiment.
[0029] FIG. 5D shows a second security panel allowing air flow
therethrough, according to one exemplary embodiment.
[0030] FIG. 5E shows a comparison of the first and second
panels.
[0031] FIG. 5F shows a fenced perimeter around cabinet clusters,
according to one exemplary embodiment.
[0032] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrates other telecommunication brackets
used in the thermal compartmentalization and cable and conduit
routing system according to the present invention.
[0033] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a section of a distribution area
and the data area within a facility according to an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 8 is a power spine that can also be used with the
preferred embodiment.
[0035] FIGS. 9A-9E illustrate an air handling unit according to a
preferred embodiment.
[0036] FIG. 10 illustrates a control system used by the data
center.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0037] The present invention provides data center or co-location
facility designs and methods of making and using the same. The data
center or co-location facility designs have certain features that
will be apparent herein and which allow many advantages in terms of
efficient use of space, efficient modular structures that allow for
efficiency in the set-up of co-location facility and the set-up of
the electronics equipment in the facility, as well as efficient
air-conditioning within the facility. Each of these features has
aspects that are distinct on their own, and combinations of these
features also exist that are also unique.
[0038] FIG. 1A illustrates a floor design used in a data center or
co-location facility according to the present invention. The
preferred embodiment discussed herein uses parallel rows of
equipment configured back-to back so that each row of equipment
generally forces the heat from the electronic equipment towards a
hot aisle, thus also establishing a cold aisle in the front of the
equipment. The cold aisles in FIG. 1A are illustrated at the dotted
line block 60, wherein the hot aisles are illustrated at the dotted
line block 62. One feature of the present invention is the
provision for marking the floor 50 to explicitly show the various
areas of the facility. As illustrated, the hot aisle 62 has a
central area 52 that is tiled, painted, taped or otherwise marked
to indicate that it is center area of the hot aisle 62, also
referred to as a central hot air area. The typical dimensions of
the central area 52 are typically in the range of 2'-4' across the
width, with a row length corresponding to the number of electronic
cabinets in the row. Marking with tiles is preferable as the
marking will last, and tiles that are red in color, corresponding
to the generation of heat, have been found preferable. Around this
center area 52 is a perimeter area 54, over which the cabinets are
installed. This perimeter area 54 is marked in another manner, such
as using a grey tile that is different in color from the center
area 52. Around the perimeter area 54 is an outside area 56, which
is marked in yet a different manner, such as using a light grey
tile. The placement of these markings for areas 52, 54 and 56 on
the floor of the facility, preferably prior to moving any equipment
onto the floor, allows for a visual correspondence on the floor of
the various hot and cold aisles. In particular, when installing
cabinets over the perimeter 54 are, the area that is for the front
of the cabinet that will face the cold aisle, and thus the area for
the back of the cabinet for the hot aisle, is readily apparent.
[0039] FIG. 1B illustrates floor-based components disposed over the
floor design of the co-location facility according to the present
invention. FIG. 1B also shows additional area of the floor, which
in this embodiment is provided to illustrate interaction of the
electronics equipment with the evaporators of the air conditioning
units. In the embodiment described with respect to FIG. 1B, certain
features are included so that conventional equipment, particularly
conventional air conditioning equipment, can effectively be used
while still creating the desired air flow patterns of the present
invention as described herein.
[0040] Before describing the components in FIG. 1B, an aspect of
the present invention is to isolate the hot air exhaust from the
areas that require cooling as much as possible, and to also create
air flows in which the air moves through the exhaust system, into
the air conditioning system, through the air conditioning ducts and
out to the cool equipment in a very rapid manner. In particular,
the amount of circulation established according to the present
invention moves air at a volume such that the entire volume of air
in the facility recirculates at least once every 10 minutes,
preferably once every 5 minutes, and for maximum cooling once every
minute. It has been found that this amount of recirculation, in
combination with the air flows established by the present
invention, considerably reduce the temperature in the facility in
an environmentally efficient manner.
[0041] Cabinets 110 shown in FIG. 1B are placed generally over the
sides of the perimeter 54 as described, in rows. Different rows are
thus shown with cabinets 110(a-f), with each letter indicating a
different row. Also included within the rows are telecommunications
equipment 170 to which the electronics equipment in each of the
cabinets 110 connect as described further herein, as well as power
equipment 180, containing circuit breakers as is known to protect
against energy spikes and the like, that is used to supply power
along wires to the electronics equipment in each of the cabinets
110 connect as described further herein. Air conditioning units
include the evaporator units 120 (1-6) that are shown being
physically separated by some type of barrier from the area 56
described previously with respect to FIG. 1A. The condenser units
of the air conditioning system that receive the warmed
refrigerant/water along lines 122 and are disposed outside the
walls of the facility are not shown. This physical separation is
implemented in order to establish warm exhaust channel area 240
separate from the physical space, which warm air area will connect
to a separate warm air area in the ceiling and allow the warm air
to flow into the exhaust channel area 240 and enter into intake
ducts of evaporator air conditioning equipment 120, as will be
described. This feature allows the usage of conventional evaporator
air conditioning equipment that has air intakes at the bottom of
the unit, as well as allows for usage of different air conditioning
equipment types, while still maintaining an efficient airflow
throughout the entire facility.
[0042] FIG. 1C illustrates a perspective cut-away view along line
c-c from FIG. 1A of the FIG. 1A co-location facility according to
the present invention. Additionally, illustrated are the false
ceiling 140 and the actual ceiling 150, which have a gap that is
preferably at least 1.5-3 feet and advantageously at least 15 feet,
as the higher the ceiling the more the warm air rises (and thus
also stays further away from the equipment in the cabinets 110).
The false ceiling 140 is preferably made of tiles that can be
inserted into a suspended ceiling as is known, which tiles
preferably have are drywall vinyl tiles, which exhibit a greater
mass than many conventional tiles. Also shown are arrows that
illustrate the air flow being centrally lifted upward from the hot
air area containment chamber 210 formed by the thermal shields 400
to the area between the false ceiling 140 and the actual ceiling
150, and the flow within the ceiling toward the warm exhaust
channel area 240, and then downward into the warm exhaust channel
area 240 with the wall 130 separating the area 56 and the warm
exhaust channel area 240. Also shown are arrows that take cold air
from the cold air ducts 310 and insert the air into the cold aisles
60.
[0043] Though the arrows in the drawing are directed straight
downward, the vents themselves can be adjusted to allow for
directional downward flow at various angles. In a preferred
embodiment, each of the vents have a remote controlled actuator
that allows for the offsite control of the vents, both in terms of
direction and volume of air let out of each vent. This allows
precise control such that if a particular area is running hot, more
cold air can be directed thereto, and this can be detected (using
detectors not shown), and then adjusted for offsite.
[0044] FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate various cut-away perspective views of
the thermal compartmentalization and cable and conduit routing
system according to the present invention. In particular, FIG. 2A
illustrates a cut away view of a portion of the hot air area
containment chamber 210, which rests on top of the cabinets 110,
and is formed of a plurality of the thermal shields 400 and 450,
which are modular in construction and will be described further
hereinafter. Also illustrated are shield brackets 500 that are
mounted on top of the cabinets 110, and provide for the mounting of
the shields 400 and 450, as well as an area on top of the cabinets
110 to run power and telecommunications cables, as will be
described further herein.
[0045] Before describing the cabling, FIG. 2B and FIG. 4 illustrate
the shield and cabling support bracket 500, which is made of
structurally sound materials, such as steel with a welded
construction of the various parts as described, molded plastic, or
other materials. Ladder rack supports 510, 520, 530, 540 and 550
are attached to back vertical support 502 of the shield and cabling
support bracket 500 and used to allow ladder racks 610, 620, 630,
640, and 650 respectively, placed thereover as shown. The ladder
racks are intended to allow for a segregation of data and
electrical power, and therefore an easier time not only during
assembly, but subsequent repair. The ladder racks are attached to
the ladder rack supports using support straps shown in FIG. 4,
which are typically a standard "j" hook or a variant thereof. As
also illustrated in FIG. 4, a support beams structure 506 provides
extra support to the ladder rack, and the holes 508 are used to
secure the shields 400 and 450 thereto. Horizontal support plate
504 is used to support the support bracket 500 on the cabinets
110.
[0046] With respect to the cabling and conduit, these are used to
provide electrical power and data to the various servers in the
facility. Conduit, containing wiring therein, is used to provide
electricity. Cabling is used to provide data. In this system, it is
preferable to keep the electrical power and the data signals
separated.
[0047] Within the system, ladder rack 610 is used for data cabling
on the cold aisle side of the thermal shields 400. Ladder rack 620
is used for an A-source power conduit (for distribution of 110-480
volt power) on the cold aisle side of the thermal shields 400.
Ladder rack 630 is used for B-source power conduit (for
distribution of 110-480 volt power), which is preferably entirely
independent of A-source power conduit, on the cold aisle side of
the thermal shields 400. Ladder rack 640 is used for miscellaneous
cabling on the cold aisle side of the thermal shields 400. Ladder
rack 650 is used for data cabling on the hot aisle side of the
thermal shields 400.
[0048] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate modular thermal shields 400 and
450, respectively, used in the thermal compartmentalization and
cabling and conduit routing system according to the present
invention. Both shields 400 and 450 are made of a structurally
sound material, including but not limited to steel, a composite, or
a plastic, and if a plastic, one that preferably has an air space
between a front piece of plastic and a back piece of plastic for an
individual shield 400. Shield 400 includes a through-hole 410 that
allows for certain cabling, if needed, to run between the hot and
cold aisle areas, through the shield 400. A through-hole cover (not
shown) is preferably used to substantially close the hole to
prevent airflow therethrough. Shield 450 has a 90 degree angle that
allows the fabrication of corners.
[0049] It should be appreciated that the construction of the
cabinets, the shields 400 and 450, and the shield supports 500 are
all uniform and modular, which allows for the efficient set-up of
the facility, as well as efficient repairs if needed.
[0050] Other different embodiments of data center or co-location
facilities according to the present invention also exist. For
example, while the false ceiling 140 is preferred, many
advantageous aspects of the present invention can be achieved
without it, though its presence substantially improves airflow.
Furthermore, the evaporation units for the air conditioning system
can also be located outside the facility, in which case the chamber
240 is not needed, but hot air from the ceiling can be delivered to
evaporation units that are disposed above the ceiling, which is
more efficient in that it allows the warm air to rise. If the
complete air conditioning equipment is located outside, including
the evaporators, the refrigerant/water lines 122 that are used to
exchange the refrigerant/water if the evaporators are disposed
inside the facility is not needed, which provides another degree of
safety to the equipment therein.
[0051] It is noted that aspects of the present invention described
herein can be implemented when renovating an existing facility, and
as such not all of the features of the present invention are
necessarily used.
[0052] Data Management Center and Integrated Wiring System
[0053] In one aspect, the embodiments herein are directed to an
overall data management center, including the building itself,
interior aspects of the building, as well as equipment purposefully
located outside yet in close proximity to the building, which
equipment is used for purposes of providing both building cooling
as well as supplemental power, as described further herein. In one
particular aspect, the center core of the building that contains
the electronics equipment is purposefully created in a manner that
provides only essential equipment and ducts needed to provide
power, communications, and air flow, while putting into periphery
areas of the building and outside, other equipment that could
interfere with the electronics equipment, whether due to that other
equipment requiring extremely high power and/or water or other
liquids to function, all of which can have a detrimental impact on
the electronics equipment.
[0054] FIG. 5A illustrates a top view of a portion of a data center
or co-location facility 580 according to another embodiment of the
present invention. In this embodiment, unlike the embodiment shown
in FIG. 1A-1C, the condenser air conditioning units 800 and heat
expulsion chamber 900 are all disposed outside of the exterior
walls 582 of the facility, as will be described further herein.
There is also additional equipment disposed outside of the exterior
walls 582, including evaporation units 591 that feed cooled water
along lines 592 to the air conditioning units 800 as described
further herein, as well as backup diesel generators 594 for
supplying backup power along a transmission line 596 in the case of
power outage from remotely supplied power on the national power
grid.
[0055] FIG. 5B1 illustrates a cut-away perspective view of an
exterior and interior portion (with a 90.degree. rotation for
illustrative purposes of the interior portion) of the data center
or co-location facility 580, with the exterior wall 582 being
explicitly illustrated. Shown are two of the cabinet clusters
590-1A and 590-2A, and the corresponding hot air area containment
chambers 210 and cold air ducts 310, which are respectively
connected to the warm exhaust outlets 240-O and cold duct inlets
310-I. The warm exhaust outlets 240-O and cold duct inlets 310-I
connect to heat expulsion chamber 900 and condenser units 800,
respectively.
[0056] FIG. 5B2 provides a slightly varied embodiment, in which the
cold duct inlets 310-I and warm exhaust outlets 240-O are each at
the same level as the condenser units 800 and heat expulsion
chamber 900, respectively, and the warm exhaust outlets 240-O
contain a 90.degree. angled area, which allows for better hot air
flow into the heat expulsion chambers 900.
[0057] Within the facility there are provided distribution areas
584 and 588, as shown in FIG. 5A, as well as data center equipment
areas 586, which equipment areas 586 each contain an array of
cabinet clusters 590 (shown in one of the rows as cabinet clusters
590-1, 590-2, 590-3 . . . 590-N), since within each cabinet cluster
590, various cabinets 110 containing different electronic equipment
are disposed in rows, thereby allowing each cabinet cluster 590 to
be locked, as well as the cabinets 110 within the cabinet cluster
590. It is apparent that three consecutive cabinet clusters, such
as 590-1, 590-2 and 590-3 correspond to the three identified
clusters that are disposed around the associated hot air area
containment chambers 210a, 210b and 210c in FIG. 1B. As is
illustrated, the electronics equipment within each cabinet 110 of a
cabinet cluster 590 is connected in a manner similar to that as
described in FIGS. 2A-2C previously.
[0058] It is noted that the cabinet cluster may have an actual
physical perimeter, such as a cage built with fencing that can be
locked and still permits airflow therethrough, or alternatively
need not have an actual physical perimeter, in which case the
orientation of the cabinets 110 and corresponding other structures
as described previously with reference to FIGS. 1A-1C can also
define this same space.
[0059] In some embodiments, the cabinet cluster may comprise
sensitive electronic equipment that is to be kept out of view from
unauthorized persons. In this instance, the physical perimeter may
comprise fencing or paneling that permits airflow while also
blocking view of the cabinet cluster.
[0060] FIG. 5C shows a first security panel allowing air flow
therethrough, according to one exemplary embodiment. The first
security panel 5000 is comprised of a panel 5002 formed from a
sheet metal or other suitable material. The panel 5000 includes a
plurality of hole arrays 5010. The hole arrays 5010 are made up of
holes 5012 that allow air flow from one side of the panel 5000 to
the other.
[0061] FIG. 5D shows a second security panel allowing air flow
therethrough, according to one exemplary embodiment. The second
security panel 5500 is comprised of a panel 5502 formed from a
sheet metal or other suitable material. The panel 5500 includes a
plurality of hole arrays 5510. The hole arrays 5510 are made up of
holes 5512 that allow air flow from one side of the panel 5500 to
the other.
[0062] The hole arrays 5010, 5510 are positioned on each of the
panels 5000, 5500 so that when the panels are aligned and parallel
with one another, the hole arrays 5010, 5510 do not overlap. In
this manner, the air flow may still travel through the panels 5000,
5500, but a direct line of sight from the outside to the inside of
the physical perimeter is prevented.
[0063] Accordingly, returning to FIG. 5C, the first panel 5000 is
formed with a first vertical dimension 5100 and a first horizontal
dimension 5200. From a top of the panel 5000, a first row of hole
arrays 5010 begins at a first-row dimension 5110 from the top of
the panel 5000. A second row of hole arrays 5010 begins at a
second-row dimension 5120 from the top of the panel 5000. A third
row of hole arrays 5010 begins at a third-row dimension 5130 from
the top of the panel 5000. A fourth row of hole arrays 5010 begins
at a fourth-row dimension 5140 from the top of the panel 5000. A
fifth row of hole arrays 5010 begins at a fifth-row dimension 5150
from the top of the panel 5000.
[0064] The columns of the hole arrays 5010 may be positioned such
that a first column of hole arrays 5010 begins at a first-column
dimension 5210 from the left side of the panel 5000, a second
column of hole arrays 5010 begins at a second-column dimension 5220
from the left side of the panel 5000, and a third-column of hole
arrays 5010 begins at a third-column dimension 5230 from the left
side of the panel 5000.
[0065] As shown, the dimensions of the positions of the rows of
hole arrays 5010 in the first panel 5000 leave spaces adequate to
line up with hole arrays 5510 of the second panel. In one exemplary
embodiment, the first vertical dimension 5100 of the panel 5000 is
43 inches. The first-row dimension 5110 may be 2.296 inches, the
second-row dimension 5120 may be 11.296 inches, the third-row
dimension 5130 may be 20.296 inches, the fourth-row dimension 5140
may be 29.296 inches, and the fifth-row dimension 5150 may be
38.296 inches. The first horizontal dimension 5200 may be 47.687
inches, the first-column dimension 5210 may be 3.219 inches, the
second-column dimension 5220 may be 18.219 inches, and the third
column dimension 5230 may be 33.219 inches. Of course, these
dimensions are exemplary, and may be changed based on the size,
number, and shape of the holes 5012 in the hole array 5010, the
shape of the hole array 5010, the amount of air flow required,
etc.
[0066] In FIG. 5D, the second panel 5500 is formed with a second
vertical dimension 5600 and a second horizontal dimension 5700.
From a top of the panel 5500, a first row of hole arrays 5510
begins at a first-row dimension 5610 from the top of the panel
5500. A second row of hole arrays 5510 begins at a second-row
dimension 5620 from the top of the panel 5500. A third row of hole
arrays 5510 begins at a third-row dimension 5630 from the top of
the panel 5500. A fourth row of hole arrays 5510 begins at a
fourth-row dimension 5640 from the top of the panel 5500.
[0067] The columns of the hole arrays 5510 may be positioned such
that a first column of hole arrays 5510 begins at a first-column
dimension 5710 from the left side of the panel 5500, a second
column of hole arrays 5510 begins at a second-column dimension 5720
from the left side of the panel 5500, and a third-column of hole
arrays 5510 begins at a third-column dimension 5730 from the left
side of the panel 5500.
[0068] As shown, the dimensions of the positions of the rows of
hole arrays 5510 in the second panel 5500 leave spaces adequate to
line up with hole arrays 5010 of the first panel. In one exemplary
embodiment, the second vertical dimension 5600 of the panel 5500 is
43 inches. The first-row dimension 5610 may be 5.796 inches, the
second-row dimension 5620 may be 15.796 inches, the third-row
dimension 5630 may be 24.796 inches, and the fourth-row dimension
5640 may be 33.796 inches. The first horizontal dimension 5700 may
be 47.687 inches, the first-column dimension 5710 may be 3.219
inches, the second-column dimension 5720 may be 18.219 inches, and
the third column dimension 5730 may be 33.219 inches. Of course,
these dimensions are exemplary, and may be changed based on the
size, number, and shape of the holes 5012 in the hole array 5010,
the shape of the hole array 5010, the amount of air flow required,
etc.
[0069] FIG. 5E shows a comparison of the first and second panels.
Here, the rows of the hole arrays 5010 of the first panel 5000 can
be seen to be offset from the rows of hole arrays 5510 of the
second panel based on the exemplary dimensions provided above. Of
course, other configurations are possible. For example, instead of
each array extending horizontally and the rows being offset
vertically, the arrays may extend vertically with columns being
offset horizontally. The arrays may form other shapes instead of
the rectangular pattern shown herein, such as square, circular,
triangle, or any other number of shapes. The holes in the arrays
are shown to be slightly offset so as to be more densely disposed
in the arrays, but other hole patterns within the array as well as
hole shapes may be included. For example, circular, square, or
triangular holes may be aligned vertically and horizontally in the
arrays. In other embodiments, the holes may be hexagonal and form a
honeycomb shape in the array.
[0070] FIG. 5F shows a fenced perimeter around cabinet clusters,
according to one exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5F, cabinet
clusters 590 are surrounded walls formed by the first panel 5000
and the second panel 5500 to form a secure perimeter. The prevents
the cabinet clusters 590 from being seen from the outside. In this
embodiment, the wall formed from the first panels 5000 form an
inner perimeter, and the wall formed from the second panels 5500
for an outer perimeter. However, the panels 5000, 5500 may be
switched. Further, additional panels may be added on top of the
panels shown in FIG. 5F to extend from floor to ceiling. Because
the hole arrays of the panels are offset from one another, it is
difficult to see through to the cabinet clusters, even though air
flow is permitted through the panels.
[0071] The manner in which the distribution power wires and
conduits, electronic equipment control wires and conduit, data
cabling, and miscellaneous cabling is distributed to the cabinet
clusters 590 from one of the distribution areas 584 or 588 will be
described further hereinafter. As shown in FIG. 5A,
telecommunications and power distribution equipment, further
described herein, is used to then feed the appropriate signals and
power to the telecommunications equipment and power equipment that
is stored within each cabinet cluster 590 (i.e. telecommunications
equipment 170 and power equipment 180 described in FIG. 1B). The
manner in which the distribution power wires and conduits,
electronic equipment control wires and conduit, data cabling, and
miscellaneous cabling is distributed to the cabinet clusters 590
from one of the distribution areas 584 and 588 will be described
further hereinafter.
[0072] The array of cabinet clusters 590, and the density of the
cabinets 110 and the electronics equipment therein, require
substantial amounts of power and transmission capacity, which in
turns requires substantial amounts of wiring, particularly for
power. As described herein, as a result there is described an
improved telecommunication bracket 600, which substantially rests
over each of the cabinets in the cabinet clusters 590, in order to
more easily accommodate the distribution power wires and conduits,
as well as telecommunication wires and conduits, as well as control
wires and conduits, that are then distributed from the distribution
areas 584 and 588 to the telecommunications equipment 170 and power
equipment 180 that is within each of the different cabinet clusters
590. As shown in FIG. 5A and FIG. 8, the distribution area 588
contains PDU's 598, described in further detail elsewhere herein,
and the distribution area 584 contains transformers to step down
the power grid power that is normally at 12477 volts to a 480 volt
level, for transmission of 480 volt power to the PDU's 598. Also
within distribution area 584 are uninterruptable power supplies in
case an outage of power from the power grid occurs, as well as
equipment for testing of the various power equipment that is
conventionally known.
[0073] While FIG. 1B illustrates one configuration of equipment
with the cabinet cluster (with the telecommunications equipment 170
and the power equipment 180 within the center of a row), FIG. 7A
also shows an alternative configuration of equipment for a cabinet
cluster 590, which still contains the same cabinets 110,
telecommunication equipment 170 and power equipment 180. In
particular, rather than having the power equipment 180 centrally
located within a row, in this alternate configuration the power
equipment 180 is disposed at an end of each of the rows that are
within a cabinet cluster 590. The telecommunication equipment,
within this embodiment, can be located anywhere within the row of
cabinets 110, within whichever one of the cabinets 110 makes most
sense given the usage considerations for that cabinet cluster
590.
[0074] In another variation of the FIG. 7A embodiment, the power
equipment 180, instead of being somewhat separated from the
cabinets 110 within a cluster 590, instead abut right next to one
of the cabinets 110. This, along with the doors 593 shown in FIG.
7A then being attached between adjacent power equipment at the end
of the cabinet row instead of at the end cabinet, keep all the
equipment in a tightly configured space. In any of the embodiments
shown, whether FIG. 1C, 7A or as described above, the thermal
shield 400 that creates the hot air area containment chamber 210
above the cabinets, coupled with the doors that seal off the area
between the rows of cabinets 110 within a cluster 590, provide an
environment that prevents the hot air within the hot air area 52
from escaping out into the main data center floor, and ensures that
the hot air instead travels up through the hot air area containment
chamber 210 and into the gap disposed between the false ceiling 140
and the actual ceiling 150.
[0075] Within equipment area 586 is thus established an array of
cabinet clusters 590, which cabinet clusters align with each other
to allow for the overhead stringing of telecommunications and power
wiring as described herein. Within each cabinet cluster 590, as
also shown in FIG. 1B, is telecommunications equipment 170 to which
the electronics equipment in each of the cabinets 110 connect, as
well as power equipment 180 used to connect the electronics
equipment to power. The array of cabinet clusters 590, each also
containing brackets, such as brackets 500 or 600, as described
herein. For a larger size data center as illustrated in FIG. 5A
that contains a very large array of cabinet clusters 590, brackets
600 are preferable, as they allow for additional conduit support
areas. These brackets 600, discussed further herein with respect to
FIGS. 6A and 6B, contain ladder racks 510, 520, 530 and 540 that
are used for stringing power and telecommunication wiring within
each cabinet cluster 590, as well as contain additional vertical
support with conduit clamps that are used to hold power and
telecommunication lines that pass from each cabinet cluster 590 to
other central telecommunication and power distribution areas, as
discussed further herein, as well as to hold power and
telecommunication lines that pass over certain of the cabinet
clusters 590 in order to be strung to other of the cages areas 590.
Still further, these same brackets 600, being preferably mounted
over the cabinets 110, and at least having a significant portion of
the bracket disposed over the cabinets 110, are used to mount the
thermal shield within the cabinet cluster 590, the thermal shield
providing a contiguous wall around the central hot air area of the
cabinet cluster 590, and defining a warm exhaust channel that traps
the heated air within the central hot air area and causes
substantially all the heated air within the central hot air area to
rise up within the warm exhaust channel. These brackets 600 also
preferably span from the top of the cabinets 110 to the bottom of
the false ceiling 140 to provide further stability.
[0076] It is apparent that the power and telecommunication lines
that pass from each cabinet cluster 590 to other more central
telecommunication and power distribution areas will necessarily
pass, in some instances, over other cabinet clusters 590. Since the
vertical support 610 with conduit clamps 620 are above the ladder
racks 510, 520, 530 and 540 for each of the brackets 600, as well
as above each of the cabinets 110, this allows for long runs of
power and telecommunication lines that pass from each cabinet
cluster 590 to other more central telecommunication and power
distribution areas to exist without interfering with the wiring
that exists within each cabinet cluster 590. Furthermore, by
creating a sufficient area of vertical support and conduit clamps,
it is then possible to run additional power and telecommunication
lines from certain cabinet clusters 590 to other more central
telecommunication and power distribution areas without having to
re-work existing wiring. This makes expansion much simpler than in
conventional designs.
[0077] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate in detail two different
embodiments of the telecommunication bracket 600 referred to above
that is used in the thermal compartmentalization and cable and
conduit routing system according to the present invention. This
bracket 600 serves the same purpose as the bracket 500 illustrated
and described previously with respect to FIG. 4, and as such
similar parts of the bracket 600 are labeled the same and need not
be further described herein. This bracket 600, however,
additionally provides additional vertical support 610 that allows
for the running of additional wiring and conduits.
[0078] In FIG. 6A, this additional vertical support 610 includes
conduit clamps 620 that allow the clamping of the additional
conduits to the additional vertical support 610.
[0079] In FIG. 6B, the bracket 600A has in addition to the vertical
support 610 a support beam 506A (which extends upwards from the
support beam 506 shown in FIG. 4), and racks 630, 632, 634, 636,
638, and 640 therebetween. Each of the racks 630, 632, 634, 636,
638, and 640 have room for at least 4 different 4'' conduits to run
wiring or cabling therethrough. Whether the conduit clamps or
additional conduit racks are used, both provide for conduit
holding, and holding of the wires or cables within the
conduits.
[0080] In both the brackets 600 of FIGS. 6A and 6B, the additional
wiring/conduit is distribution power wires and conduits and other
wire/conduit for control uses, for example. As explained hereafter,
the distribution power wires and conduits can run from various
power equipment units 180 disposed in each of the cabinet clusters
590 to various other high power distribution units (PDUs) 598
disposed within the distribution area 588, as shown in FIG. 7A.
[0081] FIG. 7A also illustrates the distribution of power PDUs 598
within a section of the distribution area 588 to power equipment
180 in an end cabinet cluster 590-1 within a section of the data
equipment center area 586 via distribution power wires and conduit
(one shown as 597). In particular, as is shown, distribution power
wires and conduit goes from each of the PDUs 598A and 598B to the
power equipment unit 180A within the end cabinet cluster 590-1, and
distribution power wires and conduit also goes from both the PDUs
598A and 598B to the power equipment unit 180B within the end
cabinet cluster 590-1, so that redundant power can be provided to
the electronic equipment within each row. Since power is provided
to each piece of power equipment 180 from two different sources,
these power equipment units can also be called redundant power
panels, or RPP's. In addition, distribution power wires and conduit
go from each of PDUs 598A and 598B over the end cabinet cluster
590-1 to further cabinet clusters 590-2, 590-3 to 590-N. The array
of cabinet clusters 590 are aligned as shown in FIG. 5A so that the
brackets 600 in different cabinet clusters 590 nonetheless can
together be used to string distribution power wires and conduit and
other wires/fibers with conduits as needed.
[0082] In a preferred configuration of the power equipment 180
shown in FIG. 7A provides redundant 120 volt AC power from each RPP
180 to the electrical equipment in each of the cabinets 110 within
the row of the cabinet cluster 590. Within the RPP 180 are circuit
breakers as is known to protect against energy spikes and the like,
as well as energy sensors associated with each circuit so that a
central control system, described hereinafter, can monitor the
energy usage at a per circuit level. In a typical implementation,
there are 42 slot breaker panels that are associated each with 120
c/208 v power that is then supplied to each of the electronic
components as needed, in wiring that uses one of the ladder racks
630 or 640 as discussed previously to the necessary cabinet 110. Of
course, other power configuration schemes are possible as well.
[0083] In a preferred configuration for a module of cabinet
clusters 590, as schematically shown in FIG. 7B, there are three
different PDUs 598 that each receive 480 vAC 3-phase power and
provide 120 vAC 3-phase power service to each of 8 different RPPs
180 via the distribution power wires and conduits. This allows, for
a completely used module, 6 different cabinet clusters 590 to be
serviced from 12 RPP's 180, two in each cage, and 3 different PDU's
598. By providing redundancy of both RPP's 180 (.times.2) and PDUs
598 (.times.3), this allows for maximum power usage of the various
components with sufficient redundancy in case any one of the PDU's
598 or any circuit on an RPP 180 fails.
[0084] A lock-related aspect of the present invention with respect
to the RPPs 180 as well as the PDU's 598 is that since there are
three circuits from the PDU's t the RPP's, within a dual RPP each
side of the cabinet will have separate lock, such that all locks of
a particular circuit can be opened by the same key, but that key
cannot open locks of any of the other two circuits. This is an
advantageous protection mechanism, as it prohibits a technician
from mistakenly opening and operating upon a different circuit than
a circuit he is supposed to service at that time.
[0085] FIG. 8 shows a power spine 599 that can also be used with
the preferred embodiment to provide power from the power grid to
each of the PDU's 598. As illustrated, rather than running the
power spine through the roof as is conventionally done, in this
embodiment the power spine 599 is run along a corridor within the
distribution area 588 that channels all of the main building wiring
and electrical components. This advantageously reduces stress on
the roof and building structure, as the weight of the power spine
and related components are supported internally within the corridor
structure as shown.
[0086] Data Center Air Handling Unit
[0087] Another aspect of the data center is the air handling unit
that provides for efficient cooling.
[0088] As is illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B1-2, one condenser unit
800 is paired with one heat expulsion chamber 900, and each are
preferably independently movable. As is further illustrated, the
condenser units 800 are built to a size standard that allows for
transport along US state and interstate highways. Further, the heat
expulsion chamber 900 is preferably sized smaller than the
condenser unit 800, but still having dimensions that allow for
transport using a semi-trailer. When transported to the facility
500, the condenser unit 800 is first placed into position, as shown
here on posts 588, but other platforms can also be used. As shown
in this embodiment, the heat expulsion chamber unit 900 is placed
over the condenser unit 800, though other placements, such as
adjacent or below, are also possible. Connections of power conduit,
miscellaneous cabling, and water needed for proper operation of the
condenser units 800 and expulsion chamber 900 is preferably made
using easily attachable and detachable components.
[0089] With this configuration, the units 800 and 900 are located
in standardized, accessible and relatively convenient positions
relative to the facility 580 should any of the units 800/900 need
to be accessed and/or removed for repair or replacement. Further,
these units 800/900 are themselves created using an intentionally
transportable design.
[0090] FIGS. 9A-9E provide further details regarding the condenser
unit 800 and its paired heat expulsion chamber 900. In particular,
as shown, the air conditioning apparatus includes the condenser
unit 800 and its paired heat expulsion chamber 900. The heat
expulsion chamber 900 receives heated air, and emits vented air,
and the vented air is released into the external environment, while
the condenser unit 800 emits cooled air.
[0091] The heat exchange unit 900 contains an exhaust fan 910,
controlled by a VFD fan control and I/O signals block 1330 shown in
FIG. 10, that emits heat from the heated air as the vented air,
thereby allowing return air to pass through a return damper 920,
which return damper 920 has a return damper actuator associated
therewith.
[0092] The condenser unit 800 includes an outside air inlet 810,
and has associated an outside air damper 812, thereby allowing
outside air to pass therein. This outside air damper 812 is
preferably coated with a neoprene seal to prevent pollution
particles from passing through the damper 812 when in a closed
position, as well as contains a spring-loaded mechanism closing
lever that will automatically close the outside air damper 812 upon
a removal of power, so that outside air is prevented from intake
before backup generators 594 have to start, since after a
power-grid power failure condition, before the back-up generators
start, uninterruptable power supplies will supply building power,
giving a period for the outside air damper 812 to close.
[0093] A filter chamber 820, which includes an air intake area 822
coupled to the heat expulsion unit 900 and the outside air inlet
810, is configurable, via the AHU control system 1000, described
hereinafter, to receive the return air, the outside air, as well as
a mixture of the return air and the outside air, the filter chamber
resulting in filtered air. In a preferred implementation of the
filters 824 within the filter chamber 820 are included a MERV 7
screen filter 824A with a MERV 16 bag filter 824B therebehind,
which allows replacement of the screen filter 824A without
replacement of the bag filter 824B, and vice-versa.
[0094] The condenser unit 800 includes an air cooling area 830 over
which the filtered air passes to create the cooled air. For ease of
nomenclature, all of the air within the air cooling area 830 is
referred to as filtered air, and only upon emission from the
condenser unit is it referred to as cooled air. That
notwithstanding, it is understood that along various stages of the
air cooling area 830, the filtered air will get progressively
cooler in temperature.
[0095] The air cooling area 830 of the condenser unit 800 includes
a direct cooling coil 840 filled with a gas for direct expansion,
such as R134 gas, over which the filtered air passes, the gas being
circulated through a condenser 842 disposed in another area of the
condenser unit housing, but still in the external area, outside of
the building.
[0096] The air cooling area 830 also includes an indirect cooling
coil 850 filled with cooled water over which the filtered air
passes, the cooled water being circulated through an evaporation
unit 590 also disposed in the external area, via a water line 592
as shown in FIG. 5A. Optionally, though not shown, another coil
that is cooled by a chiller could be included.
[0097] Also shown in FIGS. 9A-9E is that the air cooling area also
has an evaporator 860 that provides a water wall through which the
filtered air can pass. An evaporator bypass 862 allows all or some
of the filtered air to bypass the evaporator 860, and a bypass
damper 880 is opened to allow 100% bypass of the evaporator 860, in
which case the evaporator damper 890 is then fully closed. Filtered
air can also be partially bypassed, or all go through the
evaporator 860, depending on the percentage opening of each of the
dampers 880 and 890.
[0098] Also within the air cooling area 830 is a fan 870, shown as
a fan array of multiple fans, operable to push the filtered air
through the air cooling area 830, as well as an outlet damper 880
controllable by an actuator and operable to control an amount of
the cooled air delivered from the air cooling area 830.
[0099] As shown and mentioned previously the heat exchange unit 900
is contained within a first housing, and the condenser unit 800 is
contained within a second housing.
[0100] Furthermore, and with reference to FIG. 10, overall air
conditioning system for the data center 500 includes a control
system 1000. The control system 1000 contains an air handling unit
(AHU) and power control system computer 1100, which is operable to
automatically control each of the exhaust fan 910, the return
damper actuator, the outside air damper actuator, the condenser
842, the bypass damper actuator, the fan 870, and the outlet damper
actuator.
[0101] Air Handling Control System
[0102] As referenced previously, and shown explicitly in FIG. 10,
the data center 580 includes a control system 1000. The control
system includes an air handling unit (AHU) and power control system
(PCS) computer 1100, which as shown obtains signals from many
different units, and sends signals to many different units, based
upon various software routines run by the AHU/PCS computer 1100.
These routines can be integrated with each other, as well as be
discrete modules which operate on their own, or a combination of
both.
[0103] A significant aspect of the present invention is the
placement of sensors that can monitor for each/all of temperature,
pressure differential, airflow, and humidity. Sensors that monitor
these different aspects are placed in different locations
throughout the data center.
[0104] In particular, having temperature sensors inside the thermal
shield 400 (preferably redundant ones at the two ends and the
middle of the cluster at least), and at different levels (such as
at the middle and top of a cabinet 110, as well as at the middle
and top of the thermal shield 400), as well as in stratified
locations in the gap between the false ceiling 140 and the actual
ceiling 150 (spaced at intervals of between 2-4 feet, as well as
outside the thermal shield area, at the outside of cabinets in the
cold aisles, allows for precise temperature gradient information
throughout the facility.
[0105] Humidity sensors are helpful to have at locations that are
the same as the temperature sensors, though fewer are needed, as
humidity data need not be as precise for overall control of the
building thermal environment.
[0106] Pressure differential sensors are also preferably located,
redundantly, in a number of different areas. These include within
the thermal shield below the false ceiling 140, outside the thermal
shield below the false ceiling 140, at different locations in the
gap between the false ceiling 140 and the actual ceiling 150
(spaced at intervals of between 2-4 feet), at various locations
within the cold aisle ducts 310, particularly a header plenum that
has a main cold air area to which many of the different condenser
units connect, shown best along 310-I in FIG. 5B2 and then
distribute cool air to the cooling ducts 310 that form the cold
aisles. This allows for sensing of the pressure at various
locations, and in particular within the hot air containment chamber
210, outside the hot air containment chamber 210 above the cabinets
110, within the gap between the false ceiling and the actual
ceiling 150, and within the cold aisle ducts. This allows for
modification of the air handing units 800/900 by the control system
1100. Overall pressure control between the hot air containment
chamber 210, the cold aisle, and the gap between the false ceiling
and the actual ceiling 150 is achieved by adjusting the air
handling units 800/900 so that the pressure is maintained in these
different areas within a predetermined range of each other, for
example. This also allows for running the facility at a positive
pressure differential when outside air is used, at ranges of 1% to
6%, such that as in essence the building breathes out.
[0107] Airflow sensors are also preferably located in each of the
areas where the pressure differential sensors are noted as being
required, in order to ensure that the airflow is stable, as amounts
of airflow that are too great, just as pressure differentials that
are too great, can adversely affect the electronic equipment.
[0108] Areas where these differentials occur the most in the
embodiments described herein are at the barrier caused by the
thermal shield 400 within each cabinet cluster 590, between the
false ceiling and the gap thereover, since heated air from each of
the different hot aisle areas 210, associated with each cabinet
cluster 590, vent to this large gap area.
[0109] Signals from these sensors, as shown by Temperature,
Pressure Differential, Airflow, and Humidity Sensor Control and
input/output (I/O) signals (block 1310) can then be used to provide
damper actuator control (block 1320), VFD fan control and I/O
signals (block 1330), evaporator control and I/O signals (block
1340), condenser control and I/O signals (block 1350), evaporator
control and I/O signals (block 1360), and optionally chiller
control and I/O signals (block 1370). Within the Damper actuator
control block is included the dampers associated with the cold
aisle ducts, which dampers can be automatically adjusted to fully
open, fully closed, or in-between amounts based upon sensing of the
current conditions, as described previously.
[0110] Still furthermore, the AHU/PCS computer 1100 also monitors
power consumption and power production, depending on the devices,
to assess overall power usage. As such, electrical energy monitor
sensors within the RPP 180 are operated upon by the RPP control and
I/O signals block 1410, and provide an indication of the power
usage of the electronics devices in the cabinets 110. The PDU 598
is monitored, as is known, and operated upon by the PDU control and
I/O signals block 1420. Power load control and I/O signals block
1430 provides monitoring of the transformers and uninterruptable
power supplies within the distribution area 584. Backup generator
control and I/O signals block 1440 is used for the control of the
backup generator 594, whereas telecommunication control and I/O
signals block 1450 is used for the control of the
telecommunications equipment. Equipment load control and I/O
signals block 1460 controls and monitors energy consumption of
other equipment within the data center facility
[0111] The above control blocks can contain software written to
both act upon input signals obtained from other sensors or other
units, and ensure that the various different units operate
together. The usage of the term I/O signals is intended to convey
that for any of the associated sensors, actuators for dampers, VFD
for fans, and other mechanisms, that depending on the model used,
such devices may output signals, input signals or both.
[0112] It is also noted that what occurs with one device will alter
which other devices operate. Thus, for example malfunction of a
particular circuit in an RPP 180 will cause the AHU/PCS computer
1100 to switch over to the redundant circuit in the same RPP 180
until that circuit is fixed.
[0113] It is particularly noted that the above system can monitor
and control for certain situations that are particularly
significant for data centers. For example, the air flow patterns
that are caused, with the inclusion of the false ceiling 140 as
shown in FIG. 1C, require assessment of high and low pressure
areas. The AHU/PCS computer 1100 can monitor for this, and as a
result maintain a balance, thus ensuring that fans and other
components that are within the electronics equipment stored in the
cabinets 110 isn't damaged.
[0114] Also shown in FIG. 10 are building cabinet cluster and cage
lock sensors block 1510. This allows for the detection of which
cabinet clusters 590, as well as which cabinets 110, are open,
based upon sensors that are placed at each of these areas.
[0115] Fire and roof water detection leak sensors module 1520 is
also shown, as this can be used in conjunction with known systems,
and interfaced with the other blocks referred to herein, to ensure
that if a fire or leak is detected, that appropriate shut down of
equipment in the preferred sequence to avoid damage is done.
[0116] Although the present invention has been particularly
described with reference to embodiments thereof, it should be
readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various
changes, modifications and substitutes are intended within the form
and details thereof, without departing from the spirit and scope of
the invention. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that in numerous
instances some features of the invention will be employed without a
corresponding use of other features. Further, those skilled in the
art will understand that variations can be made in the number and
arrangement of components illustrated in the above figures.
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