Application of a Flow Optimizer in a Limited Space to Increase Series Fan Performance
The performance increase of cooling for a 1U SunFire 4100 server through the introduction of multiple flow optimizers is investigated in this article. We found that the power consumption of cooling fans could be decreased by 17–33% depending on operating conditions. The use of flow optimizers was found to reduce noise produced by cooling fans by at least 5.3 dB(A). We also discuss the use of the increased performance to increase thermal head room by increasing the flow rate of cooling air by 6.5–20.4%. In addition, we found that a primary fan used with an exit stator allowed the overall fan module length to be reduced without a loss in performance. Reducing the length allowed the flow optimizers to fit into the standard 56-mm space previously occupied by the original series fans. CFD analysis was performed to better understand the effect of this stator on airflow.