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US20110308777A1 - Cooling Module with Multiple Parallel Blowers - Google Patents

Cooling Module with Multiple Parallel Blowers Download PDF

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Publication number
US20110308777A1
US20110308777A1 US13/163,385 US201113163385A US2011308777A1 US 20110308777 A1 US20110308777 A1 US 20110308777A1 US 201113163385 A US201113163385 A US 201113163385A US 2011308777 A1 US2011308777 A1 US 2011308777A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
cooling fan
enclosure
air
fan module
air inlet
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US13/163,385
Inventor
John F. O'Connor
Roger Dickinson
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Henkel IP and Holding GmbH
Original Assignee
Bergquist Torrington Co
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Bergquist Torrington Co filed Critical Bergquist Torrington Co
Priority to US13/163,385 priority Critical patent/US20110308777A1/en
Assigned to THE BERGQUIST TORRINGTON COMPANY reassignment THE BERGQUIST TORRINGTON COMPANY ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: DICKINSON, ROGER, O'CONNOR, JOHN
Publication of US20110308777A1 publication Critical patent/US20110308777A1/en
Assigned to Henkel IP & Holding GmbH reassignment Henkel IP & Holding GmbH ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: THE BERGQUIST TORRINGTON COMPANY
Priority to US15/191,771 priority patent/US20160309616A1/en
Priority to US16/207,839 priority patent/US20190104639A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H05ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05KPRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
    • H05K7/00Constructional details common to different types of electric apparatus
    • H05K7/20Modifications to facilitate cooling, ventilating, or heating
    • H05K7/20009Modifications to facilitate cooling, ventilating, or heating using a gaseous coolant in electronic enclosures
    • H05K7/20136Forced ventilation, e.g. by fans
    • H05K7/20172Fan mounting or fan specifications
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04DNON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04D17/00Radial-flow pumps, e.g. centrifugal pumps; Helico-centrifugal pumps
    • F04D17/08Centrifugal pumps
    • F04D17/16Centrifugal pumps for displacing without appreciable compression
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04DNON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04D25/00Pumping installations or systems
    • F04D25/02Units comprising pumps and their driving means
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04DNON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04D25/00Pumping installations or systems
    • F04D25/02Units comprising pumps and their driving means
    • F04D25/08Units comprising pumps and their driving means the working fluid being air, e.g. for ventilation
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04DNON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04D25/00Pumping installations or systems
    • F04D25/16Combinations of two or more pumps ; Producing two or more separate gas flows
    • F04D25/166Combinations of two or more pumps ; Producing two or more separate gas flows using fans
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04DNON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04D27/00Control, e.g. regulation, of pumps, pumping installations or pumping systems specially adapted for elastic fluids
    • F04D27/004Control, e.g. regulation, of pumps, pumping installations or pumping systems specially adapted for elastic fluids by varying driving speed
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04DNON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04D29/00Details, component parts, or accessories
    • F04D29/26Rotors specially for elastic fluids
    • F04D29/28Rotors specially for elastic fluids for centrifugal or helico-centrifugal pumps for radial-flow or helico-centrifugal pumps
    • F04D29/281Rotors specially for elastic fluids for centrifugal or helico-centrifugal pumps for radial-flow or helico-centrifugal pumps for fans or blowers
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04DNON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04D29/00Details, component parts, or accessories
    • F04D29/40Casings; Connections of working fluid
    • F04D29/42Casings; Connections of working fluid for radial or helico-centrifugal pumps
    • F04D29/4206Casings; Connections of working fluid for radial or helico-centrifugal pumps especially adapted for elastic fluid pumps
    • F04D29/4226Fan casings
    • F04D29/4233Fan casings with volutes extending mainly in axial or radially inward direction

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to cooling systems generally, and more particularly to a cooling fan module for motivating cooling air flow through an electronics chassis, wherein the cooling fan module is substantially more efficient and produces substantially less noise than conventional cooling fan arrangements, without requiring increased volume.
  • This invention relates to a module, commonly referred to as a fan tray, designed to provide cooling flow to an electronics apparatus.
  • the module contains a parallel flow arrangement of centrifugal blowers.
  • the present arrangement optimizes performance of the module by employing high efficiency forward curved centrifugal blowers arranged in a specific relationship axially in line with the primary air inlet to the module.
  • the module is especially well suited for cooling of telecommunication routers and similar high powered, densely populated electronic equipment.
  • a typical cooling system involves moving air across one or more printed circuit cards.
  • the flow path layout, type of air moving device, and how well it is integrated into the system, are all key elements in achieving the desired performance in a small package size with low noise.
  • One such electronic device is the telecommunications router.
  • Conventional system designs often employ fans that are not well matched to the system pressures, or do not move air efficiently within the space constraints, and result in unacceptable noise, and relatively large power consumption.
  • FIGS. 2 a and 2 b Design efforts to date typically use multiple axial fans arranged in parallel in a “tray”, refer to FIGS. 2 a and 2 b .
  • the fans either push cool air through a chassis or pull warm air out of a chassis.
  • two trays are arranged in series as a push and pull-through system.
  • Relatively high aerodynamic efficiencies can be achieved with this type of air mover, but unfortunately they require high rotational speeds that typically result in unacceptable acoustic signatures.
  • Alternate arrangements include “Backward Curved” (BC) centrifugal type blowers pulling air through a chassis, refer to FIGS. 3 a and 3 b .
  • BC Backward Curved
  • These fans typically have similar acoustic performance to axial fans, and they require relatively large diffusers to realize acceptable aerodynamic efficiency. Typical packaging constraints don't allow for proper diffusers, resulting in poor system efficiencies, and compromised acoustics.
  • FC centrifugal type blowers may be arranged in a module for pulling air through a chassis, but are typically arranged with the blower inlets perpendicular to, or otherwise not in axially aligned relationship with, the air inlet to the fan module, refer to FIGS. 4 a and 4 b .
  • FC Forward Curved
  • a cooling fan module of the present invention includes an enclosure having an air inlet through which air flow is drawn from an associated electronics chassis. At least two centrifugal blowers may be disposed within the enclosure, and in parallel motivate the air flow along a first direction vector through the air inlet.
  • Each of the centrifugal blowers include a scroll housing defining an air inlet and an air discharge, a forward-curved impeller having a diameter dimension and defining an axis of rotation, and a motor for rotation of the impeller about the axis.
  • the axis of rotation extends through the housing air inlet and substantially parallel to the first direction vector.
  • the respective axes of rotation of the centrifugal blower impellers may be in substantial axial alignment with one another.
  • a cooling fan module of the present invention includes an enclosure having an air inlet through which air flow is drawn from an associated electronic chassis, and a first set of a plurality of centrifugal blowers disposed within the enclosure.
  • the first set of centrifugal blowers in parallel motivate air flow along a first direction vector into the enclosure.
  • Each of the centrifugal blowers of the first set includes a scroll housing defining an air inlet and an air discharge, a forward-curved impeller having a diameter dimension and defining an axis of rotation, and a motor for rotation of the impeller about the axis.
  • the axis of rotation extends through the housing air inlet substantially parallel to the first direction vector.
  • the respective axes of rotation of the centrifugal blower impellers may be in substantial axial alignment with one another.
  • the cooling fan module may further include a second set of one or more blowers disposed within the enclosure and motivating the air flow along a second direction vector into the enclosure, wherein the second direction vector is substantially perpendicular to the first direction vector.
  • FIG. 1 a is a partial cut away view of a cooling fan module of the present invention
  • FIG. 1 b is a schematic illustration of the cooling fan module of FIG. 1 in combination with an electronics chassis;
  • FIG. 2 a is a partial cut away view of a cooling fan module of the prior art
  • FIG. 2 b is a schematic illustration of cooling fan modules as illustrated in
  • FIG. 2 a in combination with an electronics chassis
  • FIG. 3 a is a partial cut away view of a cooling fan module of the prior art
  • FIG. 3 b is a schematic illustration of the cooling fan module of FIG. 3 a in combination with an electronics chassis;
  • FIG. 4 a is a partial cut away view of a cooling fan module of the prior art
  • FIG. 4 b is a schematic illustration of the cooling fan module of FIG. 4 a in combination with an electronics chassis;
  • FIG. 5 a is a partial cut away view of a cooling fan module of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 b is a schematic illustration of the cooling fan module of FIG. 5 a in combination with an electronics chassis
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a cooling fan module of the present invention in combination with an electronics chassis.
  • the present invention addresses the efficiency and noise issues outlined above.
  • the preferred embodiment includes an air mover module set up to motivate air through an electronics chassis, wherein the module employs multiple forward curved (FC) centrifugal blowers arranged in a parallel flow configuration, and the blower air inlets are arranged axially in-line with module primary inlet, refer to FIGS. 1 a & 1 b .
  • FC forward curved
  • This arrangement provides high efficiency and low noise in a relatively small packaging volume.
  • the present invention uses several features, in combination, to achieve high performance within the constraints outlined.
  • a cooling fan module 10 may be arranged to pull air flow through an electronic chassis 12 to cool electronics disposed in the chassis 12 .
  • Example electronics chassis 12 that may contain electronic components in need of the presently proposed cooling include telecommunication routers, servers, and power supply units.
  • Cooling fan module 10 includes an enclosure 14 having an air inlet 16 though which air flow (represented by arrows) is drawn from electronics chassis 12 .
  • air flow is motivated through an interior chamber 13 of chassis 12 , and through a plenum 15 to reach air inlet 16 of cooling fan module 10 .
  • module 10 may be secured to or integrally formed with chassis 12 in any suitable manner to achieve cooling air flow motivation through inlet 16 .
  • the arrangements of the present invention need not include plenum 15 , and may position module 10 directly in line with initial air flow direction 17 .
  • Module 10 further includes a plurality of centrifugal blowers 18 disposed within enclosure 14 and in parallel motivating the air flow generally along a first direction vector 20 through air inlet 16 .
  • Centrifugal blowers 18 motivate the air flow in parallel by each individually acting upon air flow entering air inlet 16 to therefore direct air flow along first direction vector 20 .
  • centrifugal blowers 18 motivate the air flow in parallel by receiving air to their respective inlets that is sourced directly from air passing thorough chassis 12 , and not as exhaust from an “upstream” blower. As illustrated in Figure lb, discharge from each centrifugal blower 18 exits enclosure 14 , and is therefore not fed to a subsequent blower 18 . In this manner, centrifugal blowers 18 are considered to motivate the air flow “in parallel.”
  • centrifugal blowers 18 includes a scroll housing 22 which defines an air inlet 24 and an air discharge 26 .
  • Centrifugal blowers 18 further include a forward-curved impeller 19 having a diameter dimension “x”, and defining an axis of rotation 28 which extends through housing air inlet 24 and substantially parallel to first direction vector 20 .
  • the centrifugal blowers 18 each further include a motor 30 for rotation of the respective impellers 19 about axis 28 . As illustrated in Figure lb, the respective axes of rotation 28 of the centrifugal blower impellers are in substantial axial alignment with one another.
  • the arrangement described above has been found to provide surprisingly enhanced aerodynamic efficiency for each blower 18 , such that total power input to motivate a desired air flow may be reduced.
  • the surprising efficiency of the proposed arrangement reduces sound emissions, which is also a beneficial operating characteristic of the fan modules of the present invention.
  • enclosure 14 includes first and second ends 40 , 42 separated by one or more side walls 44 .
  • Air inlet 16 may be disposed at first end 40 of enclosure 14 .
  • the air inlets 24 of each of centrifugal blowers 18 may be arranged in enclosure 14 in facing relationship with enclosure air inlet 16 . In other embodiments, however, one or more of such centrifugal blower air inlets 24 may be facing substantially away from enclosure air inlet 16 .
  • the respective air discharges 26 of centrifugal blowers 18 may be arranged to emit air along a second direction vector 50 which is substantially perpendicular to first direction vector 20 .
  • the term “axial alignment” is intended to mean that the respective axes of rotation of the centrifugal blower impellers are arranged in precise axial alignment, or in close substantially parallel proximity thereto.
  • the term “axial alignment” may therefore include respective axes of rotation 28 which are substantially parallel to the remaining axes of rotation 28 , and are spaced apart by no more than a dimension equal to diameter dimension “x” of the centrifugal blower impeller 19 .
  • An example arrangement of centrifugal blowers which are in “axial alignment” for the purposes hereof is illustrated in FIG. 6 . As shown therein, each of the respective axes of rotation 28 a - 28 e are within a dimension X 1 that is substantially equal to a diameter dimension “x” of the centrifugal blower impeller.
  • FIGS. 5 a and 5 b A further embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 5 a and 5 b , wherein a first set of a plurality of centrifugal blowers 60 is arranged as described above, and wherein a second set of one or more blowers 70 may be arranged and positioned to motivate the air flow along a direction substantially parallel to second direction vector 50 , or substantially perpendicular to first direction vector 20 .
  • module 110 includes first and second sets of blowers, wherein a first set motivates air flow into module 110 substantially along first direction vector 20 , while a second set of blowers 70 motivates air flow into module 110 along second direction vector 50 .
  • first set of centrifugal blowers 60 includes a plurality of centrifugal blowers
  • second set of blowers 70 includes one or more blowers.
  • the blowers of second set 70 may be similar to the centrifugal blowers 18 of first set 60 .
  • the blowers of second set 70 may be structurally and functionally distinct from first set of blowers 60 , including reverse-curved centrifugal blowers, axial blowers, and other designs deemed suitable for the respective application.
  • plenum 115 may be arranged to intermediately direct cooling air flow to module inlet 116 along a flow direction 109 that is substantially parallel to second direction vector 50 . It is also to be understood that the illustrations of FIGS. 1 b and 5 b are schematic only, and merely represent the functional interaction of modules 10 , 110 , with an associated electronics chassis 12 , 112 .
  • the fan aerodynamic efficiency is critical to provide the required flow rate with relatively low power input. This is necessary to keep the drive motor dimensions as compact as possible. Motor axial length should be minimized to maintain the low overall height of the system and optimum air entry condition for the downstream blower.
  • Table 1 represents actual performance measured on an example embodiment module arrangement as described in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b , compared to a module arrangement as described in “prior art” FIGS. 3 a and 3 b .
  • Table 2 represents actual performance measured on an example embodiment module design as described in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b , compared to a module design as described in “prior art” FIGS. 4 a and 4 b . Note this data was measured on a system that is approximately ten times larger than the Table 1 system with respect to heat load, demonstrating the scaling capability of the technology.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Structures Of Non-Positive Displacement Pumps (AREA)

Abstract

A cooling fan module for motivating air flow through an electronics chassis includes an enclosure having an air inlet through which cooling air flow is motivated by at least two centrifugal blowers disposed within the enclosure. The centrifugal blowers operate in parallel to motivate the cooling air flow along a first direction vector, while the respective axes of rotation of the centrifugal blower impellers are in substantial axial alignment with one another, and parallel to the first direction vector.

Description

    CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
  • This application claims priority to U.S. provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/356,374, filed on Jun. 18, 2010 and entitled “Cooling Module with Multiple Parallel Blowers”, the content of which being incorporated herein in its entirety.
  • FIELD OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention relates to cooling systems generally, and more particularly to a cooling fan module for motivating cooling air flow through an electronics chassis, wherein the cooling fan module is substantially more efficient and produces substantially less noise than conventional cooling fan arrangements, without requiring increased volume.
  • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • This invention relates to a module, commonly referred to as a fan tray, designed to provide cooling flow to an electronics apparatus. Specifically, the module contains a parallel flow arrangement of centrifugal blowers. The present arrangement optimizes performance of the module by employing high efficiency forward curved centrifugal blowers arranged in a specific relationship axially in line with the primary air inlet to the module. The module is especially well suited for cooling of telecommunication routers and similar high powered, densely populated electronic equipment.
  • Designers of electronic equipment have become increasingly challenged to provide high-power devices in relatively small packages. These devices require compact and highly efficient cooling systems. A typical cooling system involves moving air across one or more printed circuit cards. The flow path layout, type of air moving device, and how well it is integrated into the system, are all key elements in achieving the desired performance in a small package size with low noise.
  • One such electronic device is the telecommunications router. The desire to make them more powerful, yet compact in size, leaves little space for cooling system components necessary to address ever-increasing heat loads. Conventional system designs often employ fans that are not well matched to the system pressures, or do not move air efficiently within the space constraints, and result in unacceptable noise, and relatively large power consumption.
  • Design efforts to date typically use multiple axial fans arranged in parallel in a “tray”, refer to FIGS. 2 a and 2 b. The fans either push cool air through a chassis or pull warm air out of a chassis. Sometimes two trays are arranged in series as a push and pull-through system. Relatively high aerodynamic efficiencies can be achieved with this type of air mover, but unfortunately they require high rotational speeds that typically result in unacceptable acoustic signatures. Alternate arrangements include “Backward Curved” (BC) centrifugal type blowers pulling air through a chassis, refer to FIGS. 3 a and 3 b. These fans typically have similar acoustic performance to axial fans, and they require relatively large diffusers to realize acceptable aerodynamic efficiency. Typical packaging constraints don't allow for proper diffusers, resulting in poor system efficiencies, and compromised acoustics.
  • In still further conventional arrangements, “Forward Curved” (FC) centrifugal type blowers may be arranged in a module for pulling air through a chassis, but are typically arranged with the blower inlets perpendicular to, or otherwise not in axially aligned relationship with, the air inlet to the fan module, refer to FIGS. 4 a and 4 b. Such arrangements do not provide the desired efficiencies and acoustics of the present invention.
  • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • By means of the present invention, electronics applications with high-density component populations may be efficiently and effectively cooled with a low-volume cooling module. The specific arrangement of forward-curved centrifugal blowers of the present invention facilitates the creation of a cooling module of low physical volume that nevertheless generates desired levels of air movement power at substantially reduced noise. Electronics chassis manufacturers, therefore, are able to achieve high performance within small-volume packages.
  • In one embodiment, a cooling fan module of the present invention includes an enclosure having an air inlet through which air flow is drawn from an associated electronics chassis. At least two centrifugal blowers may be disposed within the enclosure, and in parallel motivate the air flow along a first direction vector through the air inlet. Each of the centrifugal blowers include a scroll housing defining an air inlet and an air discharge, a forward-curved impeller having a diameter dimension and defining an axis of rotation, and a motor for rotation of the impeller about the axis. The axis of rotation extends through the housing air inlet and substantially parallel to the first direction vector. The respective axes of rotation of the centrifugal blower impellers may be in substantial axial alignment with one another.
  • In another embodiment, a cooling fan module of the present invention includes an enclosure having an air inlet through which air flow is drawn from an associated electronic chassis, and a first set of a plurality of centrifugal blowers disposed within the enclosure. The first set of centrifugal blowers in parallel motivate air flow along a first direction vector into the enclosure. Each of the centrifugal blowers of the first set includes a scroll housing defining an air inlet and an air discharge, a forward-curved impeller having a diameter dimension and defining an axis of rotation, and a motor for rotation of the impeller about the axis. The axis of rotation extends through the housing air inlet substantially parallel to the first direction vector. The respective axes of rotation of the centrifugal blower impellers may be in substantial axial alignment with one another. The cooling fan module may further include a second set of one or more blowers disposed within the enclosure and motivating the air flow along a second direction vector into the enclosure, wherein the second direction vector is substantially perpendicular to the first direction vector.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 a is a partial cut away view of a cooling fan module of the present invention;
  • FIG. 1 b is a schematic illustration of the cooling fan module of FIG. 1 in combination with an electronics chassis;
  • FIG. 2 a is a partial cut away view of a cooling fan module of the prior art;
  • FIG. 2 b is a schematic illustration of cooling fan modules as illustrated in
  • FIG. 2 a in combination with an electronics chassis;
  • FIG. 3 a is a partial cut away view of a cooling fan module of the prior art;
  • FIG. 3 b is a schematic illustration of the cooling fan module of FIG. 3 a in combination with an electronics chassis;
  • FIG. 4 a is a partial cut away view of a cooling fan module of the prior art;
  • FIG. 4 b is a schematic illustration of the cooling fan module of FIG. 4 a in combination with an electronics chassis;
  • FIG. 5 a is a partial cut away view of a cooling fan module of the present invention;
  • FIG. 5 b is a schematic illustration of the cooling fan module of FIG. 5 a in combination with an electronics chassis; and
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a cooling fan module of the present invention in combination with an electronics chassis.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
  • The objects and advantages enumerated above together with other objects, features, and advances represented by the present invention will now be presented in terms of detailed embodiments described with reference to the attached drawing figures which are intended to be representative of various possible configurations of the invention. Other embodiments and aspects of the invention are recognized as being within the grasp of those having ordinary skill in the art.
  • The present invention addresses the efficiency and noise issues outlined above. The preferred embodiment includes an air mover module set up to motivate air through an electronics chassis, wherein the module employs multiple forward curved (FC) centrifugal blowers arranged in a parallel flow configuration, and the blower air inlets are arranged axially in-line with module primary inlet, refer to FIGS. 1 a & 1 b. This arrangement provides high efficiency and low noise in a relatively small packaging volume. The present invention uses several features, in combination, to achieve high performance within the constraints outlined.
  • As illustrated in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b, a cooling fan module 10 may be arranged to pull air flow through an electronic chassis 12 to cool electronics disposed in the chassis 12. Example electronics chassis 12 that may contain electronic components in need of the presently proposed cooling include telecommunication routers, servers, and power supply units. Cooling fan module 10 includes an enclosure 14 having an air inlet 16 though which air flow (represented by arrows) is drawn from electronics chassis 12. In the illustrated embodiment, cooling air flow is motivated through an interior chamber 13 of chassis 12, and through a plenum 15 to reach air inlet 16 of cooling fan module 10. It is contemplated that module 10 may be secured to or integrally formed with chassis 12 in any suitable manner to achieve cooling air flow motivation through inlet 16. Specifically, the arrangements of the present invention need not include plenum 15, and may position module 10 directly in line with initial air flow direction 17.
  • Module 10 further includes a plurality of centrifugal blowers 18 disposed within enclosure 14 and in parallel motivating the air flow generally along a first direction vector 20 through air inlet 16. Centrifugal blowers 18 motivate the air flow in parallel by each individually acting upon air flow entering air inlet 16 to therefore direct air flow along first direction vector 20. In addition, centrifugal blowers 18 motivate the air flow in parallel by receiving air to their respective inlets that is sourced directly from air passing thorough chassis 12, and not as exhaust from an “upstream” blower. As illustrated in Figure lb, discharge from each centrifugal blower 18 exits enclosure 14, and is therefore not fed to a subsequent blower 18. In this manner, centrifugal blowers 18 are considered to motivate the air flow “in parallel.”
  • Each of centrifugal blowers 18 includes a scroll housing 22 which defines an air inlet 24 and an air discharge 26. Centrifugal blowers 18 further include a forward-curved impeller 19 having a diameter dimension “x”, and defining an axis of rotation 28 which extends through housing air inlet 24 and substantially parallel to first direction vector 20. The centrifugal blowers 18 each further include a motor 30 for rotation of the respective impellers 19 about axis 28. As illustrated in Figure lb, the respective axes of rotation 28 of the centrifugal blower impellers are in substantial axial alignment with one another.
  • The arrangement described above has been found to provide surprisingly enhanced aerodynamic efficiency for each blower 18, such that total power input to motivate a desired air flow may be reduced. In addition, the surprising efficiency of the proposed arrangement reduces sound emissions, which is also a beneficial operating characteristic of the fan modules of the present invention.
  • In further description of module 10, enclosure 14 includes first and second ends 40, 42 separated by one or more side walls 44. Air inlet 16 may be disposed at first end 40 of enclosure 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the air inlets 24 of each of centrifugal blowers 18 may be arranged in enclosure 14 in facing relationship with enclosure air inlet 16. In other embodiments, however, one or more of such centrifugal blower air inlets 24 may be facing substantially away from enclosure air inlet 16.
  • As further illustrated in Figure lb, the respective air discharges 26 of centrifugal blowers 18 may be arranged to emit air along a second direction vector 50 which is substantially perpendicular to first direction vector 20.
  • For the purposes hereof, the term “axial alignment” is intended to mean that the respective axes of rotation of the centrifugal blower impellers are arranged in precise axial alignment, or in close substantially parallel proximity thereto. The term “axial alignment” may therefore include respective axes of rotation 28 which are substantially parallel to the remaining axes of rotation 28, and are spaced apart by no more than a dimension equal to diameter dimension “x” of the centrifugal blower impeller 19. An example arrangement of centrifugal blowers which are in “axial alignment” for the purposes hereof is illustrated in FIG. 6. As shown therein, each of the respective axes of rotation 28 a-28 e are within a dimension X1 that is substantially equal to a diameter dimension “x” of the centrifugal blower impeller.
  • A further embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 5 a and 5 b, wherein a first set of a plurality of centrifugal blowers 60 is arranged as described above, and wherein a second set of one or more blowers 70 may be arranged and positioned to motivate the air flow along a direction substantially parallel to second direction vector 50, or substantially perpendicular to first direction vector 20. Thus, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5 a and 5 b, module 110 includes first and second sets of blowers, wherein a first set motivates air flow into module 110 substantially along first direction vector 20, while a second set of blowers 70 motivates air flow into module 110 along second direction vector 50. In this embodiment, first set of centrifugal blowers 60 includes a plurality of centrifugal blowers, and second set of blowers 70 includes one or more blowers. In all other respects, the blowers of second set 70 may be similar to the centrifugal blowers 18 of first set 60. In other embodiments, however, the blowers of second set 70 may be structurally and functionally distinct from first set of blowers 60, including reverse-curved centrifugal blowers, axial blowers, and other designs deemed suitable for the respective application.
  • In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5 b, plenum 115 may be arranged to intermediately direct cooling air flow to module inlet 116 along a flow direction 109 that is substantially parallel to second direction vector 50. It is also to be understood that the illustrations of FIGS. 1 b and 5 b are schematic only, and merely represent the functional interaction of modules 10, 110, with an associated electronics chassis 12, 112.
  • The fan aerodynamic efficiency is critical to provide the required flow rate with relatively low power input. This is necessary to keep the drive motor dimensions as compact as possible. Motor axial length should be minimized to maintain the low overall height of the system and optimum air entry condition for the downstream blower.
  • Table 1 represents actual performance measured on an example embodiment module arrangement as described in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b, compared to a module arrangement as described in “prior art” FIGS. 3 a and 3 b.
  • TABLE 1
    Example Delta from
    Embodiment Prior Art Example
    (FIG. 1) (FIG. 3) Embodiment
    Air Power output 41 watts 41 watts
    Tip Speed 2729 ft/min 5739 ft/min +110%
    Line Power input 195 watts 290 watts +49%   
    Sound Power 75 dBA 86 dBA +11 dBA
  • Table 2 represents actual performance measured on an example embodiment module design as described in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b, compared to a module design as described in “prior art” FIGS. 4 a and 4 b. Note this data was measured on a system that is approximately ten times larger than the Table 1 system with respect to heat load, demonstrating the scaling capability of the technology.
  • TABLE 2
    Example Delta from
    Embodiment Prior Art Example
    (FIG. 1) (FIG. 4) Embodiment
    Air Power output 402 watts 402 watts
    Tip Speed 5786 ft/min 6597 ft/min +14%
    Line Power input 2175 watts 3500 watts +61%
    Sound Power NA NA NA
  • The invention has been described herein in considerable detail in order to comply with the patent statutes, and to provide those skilled in the art with the information needed to apply the novel principles and to construct and use embodiments of the invention as required. However, it is to be understood that various modifications can be accomplished without departing from the scope of the invention itself.

Claims (12)

1. A cooling fan module for motivating air flow through an electronics chassis, said module comprising:
an enclosure having an air inlet through which the air flow is drawn from said electronics chassis;
at least two centrifugal blowers disposed within said enclosure and in parallel motivating the air flow along a first direction vector through said air inlet, each of said centrifugal blowers comprising:
(i) a scroll housing defining an air inlet and an air discharge;
(ii) a forward-curved impeller having a diameter dimension, and defining an axis of rotation, said axis extending through said housing air inlet and substantially parallel to said first direction vector; and
(iii) a motor for rotation of said impeller about said axis, wherein said respective axes of rotation of said centrifugal blower impellers are in substantial axial alignment with one another.
2. A cooling fan module as in claim 1 wherein said enclosure includes first and second ends separated by one or more side walls, and said air inlet being disposed at said first end.
3. A cooling fan module as in claim 1 wherein said centrifugal blowers are all disposed on a first side of a mid-plane of the electronics chassis.
4. A cooling fan module as in claim 1 wherein said air inlets of each of said centrifugal blowers are arranged in said enclosure in facing relationship with said enclosure air inlet.
5. A cooling fan module as in claim 1 wherein said motor of said centrifugal blowers is variable speed.
6. A cooling fan module as in claim 5 wherein said motor of each of said centrifugal blowers is independently controlled.
7. A cooling fan module as in claim 1 wherein said air discharges of said centrifugal blowers are arranged to emit air along a second direction vector which is substantially perpendicular to said first direction vector.
8. A cooling fan module as in claim 1 wherein said scroll housing of each of said centrifugal blowers includes a single air inlet.
9. A cooling fan module as in claim 1 wherein said scroll housing of each of said centrifugal blowers expands both radially and axially from proximate to a cutoff to said air discharge.
10. A cooling fan module as in claim 1 wherein said centrifugal blowers are axially spaced apart along said axis by a first distance of about one half of said impeller diameter dimension.
11. A cooling fan module for pulling air flow through an electronics chassis, said module comprising:
an enclosure having an air inlet through which the air flow is drawn from said electronics chassis;
a first set of a plurality of centrifugal blowers disposed within said enclosure and in parallel motivating the air flow along a first direction vector into said enclosure, each of said centrifugal blowers of said first set comprising;
(i) a scroll housing defining an air inlet and an air discharge;
(ii) a forward-curved impeller having a diameter dimension, and defining an axis of rotation, said axis extending through said housing air inlet and substantially parallel to said first direction vector; and
(iii) a motor for rotation of said impeller about said axis,
wherein said respective axes of rotation of said centrifugal blower impellers are in substantial axial alignment with one another;
a second set of one or more blowers disposed within said enclosure and motivating the air flow along a second direction vector into said enclosure, said second direction vector being substantially perpendicular to said first direction vector.
12. A cooling fan module as in claim 11 wherein said second set of one or more blowers is disposed proximate to said enclosure air inlet.
US13/163,385 2010-06-18 2011-06-17 Cooling Module with Multiple Parallel Blowers Abandoned US20110308777A1 (en)

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US13/163,385 US20110308777A1 (en) 2010-06-18 2011-06-17 Cooling Module with Multiple Parallel Blowers
US15/191,771 US20160309616A1 (en) 2010-06-18 2016-06-24 Cooling module with multiple parallel blowers
US16/207,839 US20190104639A1 (en) 2010-06-18 2018-12-03 Cooling module with multiple parallel blowers

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US13/163,385 US20110308777A1 (en) 2010-06-18 2011-06-17 Cooling Module with Multiple Parallel Blowers

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US20120327599A1 (en) * 2011-06-27 2012-12-27 DICKINSON Roger Cooling Module with Parallel Blowers
US20140113539A1 (en) * 2011-06-27 2014-04-24 Roger Dickinson Cooling Module with Parallel Blowers
US20140212164A1 (en) * 2013-01-25 2014-07-31 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Cooling device and image forming apparatus incorporating same
WO2017041700A1 (en) * 2015-09-11 2017-03-16 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 Volute fan assembly structure and floor-standing air conditioner
WO2017041695A1 (en) * 2015-09-11 2017-03-16 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 Volute fan assembly structure and floor-standing air conditioner
WO2019025377A1 (en) * 2017-08-03 2019-02-07 Eisenmann Se Ventilator arrangement
CN110160152A (en) * 2019-06-25 2019-08-23 宁波奥克斯电气股份有限公司 A kind of air conditioner
CN110566485A (en) * 2019-09-05 2019-12-13 奇鋐科技股份有限公司 Integrated fan set
US10655640B1 (en) * 2011-10-20 2020-05-19 Lti Holdings, Inc. Double inlet centrifugal blower with PCB center plate
CN112930443A (en) * 2018-11-07 2021-06-08 博泽沃尔兹堡汽车零部件欧洲两合公司 Fan arrangement for a motor vehicle
CN113273322A (en) * 2019-01-18 2021-08-17 比泽尔电子股份公司 Heat transfer assembly and electronic power device
CN113347849A (en) * 2020-02-18 2021-09-03 百度(美国)有限责任公司 Cross-flow air cooling module for electronic equipment
US11156229B2 (en) * 2019-05-08 2021-10-26 Xceed Engineering LLC Livestock blower apparatus
CN113790165A (en) * 2021-09-01 2021-12-14 农业农村部南京农业机械化研究所 Centrifugal fan set, drying heat source and device for fruit and vegetable drying airflow circulation
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US20140113539A1 (en) * 2011-06-27 2014-04-24 Roger Dickinson Cooling Module with Parallel Blowers
US8767400B2 (en) * 2011-06-27 2014-07-01 The Bergquist Torrington Company Cooling module with parallel blowers
US9253928B2 (en) * 2011-06-27 2016-02-02 Henkel IP & Holding GmbH Cooling module with parallel blowers
US20120327599A1 (en) * 2011-06-27 2012-12-27 DICKINSON Roger Cooling Module with Parallel Blowers
US10655640B1 (en) * 2011-10-20 2020-05-19 Lti Holdings, Inc. Double inlet centrifugal blower with PCB center plate
US20140212164A1 (en) * 2013-01-25 2014-07-31 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Cooling device and image forming apparatus incorporating same
US9170561B2 (en) * 2013-01-25 2015-10-27 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Cooling device and image forming apparatus incorporating same
WO2017041700A1 (en) * 2015-09-11 2017-03-16 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 Volute fan assembly structure and floor-standing air conditioner
WO2017041695A1 (en) * 2015-09-11 2017-03-16 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 Volute fan assembly structure and floor-standing air conditioner
WO2019025377A1 (en) * 2017-08-03 2019-02-07 Eisenmann Se Ventilator arrangement
US11240932B1 (en) * 2018-07-27 2022-02-01 Waymo Llc Cold plate
CN112930443A (en) * 2018-11-07 2021-06-08 博泽沃尔兹堡汽车零部件欧洲两合公司 Fan arrangement for a motor vehicle
CN113273322A (en) * 2019-01-18 2021-08-17 比泽尔电子股份公司 Heat transfer assembly and electronic power device
US11156229B2 (en) * 2019-05-08 2021-10-26 Xceed Engineering LLC Livestock blower apparatus
CN110160152A (en) * 2019-06-25 2019-08-23 宁波奥克斯电气股份有限公司 A kind of air conditioner
CN110566485A (en) * 2019-09-05 2019-12-13 奇鋐科技股份有限公司 Integrated fan set
CN113347849A (en) * 2020-02-18 2021-09-03 百度(美国)有限责任公司 Cross-flow air cooling module for electronic equipment
CN113790165A (en) * 2021-09-01 2021-12-14 农业农村部南京农业机械化研究所 Centrifugal fan set, drying heat source and device for fruit and vegetable drying airflow circulation
CN114962301A (en) * 2022-06-07 2022-08-30 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 Fan unit

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US20190104639A1 (en) 2019-04-04
DE112011102067T5 (en) 2013-05-02

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