Patent Publication Number: US-7895855-B2

Title: Closed data center containment system and associated methods

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/049,847 titled Totally Enclosed, Modular 2-6 Computer Rack Data Center (Named Data Center In A Row) Designed To Provide A Secure Environmentally Controlled Housing For Computers filed on May 2, 2008, and is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/434,257, titled Fire Suppression System And Associated Methods filed simultaneously herewith by the inventor of the present application, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the field of containment units for electronic components and, more particularly, to containment units for electronic components that are expandable and include fire suppression systems, and associated methods. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     As technology has increased in the recent past, and as the use of servers has become more prevalent, there has arisen a need to provide data centers for storing such electronic components. Such components give off a great deal of heat, and it is preferably to ensure that these electronic components do not overheat. The failure of a single electronic component, such as a network server, for example, may cause the shutdown of an entire business. Accordingly, it is desirable to ensure that these electronic components do not overheat. 
     In addition humidity control is generally required to reduce the likelihood of short circuiting and static electricity which can cause damage to the electronic components. As these computer systems have a direct bearing on the company&#39;s well being, fire detection, non-destructive fire suppression and reliable stable power are essential to ensure continuous operation and availability of these systems. A tier rating system has been developed to determine the level of reliability and availability of the support systems. Tier #1, for example, is the lowest level of reliability and Tier #4, for example, is the highest level of reliability. In order for a system to be rated at a Tier #4 level, the cooling systems must have two independent cooling systems and two power systems. Those skilled in the art understand this arrangement as 2N. An issue has, however, arisen regarding the power consumption required to support and operates these systems, and the desire to have a more energy efficient system, instead of the traditional approaches currently being utilized. 
     A traditional approach to addressing these requirements is use of an open architecture system. Such open architecture systems attempt to build a vapor sealed, sound proof and secure room for housing the electronic components. Once such a room has been constructed, then the addition of fire detection and suppression, environmental control systems and power distribution are added to provide the proper environment for the electronic components, as well as power to be supplied to all of the electronic components. Such construction, however, may be costly, and may not even be possible depending on the age of the building within which it is to be constructed. As computer systems continue to evolve, the construction costs to accommodate these changes may be extensive and repetitive. 
     U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2007/0030650 by Madara et al. discloses a cooling system and associated cabinet for electronic equipment and, optionally, a backup ventilation system for cooling related failures. The system disclosed in Madara et al. &#39;650 includes a high capacity closed loop refrigeration system in a modified cabinet, while accommodating standard sized computer equipment. Further, the system provides directed heat removal by altering typical airflow paths within the cabinet. The backup ventilation system is powered by auxiliary power in the case of power failure and uses the same fan for ventilation as is used for cooling. This system, however, may be cumbersome in that it may require at least three portions to be operational, i.e., a first portion to support the equipment, a second portion to enclose a portion of the refrigeration system, and a third portion to enclose a condenser. This system discharges warmed air into the room in which it is positioned requiring additional cooling equipment to remove the warm air from the room within which it is positioned. Further, a system such as disclosed in Madara et al. &#39;605 is not expandable to accommodate additional electronic components. The system also fails to provide fire protection and suppression to extinguish a fire within a containment area, and has limited space available for electronic equipment to be stored therein. The Madara et al. &#39;605 system also requires engaging in a lengthy procedure to service the system with the doors open. Such a system is typically limited to a Tier #3 rating, as discussed above, as it is not capable of providing two independent cooling systems. 
     U.S. Published Patent Application No. 20040132398 by Sharp et al. discloses an integrated, stand-alone cabinet or group of cabinets for supporting electronic equipment. The cabinet contains a liquid cooling system, an airflow distribution device, a fire suppression system, an uninterruptible power supply system, a power quality management system, a cabinet remote monitoring and control system, a remote control and management system for the electronic equipment contained within the cabinets, an EMC/RFI/EMI containment and filter system, and an acoustic noise control system. The Sharp et al. &#39;398 system, however, is limited to chilled water systems and may not meet fire suppression codes. Additionally, this detection system does not provide shutdown controls for the cooling and/or uninterruptible power systems as required by local fire codes. The Sharp et al. &#39;398 system also fails to provide an interface to the building fire system as required by most fire codes. This system is also dependent on an external building chilled water supply and does not provide secondary backup ventilation. Without such backup ventilation, the internal temperature may rise rapidly resulting in computer shutdown due to excessively high temperatures within the containment area. Service of the cooling systems may require shutdown of the respective computer equipment within the containment area. This system also is typically limited to a Tier #3 rating, as discussed above, as it is not capable of providing two independent cooling systems. 
     Accordingly, improvement is needed to containment systems for containing electronic components. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     With the foregoing in mind, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a self contained containment system having a containment area to contain and cool electronic components. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a containment system that controls environmental conditions within a containment area. It is further an object of the present invention to provide an integrated power system for a containment system. It is still further an object of the present invention to provide a containment system that is operational during a power failure. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a containment system that is easily and economically expandable. 
     These and other objects, features and advantages according to the present invention are provided by a containment system comprising a control unit and at least one containment unit in communication with the control unit. The control unit may include a cooling system and at least one control panel in communication with the cooling system. The containment unit may be used to contain a plurality of electronic components and may include a base including at least one damper, a plurality of sidewalls extending upwardly from the base and a top overlying the base and having at least one passageway formed therein. 
     The base, the plurality of sidewalls and the top of the containment unit may define a containment area therebetween. Cooled air may be passed from the cooling system to the base of the containment unit, through the at least one damper and into the containment area. Warm air may be removed from the containment area through the passageway formed in the top and may be sent back to the cooling system. The warm air removed from the containment area may then be cooled by the cooling system. Warm air emitted from the cooling system may be removed from the control unit and remotely cooled. 
     The control panel is in communication with a global communications network and may include a wireless transceiver for wirelessly receiving and transmitting signals relating to conditions within the containment area. Accordingly, the containment system may advantageously provide remote monitoring of electronic components carried within the containment area, and may also provide for remote monitoring of conditions within the containment area. 
     The damper may be adjustable to adjust a volume of cooled air passed from the cooling system and into the containment area. Accordingly, the containment system advantageously provides for a pro per amount of cooling depending upon conditions within the containment area, thereby enhancing energy efficiency. The containment unit is adapted to be connected to additional containment units advantageously making the containment system readily expandable without the need for significant reconfiguration. 
     The cooled air may be directed towards a rear portion of the containment area of the containment unit. This advantageously ensures that cooled air is directed to the generally warmest parts of the electronic components, and also decreases cool air loss that may occur when a front door portion of the sidewalls of the containment unit is opened. The top of the containment unit may include a duct in communication with the control unit to direct warm air from the containment area of the containment unit to the cooling system. The containment system may include an exhaust fan carried by the top of the containment unit and in communication with the control panel. The exhaust fan may be operational between an activated position and a deactivated position. More particularly, the exhaust fan may be operated in the activated position if the cooling system fails. This advantageously provides backup cooling within the containment area in the case of a failure of the cooling system. 
     The containment system may also include an environmental control system carried by the control unit and in communication with the control panel. An environmental sensor may be carried by the containment unit and be positioned in communication with the environmental control system. The environmental control system is operational between a humidifying position and a dehumidifying position to control humidity in the containment unit responsive to a reading received from the environmental sensor. Accordingly, the containment system may include a humidifier and/or a dehumidifier to control humidity in the containment area of the containment unit responsive to the reading received from the at least one environmental sensor. Therefore, the containment system advantageously allows for environmental conditions within the containment area to be monitored and controlled without the need to activate the cooling system, if not necessary, thereby also enhancing the energy efficiency of the containment system. 
     The control unit may be adapted to be connected to an external power source, allowing the control unit to provide power to the containment unit. Accordingly, the containment system is advantageously self contained in that additional power sources are not required to power either the containment unit or the electronic components carried by the containment unit. The containment system may also include a backup power source carried by the control unit and in communication with the control panel. This advantageously ensures that each of the control unit, the control panel and the containment unit remain powered in the event of a power interruption. 
     The containment system may further include a temperature sensor carried by the containment unit and in communication with the control panel. The control panel may monitor the temperature within the containment area of the containment unit. The containment unit may be divided into a plurality of containment zones, and the control panel may individually monitors the temperature in each of the plurality of containment zones. Accordingly, the containment system advantageously provides enhanced monitoring to ensure that electronic components carried in the containment area are being maintained within desired temperature ranges. 
     A method aspect of the present invention is for using a containment system. The method may include connecting a first containment unit to a control unit. The method may also include connecting additional containment units to the first containment unit in series so that each additional containment unit is positioned in communication with the control unit. The method may further include passing cooled air from the cooling system to the base of each of the plurality of containment units through the damper and into the containment area of each of the plurality of containment units. The method may still further include removing warmed air from the containment area of each of the plurality of containment units through the passageway formed in the top of the containment unit, and cooling the warm air removed from the containment area using the cooling system. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a containment system according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of a plurality of containment system according to the present invention including a plurality of containment units connected to a control unit. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of one of the containment units illustrated in  FIG. 2  showing a damper in the containment unit in a closed position. 
         FIG. 3A  is a detail view of the damper of the containment unit illustrated in  FIG. 3  being positioned between the closed position and an opened position. 
         FIG. 3B  is a detail view of the damper of the containment unit illustrated in  FIG. 3  being positioned in the opened position. 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic perspective view of the containment system according to the present invention showing air flow therethrough. 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic perspective view of the cooling system for a containment system according to the present invention being connected to a remote air condenser. 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic perspective view of the cooling system for a containment system according to the present invention being connected to a chilled water tank. 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic perspective view of the cooling system for a containment system according to the present invention being connected to a glycol cooling system. 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic view of the cooling system for a containment system according to the present invention being connected to a remote chilled water system. 
         FIGS. 9A-9C  are perspective views of varying configurations of the containment system according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic view of a control unit according to the present invention including a fire suppression system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these, embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. 
     Referring now to the appended figures a containment system  20  and a fire suppression system  80  according to the present invention are now described in greater detail. More specifically, the containment system  20  includes a control unit  22  and at least one containment unit  30 . The containment system  20  according to the present invention is advantageously expandable as illustrated, for example, in  FIG. 2 . In other words, the containment system  20  according to the present invention may initially only include one containment unit  30 , but additional containment units may be connected to the first containment unit as needed by the user without the need for significant reconfiguration of the containment system. 
     The control unit  22  includes a cooling system  24 , and a control panel  26  in communication with the cooling system. The control panel  26  is used to control the cooling system  24 , as understood by those skilled in the art. Additional details of the control panel  26  are provided below. Each containment unit  30  is in communication with the control unit  22  and is adapted to contain a plurality of electronic components. The electronic components, may, for example, be computer electronics such as servers, routers, telecommunication devices, or other networking devices as understood by those skilled in the art. Each containment unit  30  may include a base  32  having a damper  34  formed therein. As illustrated, for example, in  FIGS. 3 ,  3 A, and  3 B, the damper  34  is carried by the base  32  to allow air to flow within the containment unit  30 . The damper  34  illustrated in  FIG. 3A  is illustrated as being positioned between the opened and closed positions, i.e., in a semi-opened position. The damper  334  illustrated in  FIG. 3B  is illustrated as being positioned in a fully opened position. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the damper  34  may be positioned anywhere between the opened and closed positions depending upon the amount of cooled air is needed to be introduced into the containment area  46 . Additional details of airflow within the containment unit  30  are provided below. 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the control panel  26  may include several elements. For example, the control panel  26  preferably includes a thermostat positioned within the control unit  22 . As will be discussed in greater detail below, the thermostat within the control unit  22  may be used to monitor the temperature of the air throughout any portion of the containment system  20 . The control panel  26  may also include a power distribution panel. As will also be discussed in greater detail below, the power distribution panel may advantageously be connected to an external power source  64  to provide power throughout the containment system  20 . More specifically, the power distribution panel may, for example, be in communication with each of the containment units  30  to provide power thereto, and to also provide power to each of the electronic components within the containment area  46 . 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the thermostat and the power distribution panel of the control panel  26  may be provided in combination or as separate and distinct units. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the thermostat and the power distribution panel may be positioned in communication with one another. More specifically, the thermostat is preferably powered by the power distribution panel. Generally speaking, anything requiring power within the containment system  20  according to the present invention is preferably connected to the power distribution panel. This advantageously allows power distribution within the containment system  20  according to the present invention to be centralized. This also advantageously eliminates any need for multiple power sources to be connected to the containment system. Accordingly, each containment unit  30  may be powered by connection to the power distribution panel. The power distribution panel may also provide power throughout each of the containment units  30  to advantageously provide power to any electronic component carried therein. 
     Each containment unit  30  also includes a plurality of sidewalls  36  extending upwardly from the base  32 , and a top  42  overlying the base  32 , preferably resting on the top portion of the sidewalls  36 . More specifically, the top  42  is preferably mechanically connected to a top portion of the sidewalls  36  of the containment unit  30 . The top  42  of the containment unit  30  illustratively includes a passageway  44  formed therein. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the passageway is adapted to receive warmed air from the containment area  30  to be transported back to the control unit  32 . 
     The base  32 , sidewalls  36  and the top  42  of the containment unit  30  define a containment area  46  therebetween. Accordingly, the electronic components are preferably carried by the containment unit  30  within the containment area  46 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the containment area  46  may be divided into a plurality of containment zones  70 A,  70 B,  70 C,  70 D. These containment zones  70 A,  70 B,  70 C,  70 D may be defined by racks within the containment area  46 . Racks within the containment area  46  may, for example, be provided by shelving units, or other known dividers for carrying the electronic components within the containment area. The containment unit  30  is preferably thermally insulated. 
     As illustrated, for example, in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a front portion of each of the containment units  30  may include a door  38  formed therein. In other words, one of the sidewalls  36  of the containment unit  30  may be a door  38 , or may partially be a door. The door  38  in the containment unit  30  may, for example, be a hinged door that provides access to the containment area  46  and, more specifically, to the electronic components carried within the containment area. The door  38  of the containment unit  30  may include a glass panel  40  to advantageously provide visibility into the containment area  46  of each of the containment units. Similar to each of the containment units  30 , the control unit  22  may also include a front portion comprising a door  28 . The door  28  of the control unit  22  may also be hinged and may also include glass panels formed therein to allow for visibility within the control unit. 
     Cooled air is preferably passed from the cooling system  24  to the base  32  of each of the containment units  30  and through the damper  34  formed in the base to be introduced into the containment area  46 . The cooled air advantageously reduces, or counteracts, heat build up within the containment area  46  caused by heat emitted from the electronic components. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the electronic components emit a great amount of heat, and require cooling to run efficiently and to prevent over heating. Accordingly, the cooled air passed from the cooling system  24  and into the containment area  46  advantageously addresses these problems. 
     Warm air is removed from the containment area  46  through the passageway  44  formed in the top  42  of the containment unit  30 . As perhaps best illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the warmed air is then transported back to the control unit  22  and, more specifically, to the cooling system  24  to again be cooled and reintroduced to the containment area  46  to cool the electronic components stored therein. This configuration advantageously allows the containment system  20  to be self contained, thereby preventing any warm air generated by the electronic components from being emitted into the room within which the containment system is housed. Further, this advantageously allows the containment system  20  according to the present invention to be positioned in any room within any structure without the need to structurally modify the room, i.e., without the need to add extra cooling systems to the room, sealing the room or adding sound-proofing material to the room. 
     The control panel  26  may be positioned in communication with the electronic components contained in the containment area  46 . This advantageously allows the control panel  26  to be used to monitor the electronic components stored in the containment area  46 . This configuration also advantageously provides power to each of the containment units  30  so that containment system  20  according to the present invention is truly self contained, i.e., there is no need for each containment unit to be connected to another power source. Instead, and as perhaps best illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the control unit  22  includes a power supply to supply a power to each of the containment units  30 . This power supply may also be used to provide power to each of the electronic components stored in the containment area  46  of each of the containment units. 
     The control panel  26  of the control unit  22  is advantageously positioned in communication with a global communications network  48 . Accordingly, a user may access the control panel  26  of the containment system  20  via the Internet, for example, to monitor conditions within the containment area  46  and, more specifically, to monitor each of the electronic components carried within the containment area. Further, the control panel  26  may include a wireless transceiver  50 . The wireless transceiver  50  advantageously allows the control panel  26  to be positioned in wireless communication with the global communications network  48 . 
     The present invention advantageously contemplates that the control panel  26  may transmit signals relating to conditions within the containment area  46 , and may also transmit signals relating to the conditions of each of the electronic components stored within the containment area. These signals may be adapted to be received by any number of devices. For example, the signals may be transmitted to a server which, in turn, compiles data relating to the signals. A user may then access the server to monitor the data relating to conditions within the containment area  46 , as well as conditions relating to the electronic components stored within the containment area. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the signals may be used to run an application that may provide alert indications to a user via any number of mobile devices, i.e., a cell phone. The present invention also contemplates the capability of the wireless signal transmitted by the control panel  26  being used to generate an electronic message, i.e., an e-mail, to a user regarding conditions within the containment area  46  and/or conditions relating to the electronic components carried within the containment area. The electronic message transmitted to the user may provide an update to the status of the containment system  20  within a predetermined time range, i.e., transmit a message relating to the status of the containment system every hour, or may be set to provide a notification to a user if a particular reading within the containment system  20  is outside of a predetermined range. The present invention further contemplates delivering such information in a text message to the user, or even posting the information on a user&#39;s social networking page. 
     The containment system  20  according to the present invention also contemplates the use of the wireless transceiver  50  carried by the control panel  26  to wirelessly communicate with the electronic components carried within the containment area  46 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this requires the electronic components to include a wireless transceiver. The wireless transceivers may, for example, be provided by radio frequency transceivers, as understood by those skilled in the art. 
     As perhaps best illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 3A , the damper  34  in the base  32  of each containment unit  30  may be movable between open and closed positions. More specifically, the damper  34  may be used to adjust the volume of cooled air passed from the cooling system  24  into the containment area  46 . The damper  34  illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 3A  uses a lever to be moved between the open and closed positions. Although a manually operated damper  34  is illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 3A , the containment system  20  according to the present invention contemplates the use of automatic dampers. More specifically, the containment system  20  according to the present invention may use automatic dampers positioned in communication with the control panel  26  that are movable between the open position and the closed position to adjust the volume of cool air passed from the cooling system  24  into the containment area  46  of each containment unit  30  based on signals received from the control panel  26 . In other words, the control panel  26  may monitor the temperature within the containment system and send signals to the damper  34  to be moved between the opened and closed positions depending on the sensed temperature. Temperature monitoring within the containment area  46  will be discussed in greater detail below. 
     As perhaps best illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the containment system  20  according to the present invention is advantageously expandable. More specifically, a base containment system  20  may include a control unit  22  and one containment unit  30 . The user may initially purchase, for example, a single containment unit  30  based on the user&#39;s electronic component storage needs at the time of purchase. Over a period of time, however, it may be necessary for the user to obtain additional electronic component storage space. Accordingly, an additional containment unit  30  may advantageously be connected to the containment system  20  without the need to add any additional control units  22 . In other words, additional containment units  30  may still be supported by the cooling system  24  and the control panel  26  carried within the control unit  22 . This advantageously eliminates additional costs associated with adding more cooling capacity, for example, when an additional containment unit  30  is added to the containment system  20 . 
     Additional containment units  30  are preferably mechanically connected to existing containment units. Further, and with reference to  FIG. 4 , when additional containment units  30  are added to the containment system  20 , it is preferable that duct work in the bases  32  of the containment units  30  leading to the dampers  34  in the bases are aligned with one another so that the cooled air from the cooling system  24  may be continuously passed through all of the containment units  30 . Similarly, it is preferable that ducts  52  in the tops  42  of each of the containment units  30  are also aligned to provide a continuous duct so that as warm air is passed from within the containment area  46  through the passageway  44  in the top of each containment unit, the warm air may be continuously transported back to the cooling system  24  to be cooled and reintroduced into the containment units  30  via the dampers  34  in the bases  32  of each containment unit  30 . 
     When cooled air is introduced into the containment area  46  via the damper  34  in the base  32  of each containment unit  30 , it is preferable that the cooled air is directed towards a rear portion of the containment area, as this advantageously directs the cooled air towards the warmest part of each of the electronic components. More specifically, heat is generally emitted adjacent a rear portion of the electronic components. Accordingly, the cooled air being directed to the rear portion of each of the containment units  30  advantageously allows the cooled air to be directed towards the warmest portions of the electronic components. 
     As mentioned above, the top  42  of each of the containment units  30  illustratively includes a passageway  44  formed therein. The passageway  44  leads to a duct  52  in the top  42  of each of the containment units  30 . The duct  52  is illustratively positioned in communication with the control unit  22  so that the warm air generated by heat emission from the electronic components may be removed from within the containment area  46  into the duct and back to the cooling system  24  of the control unit. 
     As also illustrated in  FIG. 4 , each of the containment units  30  may also include an exhaust fan  54 . The exhaust fan is in communication with the control panel  26  of the containment system. The exhaust fan  54  is preferably used as a backup in an instance when the cooling system  24  fails. More specifically, the exhaust fan  54  is operational between an activated position and a deactivated position. Accordingly, if the cooling system  24  fails, the control panel  26  may transmit a signal to activate each of the exhaust fans  54 . Activation of the exhaust fan  54  from the deactivated position to the activated position advantageously removes warm air generated by heat emitted from the electronic components from the containment area  46 . 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the exhaust fans  54  are only to be used in the rare instance when there is a failure of the cooling system  24 . Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that it may be desirable to use the exhaust fans  54  as a supplement to the cooling system  24  when heat emission from the containment units  30  is not a factor. For example, if the containment unit is positioned in a spate that is not air conditioned, such as a warehouse, additional heat within the space may not be an issue and, accordingly, the user may desire to activate the exhaust fans  54  to remove warm air from the containment area. 
     Atmospheric dampers  55  may be mounted on a front portion of each containment unit  30 . In the normal condition, these dampers  55  are closed maintaining a sealed environment within the containment unit  30 . In the event the cooling system  24  should fail, the exhaust fans  54  may be activated to draw room air through each containment unit through the atmospheric damper  55  to provide back up cooling. 
     In such a case, the exhaust fans  54  may be manually operated. The present invention contemplates, however, that the exhaust fans  54  are in communication with the control panel  26  to be automatically operated based on a signal received therefrom. Accordingly, the control panel  26  may sense a power failure and automatically operate the exhaust fans  54  in the activated position. Similarly, upon a restoration of the power, the control panel may send another signal to the exhaust fans  54  to operate the exhaust fans in a deactivated position. 
     Referring now additionally to  FIGS. 5 through 9 , additional aspects of the containment system  20  according to the present invention are now described in greater detail. The cooling system  24  within the control unit  22  emits cool air to be introduced into each of the containment systems  30  to cool the containment area  46 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the cooling system  24  within the control unit  22  emits heat during the cooling process. Accordingly, the cooling system  24  may be connected to a remotely located cooling unit  78  to cool the warm air emitted from the cooling system  24  of the containment system  20  according to the present invention. The remotely located cooling unit  78  may, for example, be a cooling unit carried by the structure within which the containment system  20  according to the present invention is positioned. Accordingly, the control unit  22  may be positioned in communication with the remotely located cooling unit  78 . It is preferable that the cooling system  24  in the control unit  22  of the containment system  20  is connected to an existing remotely located cooling unit  78 , but those skilled in the art will appreciate that a dedicated remotely located cooling unit may be installed to accommodate the cooling needs of the cooling system. 
     The warm air emitted from the cooling system  24  may be transported to any number of different types of cooling units  78 . For example, and as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the remotely located cooling system  78  may be provided by a remote air condenser  72 . As perhaps best illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the cooling system  24  may be connected to a chilled water tank  74  so that chilled water may be used by the remove the heat emitted from the cooling system  24  to reduce heat within the control unit  22 . As illustrated, for example, in  FIG. 7 , the containment system  20  may be connected to a glycol cooling system  76 . The glycol cooling system  76  may include a glycol pump  90 , an expansion tank  92 , and a remote fluid controller  94 . As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , for example, the cooling system  24  may be connected to a remote-chilled water system  96 . 
     Each of the above referenced remote cooling units  78  may be units that already exist to cool the structure within which the containment system  20  is located. Alternately, each of the above referenced remote cooling units  78  may be units dedicated to the containment system  20  to cool the warm air emitted by the cooling system  24  in the control unit  22 . The containment system  20  according to the present invention may advantageously be connected to any remote cooling unit  78  to cool heat emitted from the cooling system  24  and removed from the control unit  22 . Accordingly, the containment system  20  according to the present invention advantageously does not require any additional reconfiguration to be connected to any cooling unit  78  that may already be positioned in a structure where the containment system is to be positioned. This advantageously allows a user with a cost effective and efficient containment system  20  that may be readily installed in any structure. 
     As illustrated, for example, in  FIGS. 9A-9C , the containment system  20  according to the present invention may have many different configurations. For example, and with particular reference to  FIG. 9A , the containment system  20  may include the control unit  22  positioned in a medial portion thereof and have multiple containment units  30  positioned on either side of the control unit, and preferably in opposite directions. As illustrated, for example, in  FIG. 9B  the containment system  20  may include a plurality of control units  22  positioned in a medial portion thereof and have multiple containment units  30  positioned on either side of the containment unit. This configuration advantageously provides a 2N containment system  20 , meaning a containment system that includes at least two cooling systems  22  and two power distribution panels. 
     Accordingly, the containment system  20  illustrated in  FIG. 9B  advantageously provides a user with a Tier #4 type of system to accommodate many different needs. As illustrated, for example, in  FIG. 9C , the containment system  20  according to the present invention may include control units  22  positioned on either end thereof and having a plurality of containment units  30  connected therebetween. The illustrations shown in  FIGS. 9A-9C  are meant to be exemplary and not limiting. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the containment system  20  according to the present invention may be configured in any number of ways to meet any number of needs with respect to electronic equipment storage, cooling and fire protection. 
     Referring now additionally to  FIG. 10 , additional features of the containment system  20  are now described in greater detail. More specifically, and as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the containment system  20  includes an environmental control system  56  carried by the control unit  22 . The environmental control system is also positioned in communication with the control panel  26  and, more specifically, with the power distribution panel. Each of the containment units  30  may include an environmental sensor  58 . As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , a containment unit  30  may include a single environmental sensor  58  positioned anywhere within the containment area  46 , or may include a plurality of environmental sensors to be carried within the containment area so that environmental conditions within each containment zone  70 A,  70 B,  70 C,  70 D may be monitored. Each of the environmental sensors  58  are positioned in communication with the environmental control system  56 . The environmental sensors  58  operate to sense environmental conditions within the containment area  46 , and within each containment zone  70 A,  70 B,  70 C and  70 D. More particularly, the environmental sensors  58 ; preferably detect the amount of humidity within the containment area  46 . The environmental control system  56  is operational between a humidifying position and dehumidifying position to control humidity in each of the containment units  30  responsive to readings received from the environmental sensors  58 . 
     The containment system  20  according to the present invention may also include a humidifier  60  and/or a dehumidifier  62 . The humidifier  60  and the dehumidifier  62  are preferably carried by the control unit, and positioned in communication with the environmental control system  56  and with the power distribution panel. The humidifier  60  and dehumidifier  62  are operational to adjust the humidity within the containment area  46  responsive to the readings received from the environmental sensors  58  via the environmental control system  56 . For example, if the environmental sensors  58  sense an increased amount of humidity within the containment area  46 , a signal may be transmitted to the environmental control system  56  to activate the dehumidifier  62  to remove some of the humidity from within the containment area. Similarly, if the environmental sensors  58  sense excessive dryness within the containment area  46 , then a signal is sent to the environmental control system  56  to activate the humidifier  66  to increase humidity within the containment area. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that dry conditions within a containment area may lead to high static electricity and is not desirable. 
     The present invention contemplates that a containment system  20  may not necessarily include both a humidifier  60  and a dehumidifier  62 . This may depend on the geographical location where the containment system  20  is to be positioned. More specifically, if the containment system  20  is to be positioned in a geographical location that is subject to typically high humidity, e.g., Florida, then a humidifier  60  may not be necessary. 
     The containment system  20  according to the present invention contemplates that environmental sensors  58  may be individually monitored by the environmental control system  56 . Accordingly, it may be possible that an environmental sensor  58  positioned in a first containment unit  30  may sense that the containment area  46  is dry, while an environmental sensor located in a second containment unit  30  may sense that the conditions within the containment area are humid. Accordingly, upon receipt of these signals by the environmental control systems  56 , both the humidifier  66  and the dehumidifier  62  may be activated to provide humidity to the first containment unit  30  and remove-humidity from the second containment unit, for example. It is contemplated that this may occur simultaneously, or in series. 
     As also illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the containment system  20  may be connected to an external power source  64 . More specifically, connection to the external power source  64  may be as simple as connecting to an alternating current (AC) device, i.e., a traditional wall plug. Due to the amount of power that may be necessary to provide power to the power distribution panel of the control panel  26 , however, a hard wired connection to the structure&#39;s electrical system may be necessary. Connecting the containment system  20  to the external power source  64  advantageously provides power to the control unit  22  and, more particularly to the power distribution panel which, in turn, may provide power to each of the containment units  30 . The power distribution panel may also be used to provide power to each of the containment zones  70 A,  70 B,  70 C,  70 D within each of the containment units  30  to individually power each electronic component carried by each of the containment units. 
     The containment system  20  may also include a backup power source  66  carried by the control unit  22 . The backup power source  66  is preferably positioned in communication with the control panel  26  to provide backup power to the containment system in the event of a failure of the external power source  64 . The backup power source  66  may, for example, be provided by a battery. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the containment system  20  according to the present invention may be connected to a backup power system of a structure within which the containment system may be positioned. For example, it is not uncommon for a structure to include a backup power generator. The containment system  20  according to the present invention may, for example, be connected to the backup power generator to provide backup power in the case of a power failure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate, however, that the backup power generator will generally provide power throughout the structure which, in turn, will provide power to the containment system  20 , thereby eliminating the need for additional backup power. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the containment system  20  according to the present invention may also be connected to a dedicated backup power system, i.e., a dedicated backup power generator. 
     As also illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the containment system  20  according to the present invention illustratively includes a plurality of temperature sensors  68 . Each of the temperature sensors  68  is preferably positioned in communication with the control panel  26  of the control unit  22 . The temperature sensors  68  allow the control panel  26  to monitor the temperature within the containment area  46  of each of the containment units  30 . As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , a containment unit  30  may include a single temperature sensor  68  to monitor the temperature of the entire containment area  46 . Alternately, the containment unit  36  may include a plurality of temperature sensors  68 , each positioned to monitor the temperature within each containment zone  70 A,  70 B,  70 C,  70 D. 
     As discussed above, the control panel  26  may include a plurality of thermostats. The thermostats may include temperature sensors or may be positioned in communication with the temperature sensors  68 , or any combination thereof. More specifically, it is preferable that the thermostat monitors temperature readings of the air exiting each of the containment units  30 . This advantageously provides an indication directed to the heat within the containment area  46 . The present invention also contemplates that the thermostats may monitor the temperature of the air being introduced into the containment units  30 . This may be achieved by monitoring the temperature in any number of locations. For example, the temperature may be monitored as it is being emitted from the cooling system  24 , or may be monitored as it is being passed through the damper  34  into the containment area  46 . The thermostats of the containment system  20  according to the present invention advantageously allow for temperature monitoring throughout any portion of the containment system. 
     The thermostats of the control panel  26 , may be positioned in communication with the cooling system  24  to control the cooling system. More specifically, the cooling system  24  may be operated responsive to temperature readings monitored by the thermostats. Further, the dampers  34  in the base  32  of each containment unit  30  may be automatically controlled responsive to the thermostat. 
     The temperature readings by the temperature sensors  68  are preferably transmitted to the control panel  26  within the control unit  22 . The cooling system  24  is communication with the control panel  26  to be operational based on temperature readings received by the control panel from the temperature sensors  68 . Accordingly, the cooling system  24  may be operated automatically responsive to the temperature readings received from the temperature sensors  68 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the cooling system  24  may also be manually operated, or remotely operated. The containment system  20  according to the present invention also contemplates that the cooling system may be remotely operated by a user via the global communications network  48 . The present invention also advantageously contemplates an application that allows the user to remotely operate and monitor the containment unit  22 , and the temperature therein, using a mobile enabled device, such as an Internet ready phone, for example. 
     A method aspect of the present invention is for using a containment system  20 . The method may include connecting a first containment unit  30  to a control unit  22 . The method may also include connecting containment units  30  to the first containment unit in series so that each additional containment unit is positioned in communication with the control unit  22 . The method may further include passing cooled air from the cooling system  24  to the base  32  of each of the containment units  30  through the dampers  34  formed in each of the containment units. The method may still further include removing warmed air from the containment area  46  of each of the plurality of containment units  30  through the passageway  44  formed in the top  42  of each of the containment units. The method may still further include cooling the warmed air removed from the containment area  46  using the cooling system  24  of the control unit  22 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the containment system  20  according to the present invention may include a fire suppression system  80 . The fire suppression system  80  according to the present invention is especially advantageous for any closed environment. The fire suppression system  80  may include a fire panel  82  carried by the control unit  22 . Further, the fire panel  82  may be positioned in communication with the control panel  26  and, more specifically, with the power distribution panel. The fire suppression system  80  also includes a suppression agent containment device  84  carried by the control unit  22  and in communication with the fire panel  82 . The suppression agent containment device  84  is positioned in communication with the duct work in the base  32  of each of the containment units  30 . Accordingly, a suppression agent contained within the suppression agent containment device  84  may be discharged through the ducts in the base  32  of each of the containment units  30  responsive to a signal received from the fire panel  82 . Thereafter, the suppression agent is introduced into the containment area  46  via the damper  34  of the base  32  of each of the containment units  30 . 
     The temperature sensors  68  in communication with the control panel  26  are also advantageously positioned in communication with the fire panel  82 . Accordingly, the fire panel  82  may monitor temperatures within the containment areas  46  of each of the containment units  30 , and may transmit a signal to the suppression agent containment device  84  responsive to the temperature sensors sensing a temperature within the containment area  46  that fall within a predetermined range. In other words, the fire panel  82  may be programmed to send a signal to the suppression agent containment device  84  to discharge the suppression agent into the containment areas  46  if the temperature within the containment area reaches a predetermined temperature or is within a predetermined temperature range. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that although the containment area  46  is warm due to the discharge of heat from the electronic components stored therein, setting the fire panel to send the signal based on the predetermined temperature range may advantageously allow the system to differentiate between normal heat discharged by the electronic components and heat from a fire. 
     As also illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the fire suppression system  80  may include a plurality of air sensors  86  carried by each of the containment units  30  and in communication with the control panel  26 . The air sensors  86  are positioned in communication with the fire panel  82  via the control panel  26 . The air sensors  86  are adapted to sense the air within the containment area  46  and detect the presence of a combustible product within the containment area. Upon detecting the presence of a combustible product within the containment area, a signal may be sent to the fire panel  82  relating to the detection of the combustible material by the air sensors  86 . The fire panel  82  may transmit a signal to the suppression agent containment device  84  to discharge the suppression agent contained therein into the contained areas  46  of each of the containment units  30  responsive to the air sensors  86  detecting the presence of the combustible material. 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the fire suppression system  80  according to the present invention, advantageously allows for each of the containment units  30  to be individually monitored. For example, fire may be detected within a first one of the containment units  30  by either the temperature sensor  68  or the air sensor  86 , whereas the temperature sensor and air sensor in the remaining containment units may not detect any fire conditions. Accordingly, the fire panel  82  may send a signal to the suppression agent containment device  84  to release the suppression agent into the first one of the containment units  30 , but not in the remaining containment units. This may advantageously be achieved by closing the dampers  34  in the containment units  30  where fire conditions are not sensed. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the suppression agent containment device  84  may be manually operated by a user to discharge the suppression agent into the containment unit. It is preferable, however, that the suppression agent containment device  84  be automatically operated responsive to a signal received from the fire panel  82 . 
     As further illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the fire suppression system  80  may also include an alarm  88  carried by the control unit  22  and in communication with the fire panel  82 . The alarm  88  is operational between an activated position and a deactivated position. More specifically, the alarm  88  is operational responsive to the signal received from the fire panel. The alarm  88  may, for example, provide an audible indication, a visual indication, or both. 
     The fire suppression system  80  according to the present invention also contemplates that the alarm  88  is positioned in communication with the control panel  26  so that a signal may be transmitted to via the global communications network  48  that the alarm has been operated in the activated position. The suppression agent may be discharged from the suppression agent containment device  84  a predetermined time after the alarm  88  is positioned in the activated position responsive to the signal received from the fire panel  82 . Accordingly, a user may deactivate the fire suppression system  80 . This advantageously prevents an accidental discharge of the suppression agent into the containment area  46  if the alarm  88  is a false alarm. The fire suppression system  80  may also include an automatic override to allow a user to override a signal from the fire panel  82  to discharge the suppression agent into the containment units  30 . The override may be operated remotely, i.e., over a global communications network. 
     The fire suppression system  80  according to the present invention may also be positioned in communication with a fire suppression system of a structure within which the containment system  20  is positioned. More particularly, the fire panel  82  of the fire suppression system  80  may be positioned in communication with a counterpart fire panel of a structural fire suppression system. This advantageously allows the fire suppression system of the structure within which the containment system is housed to be responsive to a fire within the containment system. This is especially advantageous to provide fire protection to the structure for a fire incident that may occur within the containment system  20 . Since the containment system  20  is substantially insulated a fire suppression system in a structure may not sense a fire condition within the containment system  20  until the fire is large and possibly out of control. To address such a problem, the fire suppression system of the structure may receive a signal from the fire panel  82  relating to an indication of a fire condition within the containment system. 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the control panel  26  may also operate to record historical data of the containment system  20 . For example, the control panel  26  may record temperatures with the containment areas  46  of each of the containment units  30 . This may advantageously allow a user to monitor temperature trends over various periods of time, or with respect to various electronic components. This may also advantageously allow the user to monitor if the alarm  88  has ever been activated and, if so, how often it was activated. This may further advantageously allow the user to monitor the amount of cooling that is historically necessary when the containment system  20  according to the present invention is positioned in a particular geographical area, or a particular type of structure, for example. 
     The suppression agent may be exhausted from within the containment area  46  a predetermined time after the suppression agent is introduced into the containment area. More particularly, the suppression agent may be exhausted through the passageway  44  formed in the top  42  of each of the containment units  30 . The fire suppression system  80  according to the present invention contemplates that the exhaust fans  54  may be activated to evacuate the containment area  46  of the suppression agent after a predetermined amount of time. 
     The suppression agent is preferably non-conductive and/or non-corrosive. This advantageously allows a suppression agent to be used that allows for the electronic components being carried within the containment area  46  to be salvaged, if possible, in the case of a fire. It is preferable that the suppression agent is gaseous, but the fire suppression system  80  according to the present invention contemplates that the suppression agent may have any other form as well. 
     A method aspect of the present invention is for using a fire suppression system  80 . The method may include detecting a temperature within a containment area  46  of a containment unit  30  that falls within a predetermined range. The method may also include transmitting a signal relating to the detected temperature from the control panel  26  to the fire panel  82 . The method may further include operating an alarm  88  in one of an activated position and a deactivated position responsive to a signal relating to the detected temperature received from the fire panel  82 . The method may still further include discharging a suppression agent carried by the suppression agent containment device  84  within the containment area  46  through the damper  34  responsive to the signal received from the fire panel  82  a predetermined time after the alarm  88  is operated in the activated position responsive to the signal transmitted from the fire panel. 
     Another method aspect of the present invention is also for using a fire suppression system  80 . This method may include detecting a presence of a combustible product within a containment area  46  of a containment unit  30  that falls within a predetermined range. The method may also include transmitting a signal relating to the detection of a combustible material within the containment area  46  from the control panel  26  to the fire panel  82 . The method may further include operating an alarm  88  in one of an activated position and a deactivated position responsive to a signal relating to the presence of a combustible material within the containment area  46  received from the fire panel  82 . The method may still further include discharging a suppression agent carried by the suppression agent containment device  84  within the containment area  46  through the damper  34  responsive to the signal received from the fire panel  82  a predetermined time after the alarm  88  is operated in the activated position responsive to the signal transmitted from the fire panel. 
     Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.