JP2012107801A - Air conditioning system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an air conditioning system capable of appropriately controlling introduction of outside air according to the temperature and humidity of outside air and further reducing power consumed in an air conditioning facility.SOLUTION: An indoor room is separated into an equipment installation area 12 and a cooling area 13. An electronic device 23 is installed in the equipment installation area 12, and a tip end of a heat transfer member 25 thermally connected to a heat generating component in the electronic device 23 is disposed in the cooling area 13. A control part 28 determines whether or not outside air is to be introduced into the equipment installation area 12 and the cooling area 13 individually according to the temperature and humidity of the outside air detected by a sensor part 29a.

Description

  The present invention relates to an air conditioning system that introduces outside air to air-condition a room.

  In recent years, with the advent of an advanced information society, a large amount of data has been handled by computers, and in many facilities such as data centers, many computers are installed in the same room and collectively managed. Under such circumstances, a large amount of heat is generated from the computer, causing malfunction or failure, and thus means for cooling the computer is required. For this reason, in a normal data center, heat generated in the computer is discharged outside the computer by a fan (blower), and the indoor temperature is adjusted using an air conditioner (air conditioner).

  By the way, in the data center, it is said that a large amount of power is consumed by the air conditioning equipment, which is comparable to the total power consumed by all computers. In order to reduce the power consumed in the data center, it has been proposed to introduce the outside air indoors when the temperature of the outside air is low.

JP 2009-127976 A

  However, data centers manage humidity as well as temperature. If outside air whose humidity is not controlled is directly introduced into the computer room, static electricity or dew condensation occurs, which may cause a malfunction or failure of the computer.

  In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioning system that can appropriately control the introduction of outside air according to the temperature and humidity of the outside air and further reduce the power consumed by the air conditioning equipment.

  According to one aspect of the disclosed technology, an equipment installation area in which an electronic device is installed, an air conditioner that performs air conditioning in the equipment installation area, and a heat transfer member that is thermally connected to a heat-generating component in the electronic device A cooling area where the front end of the apparatus is disposed, a separation wall that separates the equipment installation area and the cooling area, a sensor part that detects the temperature and humidity of the outside air, and the air conditioner, and the sensor part An air conditioning system is provided that includes a controller that individually determines whether or not to introduce outside air into the device installation area and the cooling area according to the temperature and humidity of the outside air detected in step (b).

  In the air conditioning system of the above aspect, the equipment installation area and the cooling area are separated, the electronic equipment is installed in the equipment installation area, and the heat transfer that is thermally connected to the heat generating components in the electronic equipment is installed in the cooling area. The tip of the member is disposed. And a control part determines separately whether external air is introduce | transduced into an apparatus installation area and a cooling area according to the temperature and humidity of external air detected with the sensor part. Thereby, compared with the past, the electric power consumed by an air conditioning facility can be reduced further.

Drawing 1 is a mimetic diagram of an air-conditioning system concerning an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the structure of the heat transfer member. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a heat pipe and a heat radiating portion of the heat transfer member. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the operating conditions of the air conditioning system according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the air flow in the pattern 1. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the air flow in the pattern 2. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the air flow in the pattern 3. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the air flow in the pattern 4. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the air flow in the pattern 5. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the air flow in the pattern 6. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the embodiment.

  Hereinafter, before describing the embodiment, a preliminary matter for facilitating understanding of the embodiment will be described.

  As described above, in order to reduce power used for air conditioning in facilities such as a data center, it has been proposed to introduce outside air into the room when the temperature of the outside air is low. For example, in the case of a data center that supplies air whose temperature is adjusted to 20 ° C. by an air conditioner, if the outside air is introduced into the room when the temperature of the outside air is 20 ° C. or less, the power used in the air conditioning equipment Can be expected to significantly reduce

  However, the data center also manages the humidity in the computer room to prevent problems in the computer due to static electricity and condensation. Even if the amount of moisture contained in the air is the same, the humidity (relative humidity: the same applies hereinafter) decreases as the temperature of the air increases. For this reason, if outside air in winter, for example, outside air having a temperature of 10 ° C. or less and humidity of 50% or less is introduced into the computer room as it is, the humidity is extremely reduced as the temperature rises, and static electricity is easily generated. It may cause malfunction or failure. In addition, if outside air having a temperature of, for example, 20 ° C. is directly introduced into the computer room when it is raining, the humidity in the computer room becomes high, which may cause a malfunction or failure of the computer.

  Generally, in a data center, the indoor humidity is adjusted to about 50% to 60%. However, simply introducing outside air into the computer room increases the change in humidity and increases the power required to adjust the humidity. For this reason, even if outside air is introduced, the power consumption reduction effect of the air conditioning equipment cannot be obtained sufficiently.

  Hereinafter, embodiments will be described.

(Embodiment)
Drawing 1 is a mimetic diagram of an air-conditioning system concerning an embodiment.

  The computer room is separated by a separation wall 11 into a rack installation area (an example of an equipment installation area) 12 in which a rack 22 containing a computer (server) 23 is placed and a cooling area 13 through which low-temperature air passes. . Although only one rack 22 is shown in FIG. 1, a number of racks 22 are installed in the rack installation area 12. Each rack 22 stores a plurality of computers 23. Each computer 23 is provided with a fan (not shown) that introduces air from the front side (left side in FIG. 1) of the rack 22 and discharges air from the rear side (right side in FIG. 1). The computer 23 is an example of an electronic device.

  In the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1, a heat transfer member 25 protrudes from each computer 23 in the horizontal direction, and the tip of the heat transfer member 25 penetrates the separation wall 11 and enters the cooling area 13. Derived. A plurality of heat radiation fins 25a are provided at the tip of the heat transfer member 25 (the portion on the cooling area 13 side). Details of the heat transfer member 25 will be described later.

  A cold air flow path 14 is provided under the floor of the rack installation area 12. In addition, a grill (ventilation opening) 12a is installed on the floor of the rack installation area 12, and low temperature air is supplied from the cold air flow path 14 to the front side of the rack 22 through the grill 12a.

  On the other hand, a hot air flow path 15 is provided on the back of the ceiling of the rack installation area 12, and an opening 12 b that communicates between the rack installation area 12 and the hot air flow path 15 is provided on the ceiling on the back side of the rack 22. It has been. In the present embodiment, an area (cold aisle) where cold air is supplied via the grill 12a and an area (hot aisle) where hot air is discharged from the rack 22 are separated by partitions 24a and 24b. ing. However, these partitions 24a and 24b are not essential, and may be installed as necessary.

  The cold air flow path 14 is connected to an air outlet of the air conditioner 21 and is connected to an air supply duct (first air supply duct) 32 via a damper 44 and a duct 31. The air supply duct 32 communicates with the outdoors, and a fan 51 is disposed in the air supply duct 32. The rotation of the fan 51 introduces outside air into the air supply duct 32. The first air intake port of the air conditioner 21 is also connected to the air supply duct 32 via the damper 43 and the duct 35. A fan 52 that rotates in conjunction with the air conditioner 21 is disposed under the air outlet of the air conditioner 21.

  The hot air flow path 15 is connected to the second air intake port of the air conditioner 21 via the damper 42 and the duct 33, and is connected to the exhaust duct (first exhaust duct) 34 via the damper 41. Yes. The exhaust duct 34 communicates with the outdoors.

  A cold air passage 16 is provided under the floor of the cooling area 13, and a hot air passage 17 is provided behind the ceiling. A grill (ventilation opening) 13a is disposed on the floor of the cooling area 13, and cold air is supplied from the cold air flow path 16 to the cooling area 13 through the grill 13a. An opening 13 b that communicates between the cooling area 13 and the hot air flow path 17 is provided on the ceiling of the cooling area 13.

  A damper 45 is disposed between the cold air passage 14 and the cold air passage 16. When the damper 45 is open, the cold air passage 14 and the cold air passage 16 are in communication, and when the damper 45 is closed, the cold air passage 14 and the cold air passage 16 are disconnected. Further, a damper 47 is disposed between the hot air channel 15 and the hot air channel 17. When the damper 47 is open, the hot air passage 15 and the hot air passage 17 are in communication, and when the damper 47 is closed, the hot air passage 15 and the hot air passage 17 are disconnected.

  The cold air flow path 16 is connected to an air supply duct (second air supply duct) 36 via a damper 46. The air supply duct 36 communicates with the outside, and a fan 53 is disposed inside the damper 46. By the rotation of the fan 53, outside air is introduced into the cooling area 12 through the air supply duct 36, the damper 46, and the grill 12a. The hot air flow path 17 is connected to an exhaust duct (second exhaust duct) 37 via a damper 48. This exhaust duct 37 communicates with the outdoors.

  The control unit 28 is connected to a sensor unit 29a that detects the temperature and humidity of the outside air and a sensor unit 29b that detects the temperature and humidity in the computer room. The control unit 28 controls the open / close state of the dampers 41 to 48, the on / off of the fans 51 to 53, and the air conditioner 21 according to the outputs of the sensor units 29a and 29b.

  In the present embodiment, the air conditioner 21 has a function of adjusting the temperature and humidity of air supplied from the air outlet. However, an air conditioner that performs only air temperature adjustment may be used, and a humidifier may be provided separately from the air conditioner. In addition, it is preferable that filters are arranged in the air supply ducts 32 and 36 and the exhaust ducts 34 and 37 that communicate with the outdoors in order to prevent dust from entering the room.

  FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating the structure of the heat transfer member 25. Note that reference numeral 55 in FIG. 2A denotes a system boat of the computer 23. The heat transfer member 25 is thermally connected to a component 57 (hereinafter referred to as “heat generating component”) 57 having a large heat generation amount such as a CPU in the computer 23. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2B, the heat transfer member 25 has a heat pipe 22a and a heat radiating portion 22b, and the heat radiating portion 22b is detachably attached to the tip of the heat pipe 22a. . The heat radiating portion 22b is formed in a tubular shape from a metal having a high thermal conductivity such as copper or aluminum, and a plurality of heat radiating fins 25a are provided around the heat radiating portion 22b.

  As schematically shown in FIG. 3, the heat pipe 22 a passes through a through hole provided in the separation wall 11 and is led into the cooling area 12. A packing 56 is disposed in the through hole of the separation wall 11, and the gap between the through holes is closed by the packing 56. Moreover, the heat conductive grease 54 is apply | coated to the front-end | tip part of the heat pipe 22a, and the front-end | tip part of the heat pipe 22a is inserted and attached to the thermal radiation part 22b. When it is necessary to remove the computer 23 from the rack 22 such as when the computer 23 is broken or inspected, the heat radiating portion 22b is removed from the heat pipe 22a. In addition, it may replace with the rod-shaped heat pipe 22a illustrated in FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and may use a loop type heat pipe, a heat-medium circulation apparatus, or a heat exchanger plate.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the air conditioning system of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  Here, it is assumed that the heat generating component 57 in the computer 23 has a temperature of 35 ° C. or higher. In addition, the circulating air volume is set so that the temperature of the air discharged from the computer 23 is about 30 ° C. when the temperature of the air introduced into the rack installation area 12 is about 20 ° C.

  The introduction of outside air into the rack installation area 12 is determined by the temperature and humidity of the outside air. When outside air is introduced into the rack installation area 12, the temperature of the outside air is allowed up to 30 ° C. Also, the absolute humidity (0.0099kg / kg.DA) when the temperature is 25 ° C and the relative humidity is 50% is the standard humidity, and humidification or dehumidification is performed so that the standard humidity is obtained when outside air is introduced into the rack installation area 12. The humidity range in which the electric power required for this is below a predetermined value was taken as the reference range.

  The control unit 28 controls the air conditioner 21, the dampers 41 to 48, and the fans 51 to 53 according to the temperature and humidity of the outside air, and sets one of the following operation states of the patterns 1 to 6. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the operating conditions in patterns 1 to 6.

(Pattern 1)
Pattern 1 is a case where the temperature of the outside air is less than 20 ° C. and the humidity is out of the reference range. In this case, the control unit 28 opens the dampers 42, 46, and 48, closes the dampers 41, 43, 44, 45, and 47, turns on the fans 52 and 53, and turns off the fan 51. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the air flow in the pattern 1.

  If the outside air humidity is out of the reference range and the outside air is introduced into the rack installation area 12, the power required for humidification or dehumidification increases, and the effect of reducing the power consumption of the air conditioning equipment cannot be obtained sufficiently. Therefore, in the pattern 1, outside air is not introduced into the rack installation area 12, and the air in the rack installation area 12 is cooled by the air conditioner 21. On the other hand, since the temperature of the outside air is sufficiently low, outside air is introduced into the cooling area 13 and the heat generating component 57 of the computer 23 is cooled via the heat transfer member 25.

(Pattern 2)
Pattern 2 is when the temperature of the outside air is less than 20 ° C. and the humidity is within the reference range. In this case, the control unit 28 opens the dampers 41, 42, 43, 46, and 48, closes the dampers 44, 45, and 47, and turns on the fans 51, 52, and 53. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the air flow in the pattern 2.

  In pattern 2, since the temperature of the outside air is low and the humidity is within the reference range, the outside air is introduced into the rack installation area 12. However, if the outside air is introduced into the rack installation area 12 as it is, it is conceivable that the humidity decreases as the temperature rises and falls outside the reference range. Therefore, in the pattern 2, outside air is introduced through the air conditioner 21, a part of the air passing through the hot air flow path 15 is taken into the air conditioner 21, and the temperature and humidity are adjusted by the air conditioner 21, and then the rack installation area 12. To introduce. An amount of air corresponding to the amount of air introduced into the room is exhausted from the exhaust duct 34.

  On the other hand, outside air is introduced into the cooling area 13 as it is, and the heat generating component 57 in the computer 23 is cooled via the heat transfer member 25.

(Pattern 3)
Pattern 3 is a case where the temperature of the outside air is 20 ° C. to 30 ° C. and the humidity deviates from the reference range. In this case, the control unit 28 opens the dampers 42, 46, and 48, closes the dampers 41, 43, 44, 45, and 47, turns on the fans 52 and 53, and turns off the fan 51. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the air flow in the pattern 3.

  In pattern 3, since the humidity of the outside air is out of the reference range, when outside air is introduced into the rack installation area 12, the power required for adjusting the humidity increases, and the effect of reducing the power consumption of the air conditioning equipment can be sufficiently obtained. become unable. Therefore, in the pattern 3, outside air is not introduced into the rack installation area 12.

  On the other hand, since the temperature of the outside air is sufficient to cool the heat generating component 57 in the computer 23, the outside air is introduced into the cooling area 13 and the heat generating component 57 in the computer 23 is cooled via the heat transfer member 25. .

(Pattern 4)
Pattern 4 is a case where the temperature of the outside air is 20 ° C. to 30 ° C. and the humidity is within the reference range. In this case, the control unit 28 opens the dampers 41, 44, 46, and 48, closes the dampers 42, 43, 45, and 47, turns on the fans 51 and 53, and turns off the fan 52. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the air flow in the pattern 4.

  In the pattern 4, since the temperature and humidity of the outside air are within the appropriate ranges, outside air is introduced into the rack installation area 12 without passing through the air conditioner 21, and the corresponding air is discharged from the exhaust duct 34. Also, outside air is introduced into the cooling area 13 to cool the heat generating component 57 in the computer 23 via the heat transfer member 25.

(Pattern 5)
Pattern 5 is when the temperature of the outside air is 30 ° C to 35 ° C. In this case, the control unit 28 opens the dampers 42, 46, and 48, closes the dampers 41, 43, 44, 45, and 47, turns on the fans 52 and 53, and turns off the fan 51. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the air flow in the pattern 5.

  In pattern 5, since the temperature of the outside air is high, even if the outside air is introduced into the rack installation area 12, the effect of reducing the power consumption of the air conditioning equipment cannot be obtained sufficiently. Therefore, outside air is not introduced into the rack installation area 12 in the pattern 5. However, since the temperature of the outside air is lower than the temperature of the heat generating component 57, the outside air is introduced into the cooling area 13 and the heat generating component 57 in the computer 23 is cooled via the heat transfer member 25.

(Pattern 6)
Pattern 6 is when the temperature of the outside air is 35 ° C. or higher. In this case, the control unit 28 opens the dampers 42, 45, 47, closes the dampers 41, 43, 44, 46, 48, turns on the fan 52, and turns off the fans 51, 53. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the air flow in the pattern 6.

  In the pattern 6, since the temperature of the outside air is high, the outside air is not introduced into either the rack installation area 12 or the cooling area 13. In this case, air whose temperature and humidity are adjusted by the air conditioner 21 is supplied to the rack installation area 12 and the cooling area 13.

  As described above, in the air conditioning system according to the present embodiment, outside air is appropriately introduced into the rack installation area 12 and the cooling area 13 according to the temperature and humidity of the outside air. Thereby, the power required for air conditioning in the computer room can be greatly reduced. As a result of simulation by the present inventor, in the air conditioning system according to the present embodiment, outside air can be introduced into the rack installation area 12 for about 80 days in one year, and outside air can be introduced into the cooling area 13 for about 120 days. it can.

  In the air conditioning system according to the present embodiment, air whose temperature and humidity are adjusted is supplied into the rack installation area 12, so that malfunction and failure of the computer 23 due to static electricity or condensation are avoided.

  If outside air is introduced such as on a windy day, dust or the like may enter the computer room and cause a failure of the computer 23. For this reason, when there is a possibility that dust or the like may enter the computer room, it is preferable to operate with the pattern 6 regardless of the temperature and humidity of the outside air. Moreover, the operation pattern mentioned above is an example, and the temperature and humidity when the control part 28 controls the dampers 41-48 and the fans 51-53 can be changed suitably.

(Modification)
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the embodiment. In this modification, a spray nozzle 59 that sprays a refrigerant (for example, water) on the fins 25 a of the heat transfer member 25 is provided in the cooling area 13. Since the other configuration is basically the same as that of the air conditioning system of FIG. 1, the description of the overlapping parts is omitted here.

  When the temperature of outside air is 35 ° C. or higher, outside air is not introduced into either the rack installation area 12 or the cooling area 13 in the above-described embodiment. However, if the spray nozzle 59 is installed in the cooling area 13 as shown in FIG. 11 and the coolant is sprayed from the spray nozzle 59 to the fins 25a of the heat transfer member 25 while introducing the outside air to the cooling area 13, the heat transfer member 25 is removed. Thus, the heat generating component 57 can be cooled. In this case, as shown in FIG. 11, the dampers 42, 46, 48 are opened, the dampers 41, 43, 44, 45, 47 are closed, the fans 52, 53 are turned on, and the fan 51 is turned off. Thereby, the days when outside air can be introduced increase, and the power consumed by the air conditioning equipment in the data center can be further reduced.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Separation wall, 12 ... Rack installation area, 12a, 13a ... Grill (ventilation opening), 12b, 13b ... Opening part, 13 ... Cooling area, 14, 16 ... Cold air flow path, 15, 17 ... Hot air flow path, 21 Air conditioner, 22 Rack, 22a Heat pipe, 22b Heat radiation part, 23 Computer, 24a, 24b Partition, 25 Heat transfer member, 25a Heat radiation fin, 28 Control part, 29a, 29b Sensor part 31-37 ... duct, 41-48 ... damper, 51-53 ... fan, 54 ... heat conduction grease, 55 ... system board, 56 ... packing, 57 ... heat generating component, 59 ... spray nozzle.

Claims (7)

Equipment installation area where electronic equipment is installed;
An air conditioner for performing air conditioning in the device installation area;
A cooling area in which a tip portion of a heat transfer member thermally connected to a heat generating component in the electronic device is disposed;
A separation wall separating the device installation area and the cooling area;
A sensor unit for detecting the temperature and humidity of the outside air;
A control unit that controls the air conditioner and individually determines whether or not to introduce the outside air into the device installation area and the cooling area according to the temperature and humidity of the outside air detected by the sensor unit. A featured air conditioning system. Furthermore, a first cold air flow path provided below the floor of the equipment installation area and communicating with the air outlet of the air conditioner,
A first ventilation port provided on the floor of the device installation area to communicate between the device installation area and the first cold air flow path;
A first air supply duct communicating outdoors;
A first damper that is disposed between the first cold air flow path and the first air supply duct and whose open / closed state is controlled by the control unit;
A first hot air flow path that is provided behind the ceiling of the device installation area and communicates with an air intake of the air conditioner;
A first opening provided on a ceiling of the device installation area and communicating between the device installation area and the first hot air flow path;
A first exhaust duct communicating outdoors;
A second damper disposed between the first hot air flow path and the first exhaust duct, the open / close state of which is controlled by the control unit;
A second cold air flow path provided under the floor of the cooling area;
A second ventilation port provided on the floor of the cooling area to communicate between the cooling area and the second cold air flow path;
A second air supply duct that communicates outdoors;
A third damper that is arranged between the second air supply duct and the second cold air flow path and whose open / close state is controlled by the control unit;
A second hot air flow path provided behind the ceiling of the cooling area;
A second opening provided on the ceiling of the cooling area to communicate between the cooling area and the second hot air flow path;
A second exhaust duct communicating outdoors,
The air conditioner according to claim 1, further comprising: a fourth damper disposed between the second hot air flow path and the second exhaust duct and controlled to be opened and closed by the control unit. system. A fifth damper provided between the first cold air flow path and the second cold air flow path, the open / close state of which is controlled by the control unit;
3. A sixth damper provided between the first hot air flow path and the second hot air flow path, the open / close state of which is controlled by the control unit. Air conditioning system.   The air-conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a spray nozzle that sprays a refrigerant toward a tip portion of the heat transfer member is provided in the cooling area.   5. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the heat transfer member can be divided into a side arranged in the equipment installation area and a side arranged in the cooling area. 6. .   The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the heat transfer member includes a heat pipe. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a computer housed in a rack.

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