Acoustic absorbers for use with computer cabinet fans and other cooling systems
IPC분류정보
국가/구분
United States(US) Patent
등록
국제특허분류(IPC7판)
G10K-011/00
H02K-005/24
F01N-001/02
출원번호
US-0940446
(2004-09-14)
등록번호
US-7314113
(2008-01-01)
발명자
/ 주소
Doll,Wade J.
출원인 / 주소
Cray Inc.
대리인 / 주소
Perkins Coie LLP
인용정보
피인용 횟수 :
24인용 특허 :
23
초록▼
Systems and methods for absorbing acoustic noise generated by computer cabinet cooling fans are described herein. In one embodiment, an acoustic absorber for use with a fan carried by a computer cabinet in a room includes a first acoustic panel spaced apart from a second acoustic panel. The first ac
Systems and methods for absorbing acoustic noise generated by computer cabinet cooling fans are described herein. In one embodiment, an acoustic absorber for use with a fan carried by a computer cabinet in a room includes a first acoustic panel spaced apart from a second acoustic panel. The first acoustic panel is configured to be positioned proximate to an outlet of the fan and at least approximately parallel to a flow of cooling air discharging from the outlet. The second acoustic panel is also configured to be positioned proximate to the outlet of the fan and at least approximately parallel to the flow of cooling air discharging from the outlet. The first and second acoustic panels together form an opening configured to direct the flow of cooling air away from the fan outlet and into the surrounding room. In a further embodiment, the opening formed by the first and second acoustic panels can be configured to extend at least approximately 360 degrees around the fan.
대표청구항▼
I claim: 1. An acoustic absorber for use with a fan carried by a computer cabinet in a room, wherein the fan includes an inlet configured to receive a flow of cooling air from within the computer cabinet, and an outlet configured to discharge the flow of cooling air away from the computer cabinet,
I claim: 1. An acoustic absorber for use with a fan carried by a computer cabinet in a room, wherein the fan includes an inlet configured to receive a flow of cooling air from within the computer cabinet, and an outlet configured to discharge the flow of cooling air away from the computer cabinet, wherein the acoustic absorber comprises: a first acoustic panel configured to be positioned proximate to the outlet of the fan and at least approximately parallel to the flow of cooling air discharging from the outlet; and a second acoustic panel spaced apart from the first acoustic panel, wherein the second acoustic panel is configured to be positioned proximate to the outlet of the fan and at least approximately parallel to the flow of cooling air discharging from the outlet, and wherein the first and second acoustic panels together form an opening configured to direct the flow of cooling air away from the fan outlet and into the room. 2. The acoustic absorber of claim 1 wherein the opening formed by the first and second acoustic panels is configured to extend at least approximately 360 degrees around the fan. 3. The acoustic absorber of claim 1, further comprising a mounting portion configured to position the first and second acoustic panels on a housing of the fan. 4. The acoustic absorber of claim 1, further comprising a perforated screen extending across the opening formed by the first and second acoustic panels. 5. The acoustic absorber of claim 1 wherein the fan is a centrifugal fan having a cylindrical fan housing, and wherein the second acoustic panel is configured to extend at least approximately all the way around the cylindrical fan housing. 6. The acoustic absorber of claim 1 wherein the opening is a first opening, and wherein the acoustic absorber further comprises a third acoustic panel spaced apart from the second acoustic panel, wherein the third acoustic panel is configured to be positioned proximate to the outlet of the fan and at least approximately parallel to the flow of cooling air discharging from the fan outlet, and wherein the second and third acoustic panels together form a second opening configured to direct the flow of cooling air away from the fan outlet and into the room. 7. The acoustic absorber of claim 1 wherein the opening is a first opening, and wherein the acoustic absorber further comprises a third acoustic panel spaced apart from the second acoustic panel and parallel to the first and second acoustic panels, wherein the third acoustic panel is configured to be positioned proximate to the outlet of the fan and at least approximately parallel to the flow of cooling air discharging from the fan outlet, and wherein the second and third acoustic panels together form a second opening configured to direct the flow of cooling air away from the fan outlet and into the room. 8. The acoustic absorber of claim 1 wherein the fan includes a fan housing, and wherein at least the second acoustic panel includes an aperture configured to receive the fan housing. 9. The acoustic absorber of claim 1 wherein the fan includes a fan housing, wherein the acoustic absorber further comprises a third acoustic panel spaced apart from the second acoustic panel, and wherein at least the second and third acoustic panels include apertures configured to receive the fan housing. 10. The acoustic absorber of claim 1 wherein the fan outlet is configured to discharge the flow of cooling air outwardly in a radial pattern relative to a fan axis, and wherein the first and second acoustic panels are configured to be positioned at least approximately perpendicular to the fan axis. 11. The acoustic absorber of claim 1 wherein at least the second acoustic panel includes a perforated face sheet attached to a core. 12. The acoustic absorber of claim 1 wherein at least the second acoustic panel includes a core sandwiched between first and second face sheets, and wherein the first face sheet is perforated and the second face sheet is non-perforated. 13. The acoustic absorber of claim 1 wherein at least the second acoustic panel includes a face sheet attached to a core, wherein the face sheet includes a plurality of holes and the core includes a plurality of corresponding cells. 14. The acoustic absorber of claim 1 wherein the second acoustic panel is parallel to the first acoustic panel. 15. The acoustic absorber of claim 1 wherein the second acoustic panel is configured to extend at least partially across the outlet of the fan. 16. The acoustic absorber of claim 1 wherein the second acoustic panel is configured to at least partially split the flow of cooling air discharging from the outlet of the fan. 17. An acoustic absorber for use with a fan carried by a computer cabinet in a room, wherein the fan includes an inlet configured to receive a flow of cooling air from within the computer cabinet, and an outlet configured to discharge the flow of cooling air away from the computer cabinet, wherein the acoustic absorber comprises: a first acoustic panel configured to be positioned proximate to the outlet of the fan and at least approximately parallel to the flow of cooling air discharging from the outlet; and a second acoustic panel spaced apart from the first acoustic panel, wherein the second acoustic panel extends for at least approximately 360 degrees around the fan outlet, wherein the second acoustic panel is configured to be positioned proximate to the outlet of the fan and at least approximately parallel to the flow of cooling air discharging from the outlet, and wherein the first and second acoustic panels together form an opening configured to direct the flow of cooling air away from the fan outlet and into the room. 18. A cooling system for use with a computer cabinet in a room, the cooling system comprising: a fan configured to be carried by the computer cabinet, wherein the fan includes an inlet configured to receive a flow of cooling air from within the computer cabinet, and an outlet configured to discharge the flow of cooling air away from the computer cabinet; a first acoustic panel positioned proximate to the outlet of the fan; and a second acoustic panel spaced apart from the first acoustic panel and positioned proximate to the outlet of the fan, wherein the first and second acoustic panels together form an opening configured to direct the flow of cooling air away from the fan outlet and into the room. 19. The cooling system of claim 18 wherein the first and second acoustic panels are carried by the fan. 20. The cooling system of claim 18 wherein the first and second acoustic panels are integrally mounted to the fan. 21. The cooling system of claim 18 wherein the fan is a centrifugal fan having a central axis of rotation, and wherein the inlet is aligned with the central axis of rotation. 22. The cooling system of claim 18 wherein the fan is a centrifugal fan having a central axis of rotation, and wherein the outlet is configured to discharge the flow of cooling air outward in a radial pattern away from the central axis of rotation. 23. The cooling system of claim 18 wherein the fan inlet is configured to be positioned toward a top portion of the computer cabinet. 24. The cooling system of claim 18 wherein the fan is a centrifugal fan having a central axis of rotation, and wherein the first and second acoustic panels are at least approximately perpendicular to the central axis of rotation. 25. The cooling system of claim 18 wherein the fan is a centrifugal fan having a central axis of rotation, and wherein the opening formed by the first and second acoustic panels extends for at least approximately 360 degrees around the central axis of rotation. 26. A cooling system for use with a computer cabinet in a room, the cooling system comprising: a fan configured to be carried by the computer cabinet, wherein the fan includes an inlet configured to receive a flow of cooling air from within the computer cabinet, and an outlet configured to discharge the flow of cooling air away from the computer cabinet; a first acoustic panel positioned proximate to the outlet of the fan; and a second acoustic panel spaced apart from the first acoustic panel and positioned proximate to the outlet of the fan, wherein the first and second acoustic panels together form an opening configured to direct the flow of cooling air away from the fan outlet and into the room, wherein at least the second acoustic panel includes an aperture, and wherein the fan includes a housing positioned within the aperture. 27. A computer system in a room, the computer system comprising: a computer cabinet holding at least one computer module; an air mover positioned proximate to the computer cabinet, wherein the air mover is configured to move a flow of cooling air through the computer cabinet and past the computer module; a first acoustic panel positioned proximate to the air mover; and a second acoustic panel spaced apart from the first acoustic panel and proximate to the air mover, wherein the first and second acoustic panels together form an opening configured to direct the flow of cooling air away from the air mover and into the room. 28. The computer system of claim 27 wherein the air mover is mounted to the computer cabinet. 29. The computer system of claim 27 wherein the air mover is a centrifugal fan mounted to the computer cabinet. 30. The computer system of claim 27 wherein the air mover is mounted to the computer cabinet, and wherein the acoustic absorber is at least partially supported by the air mover. 31. The computer system of claim 27 wherein the computer cabinet holds a plurality of computer modules in edge-wise orientation relative to the flow of cooling air. 32. The computer system of claim 27 wherein the computer cabinet includes an air inlet positioned toward a bottom portion of the computer cabinet, and wherein the air mover is mounted to an upper portion of the computer cabinet. 33. A computer system in a room, the computer system comprising: a computer cabinet holding a plurality of computer modules; a centrifugal fan carried by an upper portion of the computer cabinet, wherein the centrifugal fan includes an inlet configured to draw a flow of cooling air through the computer cabinet and past the plurality of computer modules, and an outlet configured to discharge the flow of cooling air away from the computer cabinet; and an acoustic absorber at least partially carried by the centrifugal fan, wherein the acoustic absorber comprises: a first acoustic panel positioned proximate to the outlet of the centrifugal fan; and a second acoustic panel spaced apart from the first acoustic panel and positioned proximate to the outlet of the centrifugal fan, wherein the first and second acoustic panels together form an opening configured to direct the flow of cooling air away from the fan outlet and into the room. 34. The computer system of claim 33 wherein the opening formed by the first and second acoustic panels extends for at least approximately 360 degrees around the centrifugal fan. 35. The computer system of claim 33 wherein the acoustic absorber further comprises a perforated screen extending across the opening formed by the first and second acoustic panels. 36. The computer system of claim 33 wherein the opening is a first opening, and wherein the acoustic absorber further comprises a third acoustic panel spaced apart from the second acoustic panel, wherein the third acoustic panel is configured to be positioned proximate to the outlet of the centrifugal fan, and wherein the second and third acoustic panels together form a second opening configured to direct the flow of cooling air away from the fan outlet and into the room. 37. The computer system of claim 33 wherein at least the second acoustic panel includes a perforated face sheet attached to a core. 38. The computer system of claim 33 wherein at least the second acoustic panel includes a core sandwiched between first and second face sheets, and wherein the first face sheet is perforated and the second face sheet is non-perforated. 39. The computer system of claim 33 wherein at least the second acoustic panel includes a face sheet attached to a core, wherein the face sheet includes a plurality of holes and the core includes a plurality of corresponding cells. 40. A method for cooling a plurality of computer modules carried by a computer cabinet in a room, and for absorbing acoustic noise associated with the cooling, the method comprising: mounting a fan to the computer cabinet; positioning a first acoustic panel proximate to an outlet of the fan; positioning a second acoustic panel proximate to the outlet of the fan and spaced apart from the first acoustic panel to form an opening; and operating the fan to move cooling air through the computer cabinet, past the computer modules, between the first and second acoustic panels, and into the room through the opening. 41. The method of claim 40 wherein positioning a first acoustic panel includes positioning a panel having a porous core. 42. The method of claim 40 wherein positioning a first acoustic panel includes positioning a panel having a first perforated face sheet attached to a first porous core. 43. The method of claim 40 wherein positioning the first acoustic panel proximate to the outlet of the fan includes mounting the first acoustic panel on a housing of the fan. 44. The method of claim 40 wherein operating the fan to move the cooling air through the computer cabinet includes drawing the cooling air upwardly through the computer cabinet before passing the cooling air between the first and second acoustic panels and through the opening. 45. The method of claim 40 wherein mounting a fan to the computer cabinet includes mounting a centrifugal fan to an upper portion of the computer cabinet. 46. A method for cooling a plurality of computer modules carried by a computer cabinet in a room, and for absorbing acoustic noise associated with the cooling, the method comprising: mounting a fan to the computer cabinet; positioning a first acoustic panel proximate to an outlet of the fan; positioning the fan within an aperture of a second acoustic panel, thereby positioning the second acoustic panel proximate to the outlet of the fan and spaced apart from the first acoustic panel to form an opening; and operating the fan to move cooling air through the computer cabinet, past the computer modules, between the first and second acoustic panels, and into the room through the opening. 47. A system for performing high-speed computations in a room, the system comprising: means for holding at least one computer module; means for moving a flow of cooling air past the computer module; first acoustic panel means for absorbing acoustic noise generated by the air moving means, wherein the first acoustic panel means are positioned proximate to the air moving means, and wherein the first acoustic panel means extend for at least approximately 360 degrees around the air moving means; and second acoustic panel means for absorbing acoustic noise generated by the air moving means, wherein the second acoustic panel means are positioned proximate to the air moving means and extend for at least approximately 360 degrees around the air moving means, and wherein the second acoustic panel means are spaced apart from the first acoustic panel means to form an opening configured to direct the flow of cooling air away from the computer module holding means and into the room. 48. The system of claim 47 wherein the air moving means are mounted to the computer module holding means. 49. The system of claim 47 wherein the air moving means are mounted to the computer module holding means, and wherein the first and second acoustic panel means are at least partially supported by the air moving means. 50. The system of claim 47 wherein the opening formed by the first and second acoustic panel means extends for at least approximately 360 degrees around the air moving means.
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이 특허에 인용된 특허 (23)
Jen Wang H. (P.O. Box 82-144 Taipei TWX), Acoustic board.
Knudsen, Corey; McDaniel, Kent T.; Smith, Bradley J.; Pautsch, Gregory W.; Lakin, Eric D., Rack mounted electronics having connectors with heat cooling fingers.
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