WO2014026239A1

WO2014026239A1 - A panel

Info

Publication number: WO2014026239A1
Application number: PCT/AU2013/000907
Authority: WO
Inventors: Niall COULTER
Original assignee: Idc Solutions Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2012-08-16
Filing date: 2013-08-16
Publication date: 2014-02-20

Abstract

A panel (1) having a pair of elongate side walls (3) extending between an elongate top edge (4) and an elongate bottom edge (5) to define a planar front surface (6) and a planar back surface (8). The panel (1) having at least three elongate substantially rectangular sections (9a, 9b, 9c). Each said section having a width X at the top and bottom edges adapted to fit a standard data centre server rack. The sections being moveable with respect to each other to permit folding of the panel so that said panel is installable in a variety of sized spaces.

Description

A PANEL

Field

[0001] The present invention is directed to a panel and in particular to a panel for use in the Information Technology (IT) infrastructure industry such as data centres or the like.

Background

[0002] Wall panels manufactured of various materials exist throughout the world. Data centres for IT infrastructure are also known. It has however been identified that a significant cost to the operation of a data centre is the cooling system keeping the IT infrastructure at a regulated temperature. That regulated temperature ensures the IT infrastructure operates at their optimum level. In order to reduce costs, containment of the cooled air within the data centre has been identified as important. Air flow control under the floor has been proven to be effective in increasing the efficiency of the cooling system of the IT infrastructure (such as computer servers or the like) and reducing the operational cooling costs.

[0003] Above floor containment of the cooled air however has also been identified as important. The majority of data centre air delivery is via a raised floor plenum. Air flow control within rack containment aisles has also been proven to be effective in increasing the efficiency of the cooling system and reducing the operational cooling costs.

[0004] Airflow is typically controlled by use of plastic curtains, nylon curtains, plasterboard, plastic sheets, glass doors, windows and/or frames arranged to direct the air flow. These products and their method of installation, are labour intensive and require lengthy handling and securing processes. Some existing methods install sheets or curtains that are 1200 mm wide and in some cases up to 3000 mm wide, making installation difficult. They are also difficult to cut in situ to fit the space available, overcome obstacles such as pipes, stanchions, cable ladders or the like and to mold and control air flow. ¹

[0005] Other air flow barrier products are considered hard to remove and/or re-position and do not provide assistance with installation around obstacles. They also do not allow accurate cutting to suit specific floor heights. [0006] Accordingly, there is a need for a panel specifically designed for use in data centre cooling. There is also a need for a light weight panel that will reduce installation time by way of positioning and locating features, be cost effective and can be cut to size in situ to avoid existing obstacles.

[0007] There is also a need to create barriers for air flow within an existing rack layout as part of guaranteeing air flow efficiency within the rack. Current barrier and containment methods are usually in the form of a permanent structure that is costly and time consuming in installation and is non-reusable or moveable.

[0008] There is also a need for a panel that is flexible and simple to install, modular, reusable and/or temporary.

Object of Invention

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to at least provide a useful alternative.

Summary of Invention

[0010] There is disclosed herein a panel having:

a pair of elongate side walls extending between an elongate top edge and an elongate bottom edge to define a planar front surface and a planar back surface;

said panel having at least three elongate substantially rectangular sections, each said section having a width at said top and bottom edges adapted to fit a standard data centre server rack, said sections are separated by vertically extending lines of weakness to permit said sections to be folded with respect to each other, said sections being moveable with respect to each other to permit folding of said panel so that said panel is installable in a variety of sized spaces.

[0011] Preferably, said panel includes four sections.

[0012] Preferably, including locking means to secure said panel in a particular shape. [0013] Preferably, said shape is a triangular prism.

[0014] Preferably, said panel includes a connecting bracket adapted in use to connect ends of a pair of sections together.

[0015] Preferably, said panel is a twin walled sheet such that said front and back surfaces are separated by a web.

[0016] Preferably, said web is a honeycomb-

[0017] Preferably, said panel is twin walled polypropylene.

[0018] Preferably, said panel includes apertures adapted to receive fastening means to permit said panel to be secured to a structure.

[0019] Preferably, said fastening means include ties, strips, clips, cords or the like.

[0020] Preferably, said front and/or said back surface includes a series of markings to provide cutting guidance to a user.

[0021 ] Preferably, the panel in use is adapted to disturb air flow from data centre computer room air conditioners.

[0022] Preferably, the panel includes feet extending from a section of said panel.

[0023] Preferably, the connecting bracket includes a flexible member. Description of Drawings

[0024] A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0025] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a panel of the present invention shown in a triangular prism; [0026] Figure 2 is a blank of the present invention; and [0027] Figure 3 is a partial view of the present invention; [0028] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the present invention; [0029] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the present invention; [0030] Figure 6 is perspective view of the present invention; and [0031] Figure 7 is perspective view of the present invention. Description of Embodiments

[0032] There is disclosed in the drawings a panel 1 having a pair of elongate side walls 3 extending between an elongate top edge 4 and an elongate bottom edge 5 to define a planar front surface 6 and a back surface 8. The panel 1 has at least three substantially rectangular sections 9a, 9b, 9c. Each section 9a, 9b, 9c has a width X at the top and bottom edges 4, 5 substantially corresponding to a length of a standard data centre server rack (for example, 600 mm wide, 750 mm wide, and 800 mm wide). The sections 9a, 9b, 9c can include a fourth or more section 9d and the sections secured together by a fastener 1 1 in this case a hook and loop type fastener. There can be any number of fasteners 1 1 and they can come together to form the sections into any number of shapes such as a square or triangle. The sections 9a, 9b, 9c being moveable with respect to each other to allow the panel 1 to fold so that the sections 9a, 9b, 9c in a stored position are substantially parallel to each other (see Figure 3 when the sections are moving towards being parallel and able to be flat packed). In a use position (see Figure 1 ), the sections are angled from each other so that the panel 1 is installable in a variety of spaces such as different sized data centre server racks. The folding action also allows the panel 1 to be easily transportable, moveable and stored. It should be noted that in a preferred form the sections 9a, 9b, 9c will be slightly larger than the space to allow a tight push fit and lock. This is achievable as the panel 1 is typically pliable. That is, to fit a 600 mm space the section could be 605 mm, for example. [0033] As seen in the figures, utilizing a series of half cuts 20 and reverse cuts 21 ("lines of weakness") into the front surface 6 and rear surface 8 of the panel 1, a triangular structure 10 or the like can be constructed from the original flat blank (see Figure 2). It should be appreciated that many other shapes such as squares or rectangles could also be constructed. A series of sections 9a, 9b, 9c are shown.

[0034] Also between every two panels 1 an extender panel (not shown) or the like can be included to assist with closing off gaps and to achieve cost effectiveness.

[0035] As seen in Figure 3, the panel 1 includes a front surface 6 and back surface 8 separated by a web, flute or honeycomb structure 40. That structure 40 which in the preferred form is twin walled polypropylene allows space between the front surface 6 and back surface 8 to receive a brush (not shown) or the like which permits cabling or similar products to extend or be located.

[0036] The panel 1 would be manufactured from a 3 mm, 4 mm^ mm or 10 mm Twin Wall Polypropylene sheet or the like. Such a sheet 1 is light weight, strong and durable, impact resistant, water resistant, antistatic, non toxic, resistant to chemicals, cost effective, 100% recyclable, in flame retardant and a wide colour range. For example, black, white, grey or silver. The panel 1 in a preferred form would be extruded with the flutes of the structure 40 in a vertical direction. That is, the elongate longitudinal direction between the top edge 4 and bottom edge 5.

[0037] In use, utilizing a series of lines of weakness such as half cuts 20 and reverse half cuts 21 (see Figure 2) placed in the front surface 6 and/or back surface 8 of the panel 1 , permits easy folding and bending of the panel 1 into a variety of shapes and sizes.

[0038] As best seen in Figure 3, the panel 1 can include feet 13. The feet 13 can be cut out or folded out of the original blank panel or fixed as an additional pieces formed of the same material. The fee 13 provides stability and can be stacked or secured to a floor.

[0039] Utilising the natural form of the panel 1, the structural "cells" or webs 40 facilitate strength when bending. See for example Figures 4 and 5. Utilising the natural form of the panel 1 , the structural "cells" take advantage of the natural "memory" of the material to allow re-use. The ends of the panel 1 can be secured together utilizing a corner or connecting bracket 19. The bracket 19 can include end pieces 30, 31 and a connecting piece 32. The connecting piece 32 being flexible. The end pieces including one or more locking elements 33 to lock into the webs 40 (or flutes). The flexible piece 32 allows the panel 1 to squeeze and secure between a gap of racks, walls or the like. As in Figure 6, the brackets 19 can also secure more than one panel together.

[0040] Fixing methods are typically, but not exclusively, by cable tie, hook and loop type, fastener, string, tape, plastic rod, plastic clip, inserted comb, elastic band, steel clip or the like between corresponding apertures or holes.

[0041] A series of grid lines or markings (not shown) can be printed, etched, engraved, labelled or the like, to the front surface 6 and/or back surface 8 of each panel 1 to provide cutting guidance to the installer for the purpose of clearance around existing objects or for the purpose of accurately trimming the panel 1. For example, at positions including but not limited to: 48U 2250 mm, 42U 2000 mm, 24U 1000 mm.

[0042] As shown in Figure 7, the panel 1 could also include an additional sheet 40 that is secured to the original panel 1 by use of holes 50 and pins 1. This allows a wall height to be extended.

[0043] Utilising the natural form of the panel 1, the structural "cells" 40 can be turned through 90 degrees and when aligned vertically within the panel 1, can facilitate easy insertion of brush strips (not shown) to enhance air flow control and cable management from the left hand side and the right hand side. Particular to this process is the ability to provide "end cells" that are pre-cut to accept the insertion of the brush strips. The panels 1 in use can be aligned to make a continuous wall in most locations to enhance air flow and cooling efficiency. The panels 1 can be supplied cut to size to align with a diagonal span equivalent but not limited to a dimension of 848 mm in length. Utilising the natural form of the material, the structural "cells" can be aligned, to facilitate easy cutting around obstacles such as cable trays, pylons, walls, and piping or the like. The polypropylene material can also be easily marked and cut on site to suit the local environment. [0044] Manufactured from twin walled polypropylene, these panels 1 can also be cut to suit but not limited to, industry standard 600 mm x 600 mm data centre frame works and provide fast and efficient installation to improve the efficiency of cold air delivery within a data centre. Advantageously, as the material is "Twin walled Polypropylene" it suits the application of mechanical retention and air sealing, for products related to , but not limited to, raised or under-floor structures, data centre cabinets or racks, ceilings, walls or the like. The memory capacity of the twin walled polycarbonate when specifically pre-cut and folded, assists retention of the panel 1 when mechanically presented to, but not limited to, raised or under floor structures, data centre cabinets or racks, ceilings, walls or the like. The use of screen printed texts and diagrams or grid lines also facilitate accurate "alignment" on installation. The specific cuts and folds facilitate easy collapsibility of the panels 1 for transport and handling and to facilitate accurate "alignment" on installation and reuse.

[0045] The proposed invention, at least in a preferred embodiment, utilizes twin walled polypropylene sheet specifically formed to suit the above floor aisle containment environment of a data center and offer a removable and reusable barrier. The panel 1 can be easily folded for storage and reuse.

[0046] The proposed invention, at least in a preferred embodiment, utilizes a material that is light weight and easy to handle, significantly reducing the installation time and ease of cutting to shape. j

[0047] The "Twin walled Polypropylene" material is particularly suited for the application of

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mechanical retention and air sealing, of products related to , but not limited to, raised floor structures, data centre cabinets, ceilings, racks, walls or the like.

[0048] Also the memory capacity of the twin walled polycarbonate when specifically pre-cut and folded, assists retention of the panel 1 when mechanically presented to, but not limited to, raised floor structures, data centre cabinets, ceilings, racks, walls.

[0049] The process of splitting the side wall or end wall of the twin walled polycarbonate, to provide a receptacle for a "spined brush strip" to assist with mechanical retention and/or air sealing of the panel when mechanically presented to, but not limited to, raised floor structures, data centre cabinets, ceilings, racks, walls is particularly advantageous. [0050] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Claims

1. A panel having:

2. The panel according to claim 1, wherein said panel includes four sections.

3. The panel according to claim 1 , including locking means to secure said panel in a particular shape.

4. The panel according to claim 3, wherein said shape is a triangular prism.

5. The panel according to claim 1 , wherein said panel includes a connecting bracket adapted in use to connect ends of a pair of sections together.

6. The panel according to claim 5, wherein said panel is a twin walled sheet such that said front and back surfaces are separated by a web.

7. The panel according to claim 6, wherein said web is a honeycomb.

8. The panel according to claim 1 , wherein said panel is twin walled polypropylene.

9. The panel according to claim 5, wherein said panel includes apertures adapted to receive fastening means to permit said panel to be secured to a structure.

10. The panel according to claim 9, wherein said fastening means include ties, strips, clips, cords or the like.

1 1. The panel according to claim 1 , wherein said front and/or said back surface includes a series of markings to provide cutting guidance to a user.

12. The panel according to claim 1, wherein the panel in use is adapted to disturb air flow from data centre computer room air conditioners.

13. The panel according to claim 1, including feet extending from a section of said panel.

14. The panel according to claim 5, wherein said connecting bracket includes a flexible member.

15. The panel according to claim 6, wherein said connecting bracket includes locking tabs adapted to grip to the webs of said panel to lock said connecting bracket to said sections.