CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[001] This application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Patent Application No. 62/644,257 filed on March 16, 2018; the entire contents of United States Provisional Patent Application No. 62/644,257 are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[002] The present disclosure generally relates to computer servers, and further in particular to racks and cooling for computer servers and their ambient environment.

BACKGROUND

[003] The following paragraphs are provided by way of background to the present disclosure. They are not however an admission that anything discussed therein is prior art or part of the knowledge of persons skilled in the art.

[004] Large data management and cloud service companies such as Microsoft, Google and Apple implement large data centers including, for example, thousands of digital servers. Each server produces heat, and the higher the number of computing operations, the hotter the servers run. Cooling is provided, including expensive cooling provided by refrigeration.

[005] Engineers and architects have produced many designs to mitigate and manage the heat generated by server systems. It has been estimated that about one half of the gross energy requirements for server systems are used to power the computer servers, and the other half is used to cool the data centers containing the servers. (^Solutions known to the art include locating the data centers in geographically cooler climates, immersing the individual servers in coolant, or placing the entire data center under water, or all of the above.

[006] During winter, crypto currency miners have been reported to save up on electric consumption as powering up their servers creates heat that can be diverted to keep their living space warm. However in the summer, the opposite could prove true as crypto currency miners find themselves needing to cool the room where the servers are placed, as well as other parts of the house or office, which means more energy will be consumed, and at the same time, there will be a need to deal with the actual heat being emitted by the servers.

[007] Heat can ultimately damage the individual server hardware, and the collective hot exhaust can periodically render the data centers uninhabitable for staff. Furthermore, collected hot exhaust air, unless purposefully directed specifically to waste or energy recovery, can end up being drawn back into a cool air intake, diminishing the cooling efficiency.

[008] With the advent of crypto currency, large server farms are similarly employed and the intensive computing generates large amounts of heat and consumes massive amounts of power.□ If heat buildup and utility sources are not managed; fires can result, and, depending on the location of the farm, can result in loss of the specific farm or even collateral loss of surrounding structures at great economic cost. Further, health and safety can be compromised for operations and maintenance personnel and again, collateral losses, including a loss of life can ensue.

[009] In order to avoid overheating, the prior art spacing occupies a large footprint which increases the cost of real estate and introduces both cost and difficulty of physical interconnection of the banks of servers.

[0010] Thus there is an ongoing need in the art for systems that improve cooling of the servers and their ambient environment.

SUMMARY

[0011] The following paragraphs are intended to introduce the reader to the more detailed description that follows and not to define or limit the claimed subject matter of the present disclosure.

[0012] In one broad aspect, the present disclosure relates to server racks for computer systems. [0013] In another broad aspect, the present disclosure relates to cooling systems for computer servers.

[0014] Accordingly, in one aspect, in accordance with the teachings herein, the present disclosure provides, in at least one embodiment, a server rack for the installation of a plurality of computer servers, the server rack comprising:

an upward directed structural support portion; and

a computer server housing portion coupled to the structural support portion, the computer housing portion being adapted for operable receipt of a plurality of successively upwardly positioned computer servers each having a cold portion and a hot portion so that the cold portions of the computer servers face rearward and the hot portions of the computer servers face forward and the computer housing portion is (i) tilted upwards so that the cold portion of the computer servers is positioned downwards relative the hot portion, or (ii) tilted rearwards so that the cold and hot portions of vertically successively computer servers are positioned further rearwards in an upwards direction, or (iii) tilted upwards so that the cold portion of a given computer server is positioned downwards relative to the hot portion of the given computer server, and tilted rearwards so that successive the cold and hot portions of vertically successive computer servers are positioned further rearwards in the upwards direction.

[0015] In at least one embodiment, the computer housing portion can comprise a plurality of computer housing modules, each computer housing module being adapted for the operable receipt of at least one of the computer servers and the computer housing modules being successively spaced apart in an upward direction.

[0016] In at least one embodiment, the computer housing modules can comprise a base portion, an upright wall coupled to an end of the base portion, the upright wall having a slot, where the base portion is sized to receive a bottom of a given computer server, and the slot of the upright wall is sized to receive a portion of the hot portion of the given computer server. [0017] In at least one embodiment, the computer housing modules further can comprise a lip at a front end of the base portion, the lip being adapted to abut an end face of the cold portion of the given computer server during use.

[0018] In at least one embodiment, the computer housing modules further can comprise a separating portion with a cutout portion, the separating portion being vertically mounted to the base portion around a portion of the given computer server, the separating portion having a first surface defining a cold space on one side of the housing portion and a second surface defining a hot space on another side of the housing portions.

[0019] In at least one embodiment, the upward directed structural support portion can be integral with the computer housing portion, or the computer housing portion can be attached to the upward directed structural support portion and arranged so that longitudinal axes of the computer servers are parallel with one another.

[0020] In at least one embodiment, the upward directed support portion can comprise a plurality of successively spaced apart computer server housing portions in a lateral direction, the computer server housing portions together in the lateral direction and in the upward direction forming a generally planar array.

[0021] In at least one embodiment, the server housing portions together in the lateral direction and in the upward direction can be formed by a common upright wall with a plurality of slots for receiving the hot portions of a plurality of computer servers.

[0022] In at least one embodiment, the computer housing portion can be angled so that the computer servers, when installed, are tilted upwards at a tilt angle between about 5 degrees and about 85 degrees.

[0023] In at least one embodiment, the computer housing portion can be angled so that the computer servers, when installed, are leaning rearwards at a lean angle between about 5 degrees and about 85 degrees.

[0024] In at least one embodiment, the upward directed structural support portion can include a basal support portion comprising a first surface for contacting a substantially horizontal surface and a second surface that is coupled to the first surface for contacting the base of a first computer server installed within a given computer server housing portion, the second surface having a tilt angle with respect to the first surface of at least 5 degrees.

[0025] In at least one embodiment, the upward directed structural support portion can include a lateral support portion extending rearwards along a side portion of the server rack and coupled to the sides of the housing portion to prevent the server rack from tipping rearwards upon installation of the computer servers in the server housing portion.

[0026] In at least one embodiment, the planar array can comprise at least 3 computer housing modules in an upward direction and at least 3 computer housing modules in a lateral direction.

[0027] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides, in at least one embodiment, a server rack arrangement of spaced apart server racks that are positioned in a space for the installation of a plurality of computer servers therein, each server rack comprising:

an upward directed structural support portion; and

a computer server housing portion coupled to or integral with the structural support portion, the computer housing portion being adapted for operable receipt of a plurality of successively upwardly positioned computer servers each having a cold portion and a hot portion so that the cold portions of the computer servers face rearward and the hot portions of the computer servers face forward and the computer housing portion is (i) tilted upwards so that the cold portion of the computer servers is positioned downwards relative the hot portion, or (ii) tilted rearwards so that the cold and hot portions of vertically successively computer servers are positioned further rearwards in an upwards direction, or (iii) tilted upwards so that the cold portion of a given computer server is positioned downwards relative to the hot portion of the given computer server, and tilted rearwards so that successive the cold and hot portions of vertically successive computer servers are positioned further rearwards in the upwards direction. [0028] In at least one embodiment, the computer housing portion can comprise a plurality of computer housing modules, each computer housing module adapted for the operable receipt of a computer server and the computer housing modules are successively spaced apart in an upward direction.

[0029] In at least one embodiment, the upward support portion of at least one of the computer server racks can comprise a plurality of successively spaced apart computer server housing portions in a lateral direction, the computer server housing portions together in the upward direction and the in the lateral direction forming a generally planar array.

[0030] In at least one embodiment, each of the computer server housing portions can comprise a plurality of computer housing modules defined by a plurality of slots for receiving the hot portions of a plurality of computer servers located in a common upright wall.

[0031] In at least one embodiment, the upward support portion of at least a pair of the server racks additionally can comprise a plurality of successively spaced apart computer server housing portions in a lateral direction, each of the computer server housing portions having computer housing modules arranged in the upwards direction so as to form a pair of generally planar arrays, the server racks in the pair of the server racks being spaced apart and oriented to face each other, wherein a first server rack in the pair of server racks is configured so that the computer servers in the first server rack tilt rearwards at a tilt angle between about + 5 degrees and about + 85 degrees, and a second server rack in the pair of server racks is configured so that the computer servers tilt rearwards in an opposite direction at a tilt angle between about - 5 degrees and about - 85 degrees.

[0032] In at least one embodiment, the tilt angle of the first and second server racks can be identical and in opposite directions.

[0033] In at least one embodiment, the upward support portion of at least a pair of the server racks additionally can comprise a plurality of successively spaced apart computer server housing portions in a lateral direction, each of the computer server housing portions having computer housing modules arranged in the upwards direction so as to form a pair of server racks being spaced apart and oriented to face each other, wherein a first server rack in the pair of server racks is configured so that the computer servers in the first rack lean rearwards at a lean angle between about + 5 degrees and about + 85 degrees, and the second pair in the pair of server racks is configured so that the computer servers lean rearwards in an opposite direction at a lean angle between about - 5 degrees and about - 85 degrees.

[0034] In at least one embodiment, the lean angle of the first and second server racks can be identical but in opposite directions.

[0035] In at least one embodiment, the upward support portion of at least a pair of the server racks additionally can comprise a plurality of successively spaced apart computer server housing portions in a lateral direction, each of the computer server housing portions having computer housing modules arranged in the upwards direction so as to form a pair of generally planar arrays, the server racks in the pair of server racks being spaced apart and oriented to face each other, wherein a first server rack in the pair of server racks is configured so that the computer servers in the first rack lean rearwards at a lean angle between about + 5 degrees and about + 85 degrees, and the second pair in the pair of server racks is configured so that the computer servers lean rearwards in an opposite direction at a tilt angle between about - 5 degrees and about - 85 degrees, and wherein one of the arrays is configured so that the computer servers tilt rearwards at a tilt angle between about + 5 degrees and about + 85 degrees, and the other of the pair of racks is configured so that the computer servers tilt rearwards in opposite direction at a tilt angle between about - 5 degrees and about - 85 degrees.

[0036] In at least one embodiment, the lean angle of the first and second server racks can be identical but in opposite directions, and the tilt angle of the first and second server racks is identical but in opposite directions.

[0037] In at least one embodiment, the server arrangement can comprise an enclosure with walls that define a substantially enclosed space and surround the server racks. [0038] In at least one embodiment, the walls can include at least one outlet for hot air that is generated by the computer servers during operation.

[0039] In at least one embodiment, the at least one outlet for hot air can be positioned in a ceiling or a wall of the enclosure adjacent to uppermost positions in the server racks.

[0040] In at least one embodiment, the walls of the enclosure can include at least one inlet for cold air.

[0041] In at least one embodiment, the at least one inlet for cold air can be positioned in a wall of the enclosure adjacent to the base of the structural support portion.

[0042] In at least one embodiment, the at least one inlet for cold air can be an inlet permitting the influx of natural external air.

[0043] In at least one embodiment, the at least one inlet for cold air can be an inlet for receiving external cool air that is forced into the enclosure.

[0044] In at least one embodiment, the enclosure can be a sea container.

[0045] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides, in at least one embodiment, a method of installing a plurality of computer servers in a manner that permits improved computer server cooling, the method comprising:

providing a space for operating computer servers;

placing a computer server rack in the space, the computer server rack comprising:

an upward directed structural support portion; and

a plurality of computer server housing portions coupled to the structural support portion, the computer housing portion being adapted for operable receipt of a plurality of successively upwardly positioned computer servers each having a cold portion and a hot portion so that the cold portions of the computer servers face rearward and the hot portions of the computer servers face forward and the computer housing portion is (i) tilted upwards so that the cold portion of the computer servers is positioned downwards relative the hot portion, or (ii) tilted rearwards so that the cold and hot portions of vertically successively computer servers are positioned further rearwards in an upwards direction, or (iii) tilted upwards so that the cold portion of a given computer server is positioned downwards relative to the hot portion of the given computer server, and tilted rearwards so that successive the cold and hot portions of vertically successive computer servers are positioned further rearwards in the upwards direction; and

operably placing the plurality of computer servers in the housing portions so that when operation of the computer servers result in server generated hot air, the hot air is generally directed upwards and away from the hot portions of the computer servers to thereby cool the computer servers.

[0046] In at least one embodiment, the method can comprise providing an enclosure with walls that define a substantially enclosed space and surround the server rack.

[0047] In at least one embodiment, the walls can comprise at least one outlet for hot air.

[0048] In at least one embodiment, the at least one outlet for hot air can be positioned in a ceiling or at least one of the walls of the enclosure adjacent to the uppermost computer server.

[0049] In at least one embodiment, the walls can include at least one inlet for cold air.

[0050] In at least one embodiment, the at least one inlet for cold air can be positioned in a wall of the enclosure adjacent to the base of the structural support portion.

[0051] In at least one embodiment, the at least one inlet for cold air can be an inlet permitting the influx of natural external air.

[0052] In at least one embodiment, the at least one inlet for cold air can be an inlet for forced external air.

[0053] Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description, while indicating preferred implementations of the present disclosure, is given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modification within the spirit and scope of the disclosure will become apparent to those of skill in the art from the detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] The disclosure is in the hereinafter provided paragraphs described, by way of example, in relation to the attached figures. The figures provided herein are provided for a better understanding of the example embodiments and to show more clearly how the various embodiments may be carried into effect. Like numerals designate like or similar features throughout the several views possibly shown situated differently or from a different angle. Thus, by way of example only, part 200 in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 7E refers to a similar computer server that is tilted differently in each of these figures. The figures are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0055] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a server rack in accordance with the teachings herein.

[0056] FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views of a computer server.

[0057] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of another example embodiment of a server rack in accordance with the teachings herein.

[0058] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the server rack of FIG. 3A and computer servers.

[0059] FIG. 3C is a side view of the server rack of FIGS. 3A-3B with computer servers installed from the point of view denoted by arrows 3C in FIG. 3B.

[0060] FIG. 3D is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a housing module of a server rack in accordance with the teachings herein.

[0061] FIG. 3E is a perspective view of an example embodiment of another housing module of a server rack in accordance with the teachings herein.

[0062] FIGS. 4A-4D are side views of four example configurations of server racks in accordance with the teachings herein. [0063] FIGS. 5A-5B are side views of two other example configurations of server racks in accordance with the teachings herein.

[0064] FIGS. 6A-6B are side views of two other example configurations of server racks in accordance with the teachings herein.

[0065] FIGS. 7A-7B are two different perspective views of an example embodiment of a server rack in accordance with the teachings herein.

[0066] FIGS. 7C-7D are two different perspective views of the server rack of FIGS. 7A-7B with computer servers installed therein.

[0067] FIG. 7E is a side view of the server rack of FIG. 7D from the viewpoint denoted by arrows 7E in FIG. 7D.

[0068] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an example embodiment of multiple server racks and computer servers installed therein in accordance with the teachings herein.

[0069] FIG. 8B is a side view of the server racks of FIG. 8A from the viewpoint denoted by arrows 8B in FIG. 8A.

[0070] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of an example embodiment of multiple server racks and computers installed therein situated in a container in accordance with the teachings herein.

[0071] FIG. 9B is a cross sectional side view of the server racks and container of FIG. 9A along the plane indicated by arrows 9B in FIG. 9A.

[0072] FIG. 9C is a cross sectional view of the server racks and container of FIG. 9A along the plane indicated by arrows 9C in FIGS. 9A and 9B.

[0073] FIG. 9D is a cross sectional end view of the server racks and container of FIG. 9A along the plane indicated by arrows 9D in FIGS. 9A and 9B.

[0074] FIG. 10 is a side view of an example embodiment of two server racks and computer servers installed therein situated in a substantially enclosed space in accordance with the teachings herein.

[0075] FIG. 11 represents a flow chart of an example embodiment of a method of cooling computer servers in accordance with the teachings herein.

[0076] FIG. 12 represents an example of simulation results obtained for modeling airflow in a space in which a server rack that is structured in accordance with one of the embodiments described herein contains computer servers have been installed therein.

[0077] The figures together with the following detailed description make apparent to those skilled in the art how the disclosure may be implemented in practice.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0078] Various processes, systems and apparatuses will be described below to provide at least one example of at least one embodiment of the claimed subject matter. No embodiment described below limits any claimed subject matter and any claimed subject matter may cover processes, systems, or apparatuses that differ from those described below. The claimed subject matter is not limited to any process, system, or apparatus having all of the features of processes, systems, or apparatuses described below, or to features common to multiple processes, systems, or apparatuses described below. It is possible that a process, system, or apparatus described below is not an embodiment of any claimed subject matter. Any subject matter disclosed in processes, systems, or apparatuses described below that is not claimed in this document may be the subject matter of another protective instrument, for example, a continuing patent application, and the applicants, inventors or owners do not intend to abandon, disclaim or dedicate to the public any such subject matter by its disclosure in this document.

[0079] As used herein and in the claims, the singular forms, such as“a”,“an” and“the” include the plural reference and vice versa unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Throughout this specification, unless otherwise indicated, the terms“comprise,”“comprises” and“comprising” are used inclusively rather than exclusively, so that a stated integer or group of integers may include one or more other non-stated integers or groups of integers. The term“or” is inclusive unless modified, for example, by “either”. The term “and/or” is intended to represent an inclusive or. That is“X and/or Y” is intended to mean X or Y or both X and Y, for example. As a further example, X, Y and/or Z is intended to mean X or Y or Z or any combination thereof.

[0080] When ranges are used herein, for geometric dimensions, or physical properties, for example, all combinations and sub-combinations of ranges and specific embodiments therein are intended to be included. Other than in the operating examples, or where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities used herein should be understood as being modified in all instances by the term“about.” The term“about” when referring to a number or a numerical range means that the number or numerical range referred to is an approximation within experimental variability (or within statistical experimental error), and thus the number or numerical range may vary between, for example, 1 % and 15% of the stated number or numerical range, as will be readily recognized by the context. Furthermore, any range of values described herein is intended to specifically include the limiting values of the range, and any intermediate value or sub-range within the given range, and all such intermediate values and sub- ranges are individually and specifically disclosed (e.g. a range of 1 to 5 includes 1 , 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.90, 4, and 5). Similarly, other terms of degree such as "substantially" and "approximately" as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. These terms of degree should be construed as including a deviation of the modified term, such as up to 15%, for example, if this deviation would not negate the meaning of the term it modifies.

[0081] Several physically orienting terms such as“above”,“below”,“lower”, and “upper”, are used herein for convenience including for reference to the drawings. In general, the terms“upper”,“above”,“upward”, and similar terms, are used to refer to an upwards direction or upper portion in relation to a structure generally placed upright relative to the earth’s surface, for example, such as shown in the orientation of an embodiment of a computer server rack shown in FIG. 1. Similarly the terms “lower”, “below”, ’’downward”, and “bottom”, and similar terms, are used to refer to a downwards direction or a lower portion in relation to a computer server rack generally standing upright, such as when servers are operably installed therein, for example, such as shown in the orientation shown in FIG. 1 , and the rack is placed on a generally horizontally oriented surface (relative to the earth’s surface) (Su). Furthermore, the terms “rear” and “rearward”, “front” and “forward”, and “lateral”, as used herein, in relation notably to a server rack or components associated therewith, are used herein as physical orienting terms referring to directions as illustrated in FIG. 1. In particular, in FIG. 1 , R denotes “rear” or “rearward”, F denotes “front” or “frontward”, L denotes“lateral” and U denotes“upward”.

[0082] Unless otherwise defined, scientific and technical terms used in connection with the formulations described herein shall have the meanings that are commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is defined solely by the claims.

[0083] All publications, patents, and patent applications referred herein are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0084] In general, the server racks of the present disclosure can be used to achieve efficient cooling of multiple computer servers, including for example when arranged in one or more banks, hereinafter referred to as arrays. When the servers are installed and being operated on a racks structured in accordance with the teachings herein, hot air emitted from the computer servers can readily escape, thus ensuring that the computer servers and the ambient environment in which the computer servers are situated, such as a server room or office, can remain cool despite the heat being generated by the computer servers.

[0085] In broad terms, the present disclosure provides server racks in which multiple computer servers can be installed. The server racks are structured in such a fashion that when the servers are installed, the cold portion of the installed servers faces rearward and the hot portion faces forward. Furthermore, the server racks are structured so that the servers, when installed, are situated in certain angled positions relative to each other, to thereby achieve unexpectedly efficient server cooling.

[0086] It is a challenge to achieve sufficient cooling in spaces used to operate multiple computer servers, such as data processing centers. To date, for conventional and less capital intensive ambient air cooling solutions for data center heat management, emphasis has been on maximizing the volume of cool air intake and the exhaust of hot air. The multiplicity of servers are typically arranged in one or more long banks with one side of the bank oriented for receiving cool air and the other side for exhausting hot air for collection and removal, typically using convection or some assistance using, for example, forced air devices, such as the fans, on each server, or large building fans, or both.

[0087] Further, banks of servers have been widely spaced for discrete management of hot air exhaust from each bank while also being placed in immediate proximity of the source of the cool intake air. Thus, for example, one long bank of servers may be arranged along a wall or interface for ease of air intake. In some implementations, such as in a large building with multiple exterior walls, two or more banks of servers may be arranged along opposite walls or adjacent walls for ease of exterior air intake while discharging hot air to the center of the building for removal through the roof.

[0088] While the foregoing implementations can achieve some modest cooling effects, these are suboptimal. Server overheating remains a problem, and furthermore the space requirements to achieve cooling by server separation can represent a significant expense. By contrast the server racks of the present disclosure achieve significant cooling while at the same time having space requirements/footprints that can be more modest than those for known systems.

[0089] The cooling system of the present disclosure also limits the risks associated with server over heating such as the outbreak of a fire, and thus reduces potential damages suffered. [0090] In what follows selected example embodiments are described with reference to the drawings. However, it should be noted that other embodiments are possible that are structured in accordance with the teachings herein.

[0091] In general overview, FIG. 1 shows an example embodiment of a server rack 100 in accordance with the teachings herein to clarify several directional terms used herein in relation to the description herein of various example server rack embodiments. FIGS 2A-2B show an example computer server 200 to clarify certain terms used herein in relation to computer servers in general. FIGS. 3A-3C show several views of an example embodiment of a server rack 300 in accordance with the teachings herein. FIG. 3D shows an example embodiment of a server housing module 320 in accordance with the teachings herein. FIG. 3E shows an example embodiment of a server housing module 320b in accordance with the teachings herein. FIGS. 4A-4D, show further example embodiments of server racks 400, 410, 420 and 430, respectively, notably varying relative to each other with respect to tilt angle in accordance with the teachings herein. FIGS. 5A-5B show further example embodiments of server racks 500 and 510, respectively, notably varying relative to each other with respect to lean angle in accordance with the teachings herein. FIGS. 6A-6B show further example embodiments of server racks 600 and 610, respectively, notably varying relative to each other with respect to lean angle and tilt angle in accordance with the teachings herein. FIGS. 7A-7E show a further embodiment of a server rack 700, notably showing a two-dimensional array for positioning computer servers in an offset manner with respect to one another in accordance with the teachings herein. FIGS. 8A-8B shows a relative configuration in space of multiple (four) server racks 700 in a server arrangement 800 accordance with the teachings herein. FIGS. 9A-9D shows an example embodiment of a server rack 700 in a contained space (i.e. enclosure or housing of a server rack structure 900) in accordance with the teachings herein. FIG. 10 shows an example embodiment of a server arrangement 1000 comprising two server racks 700 in a contained space in accordance with the teachings herein and illustrates airflow in the contained space. FIG. 11 shows a flow chart of an example embodiment of a method 1100 of cooling computer servers placed in racks of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 shows certain simulation results obtained in modeling airflow using an example server rack of the present disclosure.

[0092] It is initially noted that computer servers are commonly known to comprise a cold portion and a hot portion. The cold portion of a computer server generally includes an inlet, which can include an inlet fan, through which ambient air can enter into the computer server. The hot portion generally includes an outlet, which can include an outlet fan, through which heat emitted by the computer server in the form of hot air can escape. Fans can have different output capacities, for example, 10,000 20,000, 30,000 and up to e.g. 80,000 cubic feet per minute. Where the computer server comprises an inlet fan and an outlet fan these can be referred to as a push fan and a pull fan, respectively. Thus, when a computer server is being operated the cold portion generally has a lower temperature compared to the hot portion. The foregoing is illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2B. Shown in FIG. 2A is an example computer server 200 comprising rectangular tubular housing 250, containing a power supply, processors, data storage and the like, located between inlet 260 comprising inlet fan 210 and outlet 270 comprising outlet fan 240. Airflow through computer server 200 from inlet 260 to outlet 270 is guided by housing 250. In operation the temperature of cold portion 215 of computer server 200 is generally lower than the temperature of hot portion 220. It is noted that in, example computer server 200 inlet 260 is situated along the surface constituting the width (w) of computer server 200. In other computer servers, for example in certain Graphic Processing Units (GPUs), one or more inlets can be situated in the cold portion of a computer server along one of the four surfaces constituting the length (I) of the computer server. Further, FIG. 2B illustrates certain aspects of orientation of computer server 200. In particular, as can be seen in FIG. 2B, relative to a horizontally oriented surface Su (relative to the earth’s surface), cold portion 215 of computer server 200 can be said to be facing downward (d), while hot portion 220 of computer server 200 can said to be facing upward (u). Geometric dimensions of computer servers 200 can vary, and can, for example, range from a width (w) of at least about 20 cm up to about 1 m, a length (I) of at least about 20 cm up to about 1 .5 m, and a height (h) of from at least about 5 cm to about 40 cm, however smaller servers are also intended to be included, for example GPU servers can be smaller in size.

[0093] It is noted that in accordance with the present disclosure, in principle any computer server or combination of computer servers can be selected and oriented, implemented and/or operated, and that the selected computer servers may be used to provide any suitable computing operation or services, including to clients operably coupled to the computer servers. This includes, for example, sharing of data or resources, for which the selected computer server is configured. For example, the computer servers can be, but are not limited to, database servers, mail servers, game servers, file servers, application servers, and so on. Further understood to be included within the term“computer server”, as used herein, is all computational hardware configured such that during operation of the hardware heat is being produced in such a manner that a cold and a hot portion are formed within the hardware. This includes, for example, application specific integrated circuits (ASICS), GPUs and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), routers, switches, and the like. Furthermore, it is noted that computer servers that may be selected include, for example, servers that are unitary in design such as ANTMINER ^Tm S9 or ASICTUBE ^Tm server units that include an inlet and outlet and a housing through which airflow is directed from the inlet to the outlet. Other computer servers that can be selected are servers that have a more open component-by-component architecture, such as ETHEREUM ^Tm servers, and which can include ducting separate from the housing to direct airflow.

[0094] Next, referring initially to FIGS. 3A-3C, shown therein is an example embodiment of a server rack 300. Server rack 300 comprises a generally upward directed structural support portion 310 comprising computer housing portion 312. Computer housing portion 312 comprises six successively upwardly positioned server housing modules 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d, 320e and 320f for the installation of a plurality of computer servers. For illustration purposes, three computer servers 200d, 200e and 200f are shown in a first state prior to installation in server rack 300 in FIG. 3B, and six computer servers 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 200e and 200f are shown installed in server rack 300 in FIG. 3C. Housing modules 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d, 320e and 320f, are each comprised of a general upright wall 325a, 325b, 325c, 325d, 325e and 325f basally coupled thereto to a base portion 330a, 330b, 330c, 330d, 330e and 330f, which may also be referred to as shelves, platforms or mounts. Base portions 330a, 330b, 330c, 330d, 330e and 330f are generally sized to a sufficiently large surface area to accommodate the selected servers 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 200e and 20 Of, and can, for example, exceed the length (I) and width (w) of selected servers 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 200e and 200f by at least about 0.1 cm. Platform thickness is selected to be sufficient to support the weight of computer servers 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 200e and 200f and can range for example from about 1-2 mm to about 1-2 cm, and where smaller lighter computer servers are used platforms can be even thinner.

[0095] Walls 325a, 325b, 325c, 325d, 325e and 325f are coupled to base portions 330a, 330b, 330c, 330d, 330e and 330f in such a manner that each of the angles A1, A2, A3, A4, A5 and A6 between each base portion 330a, 330b, 330c, 330d, 330e and 330f and each wall 325a, 325b, 325c, 325d, 325e and 325f is about 90 degrees. Walls 325a, 325b, 325c, 325d, 325e and 325f are sized to at least be at least sufficiently high to accommodate the height (h) of selected servers 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 200e and 200f and may exceed the computer server height, for example, by at least about 1 cm to about 20 cm. Walls 325a, 325b, 325c, 325d, 325e and 325f, each contain housing slots 305a, 305b, 305c, 305d, 305e and 305f for receiving servers 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 200e and 200f, respectively. Receipt of three servers 200d, 200e and 200f by housing slots 305d, 305e and 305f, respectively, and installation of servers 200d, 200e and 200f in server rack 300 is illustrated in FIG. 3B (see: arrows 11 , I2 and I3, respectively). Housing slots 305a, 305b, 305c, 305d, 305e and 305f are generally disposed and dimensioned so that servers 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 200e and 200f can be received and secured therein. Generally upright ledges 315a, 315b, 315c, 315d, 315e and 315f, which may also be referred to as lips or ribs, or flanges provide a further means to secure computer servers 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 200e and 200f to housing modules 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d, 320e and 320f. It should be noted that computer servers 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 200e and 200f are installed in such a manner that hot portions 220 are generally secured adjacent to housing slots 305a, 305b, 305c, 305d, 305e and 305f, and can be said to be facing frontward (as further hereinafter described, for example, with reference to FIGS. 9A-9D). Accordingly, housing slots 305a, 305b, 305c, 305d, 305e and 305f may be sized to correspond closely with the width (w) and height (h) of selected computer servers 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 200e and 200f to maintain the computer servers 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 200e and 200f in place via a friction fit. Alternatively, appropriate fasteners may be used to maintain the computer servers 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 200e and 200f in place. Front facing hot portions 220 of installed computer servers 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 200e and 200f can be disposed to be flush, or approximately flush, with walls 325a, 325b, 325c, 325d, 325e and 325f, or alternatively, to protrude outwards through the housing slots 305a, 305b, 305c, 305d, 305e and 305f, for example, by about 2 cm to about 25 cm. In some embodiments, front facing hot portions 220 of installed computer servers 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 200e and 200f are disposed to protrude outwards through the housing slots 305a, 305b, 305c, 305d, 305e and 305f such that housing slots 305a, 305b, 305c, 305d, 305e and 305f are situated approximately where hot portions 220 are adjacent to cold portions 215. Cold portions 215 may be secured by a friction fit with housing ledges 315a, 315b, 315c, 315d, 315e and 315f and can be said to facing rearward. Alternatively, cold portions 215 may be secured in place by using appropriate fasteners.

[0096] It should be noted that the here shown embodiment comprising six housing modules represents an example only. In other embodiments, fewer housing modules or more housing modules may be included.

[0097] Furthermore, housing modules can be identical in geometry to accommodate receipt of computer servers having identical geometrical dimensions, as shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, or, in other embodiments, variations in geometries may exist between different housing modules to allow the receipt of computer servers of correspondingly different geometries.

[0098] It is further noted that in the here shown embodiment, structural support portion 310 includes one housing portion 312 which in turn comprises computer housing modules 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d, 320e and 320f. In other embodiments, the server rack may include a more separate upwardly directed support portion, for example, an upwardly directed stand, post or beam, to which a separate housing portion is attached. The housing portion can comprise individual housing modules (e.g. each housing modules comprising a platform joined to a wall with a housing slot) that can be successively laterally included in upward direction.

[0099] It is further noted that, in at least some embodiments, housing portion 312 may comprise a server housing module 320 capable of receiving a plurality of computer servers 200. Thus, for example two or more computer servers 200 may be successively stacked to be received by a single housing module 320. Referring now, in this respect, to FIG. 3E, a first computer server 200g may be in contact with a second computer server 200h, the second computer server 200h having been stacked upon the first computer server 200g. The first and second stacked computer servers 200g,200h together may be inserted (I4) and received by a housing module 320b for receiving the stacked computer servers 200g,200h, for example, a housing module 320b having a single housing slot 305g sized to secure the stacked first and second computer servers 200g,200h. The stacked computer servers 200g,200h may be secured in the single housing slot 305g by friction fitting or by using the appropriate fasteners. It will be clear that, in other embodiments, in this manner three, four, five or more computer servers may be stacked, and in according with the teachings herein, a server rack may include a housing portion comprising a housing module that can receive the thus stacked three, four, five or more computer servers. In an alternative embodiment, there may be spacers between the stacked computer servers 200g,200h so that they are not directly stacked on one another which allows for air flow between them for further cooling. In one embodiment, a server rack may include a housing portion comprising a single housing module capable of receiving all of the computer servers therein.

[00100] It is further noted that the server racks of the present disclosure may be fabricated using a variety of materials or combinations thereof, including metallic materials, aluminum, for example, alloys, steel, galvanized steel or stainless steel, for example, or plastics, such as a polyvinyl, a polystyrene, a polycarbonate, an acrylonitrile butadiene-styrene (ABS) a nylon, a polydicyclopentadiene (PDCPD), and the like. The server racks components may be fabricated in separate parts, for example separate housing modules, and subsequently assembled, or the server racks may be fabricated as one contiguous item, for example, by injection molding.

[00101] Referring now to FIG. 3D, shown therein is an embodiment of housing module 320, which includes separating structure 303. Separating structure 303 comprises wall 307 and opening 308 therein sized to generally track the contours of the side outer surfaces 356 and upper outer surface 357 of computer server 200. Separating structure 303 can be implemented by coupling the base of wall 307 to base portion 330, thereby positioning wall 307 generally upright, approximately at the juncture between cold portion 215 and hot portion 220 of computer server 200, and defining within housing module 320 cold space 341 and hot space 342. In this respect is noted that it is generally beneficial to fabricate separating structure 303 from an insulating material such as aluminum, galvanized steel, stainless steel or temperature resistant plastic, such as a polydicylcopentadiene (PDCPD). Separating structure 303 can further enhance the separation between cold air and hot air, as server 200 is being operated and thereby improve overall cooling, as hereinafter further explained.

[00102] In accordance with the present disclosure, server racks and computer servers can be assembled in various configurations. In general terms, in some embodiments hereof, assembly results in the hot portion of each computer server generally facing upward and the cold portion facing downward (for greater certainty, see: FIGS. 1 and 2B for directional terms). The foregoing server orientation is further generally illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4D. In some embodiments hereof, installation results in a successively incrementally further rearward position of each hot and cold portion of a computer server in upward direction, between vertically adjacent computer servers, as is generally illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5B. In some embodiments, installation results in the hot portion of each computer server generally facing upward and the cold portion facing downward, and a successively incrementally further backward position of each hot and cold portion of a computer server in an upward direction, between vertically adjacent computer servers, as generally illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6B. Next these configurations will be discussed in some further detail.

[00103] Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4D, shown therein are several embodiments of server racks 400, 410, 420 and 430 in which hot portion 220 of computer servers 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 200e and 200f is facing upward while cold portion 215 is facing downward. In order to implement these example embodiments, base portions 330a, 330b, 330c, 330d, 330e and 330f are tilted in accordance with a tilt angle (Ta). Tilt angle Ta is defined by the angle between a horizontal line (H) running parallel with horizontal surface (Su) and a tilt angle line (TAL) that is parallel to the lowest tilted base portion, (e.g. as illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4C, 330f). In different embodiments the tilt angle (Ta) may be varied. Thus by way of example, in different embodiments, the tilt angle Ta can be defined by TAL1 and horizontal line H to be 5 degrees in order to tilt computer servers 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 200e and 200f so that the respective hot portions are facing upward, and have end portions that are higher than the end portions of the respective cold portions which are facing downward (see: embodiment 400, FIG. 4A); or the Ta can be defined by TAL2 and horizontal line H to be 10 degrees (see: embodiment 410, FIG. 4B) in order to tilt computer servers 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 200e and 200f so that the respective hot portions are facing upward, and have end portions that are higher than the end portions of the respective cold portions which are facing downward; or the Ta can be defined by TAL3 and horizontal line H to be 45 degrees in order to tilt computer servers 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 200e and 200f so that the respective hot portions are facing upward, and have end portions that are higher than the end portions of the respective cold portions which are facing downward (see: embodiment 420, FIG. 4C). In general, in different embodiments in accordance with the teachings herein, the Ta can vary between 5 degrees, or about 5 degrees, and 85 degrees, or about 85 degrees. In some embodiments, the Ta can vary between 10 degrees, or about 10 degrees, and 45 degrees, or about 45 degrees. It is further noted that in general the Ta for each computer server is identical resulting in longitudinal axes of the computer servers in the server racks 400, 410, and 420 being parallel to one another. This configuration facilitates stacking of computer servers 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 200e and 200f. In principle, however in different embodiments, non-identical Ta’s for different computer servers can be implemented. It is further noted that in embodiments 400, 410 and 420 computer servers 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 200e and 200f have been vertically staggered so as to position each portion of computer server 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 200e and 200f equidistally relative to line M. In this configuration each computer server 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 200e and 200f can further be said to have a lean angle which is zero degrees (as hereinafter explained with reference to FIGS. 5A-5B).

[00104] Referring now to FIG. 4D, in order to implement server racks providing for a tilt angle Ta, in one embodiment, the server rack can include a basal support structure. Thus, as shown in FIG. 4D, in an embodiment, server rack 430 can comprise basal support 450. Basal support 450 includes a contact surface portion 455 for base portion 330f of server rack 430 to be positioned upon, coupled to a substantial horizontal surface portion 422. Contact surface portion 455 of base support 450 can be angled at a Ta of 45 degrees relative to substantially horizontal surface portion 422 of basal support 450 (and substantially horizontal surface Su). In this manner server rack 420 shown in FIG. 4C can be structured so that the Ta of each server housing module is at 45 degrees.

[00105] Turning to FIGS. 5A-5B now, shown therein are server racks 500, and 510 of which installation results in a successively incrementally further rearward position of each hot and cold portion of computer server 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 200e and 200f in an upward direction. In order to implement these embodiments, base portions 330a, 330b, 330c, 330d, 330e and 330f are each successively moved further rearwards in an upward direction, e.g. computer server 330e is positioned further rearward than computer server 330f, and computer server 330d is positioned further rearward than computer server 330e, and so on, due to the positioning of the respective server housing modules that receive these computer servers. Successive further rearward positioning can be characterized by a lean angle (La), which can be defined by a vertical line V (i.e. a line at 90 degrees relative to surface Su) and a lean angle line (LAL), in turn defined by the distance (d) (shown in FIG. 5B) as each successive upwardly positioned computer server is also positioned further rearwardly relative to the vertically adjacent computer server immediately below it. In one example, for server rack 500, vertical line V and lean angle LAL1 define a La of 20 degrees. In another example, for server rack 510, vertical line V and lean angle LAL2 define a La of 45 degrees. In general, in different embodiments in accordance with the teachings herein, the La can vary between 5 degrees, or about 5 degrees, and 85 degrees, or about 85 degrees. In some embodiments, the La can vary between 10 degrees, or about 10 degrees, and 45 degrees, or about 45 degrees. It is further noted that in general the La for each computer server is identical resulting in a relative equidistal rearward separation of all computer servers in server racks 500 and 510. This configuration facilitates equidistant stacking of computer servers 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 200e and 200f. In principle, however in different embodiments, non-identical La’s for different computer servers can be implemented. It is noted that in server rack embodiments 500 and 510, all base portions of computer servers 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 200e and 200f are horizontally positioned, thus resulting in a tilt angle (Ta) of zero degrees.

[00106] Referring further to FIG. 5B, it is noted that in certain embodiments an additional support structure can be included to prevent tipping of a top heavy computer server when placed on a substantially horizontal surface. One such additional support structure can be an upward directed lateral support structure 525, as shown in FIG. 5B, which prevents tipping of server rack 510 when the server rack 510 is placed on a surface (Su). It is noted that only one side of lateral support structure 525 is visible in FIG. 5B Lateral support structures can be readily included on both lateral sides of a server rack as is shown, for example, in FIGS. 9A and 9D (see: 525a 525b, 525c, 525d (FIG. 9A) and 525c, 525d (FIG. 9D). It is noted that a lateral support structure can be implemented in embodiments comprising a tilt angle or a lean angle, or a tilt angle and a lean angle, as hereinafter described. Whether such additional support structure is included can depend inter alia on the size and mass of the computer servers mounted in the server rack, the number of server housing modules included in the server rack, the sturdiness of the materials used to fabricate the server racks, and the lean and/or tilt angle selected, as will be readily recognized by those of skill in the art.

[00107] Turning now to FIGS. 6A-6B, shown therein are embodiments of server racks 600 and 610, in which installation results in hot portion 220 of computer server 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 200e and 200f facing upward while cold portion 215 of computer server 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 200e and 200f are facing downward, and in which, at the same time, each hot portion 220 and cold portion 215 of computer server 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 200e and 200f is upwardly successively further rearwardly positioned for vertically adjacent computer servers due to the offset positioning of the corresponding server housing modules. Thus, server racks 600 and 610 are implemented to both comprise a tilt angle (Ta) and a lean angle (La). In particular, server rack 600 comprises a Ta of 30 degrees and a La of 15 degrees. Server rack 610 comprises a Ta of 25 degrees and a La of 45 degrees. In different embodiments, the Ta and the La can be independently selected from one another. In some embodiments, the Ta can be selected to be an angle between 5 degrees, or about 5 degrees, and 85 degrees, or about 85 degrees, while the La can be selected to be an angle between 5 degrees, or about 5 degrees, and 85 degrees, or about 85 degrees. In some embodiments, the Ta can be selected to be an angle between 10 degrees, or about 10 degrees, and 45 degrees, or about 45 degrees, while the La can be selected to be an angle between 10 degrees, or about 10 degrees, and 45 degrees, or about 45 degrees.

[00108] In accordance herewith in further embodiments, server racks can be implemented to comprise a plurality of successively spaced apart computer server housing portions in a lateral direction (see: FIG. 1 for directional terms). The computer server housing portions in a lateral direction together with the computer server housing modules of each of the server racks in an upward direction can then form a two-dimensional generally planar array. Example embodiments of the foregoing are shown in FIGS. 7A-7E. Shown in FIGS. 7A-7B is an example embodiment of a server rack 700 comprising multiple (i.e. 5) upwardly directed server housing portions 312a, 312b, 312c, 312d and 312e that are laterally spaced from one another, each server housing portion including 10 housing modules (housing modules 320a for housing portion 312a in FIGS. 7A-B have been labeled) comprising slots 305 capable of receiving separate computer servers (not shown in FIGS. 7A-7B). Thus, server rack 700 can be said to be an array capable of receiving a total of 50 computer servers, i.e. 10 in an upward direction and 5 in a lateral direction since there are 5 housing portions each having 10 server housing modules. It is noted that in different embodiments the number of computer server housing modules in an upward direction and the number of housing portions in a lateral direction can be readily varied and independently selected. Thus in different embodiments, the number of computer server housing modules in an upward direction can be selected to be at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10, and the number of housing portions in a lateral direction, can be independent of the number of server housing modules selected in the upward direction, and can be at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10.

[00109] FIGS. 7C-7E show server rack 700 in which 50 computer servers 200 have been disposed. It is noted that in the view of server rack 700 shown in FIG. 7E, a tilt angle (Ta) of approximately 45 degrees and lean angle (La) of approximately 25 degrees are shown. Thus, as can be seen in FIG. 7E, cold portions 215 of computer servers 200 are generally downwardly directed with end portions that are lower than end portions of the hot portions 220 of computer servers 200 which are generally upwardly directed to thereby form tilt angle (Ta), and each successively upward positioned computer server 200 is positioned further rearwardly to thereby form lean angle (La). Hot air (H) emitted by servers 200 moves in an upward direction into upwardly widening server space 725. It is an advantage of the racks of the present disclosure that the racks readily permit escape of hot air (H) generated by servers 200 In this manner, the racks of the present disclosure permit cooling of servers 200 installed therein and their ambient environment.

[00110] To briefly recap, the server racks of the present disclosure can accommodate multiple computers servers arranged in various formats, including in two-dimensional arrays. The relative positions of computer servers are defined by a lean angle or a tilt angle or both a lean angle and a tilt angle. The present disclosure also includes in different embodiments, configurations of multiple server racks relative to each other. Example embodiments of these configurations will next be described.

[00111] In accordance herewith in further embodiments of the present disclosure, multiple server racks of the present disclosure can be positioned to be situated relative to each other in certain desirable configurations to provide various server array configurations. In particular embodiments, the location and angle of the racks relative to each other can further facilitate the disposal of server generated hot air. Referring now to FIGS. 8A-8B, in one example embodiment 800, server racks 700a, 700b, 700c and 700d, are each individual server racks that house computer servers 200 that are positioned to form a generally planar array, as herein before exemplified with reference to FIGS. 7A- 7E. Server racks 700a, 700b, 700c and 700d can be positioned in a manner in which each of the server arrays for a pair of server racks are spaced apart so as to generally face each other. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 8A-8B, server racks 700a and 700d, forming a first pair of server racks (700a/700d), and server racks 700b and 700c, forming a second pair of server racks (700b/700c), are situated such that each server racks in each pair of server racks face each other. Each of server racks 700a, 700b, 700c and 700d includes a lean angle (La) and a tilt angle (Ta). The server racks have been oriented such that for each member server rack of one server rack pair (700a/700d) a lean angle (La) and a tilt angle (Ta) (defined relative to generally horizontal surface Su) are similar and are directed in one direction (+La/+Ta), and for each member server rack of the other server rack pair (700b/700c) a lean angle (La) and a tilt angle (Ta) are similar and are directed in the opposite direction (-La/-Ta). In some embodiments, lean angle (+La) and/or tilt angle (+Ta), and the opposing lean angle (-La) and/or tilt angle (-Ta) can be identical but opposing, e.g. the lean angle (+La) can be +20 degrees, and the opposing lean angle (-La) can be -20 degrees, or the tilt angle (+Ta) can be +25 degrees, and the opposing tilt (-Ta) angle can be -25 degrees.

[00112] It is noted that by positioning server racks 700a, 700b, 700c and 700d as shown in FIGS. 8A-8B, server racks 700a, 700b, 700c and 700d define an upwardly widening space 725 in between of each server rack pair. Hot air (H) emitted by the servers can generally escape in an upward direction through space 725. Furthermore it is noted that rearward of the server racks 700a, 700b, 700c and 700d an upward narrowing space 821 is defined by the end portions of server racks 700a, 700b, 700c and 700d. The amount of space separating pairs of server racks (700a/700d) and (700b/700c) in a server rack pair can vary, but generally the distance (d1 ) between the face (or end portions) of the hot portions of opposing servers 200 situated at the base of two opposing server arrays can be at least 25 cm, while the distance (d2) between the face (or end portions) of the hot portions of opposing servers 200 situated at the top of opposing server rack arrays can be at least 50 cm. In some embodiments, d1 can range from about 10 cm to about 100 cm, and d2 can range from about 20 cm to about 200 cm, wherein the distance d2 exceeds the distance d1.

[00113] In accordance with the foregoing, the present disclosure also includes a method of installing a plurality of computer servers in a manner that permits improved computer server cooling. Referring now to FIG. 11 , shown therein is a flow chart of an example embodiment of a method 1100 of installing a plurality of computer servers in such a way that there is improved computer server cooling during server operation. Method 1100 comprises a first step 1102 which involves providing a suitable space for operating computer servers. In accordance herewith a variety of spaces may be provided. Suitable spaces generally can include one or more power sources; cabling; space access devices, e.g. a door, ramps for moving equipment in and out, physical security features, such as a lock, a card reader; and fire protection means, including, for example inert gasses (e.g. nitrogen or argon), or hypoxic air. Spaces that can be used include, for example, substantially enclosed spaces, such as office spaces, server rooms, data centers, data bank spaces, and the like.

[00114] Method 1100 further comprises a second step 1104 which involves placing at least one computer server rack in the space. The computer server rack can comprise an upward directed structural support portion comprising or attached thereto in upward direction a plurality of successively spaced apart computer server housing modules for the operable receipt of a plurality of computer servers, each computer server having a hot portion and a cold portion during operation, the server housing modules being physically arranged with respect to the support portion such that when the plurality of computer servers are installed in the server housing modules the cold portion of the computer servers face rearward and the hot portion of the computer server faces forward and the computer servers are (i) tilted upwards so that the cold portion of the computer servers is positioned downwards relative to the hot portion of the computer servers, or (ii) tilted rearwards so that successive cold and hot portions are positioned further rearwards in upwards direction, or (iii) tilted upwards so that the cold portion of the computer servers is positioned downwards relative to the hot portion of the computer servers, and tilted rearwards so that successive cold and hot portions of the computer servers are positioned further rearwards in upwards direction.

[00115] Method 1100 further comprises a third step 1106 which is to operably place or mount a plurality of computer servers into the server housing modules.

[00116] Method 1100 further comprises a fourth step 1108 which involves operating the computer servers so that the server generated hot air is generally directed upwards and away from the computer servers in front of the hot portions of the computer servers to thereby provide for a greater or quicker amount of cooling for the computer servers.

[00117] Referring further now to FIG. 10, shown therein is an embodiment 1000, to further illustrate, by way of an example embodiment, how cooling of multiple computer servers in accordance with the present disclosure can be achieved within a space containing multiple server racks. Shown in FIG. 10 are server racks 700e and 700f situated in a space 1030 generally enclosed by walls 1005. Walls 1005 include several openings including inlets 1010a, 1010b, 1010c and 1010d and outlet 1015. Inlets 1010a, 1010b, 1010c and 1010d are generally located in the base portion of space 1030 and can be used to allow entry of cold air (C) from the exterior 1050 of walls 1005 into space 812 generally defined by side walls 1005s and the cold side 215 of server racks 700e and 700f. In different embodiments, cold air may be provided in the form of a natural draft or in the form of forced air. Outlet 1015 serves to discharge hot air (H) that is emitted by the servers and flows through a gradually upwardly widening space 725 defined by hot side 220 of server racks 700e and 700f to an exterior 1050 outside of walls 1005.

[00118] In one embodiment hereof, the server racks of the present disclosure may be disposed and operated in sea containers. This embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9D. Referring to FIGS. 9A-9D now, shown therein is an embodiment server rack structure 900, in which server racks 700a, 700b, 700c, 700d, 700e and 700f have been situated in sea container 905. Server racks 700a, 700b, 700c, 700d, 700e and 700f have been configured relative to each other substantially as shown in FIGS. 8A-8B. As illustrated a total of 50 x 6 = 300 computer servers can be included in sea container 905. Included in sea container 905 are support walls 901 between the adjacent ends of server racks 700c/700f and 700b/700e, and between the adjacent ends of server racks 700b/700e and 700a/700d, and between internal vertical beams 902 of container 905 and the ends of server racks 700a/700d. The tops of server racks 700a, 700b, 700c, 700d, 700e and 700f are secured to horizontal ceiling beams 903, and the bottoms of server racks 700a, 700b, 700c, 700d, 700e and 700f are secured to floor 904. Sea containers comprising computer server racks and arrangements in accordance with the present disclosure may be installed in any suitable location, including, for example, in locations in geographies providing for a general cooler climate, such as locations in Canada or Scandinavia, thus facilitating further computer server cooling.

[00119] The named inventor of the present disclosure has evaluated the cooling potential of the racks of the present disclosure. In one experiment, the airflow was evaluated using computer simulations based on a server rack configuration including a Lean Angle (La) and Tilt Angle (Ta), substantially as shown in FIGS. 7D-7E. The server rack was situated in a substantially enclosed space, comprising inlets and outlets substantially as shown in FIG. 10. An ANSYS™ Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model was applied. As shown in FIG. 12, the model provided streamlines illustrating air velocities. Air entered the rack space through inlets 32 and the air then followed a general flow path via the computer servers from cold portion to hot portion and subsequently upwards through discharge outlet 34. Compared to horizontal racking (Ta = 0) and no lean angle (La = 0), the computer model illustrates lower resistance to air flow, which leads to higher air flow velocities and ultimately lower temperatures on the servers S. The computer model demonstrates effective collection of hot air (HA) along the side of the server rack where hot air (HA) is expelled from the computer servers for exhaust to the discharge outlet 34.

[00120] As can now be appreciated, the server racks of the present disclosure can be used to install a plurality of computer servers. Individual server racks as well as configurations of server racks relative to each other can facilitate the disposal of hot air emitted by the computer servers when the computer servers are being operated, thereby limiting damage caused by the computer server generated heat. The server racks are particularly suitable to accommodate and operate a large number of computer servers in a substantially enclosed space, such as computer servers operating in data centres.

[00121] Of course, the above described example embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to be illustrative only and in no way limiting. The described embodiments are susceptible to many modifications of composition, details and order of operation. The subject matter of the teachings herein, rather, is intended to encompass all such modifications within its scope, as defined by the claims, which should be given a broad interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.