JP7828580B2 - Data center - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to a data center.

With the recent advancements in information and communication technology, large-scale data centers are being constructed. These data centers house and operate numerous information processing devices, such as servers and communication equipment. To ensure stable operation of the devices housed within the data center, a constant temperature is maintained. This temperature control is achieved using an air conditioning system installed within the data center (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-3593

This invention provides a mechanism to improve the cooling performance of data centers.

To solve the above problems, for example, the configuration described in the claims may be adopted.
The present invention includes several means for solving the above problems, but to give one example, a data center comprising a server room, a chamber room located adjacent to the server room, and a staggered roof covering the server room and the chamber room, wherein the server room has space for arranging at least one row of server racks, and when the row of server racks is arranged in the space, a hot aisle is formed on the exhaust side of the row of server racks, and a cold aisle is formed on the supply side of the row of server racks, and the staggered roof has exhaust ports for exhausting air rising from the hot aisle.

According to the present invention, a mechanism can be provided to improve the cooling performance of a data center.
Other issues, configurations, and effects not mentioned above will be clarified by the following description of the embodiments.

Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a data center 100. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a data center 100. Figure 3 is a plan view showing an example of a data center 100. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing an example of a pair of server rack rows 104. Figure 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an example of a data center 100. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing an example of a data center 600. Figure 7 is a perspective view showing an example of a data center 600. Figure 8 is a plan view showing an example of a data center 600. Figure 9 is a perspective view showing an example of a pair of server rack rows 604. Figure 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an example of a data center 600. Figure 11 is a perspective view showing an example of a pair of server rack rows 104 (604). Figure 12 is a side view showing an example of a pair of server rack rows 104 (604). Figure 13 is a plan view showing an example of the overall structure of the data center 600. Figure 14 is a south elevation view showing an example of the overall structure of data center 600. Figure 15 is a western elevation view showing an example of the overall structure of the data center 600. Figure 16 is a north elevation view showing an example of the overall structure of the data center 600. Figure 17 is an east elevation view showing an example of the overall structure of the data center 600. Figure 18 shows an example of a cross-section along line A-A in Figure 17. Figure 19 shows an example of a cross-section along line B-B in Figure 18. Figure 20 shows an example of a cross-section along line C-C in Figure 18. Figure 21 shows an example of a cross-section along line D-D in Figure 18. Figure 22 shows an example of the temperature distribution in the first embodiment. Figure 23 shows an example of the temperature distribution in the first embodiment. Figure 24 shows an example of the temperature distribution in the second embodiment. Figure 25 shows an example of the temperature distribution in the second embodiment. Figure 26 shows a detailed example of the humidity distribution in the first embodiment. Figure 27 shows a detailed example of the humidity distribution in the second embodiment. Figure 28 shows an example of the humidity distribution in the first embodiment. Figure 29 shows an example of the humidity distribution in the first embodiment. Figure 30 shows an example of the humidity distribution in the second embodiment. Figure 31 shows an example of the humidity distribution in the second embodiment. Figure 32 shows a detailed example of the humidity distribution in the first embodiment. Figure 33 shows a detailed example of the humidity distribution in the second embodiment. Figure 34 shows an example of the velocity distribution in the first embodiment. Figure 35 shows an example of the velocity distribution in the first embodiment. Figure 36 shows an example of the velocity distribution in the second embodiment. Figure 37 shows an example of the velocity distribution in the second embodiment. Figure 38 shows an example of an airflow path model for the data center 600.

The following examples will be described with reference to the drawings.

A data center 100 according to the first embodiment will be described.
Figures 1 to 3 show an example of a data center 100 according to the first embodiment. Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views, and Figure 3 is a plan view.
The data center 100 comprises a main server room 101, a chamber room 102 located adjacent to the main server room 101, and a staggered roof 103 covering the main server room 101 and the chamber room 102.

The main server room 101 has space for arranging multiple server racks side by side. Eight server rack rows 104 are arranged in this space. Each server rack row 104 is arranged approximately parallel and at equal intervals along the shorter side (east-west direction) of the main server room 101. Of the eight server rack rows 104, two adjacent server rack rows 104 are arranged so that their rear sides face each other, forming a pair of server rack rows 104. A partition plate 105 is installed around the outer perimeter of this pair of server rack rows 104. This partition plate 105 has a height that reaches from the floor to the ceiling plate 106 and covers both ends of the pair of server rack rows 104 in the longer direction (east-west direction) and the front side of the pair of server rack rows 104. A hot aisle 300 is formed inside the partition plate 105, and a cold aisle 301 is formed outside it.

Exhaust slits are formed in a portion of the ceiling panel 106 of the main server room 101. Specifically, multiple exhaust slits are formed in a rectangular area 302 located approximately directly above the hot aisle 300. These exhaust slits are exhaust outlets for releasing air rising from the hot aisle 300 into the attic 107. Furthermore, multiple exhaust slits are formed in a rectangular area 303 extending along the west wall of the main server room 101. These exhaust slits are exhaust outlets for releasing excess air from within the main server room 101 into the attic 107. The opening ratio of the rectangular areas 302 and 303 is approximately 70%. Here, the opening ratio refers to the ratio of the effective area of the openings through which air passes, not shielded by louvers, etc., to the total surface area of the rectangular area 302 or 303.

Chamber room 102 is a space for drawing in outside air into the data center 100. Chamber room 102 also serves to mix the incoming outside air with the air in the attic 107 to reduce the humidity of the outside air. This humidity adjustment of the outside air is mainly performed during the winter.

The chamber room 102 and the main server room 101 are separated by a partition plate 108. This partition plate 108 has multiple outlets for blowing air from the chamber room 102 into the main server room 101. Specifically, this partition plate 108 is a perforated plate with an opening ratio of approximately 50%. Here, the opening ratio refers to the ratio of the effective area of the dot-shaped openings to the total surface area of the perforated plate.

The air velocity of the air blown into the main server room 101 from the outlet of the partition plate 108 is adjusted to 3.7 m/s or less. As the air blown into the main server room 101 spreads throughout the room, its velocity decreases to about 2 m/s.
The reason for adjusting the airflow velocity of the air passing through the partition plate 108 in this way is to prevent water from being blown away when condensation occurs and to minimize the impact on the health of workers in the main server room 101.

The chamber room 102 is equipped with 16 supply fans 200 on the wall facing the partition plate 108. These 16 supply fans 200 are arranged in eight sets of vertically stacked supply fans 200 at equal intervals in the horizontal direction. When each supply fan 200 is driven, it draws outside air into the chamber room 102. The airflow of each supply fan 200 is approximately 25,300 ^m³ /h.

Four ventilation fans 110 are installed on the ceiling panel 109 of the chamber room 102. These four ventilation fans 110 are installed at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction (north-south direction) of the ceiling panel 109. Each ventilation fan 110 is mainly operated during the winter, and when operated, it draws air from the attic 107 into the chamber room 102.

The stepped roof 103 comprises a first roof 111, a second roof 112, and vertical walls 113.
The first roof 111 is a rectangular plate that covers a portion of the main server room 101 and slopes downward toward the west. The second roof 112 is a rectangular plate that covers a portion of the main server room 101 and the chamber room 102 and slopes downward toward the east. The upper edge of this second roof 112 is located below the upper edge of the first roof 111. The vertical wall 113 is a rectangular plate that hangs down from the underside of the first roof 111 to the upper side of the second roof 112.

A rectangular exhaust vent extending in the longitudinal direction (north-south direction) is formed in this vertical wall 113. This exhaust vent is an opening for exhausting air rising from the hot aisle 300. A vertical exhaust louver (in other words, a louver) 114 is attached to this exhaust vent. When viewed along the direction of the server rack row 104 (in other words, when viewed along the shorter direction (north-south direction) of the server rack row 104), this exhaust louver 114 and exhaust vent are located approximately directly above the hot aisle 300 (see Figure 5). Furthermore, the opening ratio of this exhaust louver 114 is approximately 50%. Here, the opening ratio refers to the ratio of the effective area of the opening through which air passes, not obstructed by louvers, etc., to the total surface area of the exhaust louver 114.

Next, we will describe a pair of server rack rows 104 with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4, as referred to here, is a perspective view showing an example of a pair of server rack rows 104. However, in this figure, a portion of the front side of the partition plate 105 is omitted.

A pair of server rack rows 104 consists of two server rack rows 104. One server rack row 104 consists of 10 server racks 400 arranged horizontally. One server rack 400 can accommodate 10 servers 401 arranged vertically (up and down). The airflow of the cooling fan for each server 401 accommodated is approximately 300 ^m³ /h.

Each server rack 400 has ten air intake vents 402 formed on its front side. These air intake vents 402 are openings for drawing in air to cool the servers 401. Each server rack 400 also has ten exhaust vents 403 formed on its rear side. These exhaust vents 403 are openings for expelling the air heated by cooling the servers 401.

A pair of server rack rows 104 are formed by arranging two server rack rows 104 so that their rear sides face each other. A partition plate 105 is installed around the outer perimeter of the formed pair of server rack rows 104. As a result, a hot aisle 300 is formed inside the partition plate 105, and a cold aisle 301 is formed outside. In other words, a hot aisle 300 is formed on the exhaust side of the pair of server rack rows 104, and a cold aisle 301 is formed on the supply side.
Furthermore, the partition plate 105 has openings formed in positions facing the air intake ports 402 of each server rack 400 so as not to obstruct the air supply.

In the main server room 101, a rectangular area 302 located approximately directly above the hot aisle 300 within the ceiling panel 106 has multiple exhaust slits. Air rising from the hot aisle 300 flows into the attic 107 through these exhaust slits.

Next, the server cooling method of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5, referred to here, is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an example of a data center 100.

First, when the supply fan 200 in the chamber room 102 is activated, it draws outside air into the chamber room 102. When outside air flows into the chamber room 102, the static pressure in the chamber room 102 increases compared to the main server room 101. This pressure difference causes the air in the chamber room 102 to be blown out into the main server room 101 through the outlet of the partition plate 108.

Air flowing into the main server room 101 flows along the cold aisle 301 and is eventually taken in by the server 401. The air taken in by the server 401 cools the server 401 and is then discharged into the hot aisle 300 in a heated state. The temperature difference between this discharged air and the air in the attic 107 is 10°C or more when the server 401 is mainly used as a GPU server. Therefore, the air discharged into the hot aisle 300 rises, passes through the exhaust slits in the ceiling panel 106, and flows into the attic 107.
Furthermore, some of the air that flows into the main server room 101 is not taken in by the server 401, but flows as excess air through the exhaust slits provided in the ceiling panel 106 above the cold aisle 301 and into the attic 107.

The air flowing into the attic 107 is guided to the underside of the first roof 111 and discharged through the exhaust grille 114. That is, the air is discharged along the underside of the first roof 111. Therefore, heat dissipation is smooth. As a result, the cooling performance of the data center 100 is improved compared to a system without such a structure.

Furthermore, if the ventilation fan 110 is running, some of the air will flow back into the chamber room 102. By recirculating some of the air into the chamber room 102 in this way, if the humidity of the outside air (for example, 90% RH) is higher than the humidity inside the main server room 101, the humidity of the outside air can be lowered to be closer to the humidity inside the main server room 101. In other words, the heat generated by the server 401 can be used to adjust the humidity inside the main server room 101.
Conversely, if the humidity of the outside air is lower than the humidity inside the main server room 101, the humidity of the outside air can be increased to bring it closer to the humidity inside the main server room 101.

Next, a data center 600 according to the second embodiment will be described.
Figures 6 to 8 show an example of a data center 600 according to the second embodiment. Figures 6 and 7 are perspective views, and Figure 8 is a plan view.
The data center 600 comprises a main server room 601, a chamber room 602 located adjacent to the main server room 601, and a staggered roof 603 covering the main server room 601 and the chamber room 602.

The main server room 601 has space for arranging multiple server racks side by side. Eight server rack rows 604 are arranged in this space. Each server rack row 604 is arranged approximately parallel and at equal intervals along the shorter side (east-west direction) of the main server room 101. Of the eight server rack rows 604, two adjacent rows 604 are arranged so that their rear sides face each other, forming a pair of server rack rows 604. A partition plate 605 is installed around the perimeter of this pair of server rack rows 604. This partition plate 605 has a height that reaches from the floor to the ceiling plate 606 and covers both ends of the pair of server rack rows 604 in the longer direction (east-west direction) and the front side of each server rack row 604. A hot aisle 800 is formed inside the partition plate 605, and a cold aisle 801 is formed outside it.

An opening is formed in a portion of the ceiling panel 606 of the main server room 601. Specifically, a rectangular opening 802 is formed approximately directly above the hot aisle 800 (particularly the space between the pair of server rack rows 604). This opening 802 is for releasing the air rising from the hot aisle 800 into the attic 607. In the first embodiment described above, the hot aisle 300 is covered by the exhaust slit portion of the ceiling panel 106, whereas in this second embodiment, the hot aisle 800 is not covered by the ceiling panel 606. Therefore, it is easier to discharge the air heated by cooling the servers into the attic 607.

Furthermore, exhaust slits are formed in a portion of the ceiling panel 606 of the main server room 601. Specifically, multiple exhaust slits are formed in a rectangular area 803 that extends along the west wall of the main server room 601. These exhaust slits are designed to release excess air from the main server room 601 into the attic 607. The opening ratio of the rectangular area 803 should be approximately 70%. The opening ratio here refers to the ratio of the effective area of the openings through which air passes, which are not shielded by louvers or the like, to the total surface area of the rectangular area 803.

The chamber room 602 is a space for drawing outside air into the data center 600. This chamber room 602 and the main server room 601 are separated by a partition plate 608. This partition plate 608 has multiple outlets for blowing air from the chamber room 602 into the main server room 601. Specifically, this partition plate 608 is a perforated plate with an opening ratio of approximately 60%. The opening ratio of this partition plate 608 is 10% higher than that of the partition plate 108 according to the first embodiment. Here, the opening ratio refers to the ratio of the effective area of the dot-shaped openings to the total surface area of the perforated plate.

The air velocity of the air blown into the main server room 601 from the outlet of the partition plate 608 is adjusted to 3.7 m/s or less. As the air blown into the main server room 601 spreads throughout the room, its air velocity decreases to about 2 m/s.
The reason for adjusting the airflow velocity of the air passing through the partition plate 608 in this way is to prevent water from being blown away when condensation occurs and to minimize the impact on the health of workers in the main server room 601.

The chamber room 602 is equipped with 16 supply fans 700 on the wall facing the partition plate 608. These 16 supply fans 200 are arranged at equal intervals in the horizontal direction. When each supply fan 700 is driven, it draws outside air into the chamber room 602. The airflow of each supply fan 700 is approximately 31,500 ^m³ /h. This airflow is 6,200 ^m³ /h greater than the airflow of the supply fan 200 according to the first embodiment.

Unlike the ceiling panel 109 in the first embodiment, the ceiling panel 609 of the chamber room 602 does not have a ventilation fan installed.

Here, the reason for setting the opening ratio of the partition plate 608 to approximately 60% will be explained with reference to Figure 38. Figure 38, which is referenced here, shows an example of an airflow path model of the data center 600.
In the airflow path model shown in the figure, reference numeral 3800 indicates the supply fan 700, reference numeral 3801 indicates the partition plate 608, reference numeral 3802 indicates the server 901, reference numeral 3803 indicates the ceiling plate 606, and reference numeral 3804 indicates the exhaust grille 613.

The symbol _Q0 indicates the total airflow of the supply fan 700, the symbol _Q1 indicates the total airflow passing through the partition plate 608, the symbol _Q2 indicates the total airflow of the cooling fan of the server 901, the symbol _Q3 indicates the total airflow passing through the exhaust slit of the ceiling plate 606, and the symbol _Q4 indicates the total airflow passing through the exhaust grille 613.

The relationship between each airflow rate in this airflow path model is expressed by the following equation.
Q ₀ =Q ₁ =Q ₂ +Q ₃ =Q ₄ ...(1)
Here, if _S1 is the area of the perforated plate of the partition plate 608, _a1 is the opening ratio, and _V1 is the wind velocity of the airflow passing through the opening of the perforated plate, then the airflow _Q0 and _Q1 are expressed by the following equations.
Q ₀ =Q ₁ =S ₁ a ₁ V ₁ ...(2)
By rearranging equation (2), the aperture ratio _a1 can be expressed by the following equation.
a ₁ =Q ₀ /(S ₁ V ₁ )...(3)

Here, the airflow _Q0 is defined as follows.
31,500m ³ /h x 16 units = 504,000m ³ /h
The area _S1 is defined as follows:
30m x 2.1m = 63m ²
Let the wind speed _V1 be 3.7 m/s. Note that this wind speed _V1 should be 3.7 m/s or less.
Converting this wind speed _V1 to kilometers per hour gives us 13,320 (= 3.7 × 3600) m/h.

Substituting these values into equation (3), the aperture ratio _a1 is as follows.
a ₁ =504,000/(63×13,320)≒0.60
For the reasons explained above, the opening ratio of the partition plate 608 is set to approximately 60%.

Chamber Room 602 and Main Server Room 601 are separated by fire-resistant shutters in the event of a fire.

The stepped roof 603 comprises a first roof 610, a second roof 611, and vertical walls 612.
The first roof 610 is a rectangular plate that covers a portion of the main server room 601 and slopes downward toward the west. The second roof 611 is a rectangular plate that covers a portion of the main server room 601 and the chamber room 602 and slopes downward toward the east. The upper edge of this second roof 611 is located below the upper edge of the first roof 610. The vertical wall 612 is a rectangular plate that hangs down from the underside of the first roof 610 to the upper side of the second roof 611.

A rectangular exhaust port extending in the longitudinal direction (north-south direction) is formed in this vertical wall 612. This exhaust port is an opening for exhausting air rising from the hot aisle 800. A vertical exhaust louver (in other words, a louver) 613 is attached to this exhaust port. When viewed along the direction of the server rack row 604 (in other words, when viewed along the shorter direction (north-south direction) of the server rack row 604), this exhaust louver 613 and exhaust port are located approximately directly above the boundary between the chamber room side end of the hot aisle 800 and the cold aisle 801 (see Figure 10). Furthermore, the opening ratio of this exhaust louver 613 is approximately 70%. This opening ratio is 20% higher than that of the exhaust louver 114 according to the first embodiment. Note that the opening ratio here refers to the ratio of the effective area of the opening through which air passes, not shielded by louvers, etc., to the total surface area of the exhaust louver 613.

Here, the reason for setting the opening ratio of the exhaust grille 613 to approximately 70% will be explained with reference to Figure 38.
First, in calculating the opening ratio, if we let _S4 be the area of the exhaust grille 613, _a4 be the opening ratio, and _V4 be the wind velocity of the airflow passing through the opening of the exhaust grille 613, then the above-mentioned airflow _Q0 and _Q4 can be expressed by the following equations.
Q ₀ =Q ₄ =S ₄ a ₄ V ₄ ...(4)
By rearranging equation (4), the aperture ratio _a₀ is expressed by the following equation.
a ₄ =Q ₀ /(S ₄ V ₄ )...(5)

Here, the airflow _Q0 is defined as follows.
31,500m ³ /h x 16 units = 504,000m ³ /h
The area _S4 is defined as follows:
30m x 2m = 60m ²
The wind speed _V4 is set to 3.3 m/s (to withstand the outside wind). Note that this wind speed _V4 should be 3.0 m/s or higher.
Converting this wind speed _V4 to kilometers per hour gives us 11,800 (= 3.3 × 3600) m/h.

Substituting these values into equation (5), the aperture ratio _a4 is as follows.
a ₄ =504,000/(60×11,800)≒0.71
For the reasons explained above, the opening ratio of the exhaust grille 613 is set to approximately 70%.

Next, a pair of server rack rows 604 will be described with reference to Figure 9. Figure 9, as referred to here, is a perspective view showing an example of a pair of server rack rows 604. However, a portion of the front side of the partition plate 605 is omitted in this figure.

A pair of server rack rows 604 consists of two server rack rows 604. One server rack row 604 consists of 10 server racks 900 arranged horizontally. One server rack 900 can accommodate 10 servers 901 arranged vertically (up and down). The airflow of the cooling fan for each server 901 accommodated is approximately 600 ^m³ /h. This airflow is twice that of the server 401 according to the first embodiment.

Each server rack 900 has ten air intake vents 902 formed on its front side. These air intake vents 902 are openings for drawing in air to cool the servers 901. Each server rack 900 also has ten exhaust vents 903 formed on its rear side. These exhaust vents 903 are openings for expelling the air heated by cooling the servers 901.

A pair of server rack rows 904 is formed by arranging two server rack rows 604 so that their rear sides face each other. A partition plate 605 is installed around the outer perimeter of the formed pair of server rack rows 604. As a result, a hot aisle 800 is formed inside the partition plate 605, and a cold aisle 801 is formed outside it. In other words, a hot aisle 800 is formed on the exhaust side of the pair of server rack rows 604, and a cold aisle 801 is formed on the supply side.
Furthermore, the partition plate 605 has openings formed in positions facing the air intake ports 902 of each server rack 900 so as not to obstruct the air supply.

An opening 802 is formed in the ceiling panel 606 of the main server room 601, approximately directly above the hot aisle 800. Air rising from the hot aisle 800 flows into the attic 607 through this opening 802.

Next, the server cooling method of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 10. Figure 10, referred to here, is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an example of a data center 600.

First, when the supply fan 700 in the chamber room 602 is activated, it draws outside air into the chamber room 602. When outside air flows into the chamber room 602, the static pressure in the chamber room 602 increases compared to the main server room 601. This pressure difference causes the air in the chamber room 602 to be blown out into the main server room 601 through the outlet of the partition plate 608.

Air flowing into the main server room 101 flows along the cold aisle 801 and is eventually taken in by the server 901. The air taken in by the server 901 cools the server 901 and is then discharged into the hot aisle 800 in a heated state. The temperature difference between this discharged air and the air in the attic 607 is 10°C or more when the server 901 is mainly used for GPU servers. Therefore, the air discharged into the hot aisle 800 rises and flows through the opening 802 in the ceiling panel 606 into the attic 607.
Furthermore, some of the air that flows into the main server room 601 is not taken into the server 901, but flows as excess air through the exhaust slits in the ceiling panel 606 above the cold aisle 801 into the attic 607.

The air flowing into the attic 607 is guided to the underside of the first roof 610 and discharged from the exhaust grille 613. In other words, the air is discharged along the underside of the first roof 610.

As explained above, a roughly clockwise airflow path is formed from the chamber room 602 to the exhaust grille 613. This improved flow path enhances exhaust efficiency, resulting in improved heat dissipation efficiency. In other words, the cooling performance of the data center 600 is improved.

Next, the airflow around the server will be described with reference to Figures 11 and 12. Figures 11 and 12, referred to here, show an example of a pair of server rack rows 104 (604). Figure 11 is a perspective view, and Figure 12 is a side view.
The following description applies to both the first and second embodiments. In the following description, reference numerals for the second embodiment are indicated in parentheses.

The outer perimeter of a pair of server rack rows 104 (604) is surrounded by partition plates 105 (605). As a result, a hot aisle 300 (800) is formed inside the partition plates 105 (605), and a cold aisle 301 (801) is formed outside.

The air flowing through the cold aisle 301 (801) is drawn into the server 401 (901) via the air intake 402 (902) of the server rack 400 (900). The air drawn into the server 401 (901) cools the server 401 (901), and then, in a heated state, is discharged from the exhaust vent 403 (903) of the server rack 400 (900).

Multiple fin-shaped louvers 1200 are installed on the rear side of the server rack 400 (900). Each louver 1200 is inclined upward relative to the rear of the server rack 400 (900) at an angle of approximately 45 degrees. Air discharged from the exhaust port 403 (903) of the server rack 400 (900) is guided upward by these louvers 1200. The air guided upward by the louvers 1200 rises within the hot aisle 300 (800) and eventually flows into the attic 107 (607).

Next, the overall structure of the data center 600 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 13 to 21. Figures 13 to 21, referenced here, show examples of the overall structure of the data center 600. Figure 13 is a plan view, Figure 14 is a south elevation view, Figure 15 is a west elevation view, Figure 16 is a north elevation view, and Figure 17 is an east elevation view. Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 17, Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in Figure 18, Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in Figure 18, and Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D in Figure 18.

The data center 600 is divided into a southern area 1300 and a northern area 1301 (see Figure 13). An example of the southern area 1300 is described with reference to Figures 6 to 10. Specifically, the southern area 1300 has a staggered roof 603 (see Figure 19). This staggered roof 603 comprises a first roof 610, a second roof 611, and vertical walls 612. Vertical exhaust grilles 613 are installed at the exhaust ports of the vertical walls 612.

Furthermore, the southern area 1300 comprises a main server room 601 and a chamber room 602. The main server room 601 has space for arranging multiple server racks 900 (see Figure 18). Note that the server racks 900 are not shown in the illustration. The chamber room 602 has 16 supply fans 700 located on its eastern wall. The main server room 601 and the chamber room 602 are separated by a partition plate 608.

On the other hand, the northern area 1301 is equipped with a gable roof 1302 (see Figure 20). Furthermore, the northern area 1301 includes a loading/unloading area 1801, a server room 1802, a conference room 1803, an office 1804, and a warehouse 1805 (see Figure 18).

Next, the results of the airflow analysis for the first and second embodiments will be explained with reference to Figures 22 to 37.
First, the temperature distributions of the first and second embodiments will be described with reference to Figures 22 to 25.
Figures 22 and 23 show examples of temperature distribution in the first embodiment. Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X1-X1 in Figure 3, where Figure 22(a) shows the temperature distribution in summer and Figure 22(b) shows the temperature distribution in winter. Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line Y1-Y1 in Figure 3, where Figure 23(a) shows the temperature distribution in summer and Figure 23(b) shows the temperature distribution in winter.
As shown in these figures, for example, the temperature at position P1 in the hot aisle 300 is 51.0 to 53.0°C in summer and 19.0 to 21.0°C in winter.

Figures 24 and 25 show examples of temperature distribution in the second embodiment. Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X2-X2 in Figure 8, where Figure 24(a) shows the temperature distribution in summer and Figure 24(b) shows the temperature distribution in winter. Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line Y3-Y3 in Figure 8, where Figure 25(a) shows the temperature distribution in summer and Figure 25(b) shows the temperature distribution in winter.
As shown in these figures, for example, the temperature at position P2 in the hot aisle 800 is 41.0 to 43.0°C in summer and 9.0 to 11.0°C in winter. These temperatures are 10°C lower than those of the first embodiment.

Figures 26 and 27 show detailed temperature distribution examples for the first and second embodiments.
Figure 26 shows a detailed example of the temperature distribution in the first embodiment. Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view along the line Y2-Y2 in Figure 3, where Figure 26(a) shows the temperature distribution in summer and Figure 26(b) shows the temperature distribution in winter.
As shown in Figure 26, for example, the temperature at position P3 in the hot aisle 300 is 53.0 to 55.0°C in summer and 19.0 to 21.0°C in winter.

Figure 27 shows a detailed example of the temperature distribution in the second embodiment. Figure 27 is a cross-sectional view along the line Y4-Y4 in Figure 8, where Figure 27(a) shows the temperature distribution in summer and Figure 27(b) shows the temperature distribution in winter.
As shown in Figure 27, for example, the temperature at position P4 in the hot aisle 800 is 41.0 to 43.0°C in summer and 9.0 to 11.0°C in winter. Compared to the temperatures in the first embodiment, these temperatures are 12°C lower in summer and 10°C lower in winter.

Next, the humidity distributions of the first and second embodiments will be described with reference to Figures 28 to 31.
Figures 28 and 29 show examples of humidity distribution in the first embodiment. Figure 28 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X1-X1 in Figure 3, where Figure 28(a) shows the humidity distribution in summer and Figure 28(b) shows the humidity distribution in winter. Figure 29 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line Y1-Y1 in Figure 3, where Figure 29(a) shows the humidity distribution in summer and Figure 29(b) shows the humidity distribution in winter.
As shown in these figures, for example, the humidity at position P1 within the hot aisle 300 is 20.0-30.0% in both summer and winter.

As mentioned above, a ventilation fan 110 is installed on the ceiling panel 109 of the chamber room 102. This ventilation fan 110 is operated during the winter, and when operated, it draws air from the attic 107 into the chamber room 102. As a result of the operation of this ventilation fan 110, the humidity of the outside air inside the chamber room 102 decreases from 80-90% to 70-80%, as shown in Figure 28(b).

Figures 30 and 31 show examples of humidity distribution in the second embodiment. Figure 30 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X2-X2 in Figure 8, where Figure 30(a) shows the humidity distribution in summer and Figure 30(b) shows the humidity distribution in winter. Figure 31 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line Y3-Y3 in Figure 8, where Figure 31(a) shows the humidity distribution in summer and Figure 31(b) shows the humidity distribution in winter.
As shown in these figures, for example, the humidity at position P2 in the hot aisle 800 is 30.0-40.0% in summer and 20.0-30.0% in winter. Compared to the humidity in the first embodiment, these humidity levels are 10% higher in summer and the same in winter.

Figures 32 and 33 show detailed humidity distribution examples for the first and second embodiments.
Figure 32 shows a detailed example of the humidity distribution in the first embodiment. Figure 32 is a cross-sectional view along the line Y2-Y2 in Figure 3, where Figure 32(a) shows the humidity distribution in summer and Figure 32(b) shows the humidity distribution in winter.
As shown in Figure 32, for example, the humidity at position P3 in the hot aisle 300 is 20.0-30.0% in both summer and winter.

Figure 33 shows a detailed example of the humidity distribution in the second embodiment. Figure 33 is a cross-sectional view along the line Y4-Y4 in Figure 8, where Figure 33(a) shows the humidity distribution in summer and Figure 33(b) shows the humidity distribution in winter.
As shown in Figure 33, for example, the temperature at position P4 in the hot aisle 800 is 30.0-40.0% in summer and 40.0-50.0% in winter. Compared to the humidity in the first embodiment, these humidity levels are 10% higher in summer and 20.0% higher in winter.

Next, the velocity distributions of the first and second embodiments will be described with reference to Figures 34 to 37.
Figures 34 and 35 show examples of velocity distributions in the first embodiment. Figure 34 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X1-X1 in Figure 3, where Figure 34(a) shows the velocity distribution in summer and Figure 34(b) shows the velocity distribution in winter. Figure 35 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line Y1-Y1 in Figure 3, where Figure 35(a) shows the velocity distribution in summer and Figure 35(b) shows the velocity distribution in winter.
As shown in these figures, for example, the velocity at position P1 in the hot aisle 300 is 0.0 to 0.4 m/s in both summer and winter.

Figures 36 and 37 show examples of velocity distributions in the second embodiment. Figure 36 is a cross-sectional view along the line X2-X2 in Figure 8, where Figure 36(a) shows the velocity distribution in summer and Figure 36(b) shows the velocity distribution in winter. Figure 37 is a cross-sectional view along the line Y4-Y4 in Figure 8, where Figure 37(a) shows the velocity distribution in summer and Figure 37(b) shows the velocity distribution in winter.
As shown in these figures, for example, the velocity at position P2 in the hot aisle 800 is 0.4 to 0.8 m/s in both summer and winter. Compared to the velocity in the first embodiment, this velocity is 0.4 m/s faster in both summer and winter.

The second embodiment described above has the following modifications compared to the first embodiment.
(1) The exhaust grille 613 of the stepped roof 603 is located closer to the chamber room 602. As a result, the entire hot aisle 800 is covered by the first roof 610.
(2) The opening ratio of the exhaust grille 613 has been changed from approximately 50% to approximately 70%.
(3) The opening ratio of the partition plate 608 has been changed from approximately 50% to approximately 60%.
(4) The airflow of the cooling fan on server 901 has been changed from approximately 300 ^m³ /h to approximately 600 ^m³ /h.
(5) An opening 802 is formed approximately directly above the hot aisle 800, and the entire opening is not covered by the ceiling panel 606.
(6) The airflow of the supply fan 700 has been changed from approximately 25,300 ^m³ /h to approximately 31,500 ^m³ /h. As a result, the total airflow of the supply fan 700 has been changed from approximately 404,800 ^m³ /h to approximately 504,000 ^m³ /h.

As a result of modification (1), the air rising from the hot aisle 800 is not obstructed by the second roof 611. Therefore, the rising air flows between the second roof 611 and the chamber room 602 and is discharged from the exhaust grille 613 without stagnating. In other words, the exhaust becomes smoother.
Change (2) allows for smoother exhaust of air rising from the Hot Aisle 800 to the outside.
Change (3) increases the amount of air flowing from the chamber room 602 into the main server room 601.
Change (4) improves the cooling performance of the server 901 alone.
As a result of modification (5), the air rising from the hot aisle 800 is discharged into the attic 607 without being obstructed by the ceiling panel 606. Therefore, the exhaust becomes smoother.
Change (6) increases the volume of outside air supplied into the chamber room 602. As a result, the volume of air flowing from the chamber room 602 into the main server room 601 also increases, which in turn promotes exhaust from the hot aisle 800.

As a result of these effects, the temperature of the hot aisle 800 decreases by 10 to 12°C compared to the first embodiment, as described above. In other words, the cooling performance of the data center 600 is improved.

2. Modifications The above embodiment may be modified as described below.
2-1. Variation 1
In the above embodiment, eight server rack rows 104 or 604 are arranged in the main server room 101 or 601. However, the number of server rack rows 104 or 604 to be arranged is not limited to eight. At least one server rack row 104 or 604 is required in the main server room 101 or 601. If one server rack row 104 or 604 is arranged, a hot aisle is formed on the exhaust side of that single server rack row 104 or 604, and a cold aisle is formed on the supply side.

2-2. Modification Example 2
In the above embodiment, a vertical exhaust grille 114 or 613 is attached to the exhaust port of the vertical wall 113 or 612. However, the type of exhaust grille attached to the exhaust port is not limited to a vertical type. Other types of exhaust grilles may also be attached to the exhaust port.

2-3. Variation 3
Not all of the changes (1) to (6) in the second embodiment from the first embodiment described above are mandatory. You may select and adopt one or more of these changes.

2-4. Variation 4
In the first embodiment described above, an opening may be formed in the ceiling panel 106 above the hot aisle 300 instead of the rectangular area 302 having multiple slits. By forming an opening, the air rising from the hot aisle 300 will not be obstructed by the ceiling panel 106 and will be discharged more smoothly into the attic 107.

2-5. Variation 5
In the second embodiment described above, one or more ventilation fans may be installed on the ceiling panel 609 of the chamber room 602. These ventilation fans are mainly driven in winter, and when driven, they draw air from the attic 607 into the chamber room 602. As a result, the outside air supplied into the chamber room 602 is mixed with the air in the attic 107, and the humidity of the outside air decreases.

2-6. Variation 6
In the above embodiment, the partition plate 108 or 608 may be configured so that the opening area of its outlet can be changed. By configuring it in this way, for example, in winter when condensation occurs, the opening ratio can be increased to reduce the airflow velocity and suppress the inflow of water. Also, in summer when condensation is less, the opening ratio can be decreased to increase the airflow velocity, thereby increasing the convection velocity of the air in the main server room 101 or 601 and improving the heat dissipation efficiency.

2-7. Other Modifications The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and includes various modifications. For example, the embodiments described above are described in detail to make the present invention easier to understand, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations described. Furthermore, it is possible to replace parts of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add configurations from other embodiments to the configuration of one embodiment. In addition, it is possible to add, delete, or replace parts of the configuration of each embodiment with other configurations.
Furthermore, the above-described embodiments disclose at least the configuration described in the claims.

100, 600...Data center, 101, 601...Main server room, 102, 602...Chamber room, 103, 603...Staggered roof, 104, 604...Server rack row, 105, 605...Partition plate, 106, 606...Ceiling plate, 107, 607...Attic, 108, 608...Partition plate, 109, 609...Ceiling plate, 110...Ventilation fan, 111, 610...First roof, 112, 611...Second roof, 113, 612...Vertical wall, 114, 613... Exhaust grilles, 200, 700... Intake fans, 300, 800... Hot aisle, 301, 801... Cold aisle, 400, 900... Server racks, 401, 901... Servers, 402, 902... Intake vents, 403, 903... Exhaust vents, 1300... South area, 1301... North area, 1302... Gable roof, 1801... Loading/unloading area, 1802... Server room, 1803... Conference room, 1804... Office, 1805... Warehouse

Claims (10)

It is a data center,
Server room and
A chamber room located adjacent to the server room,
The server room and the chamber room are covered by a stepped roof,
The server room is provided with space for arranging at least one row of server racks,
When the row of server racks is arranged in the space, a hot aisle is formed on the exhaust side of the row of server racks, and a cold aisle is formed on the supply side of the row of server racks.
The stepped roof is equipped with an exhaust port for exhausting the air rising from the hot aisle ,
The aforementioned stepped roof is
A first roof covering at least a portion of the server room and sloping downward in a first direction,
A second roof that covers the chamber room and slopes downward in a second direction opposite to the first direction, wherein the upper edge of the second roof is located below the upper edge of the first roof,
A vertical wall that hangs down from the lower surface of the first roof and extends to the upper surface of the second roof, and the vertical wall in which the exhaust vent is formed
Equipped with,
A data center characterized in that the first roof guides the air rising from the hot aisle along its underside to the exhaust port . The data center according to claim 1 , characterized in that the end of the hot aisle on the chamber room side is located approximately directly below the exhaust port. The data center according to claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that an exhaust grille is attached to the exhaust port. The data center according to claim 3 , characterized in that the air velocity of the air discharged from the exhaust grille is 3 m/s or more. The aforementioned chamber room is equipped with an air supply fan on its wall for supplying outside air into the chamber room.
The data center according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the chamber room and the server room are separated by a partition plate, and the partition plate is provided with a plurality of outlets for blowing air from the chamber room into the server room. The data center according to claim 5 , characterized in that the partition plate is a perforated plate. The data center according to claim 5 or 6 , characterized in that the air velocity of the air blown into the server room from the plurality of outlets is 3.7 m/s or less. The data center according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , characterized in that the hot aisle is not covered by a ceiling panel. The data center according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , characterized in that the server room and the chamber room are separated by a fire-resistant shutter in the event of a fire. The data center according to any one of claims 1 to 9 , characterized in that the chamber room is provided with a ventilation fan on its ceiling panel for bringing air from the attic into the chamber room.