Patents by Inventor Trey S. Wiederhold

Trey S. Wiederhold has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11665861
    Abstract: A modular data center has an air handling unit (AHU) that is coupled to a first panel that is engaged over a first opening in a volumetric container. The AHU directs pressurized supply air through a supply air outlet into a cold aisle causing the supply air to pass through a first side of the IT component(s) installed in an interior of the volumetric container. A chimney of a return air plenum captures return air from a second side of the IT component(s), directing the return air to a return air duct of the return air plenum that is connected to a return air inlet of the AHU. In one or more embodiments, a second AHU is coupled to a second panel that is engaged to a second opening in a second side, directing pressurized supply air via a supply air plenum to the opposing first side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Dell Products, L.P.
    Inventors: Mark M. Bailey, Trey S. Wiederhold
  • Patent number: 11606883
    Abstract: A modular data center (MDC) includes a volumetric container comprising an enclosure having first and second exterior walls at a forward and an aft end, connected by lateral exterior walls. Information technology component(s) are positioned longitudinally within the container between a cold aisle and a hot aisle. An air handling system includes two or more air handling units (AHUs) each having a return air inlet and a supply air outlet. A supply air plenum directs cooling air flow from the supply air outlets to a supply air opening positioned adjacent to the cold aisle. Backflow prevention mechanisms are positioned respectively at each supply air outlet of the AHUs. Each backflow prevention mechanism is moveable into an open position to allow cooling air flow out of the supply air outlet of a corresponding AHU and a closed position in response to deactivation of an air mover of the corresponding AHU.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Dell Products, L.P.
    Inventors: Mark M. Bailey, Trey S. Wiederhold, Ty R. Schmitt
  • Patent number: 11602082
    Abstract: A data center provides containment walls of an operation technology (OT) interior compartment, such as a meet me room, positioned between cold and hot aisles in an information technology (IT compartment. The OT interior compartment limits air flow so that IT components outside of the OT interior compartment receive sufficient supply air for moderating or cooling a temperature of the IT components. Pressure differential is measured on an exterior and interior of door(s) to the OT interior compartment. Air flow regulation device(s) are positioned in a supply air passage to the OT interior compartment and/or in a return air passage out of the OT interior compartment are controlled to limit the pressure differential between an exterior and interior of the containment wall. Limiting the pressure differential ensures that door(s) facing the cold aisle are not difficult to open and door(s) facing the hot aisle are not difficult to close.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Dell Products, L.P.
    Inventors: Mark M. Bailey, Trey S. Wiederhold
  • Patent number: 11523536
    Abstract: An air filtration panel is used in an information handling system (IHS) rack within a modular data center. The air filtration panel includes an air filter and a filter frame. The filter frame has a lateral width at least as wide as a transverse opening in a four-post rack. The four-post rack has left and right flanges respectively coupled to a pair of posts of the four-post rack. Each of the left and right flanges has vertically aligned holes. The filter frame includes a channel that receives and contains an outer edge of the air filter. The filter frame left and right surfaces each having fastener through-holes spaced to align with and mount to respective holes in the corresponding one of the left and right flanges of the four-post rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Dell Products, L.P.
    Inventors: Trey S. Wiederhold, Gerald P. Courtney, Anthony P. Middleton
  • Patent number: 11513572
    Abstract: An information handling system may include a direct-current power supply, a plurality of information handling resources configured to receive electrical energy from the direct-current power supply, a thermal control subsystem configured to regulate temperature within the information handling system, and a control subsystem configured to, when temperature proximate to at least one of the direct-current power supply and the plurality of information handling resources is outside of temperature specifications: isolate the direct-current power supply from a mains power source of the information handling system and deactivate the direct-current power supply to prevent delivery of electrical energy to the plurality of information handling resources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Mark M. Bailey, Trey S. Wiederhold, Colin Mahaffey, Tyler B. Duncan
  • Patent number: 11357134
    Abstract: A multiple mode cooling system circulates outside air through a data center to cool heat-generating information technology (IT) component(s). Based on outside and interior air temperature values and outside humidity value, a controller determines that outside air cooling poses a risk of damage to the heat-generating IT component(s) due to condensation or overheating. Controller also determines that compressor(s) of the cooling system have been inactive for less than a minimum off-time specified for maintaining service life of the compressor(s). In response, controller checks a cooling mode setting and, based on determining that a cooling mode setting indicates an optimization preference for avoiding the posed risk of damage to the heat-generating IT component(s) over compressor service life, the controller restarts the compressor(s) before expiration of the minimum off-time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Dell Products, L.P.
    Inventors: Trey S. Wiederhold, Tyler B. Duncan
  • Patent number: 11277943
    Abstract: A modular data center (MDC) has an air handling system that air cools a volumetric container and heat-generating equipment contained in externally attached equipment panels. Heat-generating information technology (IT) component(s) are positioned within the volumetric container with a cold aisle defined on one side and a hot aisle defined on another side of the IT component(s). The IT component(s) has air-cooling air passages that fluidly communicate between the cold and the hot aisles. A cooling unit pressurizes the cold aisle with supply air and draws return air from the hot aisle. The equipment panel(s) are externally attached to an exterior wall of the volumetric container. A supply air conduit directs supply air from the cold aisle into the equipment panel(s). A return air conduit directs air warmed by the heat-generating equipment inside the equipment panel into the hot aisle from the equipment panel(s) that receives the supply air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Dell Products, L.P.
    Inventors: Mark M. Bailey, Trey S. Wiederhold, Tyler B. Duncan, James S. Davis
  • Patent number: 11234345
    Abstract: A data center, an air handling system, and a method for installing equipment in a data center enable internal differential pressure relief within the data center. A volumetric container has mounting location(s) for heat generating information technology (IT) component(s) positioned within the volumetric container. A cold aisle on one side and a hot aisle on another side of the IT component(s) that have air passages for air cooling. A cooling unit is coupled to the volumetric container to pressurize the cold aisle with supply air and draws return air from the hot aisle. An air barrier is attached across an air passage between the cold and the hot aisles. A differential pressure relief mechanism is attached to the air barrier. The differential pressure relief mechanism is configured to open in responses to an air pressure difference across the differential pressure relief mechanism exceeding a pressure threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Dell Products, L.P.
    Inventors: Trey S. Wiederhold, Anthony P. Middleton, Tyler B. Duncan
  • Publication number: 20220019272
    Abstract: An information handling system may include a direct-current power supply, a plurality of information handling resources configured to receive electrical energy from the direct-current power supply, a thermal control subsystem configured to regulate temperature within the information handling system, and a control subsystem configured to, when temperature proximate to at least one of the direct-current power supply and the plurality of information handling resources is outside of temperature specifications: isolate the direct-current power supply from a mains power source of the information handling system and deactivate the direct-current power supply to prevent delivery of electrical energy to the plurality of information handling resources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2020
    Publication date: January 20, 2022
    Applicant: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Mark M. BAILEY, Trey S. WIEDERHOLD, Colin MAHAFFEY, Tyler B. DUNCAN
  • Publication number: 20210219460
    Abstract: A data center provides containment walls of an operation technology (OT) interior compartment, such as a meet me room, positioned between cold and hot aisles in an information technology (IT compartment. The OT interior compartment limits air flow so that IT components outside of the OT interior compartment receive sufficient supply air for moderating or cooling a temperature of the IT components. Pressure differential is measured on an exterior and interior of door(s) to the OT interior compartment. Air flow regulation device(s) are positioned in a supply air passage to the OT interior compartment and/or in a return air passage out of the OT interior compartment are controlled to limit the pressure differential between an exterior and interior of the containment wall. Limiting the pressure differential ensures that door(s) facing the cold aisle are not difficult to open and door(s) facing the hot aisle are not difficult to close.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2020
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Inventors: MARK M. BAILEY, TREY S. WIEDERHOLD
  • Publication number: 20210219461
    Abstract: A modular data center has an air handling unit (AHU) that is coupled to a first panel that is engaged over a first opening in a volumetric container. The AHU directs pressurized supply air through a supply air outlet into a cold aisle causing the supply air to pass through a first side of the IT component(s) installed in an interior of the volumetric container. A chimney of a return air plenum captures return air from a second side of the IT component(s), directing the return air to a return air duct of the return air plenum that is connected to a return air inlet of the AHU. In one or more embodiments, a second AHU is coupled to a second panel that is engaged to a second opening in a second side, directing pressurized supply air via a supply air plenum to the opposing first side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2020
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Inventors: MARK M. BAILEY, TREY S. WIEDERHOLD
  • Publication number: 20210204448
    Abstract: A multiple mode cooling system circulates outside air through a data center to cool heat-generating information technology (IT) component(s). Based on outside and interior air temperature values and outside humidity value, a controller determines that outside air cooling poses a risk of damage to the heat-generating IT component(s) due to condensation or overheating. Controller also determines that compressor(s) of the cooling system have been inactive for less than a minimum off-time specified for maintaining service life of the compressor(s). In response, controller checks a cooling mode setting and, based on determining that a cooling mode setting indicates an optimization preference for avoiding the posed risk of damage to the heat-generating IT component(s) over compressor service life, the controller restarts the compressor(s) before expiration of the minimum off-time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2019
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    Inventors: TREY S. WIEDERHOLD, TYLER B. DUNCAN
  • Publication number: 20210195791
    Abstract: An air filtration panel is used in an information handling system (IHS) rack within a modular data center. The air filtration panel includes an air filter and a filter frame. The filter frame has a lateral width at least as wide as a transverse opening in a four-post rack. The four-post rack has left and right flanges respectively coupled to a pair of posts of the four-post rack. Each of the left and right flanges has vertically aligned holes. The filter frame includes a channel that receives and contains an outer edge of the air filter. The filter frame left and right surfaces each having fastener through-holes spaced to align with and mount to respective holes in the corresponding one of the left and right flanges of the four-post rack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Inventors: TREY S. WIEDERHOLD, GERALD P. COURTNEY, ANTHONY P. MIDDLETON
  • Patent number: 11039551
    Abstract: A data center regulates supply air provided to multiple compartments including an information technology (IT) compartment having a cold aisle and a hot aisle and an operation technology (OT) compartment. An environmental subsystem of the data center includes an air handling system that provides supply air to the cold aisle and that draws return air from the hot aisle to moderate or cool a temperature of IT component(s) that may be installed within the IT compartment. Airflow regulation device(s) are positioned in at least one of (i) a supply air passage that guides a portion of the supply air in the cold aisle of the IT compartment into the OT compartment to moderate or cool a temperature of OT component(s) that may be installed within the OT compartment and/or (ii) a return air passage that guides air from the OT compartment(s) to the hot aisle of the IT compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Dell Products, L.P.
    Inventors: Mark M. Bailey, Trey S. Wiederhold, Ty R. Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20210153389
    Abstract: A modular data center (MDC) has an air handling system that air cools a volumetric container and heat-generating equipment contained in externally attached equipment panels. Heat-generating information technology (IT) component(s) are positioned within the volumetric container with a cold aisle defined on one side and a hot aisle defined on another side of the IT component(s). The IT component(s) has air-cooling air passages that fluidly communicate between the cold and the hot aisles. A cooling unit pressurizes the cold aisle with supply air and draws return air from the hot aisle. The equipment panel(s) are externally attached to an exterior wall of the volumetric container. A supply air conduit directs supply air from the cold aisle into the equipment panel(s). A return air conduit directs air warmed by the heat-generating equipment inside the equipment panel into the hot aisle from the equipment panel(s) that receives the supply air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Publication date: May 20, 2021
    Inventors: MARK M. BAILEY, TREY S. WIEDERHOLD, TYLER B. DUNCAN, JAMES S. DAVIS
  • Publication number: 20210153388
    Abstract: A data center, an air handling system, and a method for installing equipment in a data center enable internal differential pressure relief within the data center. A volumetric container has mounting location(s) for heat generating information technology (IT) component(s) positioned within the volumetric container. A cold aisle on one side and a hot aisle on another side of the IT component(s) that have air passages for air cooling. A cooling unit is coupled to the volumetric container to pressurize the cold aisle with supply air and draws return air from the hot aisle. An air barrier is attached across an air passage between the cold and the hot aisles. A differential pressure relief mechanism is attached to the air barrier. The differential pressure relief mechanism is configured to open in responses to an air pressure difference across the differential pressure relief mechanism exceeding a pressure threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Publication date: May 20, 2021
    Inventors: TREY S. WIEDERHOLD, ANTHONY P. MIDDLETON, TYLER B. DUNCAN
  • Patent number: 11006551
    Abstract: A modular data center (MDC) includes an air handling system having air handling unit(s) (AHU(s)) with return air inlet and supply air outlet that are vertically spaced. An air redirection structure includes a return air plenum that is in fluid communication with and vertically aligned to the return air inlet of the AHU(s). The return air plenum directs return air from a return air opening of the first air redirection structure to the AHU(s). The return air opening is positioned adjacent to a hot aisle of a volumetric container of the MDC. A supply air plenum is in fluid communication with and vertically aligned to the supply air outlet of the AHU(s). The supply air plenum directs supply air from the AHU(s) to a supply air opening of the first air redirection structure. The supply air opening is positioned to provide supply air to the cold aisle of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Dell Products, L.P.
    Inventors: Mark M. Bailey, Trey S. Wiederhold
  • Publication number: 20210068306
    Abstract: A modular data center (MDC) includes an air handling system having air handling unit(s) (AHU(s)) with return air inlet and supply air outlet that are vertically spaced. An air redirection structure includes a return air plenum that is in fluid communication with and vertically aligned to the return air inlet of the AHU(s). The return air plenum directs return air from a return air opening of the first air redirection structure to the AHU(s). The return air opening is positioned adjacent to a hot aisle of a volumetric container of the MDC. A supply air plenum is in fluid communication with and vertically aligned to the supply air outlet of the AHU(s). The supply air plenum directs supply air from the AHU(s) to a supply air opening of the first air redirection structure. The supply air opening is positioned to provide supply air to the cold aisle of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Inventors: MARK M. BAILEY, TREY S. WIEDERHOLD
  • Publication number: 20210068307
    Abstract: A modular data center (MDC) includes a volumetric container comprising an enclosure having first and second exterior walls at a forward and an aft end, connected by lateral exterior walls. Information technology component(s) are positioned longitudinally within the container between a cold aisle and a hot aisle. An air handling system includes two or more air handling units (AHUs) each having a return air inlet and a supply air outlet. A supply air plenum directs cooling air flow from the supply air outlets to a supply air opening positioned adjacent to the cold aisle. Backflow prevention mechanisms are positioned respectively at each supply air outlet of the AHUs. Each backflow prevention mechanism is moveable into an open position to allow cooling air flow out of the supply air outlet of a corresponding AHU and a closed position in response to deactivation of an air mover of the corresponding AHU.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Inventors: MARK M. BAILEY, TREY S. WIEDERHOLD, TY R. SCHMITT
  • Patent number: 10925185
    Abstract: A modular data center (MDC) has a cooling unit externally positioned proximate to a first longitudinal external wall of a volumetric container. The cooling unit directs supply air sideways through a supply air opening into a cold aisle adjacent to the first longitudinal external wall. The cooling air passes through rack(s) containing information technology (IT) components to a hot aisle. A baffle positioned within the volumetric container above the rack(s) directs return air from the hot aisle through a return air plenum to a return air opening in the first longitudinal external wall. A shroud coupled to at least one of the volumetric container and the cooling unit receives the sideways directed return air and directs the return air downward into an upwardly open return air inlet of the cooling unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Dell Products, L.P.
    Inventors: Mark M. Bailey, Trey S. Wiederhold