Method to route airflow through dynamically changing ducts
View Patent ↗The invention generally relates to ventilation methods, and more particularly to selectively configurable climate control method for use in data centers and the like. A method includes a first structural element and a second structural element spaced apart from first structural element to define a space between the first and second structural elements. The method also includes a plurality of partitions moveable into the space between the first and second structural elements and a controller arranged to control movement of the plurality of partitions.
1. A method to route airflow through dynamically changing ducts, comprising:
actuating a first subset of a plurality of partitions to extended positions between first and second structural members to create a first duct between the first and second structural members; and
actuating a second subset of the plurality of partitions to extended positions between the first and second structural members to create a second duct between the first and second structural members,
wherein each of the plurality of partitions is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position;
in the extended position a respective one of the plurality of partitions spans substantially an entire distance between the first and second structural members;
the retracted position is pivoted from the extended position to lie near or against the first structural member;
a respective one of the plurality of partitions pivots about a hinge axis when moving between the extended and retracted positions; and
a group of the plurality of partitions are arranged within a grid area; and the group of the plurality of partitions overlaps in a center of the grid area when all of the group of the plurality of partitions are in the retracted position.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first duct is different than the second duct.
3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising adjusting vents located along at least one of the first duct and the second duct.
4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising providing ventilation air to a first end of the first duct to deliver the ventilation air to a first localized area of a room.
5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising providing ventilation air to a first end of the first duct to deliver the ventilation air to a first localized area of a room.
6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising providing ventilation air to a first end of the first duct to deliver the ventilation air to a first localized area of a room.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein:
at least one of the first structural member and the second structural member is divided into a grid; and
a respective one of the plurality of partitions, when in the extended position, is an only partition between adjacent grid areas of the grid.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein:
at least one of the first duct and the second duct is comprised of two or more of the plurality of partitions;
at least one of the first structural member and the second structural member is divided into a grid; and
the method further comprises actuating three partitions of the plurality of partitions to extended positions around a single square of the grid.
9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the single square of the grid is a location of a vent.
10. The method of claim 1 , further comprising creating a rectangular flow path using the first duct and the second duct, the rectangular flow path connecting a first location and a second location to convey a fluid from the first location to the second location.
11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the first location connects with a source of the fluid and the second location is a vent.