Google Patent Reveals New Data Center Innovations

miller60 writes "'Google is seeking to patent a system that provides precision cooling inside racks of servers, automatically adjusting to temperature changes while reducing the energy required to run chillers.' The cooling design uses an adjustable piping system featuring 'air wands' that provide small amounts of cold air to components within a server tray. The cooling design, which could help Google reduce the power bill for its servers, reinforces Google's focus on data center innovation as a competitive advantage. Check out the patent application and a diagram of the system."

Re:Does this pass the "Evil" smell test?

[ascari]

I think it does pass the "evil" test with flying colors. In x years it becomes free for anyone to use, and besides who is to say that Google won't license this stuff for cheap (or free) down the road? It's not like they're charging an arm + leg for any of their other technologies as it is, and they're certainly not among the worst offenders when it comes to "patent trolling". I think it's a good faith green move on their part, and they're being sensible patenting it before somebody (possibly less scrupulous) does.

Same heat flow

[flyingfsck]

Sorry, but they still need to remove the exact same amount of waste heat, while the cost of blowing air around is minimal, so I fail to see how this will save much if anything. It may even use slightly more energy since the smaller pipes will have more turbulence and may require more blower power.

Re:Same heat flow

[Anonymous Coward]

The way I see it working is that by providing focused cooling where it is needed most, the rest can be sufficiently cooled at a higher ambient temperature, thereby reducing the energy needed to remove the same amout of waste heat.