Abstract:
An inverted exhaust plenum module exhausts air from an enclosure into an ambient environment while mitigating airflow restrictions caused by ambient wind conditions, particularly headwinds impinging on exhaust vents. The plenum module includes wall elements that extend downwards from separate edges of two separate roof elements of the enclosure, forming a plenum between the wall elements that is open at the top. Exhaust vents in the wall elements exhaust air from the enclosure into the plenum to circulate into the ambient environment via the top of the plenum. By exhausting air into a plenum that extends beneath roof elements, the vents are at least partially obscured from ambient winds that might otherwise impinge on the vents. A wing element can be installed to induce exhaust airflow via lowering air pressure at the top of the plenum. The plenum module can be a separate module that is coupled to a structure.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    Electronic components generate waste heat energy when in use. This heat energy should be removed to mitigate a potential for component overheating and subsequent malfunction. Computer systems typically include a number of such components, or waste heat sources, that include, but are not limited to, printed circuit boards, mass storage devices, power supplies, and processors. For example, one personal computer system may generate 100 watts to 150 watts of waste heat and some larger computers with multiple processors may generate 250 watts of waste heat. Some known computer systems include a plurality of such larger, multiple-processor computers that are configured into rack-mounted components, and then are subsequently positioned within a rack computing system. Some known rack computing systems include 40 such rack-mounted components and such rack computing systems will therefore generate as much as 10 kilowatts of waste heat. Moreover, some known data centers include a plurality of such rack computing systems. 
         [0002]    Various structures with waste heat sources often include methods and apparatuses configured to facilitate waste heat removal from some part of the structure. Where a structure includes an enclosure in which waste heat sources are located, the methods and apparatuses may be configured to facilitate waste heat removal from the waste heat sources the enclosure, or some combination thereof. For example, a data center may include methods and apparatuses may be configured to facilitate waste heat removal from a plurality of rack computing systems. 
         [0003]    Some waste heat removal systems remove waste heat from data centers by transferring waste heat to flows of air (“exhaust air”), which are then used to transport the waste heat to an environment external to the data center. Such an environment can include an ambient environment. 
         [0004]    Waste heat removal systems often use mechanical systems that use moving parts to facilitate waste heat removal from the data centers. For example, some waste heat removal systems in some data centers may utilize air moving devices, including blowers, fans, or the like, to induce one or more flows of air, including exhaust air, to transport waste heat out of the data center. Such systems usually consume electricity and may themselves generate waste heat, further increasing the amount of waste heat that must be removed from the data center and necessitating the mechanical systems to be enlarged to handle the greater waste heat load. Some waste heat removal systems do not use air moving devices to remove waste heat from a data center, and may use a pressure gradient towards the ambient environment from the data center enclosure to induce exhaust airflow out of the data center and into the ambient environment. 
         [0005]    Environmental conditions of an ambient environment may be non-uniform and may fluctuate with minimal warning, even at a given location. Aside from the significant changes in temperature and humidity that can occur with the change of seasons, environmental quality of the ambient environment may vary due to a myriad of external factors. Such variation in environmental conditions can create challenges in removing waste heat from an enclosure that has waste heat sources to the ambient environment. For example, precipitation, including rain, snow, ice, hail, and the like, smoke, smog, particulate matter, and airborne by-products of industrial and/or agricultural activities can all affect usability of outside air as a reservoir for air carrying waste heat and can further enter the data center through pathways normally used to expel waste heat into the ambient environment and may contaminate or damage various systems in the data center. 
         [0006]    In some cases, environmental conditions of an ambient environment can cause exhaust air flow from a data center to be at least partially restricted by reducing the surface area of exhaust vents that is available to discharge exhaust air from the data center enclosure. For example, ambient air flow in the ambient environment, including ambient headwinds, may impinge on one or more exhaust vents used to discharge exhaust air from the enclosure. 
         [0007]    In some cases, where a waste heat removal system in the data center induces an exhaust airflow into the ambient environment is induced by air moving devices, an impinging headwind can result in reduced exhaust airflow for a given amount of power supplied to the air moving devices, thereby making the vent being impinged by the headwind less suitable for exhaust air discharge. While the air moving devices may be supplied additional power to overcome the impinging headwind, such an additional use of power may be considered to be a waste of resources. 
         [0008]    In some cases, where a waste heat removal system in the data center includes a passive exhaust system, and exhaust air is discharged from the vents into the ambient environment via a pressure gradient towards the ambient environment across the vents, an impinging headwind can eliminate or reverse the pressure gradient, thereby making the surface area of the vent being impinged by the headwind unavailable for discharging exhaust air. 
         [0009]    As a result, the ability of a waste heat removal system to discharge exhaust air from the data center, and thus remove waste heat from same, may be at least partially restricted by headwinds impinging on at least a portion of one or more exhaust vents. Such restriction can lead to excess waste heat buildup in the data center enclosure, which can lead to thermal damage risks for heat-sensitive equipment and safety risks for operators in the data center. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional schematic view of a data center that includes an exhaust plenum module according to some embodiments. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional schematic view of a data center that includes an inverted exhaust plenum module according to some embodiments. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional schematic view of a data center structure that includes an inverted exhaust plenum module according to some embodiments. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional schematic view of a data center structure that includes an inverted exhaust plenum module according to some embodiments. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of a data center structure that includes an inverted exhaust plenum module and flat roof elements according to some embodiments. 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of a data center structure that includes an inverted exhaust plenum module with curved wall elements and angled roof elements according to some embodiments. 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a perspective schematic view of a portion of a data center structure and a separate exhaust plenum module that can be coupled to an exhaust outlet of the data center structure according to some embodiments. 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional schematic view of an exhaust vent that includes a set of louvers according to some embodiments. 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is a perspective schematic view of a portion of an exhaust plenum module wall element including a portal and a removable partition, exhaust vent, and air moving device array that can be coupled with the portal according to some embodiments. 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of a data center structure that includes an inverted exhaust plenum module and a wing element according to some embodiments. 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of a data center structure that includes an inverted exhaust plenum module and an air directing element coupled to a roof element according to some embodiments. 
           [0021]      FIG. 12  illustrates configuring an enclosure to provide headwind-resistant air discharge into an ambient environment according to some embodiments. 
       
    
    
       [0022]    The various embodiments described herein are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms. Specific embodiments are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word “may” is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include,” “including,” and “includes” mean including, but not limited to. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0023]    Various embodiments of an inverted exhaust plenum module are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a data center structure includes an enclosure in which one or more computer systems are installed, and which discharge exhaust air into the enclosure, and an inverted exhaust plenum module that discharges exhaust air from the enclosure into an ambient environment without restriction by ambient air flows. The inverted exhaust plenum module includes at least two angled roof elements that bound a top end of the enclosure and are each angled towards separate edges along the top end. The module also includes an exhaust plenum that projects downwards from, and between, the separate edges, and is open to the ambient environment at an upper end. The module also includes vertically-oriented wall elements that each project downwards from the separate edges to establish opposite sides of the exhaust plenum. Each vertical wall element includes an exhaust vent that can discharge exhaust air from the enclosure into the exhaust plenum. The module at least partially obscures the exhaust vents from exposure to impingement by ambient air flows flowing over the upper end of the exhaust plenum. According to one embodiment, the module, the module at least partially obscures the exhaust vents from exposure to impingement by ambient air flows flowing over the upper end of the exhaust plenum, so that exhaust air flow through the exhaust vents is free from restriction due to headwinds impinging on the exhaust vents. 
         [0024]    According to one embodiment, an apparatus includes an inverted exhaust plenum module that discharges exhaust air received from an enclosure space into an ambient environment. The inverted exhaust plenum module includes an exhaust plenum and at least one exhaust vent. The exhaust plenum projects downwards from nearby edges of separate roof elements. The exhaust plenum includes an upper end that spans between the separate edges and is open to the ambient environment and opposite side ends. The exhaust vent is coupled to at least one side end of the exhaust plenum extending beneath at least one of the separate roof element edges and discharges exhaust air from the enclosure space into the exhaust plenum. The exhaust vents in the inverted exhaust plenum module are at least partially obscured from exposure to impingement by ambient air flows. 
         [0025]    According to one embodiment, a method includes configuring an enclosure to provide headwind-resistant air discharge into an ambient environment. Such configuring includes coupling wall elements to separate roof element edges and installing an exhaust vent in one or more of the wall elements. The wall elements are coupled to the separate roof element edges so that the wall elements project downwards from the separate edges along opposite sides of an open space to establish an exhaust plenum. The exhaust plenum is open to the ambient environment at an upper end that spans between the separate edges. The exhaust vents discharge air into the exhaust plenum in at least partial obscurity from exposure to impingement by ambient air flows flowing over the upper end of the exhaust plenum. 
         [0026]    As used herein, “data center” includes any facility or portion of a facility in which computer operations are carried out. A data center may include servers and other systems and components dedicated to specific functions (e.g., e-commerce transactions, database management) or serving multiple functions. Examples of computer operations include information processing, communications, simulations, and operational control. 
         [0027]    As used herein, “ambient” refers to a condition of outside air at the location of a system, structure, data center, etc. An ambient temperature may be taken, for example, at or near an intake hood of an air handling system. 
         [0028]    As used herein, Bernoulli&#39;s principle refers to the principle that fluid speed, in some cases, is in an inversely proportional relationship with one or more of the fluid pressure or potential energy. For example, an increase in fluid speed can occur proportionately with an increase in fluid dynamic pressure and kinetic energy and a decrease in fluid static pressure and potential energy. Application of Bernoulli&#39;s principle includes application of the Venturi effect, such that an airflow with a given flow rate through a restricted cross-sectional flow area has a reduced static pressure relative to airflow with the given flow rate through a larger cross-sectional flow area. 
         [0029]    As used herein, a “chimney effect” or “stack effect” refers to a flow of air through a pathway that is induced by an air density difference between the ends of the pathway. Such a difference may be induced by one or more various factors, including temperature differences between the ends of the pathway, ambient pressure differences, humidity differences, and the like. For example, where a building with a warm enclosure is surrounded by a colder ambient environment, the chimney effect may refer to an induced flow of air through a pathway (e.g., a chimney) between the enclosure and the environment that is induced by an air-density difference between the lower-density warmer air of the enclosure passing through the pathway to the environment while being displaced by the higher-density colder air from the environment. 
         [0030]    As used herein, “room” means a room or a space of a structure. A “computer room” means a room in which computer systems, such as rack-mounted servers, are operated. 
         [0031]    As used herein, “computer system” includes any of various computer systems or components thereof. One example of a computer system is a rack-mounted server. As used herein, the term computer is not limited to just those integrated circuits referred to in the art as a computer, but broadly refers to a processor, a server, a microcontroller, a microcomputer, a programmable logic controller (PLC), an application specific integrated circuit, and other programmable circuits, and these terms are used interchangeably herein. In various embodiments, memory may include, but is not limited to, a computer-readable medium, such as a random access memory (RAM). Alternatively, a compact disc-read only memory (CD-ROM), a magneto-optical disk (MOD), and/or a digital versatile disc (DVD) may also be used. Also, additional input channels may include computer peripherals associated with an operator interface such as a mouse and a keyboard. Alternatively, other computer peripherals may also be used that may include, for example, a scanner. Furthermore, in the some embodiments, additional output channels may include an operator interface monitor and/or a printer. 
         [0032]    As used herein, a “damper” includes any device or component that can be moved to control (e.g., increase or decrease) the flow of fluid through a duct, conduit, or other passageway. Examples of dampers include plates, blades, panels, or discs, or any combination thereof. A damper may include multiple elements. For example, a damper may include a series of plates in parallel relation to one another that can be simultaneously rotated to close a duct. As used herein, to “adjust” a damper means to place or leave one or more elements of the damper to achieve desired flow characteristics through the damper, such as open, closed, or partially open. For example, in a system with eighteen passive cooling systems, adjusting the exhaust air dampers may include opening at least some selected exhaust air dampers in eight of the passive cooling systems and keeping at least some exhaust air dampers closed in the other ten passive cooling systems. 
         [0033]    As used herein, a “headwind” refers to an airflow flowing with, respect to a surface, in a direction which is at least partially opposite of the direction in which the surface faces. For example, an airflow flowing towards a surface is a headwind with respect to the surface. Where the headwind flows directly towards the surface, the headwind can at least partially impinge on the surface. 
         [0034]    As used herein, “impingement” refers to a direct air flow which contacts a surface. Such a contacting flow is referred to as “impinging” on the surface. Where the surface includes a flow vent through which other air flows in an at least partially opposing direction as the “impinging” air flow, the impinging air flow may at least partially obstruct the opposing air flow out of the flow vent of the impinged surface. 
         [0035]      FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional schematic view of a data center that includes an exhaust plenum module according to some embodiments. Data center  100  includes a data center structure  101 , which includes roof elements  114 A-B, encompassing an enclosure  102  in which one or more sets  104  of computer systems are installed. Air intake vents  105  on one or more ends of the data center structure  101  can receive ambient air  132  and direct the air into one or more air handling systems  106 . The air handling systems, which can include one or more air cooling systems, air moving devices, etc., can supply cooling air  134  to the one or more sets  104  of computer systems in the enclosure  102  via one or more cooling air conduits  107 . 
         [0036]    The computer systems in the sets  104  can receive the cooling air  134 , where the cooling air  134  can remove heat from one or more heat producing components in one or more of the computer systems, to generate exhaust air  136 . The exhaust air may be discharged from the one or more sets  104  of computer systems into the enclosure  102 . For example, some embodiments of a set  104  of computer systems can include a computer room from which exhaust air is discharged via one or more exhaust vents on upper sides of the computer room based at least in part upon a chimney effect. Exhaust air  136  can be discharged out of the computer room and into the enclosure  102  in which the computer room is located. 
         [0037]    Exhaust air  136  generated by one or more of the computer systems in set  104  can circulate through enclosure  102 . In some embodiments, the exhaust air rises into an upper portion of the enclosure  102  based at least in part upon one or more gradients, including a pressure gradient, air density gradient, etc. 
         [0038]    Exhaust plenum module  120  is coupled to an upper portion of the data center structure  101 . Exhaust plenum module  120  can discharge exhaust air  136  circulating through enclosure  102  into the ambient environment  103 . In some embodiments, an exhaust plenum module is coupled to a portion of the data center structure  101  that is configured to direct the exhaust air  136  into an inlet of the exhaust plenum module  120 . In the illustrated embodiment, for example, roof elements  114 A-B are angled upwards towards exhaust plenum module  120 , so that exhaust air  136  that rises through the enclosure  102  is directed towards an inlet  129  of the exhaust plenum module  120 . 
         [0039]    Exhaust plenum module  120  includes an exhaust plenum  122  within the module. Exhaust air  136  is received into the plenum  122  via the inlet  129  and can be directed as exhaust air flows  138 A-B out of the plenum module  120  as airflow  139  into the ambient environment  103  via one or more exhaust vents  123 A-B coupled to one or more side ends of the plenum module  120 . Plenum module  120  also includes roof elements  124  which obscure the plenum  122  from environmental elements in the ambient environment  103 . 
         [0040]    In some embodiments, ambient airflow through the ambient environment can restrict exhaust airflow out of the data center  100 , which can cause heat buildup in the enclosure  102 . Exhaust airflow can be restricted based at least in part upon ambient airflow in the environment  103  impinging on one or more of the exhaust vents. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, where ambient airflow  142  passes through ambient environment  103 , at least some ambient airflow  142  impinges on exhaust air vent  123 B. The illustrated data center includes a “passive” exhaust plenum module, where the exhaust air flow  138 A-B through the plenum  122  and into the ambient environment  103  is induced based at least in part upon one or more gradients from the exhaust plenum  122  towards the ambient environment  103 , which can include an air pressure gradient. Where an ambient airflow does not impinge on exhaust air vent  123 A, exhaust air flow  138 A can pass into the ambient environment  103  as airflow  139 . Where ambient airflow  144  impinges on vent  123 B, the ambient airflow  144 , which may be referred to as an ambient “headwind” with regard to at least vent  123 B, may overcome the gradient from plenum  122  into environment  103  across vent  123 B, which can restrict or inhibit exhaust air flow  138 B through vent  123 B. In some embodiments, the impinging airflow  144  can reduce, eliminate, reverse, etc. the gradient across vent  123 B. As a result, vent  123 B may be render unavailable as surface area to supply exhaust air  136  out of enclosure  102  of the data center structure  101  via plenum module  120 . Because the available exhaust area may be reduced, by ambient headwind  144 , from the area of at least vents  123 A-B to the area of vent  123 A, the exhaust air flow out of enclosure  102  via plenum module  120  is restricted, which can result in heat buildup in enclosure  102 , performance loss of computer systems in set  104  based on reduced cooling efficiency, increased risk of thermal damage to equipment in the enclosure, increased safety risks to operators in enclosure  102  based on thermal stress, etc. 
         [0041]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional schematic view of a data center that includes an inverted exhaust plenum module according to some embodiments. Data center  200  includes a data center structure  201 , which includes roof elements  214 A-B, encompassing an enclosure  202  in which one or more sets  204  of computer systems are installed. Air intake vents  205  on one or more ends of the data center structure  201  can receive ambient air  232  and direct the air into one or more air handling systems  206 . The air handling systems, which can include one or more air cooling systems, air moving devices, etc., can supply cooling air  234  to the one or more sets  204  of computer systems in the enclosure  202  via one or more cooling air conduits  207 . Exhaust air  236  generated by one or more of the computer systems in set  204  can circulate through enclosure  202 . In some embodiments, the exhaust air rises into an upper portion of the enclosure  202  based at least in part upon one or more gradients, including a pressure gradient, air density gradient, etc. 
         [0042]    Exhaust plenum module  220  is coupled to an upper portion of the data center structure  201 . Exhaust plenum module  220  is an inverted exhaust plenum module that discharges air received from the enclosure  202  into an exhaust air plenum that projects beneath the one or more roof elements  214 A-B of the data center structure  201 , rather than above the roof elements. The exhaust plenum module  220  includes wall elements  223  which extend downwards from separate edges  221 A-B of the separate roof elements. Such edges may be referred to hereinafter as “roof element edges”. In some embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment, one or more of the roof elements  214 A-B are angled, so that the separate edges  221 A-B are ridges. The separate wall elements  223 , as shown in the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 2 , extend downward from the separate edges  221 A-B and at least partially bound at least opposite side ends of the exhaust plenum  222 . 
         [0043]    Wall elements  223  include one or more exhaust vents  224 A-B which are coupled to respective wall elements  223 . The exhaust vents  224 A-B direct exhaust air  236  from the enclosure  202  into the exhaust plenum  222 . The exhaust plenum  222  is open, on at least an upper end  227  of the plenum  222 , to the ambient environment  203 . As a result, exhaust air  252  discharged into plenum  222  from an exhaust vent  224  can circulate  254  into the ambient environment  203 , through the open upper end  227 , based at least in part upon one or more various gradients, including air pressure gradients, air density gradients, etc. from the plenum  222  towards the ambient environment  203 . In some embodiments, the exhaust vents  224 A-B each extend along an entirety of opposite side ends of the exhaust plenum  222 , such that wall elements  223  are absent from at least partially bounding the opposite side ends of exhaust plenum  222 . 
         [0044]    In some embodiments, an inverted exhaust plenum module at least partially obscures exhaust vents from the ambient environment, so that the exhaust vents are at least partially obscured from exposure to impingement by ambient airflow, including ambient headwinds with regard to the vents, that is flowing through the ambient environment. As a result, the inverted plenum module can provide an exhaust air discharge from an enclosure into the ambient environment that is at least partially resistant to restriction by ambient air flows in the ambient environment. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, exhaust vents  224 A-B, being located in a plenum  222  that extends beneath the separate edges  221 A-B of the roof elements  214 A-B, is at least partially obscured from exposure to ambient air flow  242  through the ambient environment  203  and over the roof elements  214 A-B. As a result, vents  224 A-B can discharge exhaust air  252  into plenum  222  without being impinged upon by ambient airflow, and the discharged airflow can rise out of the plenum  222  as airflow  254  and into the ambient airflow  242  to be removed from the data center  200 . Thus, exhaust plenum module can provide exhaust air discharge from enclosure  202  to ambient environment  203  that is at least partially resistant to restriction by ambient air flow  242 . 
         [0045]    In some embodiments, an inverted exhaust plenum module includes a lower structural element, also referred to hereinafter as a “trough” element  226 , which is coupled to a bottom end of one or more of the wall elements. The trough element, as shown in  FIG. 2 , can span the lower end of the exhaust plenum, between two or more wall elements on opposite side ends of the exhaust plenums, so that the trough element partitions the lower end of the exhaust plenum  222  from enclosure  202 . Trough element  226  can comprise multiple trough elements, where each trough element is coupled to a limited selection of wall elements on a limited selection of side ends of the exhaust plenum. For example, one trough element may be coupled to a wall element on one side end of the exhaust plenum  222  and another separate trough element may be coupled to another wall element on the opposite side end of the exhaust plenum  222 , where the two trough elements are coupled to each other at a location between the side ends, to establish a trough element that spans between the side ends along the lower end of the exhaust plenum. 
         [0046]    In some embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment, the trough element spans between opposite side ends at a flat angle. In some embodiments, the trough element spans between the side ends at one or more nonzero angles. For example, one trough element may extend from one side end towards a midpoint axis  228  of the exhaust plenum  222  at one angle, and another trough element may extend from the opposite side ends towards the midpoint axis  228  at an angle which may be similar or distinct from the angle of the first trough element. As a result, the trough element  226  can be angled to induce a drainage gradient between the side ends that can direct environmental elements, including precipitation, dust, etc. that is received onto the upper surface of one or more of the trough elements towards a certain location, axis  228 , etc. of the trough element, from whence the environmental elements can be removed from the data center structure  101  via one or more of a gutter system, a drainage gradient along the axis  228  of the trough element, some combination thereof, or the like. 
         [0047]    In some embodiments, one or more air moving devices  225  are coupled to one or more of the respective vents  224 A-B and can induce an airflow of the exhaust air  236  into plenum  222 . One or more catwalk structures  229 A-B, in some embodiments, can be installed proximate to a respective one of the vents  224 A-B. One or more vents  224 , air moving devices  225 , etc. can be accessed manually via a respective catwalk structure  229 . 
         [0048]    In some embodiments, an exhaust plenum module  220  includes wall elements  223 , extending downwards from separate roof elements  214  of separate structures  201 , where exhaust vents  224  in separate wall elements  223  can discharge exhaust air  236  from separate enclosures  202  of separate structures  201  into the plenum  222  which is at least partially located between the separate structures  201 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional schematic view of a data center structure that includes an inverted exhaust plenum module according to some embodiments. 
         [0050]    Data center structure  300  includes an enclosure  302  in which one or more sets  304  of computer systems are located. The computer systems in each set  304  can include one or more rows of racks in which computer systems are installed, where the one or more rows of racks are included in one or more computer rooms in enclosure  302 . Exhaust air  306  generated by the computer systems in sets  304  can exit the sets  304  and circulate through the enclosure  302 . In some embodiments, exhaust air  306  rises from sets  304  to an upper portion of the enclosure  302 , based at least in part upon one or more gradients towards the upper portion, including an air density gradient. 
         [0051]    Data center structure  300  includes an exhaust plenum module  320  which includes an exhaust plenum  322 . Exhaust plenum  322  is established, on side ends, by wall elements  323  that extend along the length  327  of the exhaust plenum  322 . In some embodiments, the exhaust plenum  322  includes at least two opposite side ends that extend approximately in parallel with an axis that extends along the length of the exhaust plenum  222 . As shown, multiple wall elements  323  can establish a side end along the length  327  of plenum  322 . 
         [0052]    In some embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment, exhaust plenum  322  is established, on a lower end, by a trough element  314  which extends along the length  327  of the exhaust plenum  322 . In the illustrated embodiment, trough element  314  extends along the length  327  at a flat slope. It will be understood that, in some embodiments, one or more trough elements extending along the length  327  of the exhaust plenum  322  can be angled perpendicular to the length  327 , so that the trough element is sloped towards an axis extending along at least a portion of length  327 . 
         [0053]    In some embodiments, one or more of the wall elements  323 , trough elements  314 , etc. partition the exhaust plenum  322  from the enclosure  302 , so that exhaust air  306  circulating through enclosure  302  is restricted from circulating into plenum  322  through the spaces in which one or more of the wall elements  323 , trough elements  314  extend. 
         [0054]    Data center structure  300  includes one or more exhaust vents  324  which are coupled to one or more of the wall elements  323  extending along one or more side ends of the exhaust plenum  322  of exhaust plenum module  320 . The exhaust vents can discharge exhaust air  306  circulating through enclosure  302  into the plenum  322 . In the illustrated embodiment, where the plenum  322  is open to the ambient environment  303  on at least an upper end, exhaust air  352  discharged into plenum  322  from exhaust vents  324  can circulate into the ambient environment  303  via one or more of a pressure gradient, air density gradient, some combination thereof, or the like. In some embodiments, the plenum  322  is open on one or more side ends not encompassed by one or more wall elements. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, plenum  322  is not encompassed by wall elements at opposite ends of length  327 . Exhaust air  352 , environmental elements received onto the upper surface of trough element  314 , etc., can pass into the ambient environment  303  from plenum  322  via the opposite open side ends. In some embodiments, one or more of the exhaust vents  324  includes one or more air moving devices which induce an airflow from enclosure  302  to plenum  322 . The air moving device can be coupled to a vent  324  on an enclosure  302 -facing side of the vent  324 , so that the air moving device is at least partially located within the enclosure  302 . 
         [0055]    In some embodiments, one or more portions of data center structure  300  are at least partially included in data center structure  201 , illustrated and discussed above with reference to  FIG. 2 . 
         [0056]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional schematic view of a data center structure that includes an inverted exhaust plenum module according to some embodiments. 
         [0057]    Data center structure  400  includes an enclosure  402  in which one or more sets  304  of computer systems are located. The computer systems in each set  404  can include one or more rows of racks in which computer systems are installed, where the one or more rows of racks are included in one or more computer rooms in enclosure  402 . Exhaust air  406  generated by the computer systems in sets  404  can exit the sets  404  and circulate through the enclosure  402 . In some embodiments, exhaust air  406  rises from sets  404  to an upper portion of the enclosure  402 , based at least in part upon one or more gradients towards the upper portion, including an air density gradient. 
         [0058]    In some embodiments, the upper portion of the enclosure  402  is angled, so that exhaust air  406  rising into the upper portion is directed to one or more particular regions of the upper portion. In the illustrated embodiment, where the upper portion of enclosure  402  is “peaked” via separate anglings towards a midpoint  409 , exhaust air  406  may be directed, via one or more gradients including a pressure gradient, air density gradient, etc., towards a region of the upper portion proximate to the midpoint  409 . 
         [0059]    Data center structure  400  includes an exhaust plenum module  420  which includes an exhaust plenum  422 . Exhaust plenum  422  is established, on side ends, by wall elements  423  that extend along the length  428  of the exhaust plenum  422 . In some embodiments, the exhaust plenum  422  includes at least two opposite side ends that extend approximately in parallel with an axis that extends along the length of the exhaust plenum  422 . As shown, multiple wall elements  423  can establish a side end along the length  424  of plenum  422 . 
         [0060]    In some embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment, exhaust plenum  422  is established, on a lower end, by one or more trough elements  414 A-B which extend along the length  428  of the exhaust plenum  422 . Various trough elements can, in some embodiments, extend along a portion of the length of the exhaust plenum and can each have separate anglings. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, trough element  414 A extends at angle  419 A from one end of plenum  322 , along length  428 , to midpoint location  409 , where midpoint  409  can include an axis that spans between opposite side ends of the plenum  322  along which separate wall elements  423  extend. In addition, trough element  414 B extends at angle  419 B from an opposite end of plenum  322 , along length  428 , to midpoint location  409 . Angles  419 A and  419 B can be similar or distinct angles. Each trough element  414 A, B, extending at a respective angle, can include a drainage gradient along the upper surface of the trough element. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, trough element  414 A includes a drainage gradient, established via angle  419 A of the trough element  414 A, from midpoint  409  to an end of the plenum  322 , so that environmental elements  427  received on the upper surface of trough element  414 A are directed away from midpoint  409  and out of plenum  422  via an end of the plenum  422 . Similarly, trough element  414 B includes a drainage gradient established by angle  419 B of the trough element  414 B, and which can be a different gradient than the gradient for element  414 A, which directs environmental elements received onto the upper surface of element  414 B away from midpoint  409  and out of plenum  422  via another, opposite end of plenum  422  respective to the end through which environmental elements are directed by element  414 A. It will be understood that, in some embodiments, one or more trough elements extending along the length  428  of the exhaust plenum  422  can be angled perpendicular to the length  428 , so that the trough element is sloped towards an axis extending along at least a portion of length  428 . In some embodiments, environmental elements passing out of one or more ends of plenum  422  fall into one or more gutter systems mounted proximate to the end of the plenum  422 . In some embodiments, the environmental elements may be directed, from one or more trough elements  414 A-B, onto another roof element that is proximate to the end of the plenum  422 . Where an end of the plenum  422  is at a sidewall of data center  400 , the environmental elements directed out of the end of the plenum  422  can fall along the sidewall. 
         [0061]    In some embodiments, one or more partition elements, including one or more screen elements, are mounted at one or more ends of plenum  422 . The partition elements can be semi-permeable, so that environmental elements directed out of an end of the plenum  422  can pass through the partition elements, while the partition elements can at least partially obscure a view of the plenum  422  from ambient environment  403 . For example, one or more partition elements coupled to an end of a plenum  422  can be translucent, opaque, etc. 
         [0062]    In some embodiments, one or more of the wall elements  323 , trough elements  314 , etc. partition the exhaust plenum  322  from the enclosure  302 , so that exhaust air  306  circulating through enclosure  302  is restricted from circulating into plenum  322  through the spaces in which one or more of the wall elements  323 , trough elements  314  extend. 
         [0063]    Data center structure  400  includes one or more exhaust vents  424  which are coupled to one or more of the wall elements  423  extending along one or more side ends of the exhaust plenum  422  of exhaust plenum module  420 . The exhaust vents  424  can discharge exhaust air  406  circulating through enclosure  402  into the plenum  422 . In the illustrated embodiment, where the plenum  422  is open to the ambient environment  403  on at least an upper end, exhaust air  452  discharged into plenum  422  from exhaust vents  424  can circulate into the ambient environment  403  via one or more of a pressure gradient, air density gradient, some combination thereof, or the like. In some embodiments, the plenum  422  is open on one or more side ends not encompassed by one or more wall elements. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, plenum  422  is not encompassed by wall elements at opposite ends of length  428 . Exhaust air  452 , environmental elements received onto the upper surface of trough elements  414 A-B, etc., can pass into the ambient environment  403  from plenum  422  via the opposite open side ends. In some embodiments, one or more of the exhaust vents  424  includes one or more air moving devices which induce an airflow from enclosure  402  to plenum  422 . The air moving device can be coupled to a vent  424  on an enclosure  402 -facing side of the vent  424 , so that the air moving device is at least partially located within the enclosure  402 . 
         [0064]    In some embodiments, one or more exhaust vents, air moving devices, etc. in plenum module  420  are sized differently from other vents, air moving devices, etc. based at least in part upon the position in the module  420  of the wall element  423  to which the vent  424  is coupled. In the illustrated embodiment, where trough elements  414 A-B are angled towards midpoint  409 , the enclosure  402  is “peaked” so that exhaust air  406  may be directed to an upper portion of enclosure  402  beneath midpoint  409 . As a result, the exhaust air flow rate may be greater through a vent  424  of a wall element  423  that is closer to midpoint  409  than a vent  424  of a wall element  423  that is closer to an open end of the plenum  422 . Therefore, one or more vents  424  of wall elements  423  that are proximate to midpoint  409  may have an available exhaust area, which may be understood to refer to the surface area of the exhaust vent through which exhaust air can flow, that is different than the available exhaust area of one or more vents  424  coupled to a wall element  423  that is distal from the midpoint  409 . In some embodiments, air moving devices may be coupled to some vents and not others, based at least in part upon vent proximity to the midpoint  409 . For example, an air moving device may be coupled to a vent  424  that is coupled to a wall element  423  that is distal from midpoint  409 , while a vent  424  that is coupled to a wall element  423  that is proximate to midpoint  409  may not be coupled to an air moving device. 
         [0065]    In some embodiments, one or more portions of data center structure  400  are at least partially included in data center structure  201 , illustrated and discussed above with reference to  FIG. 2 . 
         [0066]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of a data center structure that includes an inverted exhaust plenum module and flat roof elements according to some embodiments. 
         [0067]    Data center structure  500  includes roof elements  514 A-B, encompassing an enclosure  502 . Exhaust air  536  can circulate through enclosure  502 . In some embodiments, the exhaust air rises into an upper portion of the enclosure  502  based at least in part upon one or more gradients, including a pressure gradient, air density gradient, etc. 
         [0068]    Data center structure  500  includes exhaust plenum module  520 . Module  520  includes a plenum  522 , which projects beneath respective edges  521 A-B of the separate roof elements  514 A-B and is bounded on side ends by respective wall elements  523 A-B. In some embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment, the plenum  522  is bounded on a lower end by a trough element  526 , so that the plenum  522  is open, on an upper end spanning between the separate edges  521 A-B, to the ambient environment  503 . Wall elements  523 A-B can include exhaust vents  524 A-B which can discharge  552  exhaust air  536  from the enclosure  502  into the plenum  522 , from when the exhaust air can pass  554  into the ambient environment  503  via one or more gradients. In some embodiments, the vents direct the discharge  552  of exhaust air into a lower portion of the plenum  522 . In some embodiments, one or more of the vents  524  can discharge  552  into one or more various portions of the plenum  522 , including a lower portion, upper portion, midway portion, etc. In some embodiments, one or more portions of the vents can be adjusted to adjust the portions of the plenum  522  into which the exhaust air is discharged  522 . For example, one or more louvers included in a vent  524  can be adjusted to direct the discharged exhaust air  552  upwards into the plenum  522 , downwards into the plenum  522 , etc. 
         [0069]    In some embodiments, the roof elements  514 A-B are not angled, and the exhaust plenum  522  of the module  520  extends beneath the elevation of the roof elements. As a result, exhaust plenum  522  may be obscured from ambient airflows  542  through the ambient environment above the roof elements  514 A-B, and vents  524 A-B may each be obscured from exposure to impingement by the ambient airflows above the roof elements  514 A-B. 
         [0070]    In some embodiments, one or more portions of data center structure  500  are at least partially included in data center structure  201 , illustrated and discussed above with reference to  FIG. 2 . 
         [0071]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of a data center structure that includes an inverted exhaust plenum module with curved wall elements and angled roof elements according to some embodiments. 
         [0072]    In some embodiments, an exhaust plenum module includes a plenum that is bounded by wall elements and is not bounded by trough elements. Such wall elements bounding such a plenum can extend to bound one or more lower ends of the plenum. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, data center structure  600  includes an exhaust plenum module  620  which itself includes a plenum  622  which extends beneath respective edges  6221 A-B of roof elements  614 A-B. The module  620  includes wall elements  623 A-B which extend downwards from respective edges  621 A-B along opposite side ends of the plenum  622  to partition at least the opposite side ends from enclosure  602  of the data center structure  600 . 
         [0073]    Wall elements  623 A-B are each curved and extend along curved lower ends of plenum  622  to collectively partition the lower end of the plenum  622  from enclosure  602 . Each wall element  623  additionally includes at least one exhaust vent  624 A-B which discharges  652  exhaust air  636  from enclosure  602  into plenum  622 , from whence the exhaust air can pass into ambient environment  603  via one or more gradients from the plenum  622  towards the ambient environment  603 . Such a gradient can include one or more of a pressure gradient, air density gradient, etc. Furthermore, exhaust plenum  622  is at least partially obscured from ambient airflows  642  through the ambient environment  603  above the roof elements  614 A-B, and vents  624 A-B may each be at least partially obscured from exposure to impingement by the ambient airflows above the roof elements  614 A-B. For example, vent  624 B is obscured from exposure to impingement by the illustrated ambient airflow  642 , and vent  624 A is at least partially obscured from exposure to impingement by the illustrated ambient airflow  642 . 
         [0074]    In some embodiments, one or more portions of data center structure  600  are at least partially included in data center structure  201 , illustrated and discussed above with reference to  FIG. 2 . 
         [0075]      FIG. 7  is a perspective schematic view of a portion of a data center structure and a separate exhaust plenum module that can be coupled to an exhaust outlet of the data center structure according to some embodiments. 
         [0076]    In some embodiments, an exhaust plenum module is separate from a data center structure. The exhaust plenum module can be coupled to a portion of the data center structure, including a roof element of the data center structure, which includes an exhaust outlet from the data center structure enclosure, so that exhaust air from the enclosure is received into a separate enclosure of the exhaust plenum module and discharged from the plenum module enclosure into an inverted exhaust plenum via exhaust vents. 
         [0077]    In the illustrated embodiment, for example, system  700  includes a data center structure  702  and an exhaust plenum module  710 . Data center structure  702  includes a roof element  704  and an exhaust air outlet  706 . The outlet  706  is in flow communication with an enclosure  705  of the data center structure  702  and can discharge exhaust air from such an enclosure  705 . Exhaust air may flow from the data center structure enclosure  705  through outlet  706  based at least in part upon one or more gradients, including a pressure gradient, air density gradient, etc. across the outlet  706 . 
         [0078]    Exhaust plenum module  710  includes a module enclosure  718 , which is at least partially enclosed by various structural elements, including roof elements  714 A-B. At least one structural element enclosing portions of the enclosure  718 , including the illustrated bottom structural element, includes an air inlet  716  which can receive air into the enclosure  718 . Where module  710  is coupled to at least outlet  706  of the data center structure  702 , exhaust air  719  from the data center structure  702  enclosure  705  can pass into enclosure  718  of module  710  via outlet  706  and inlet  716 . In some embodiments, module  710  is coupled to roof element  704  to couple inlet  716  to outlet  706 . The exhaust air  719  can circulate through enclosure  718 , including rising to an upper portion of enclosure  718  based at least in part upon one or more gradients through the enclosure  718 . 
         [0079]    Exhaust plenum module  710  includes an exhaust plenum  722  which extends beneath the separate edges  721 A-B of the respective roof elements  714 A-B of module  710 . The plenum  722  extends along a length of the module  710 , and the edges  721 A-B likewise extend along the same length. Wall elements  723  extend along opposite side ends of plenum  722  along the length of the plenum and extend downwards from respective edges  721 A-B to at least partially bound the opposite side ends of plenum  722 . Trough element  726  extends along a lower end of plenum  722  and spans between the separate wall elements that extend along the opposite side ends. In the illustrated embodiment, at least two side ends are open, specifically the side ends located at opposite ends of the length of plenum  722 . In some embodiments, wall elements extend along each of the side ends of the exhaust plenum in an exhaust plenum module. 
         [0080]    The illustrated wall elements  723  each include one or more exhaust vents  724  which can discharge exhaust air  719  from the enclosure  718  into the plenum  722 , from where the exhaust air can exit the plenum into an ambient environment via one or more ends of the plenum, including the top end, which is open to the ambient environment. Exhaust vents can include one or more of a set of louvers, an air moving device, etc. The louvers can direct the discharged exhaust air into a certain portion of the plenum, including a lower portion, and can direct environmental elements received onto the louvers from the ambient environment away from the vent. 
         [0081]    In some embodiments, an exhaust plenum module  710  that is separate from the data center structure can be removably coupled to an exhaust outlet  706  of the data center structure  702  to provide a discharge of exhaust air, from the data center structure enclosure  705  to the ambient environment, that is at least partially obscured from exposure to impingement by ambient airflow in the ambient environment. A gradient, including one or more of a pressure gradient, air density gradient, etc., from the data center structure enclosure  705 , through the module enclosure  718 , through plenum  722 , and into the ambient environment can induce exhaust air  719  flow through the module  710 . 
         [0082]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional schematic view of an exhaust vent that includes a set of louvers according to some embodiments. 
         [0083]    System  800  includes an exhaust vent  802  which is located between an interior enclosure  801  and an exterior space  803 , which can include an exhaust plenum. Exhaust vent  802  discharges exhaust air  806  from the enclosure  801  into the exterior space  803 . 
         [0084]    In some embodiments, and exhaust vent includes one or more sets of louvers which can direct the flow of air through the vent into one or more particular directions of flow. The louvers may be constructed in a fixed position so that the airflow is directed into a particular direction. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, exhaust vent  802  includes a set of louvers  804  which are in a fixed position that directs airflow  801  passing through the vent  802  into a downwards flow direction. In some embodiments, one or more sets of louvers comprise one or more adjustable dampers which can be adjustably controlled to adjust the flow direction of air  806  into the exterior space  803 . For example, the one or more sets of louvers may be adjustable to adjust the flow direction of air  806  into an upwards flow direction into an upper portion of the exterior space  803 . Louvers can be coupled to an outer frame of the exhaust vent, and extend at least partially through one or more of an interior of the vent, an enclosure  801 -facing end of the vent  802 , a space  803 -facing end of the vent  802 , some combination thereof, or the like. 
         [0085]    In some embodiments, one or more sets of louvers coupled to an exhaust vent re-direct environmental elements received onto a surface of the vent, including a surface of the louvers, from flowing in one direction to flowing in another direction that proceeds away from the exhaust vent. Such re-direction can at least partially preclude environmental elements, including precipitation, sand, dust, etc., from entering the enclosure  801 , where the environmental elements could damage various equipment, including computer systems, located in the enclosure  801 . 
         [0086]    In some embodiments, a set of louvers can both direct a flow of air from an enclosure through an exhaust vent in one or more particularly directions and can also direct environmental elements received onto a surface of the louvers from another space away from the vent. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, louvers  804 , in addition to directing air flow  806  in a particular direction, further direct environmental elements  808  which are received onto upper surfaces of one or more of the louvers  804  in the set to fall away from the vent  802 , thereby precluding such elements  808  from entering enclosure  801 . In some embodiments, louvers  804  direct such environmental elements to fall into one or more gutter systems. In some embodiments, louvers in an exhaust plenum module direct such environmental elements to fall onto an upper surface of a trough element of the exhaust plenum module, where the trough element may include a drainage gradient which directs the environmental elements which are received onto the upper surface along the gradient to one or roe particular locations, which can include exiting the exhaust plenum module. 
         [0087]    In some embodiments, one or more portions of system  800  are at least partially included in one or more of data center structure  201  and exhaust plenum module  710 , illustrated and discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 7 , respectively. 
         [0088]      FIG. 9  is a perspective schematic view of a portion of an exhaust plenum module wall element including a portal and a removable partition, exhaust vent, and air moving device array that can be coupled with the portal according to some embodiments. 
         [0089]    System  900  includes a wall element  902  of an exhaust plenum module. The wall element  902  includes at least one portal  904 , which is an open space in the wall element  902  that enables flow communication from one side of the wall element to the other side. In some embodiments, a removable panel, including the illustrated removable panel  906 , can be coupled to portal  904  to at least partially enclose the portal and restrict airflow between opposite sides of the wall element  902  through the portal  904 . The panel  906  can be coupled and decoupled from the portal based at least in part upon the amount of flow between the opposite sides of the wall element  902  that is desired. For example, where exhaust air can flow from an enclosure on one side of the wall element to an exhaust plenum on the opposite side of the wall element  902 , panel  906  can be removably coupled or decoupled from portal  904  based at least in part upon the desired pressure gradient between the enclosure and the plenum, the desired flow rate, the desired available exhaust area, some combination thereof, or the like. 
         [0090]    In some embodiments, an exhaust vent can be coupled to a portal of a wall element to provide directional discharge of air through the wall element. The vent can provide at least partial preclusion of flow in an opposite direction of the air flow. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, exhaust vent  908  can be coupled to portal  904  to provide discharge of air from an enclosure on one side of the wall element to an exhaust plenum on the opposite side of the wall element  902 . The vent  908  can include one or more sets of louvers  909 , which can direct an air flow through the portal to flow in one or more particular directions. The louvers  909  can, in some embodiments, re-direct environmental elements received into the plenum away from the enclosure on the opposite side of the wall element. 
         [0091]    In some embodiments, one or more air moving devices can be coupled to a portal, where the air moving devices can induce an airflow through the portal between the opposite sides of the wall element. The air moving devices can one or more fans, blowers, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, array  910  includes four air moving devices  912  which are fans. In some embodiments, the air moving devices can be coupled to the portal indirectly; for example, an array  910  of air moving devices  912  can be coupled to an enclosure-facing side of a vent  908  that is inserted into portal  904  to couple the array with the portal and to enable the air moving devices  912  to induce an airflow through the vent  908  and into an exhaust plenum. 
         [0092]    As referred to hereinafter, coupling a device, which can include a panel, vent, air moving device, etc., to a wall element portal can include mounting, coupling, inserting, etc. the device at least partially into the portal, through the portal, etc. and securing the device in place, so that the device at least partially fills the open space of the portal. 
         [0093]    In some embodiments, one or more portions of system  900  are at least partially included in one or more of data center structure  201  and exhaust plenum module  710 , illustrated and discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 7 , respectively. 
         [0094]      FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of a data center structure that includes an inverted exhaust plenum module and a wing element according to some embodiments. 
         [0095]    In some embodiments, a structural element can be coupled to an exhaust plenum module, where the coupled element induces, augments, etc. air flow from the exhaust plenum module into the ambient environment by lowering the static air pressure on an end of the exhaust plenum module that is open to the ambient environment, thereby establishing or augmenting a pressure gradient from the plenum module to the ambient environment that causes exhaust air discharged into the exhaust plenum of the exhaust plenum module to flow into the ambient environment. 
         [0096]    In some embodiments, a structural element that induces, augments, etc. airflow out of the exhaust plenum module includes a “wing” element that applies Bernoulli&#39;s principle to reduce static air pressure over at least a portion of a top end of an exhaust plenum module by causing an ambient airflow to flow at a faster flow velocity on a side of the wing element that is proximate to the exhaust plenum of the exhaust plenum module. As the flow velocity increases relative to the ambient airflow upstream of the wing element, the static air pressure of the flow decreases relative to the upstream ambient airflow. The reduced static air pressure of the airflow along the top end of the exhaust plenum can induce, augment, etc. a pressure gradient from the exhaust plenum to the ambient environment across the top end. 
         [0097]    In some embodiments, a wing element can reduce the static air pressure over at least a portion of the top end of the exhaust plenum via application of the venturi effect, where the flow of ambient air on a side of the wing element that is proximate to the exhaust plenum flows through a cross sectional flow area that is restricted relative to the cross sectional flow area of the ambient environment. Such a restricted cross sectional flow area can cause the ambient flow to flow at a faster flow velocity, which can cause the air flow to have a reduced static air pressure relative to the upstream ambient air flow which is upstream of the wing element. 
         [0098]    In the illustrated embodiment, system  1000  includes an exhaust plenum module  1020 , which includes wall elements  1023 A-B that extend downwards from edges  1021 A-B of separate roof elements  1014 A-B to establish side ends of exhaust plenum  1022 , and where the wall elements  1023 A-B include exhaust vents  1024 A-B which discharge exhaust air  1052  received as exhaust air  1036  from an enclosure  1002 , enclosed by at least the roof elements  1014 A-B and wall elements  1023 A-B, into plenum  1022 , where the exhaust air can pass  1054  out of the plenum  1022  and into the ambient environment via an open top end which spans between the separate roof element edges  1021 A-B. 
         [0099]    Exhaust plenum module  1020  includes a wing element  1010  which is coupled to roof element  1014 B proximate to edge  1021 B. The wing element, in some embodiments, is coupled to one or more elements of the module  1020 , including one or more roof elements, roof element edges, wall elements, trough elements, vents, some combination thereof, or the like. Wing element  1010  is coupled to roof element  1014 B via a support element  1013  which positions the element  1010  to be elevated above the roof element  1014 B, so that a gap exists between a lower surface  1012 B of the wing element  1010  and the roof element  1014 B. In some embodiments, wing element  1010  is coupled to one or more roof elements  1014 A-B to be mounted in a central position between the room element edges  1021 A-B over the plenum  1022 . 
         [0100]    Wing element  1010  includes an upper surface  1012 A and a lower surface  1012 B, and an ambient airflow  1040  over the roof element  1014 B can flow over both surfaces  1012 A-B. Wing element  1010  can be shaped so that the airflow  1042  over upper surface  1012 A is slower than the airflow  1044  under the lower surface  1012 B. The airflow  1044  may be flowing at a faster flow velocity than airflow  1040  upstream of the wing element  1010 , which can reduce the static air pressure over at least a portion of the top end of plenum  1022  relative to a static air pressure over a portion of the top end of plenum  1022  where the wing element  1010  is absent. 
         [0101]    Wing element  1010  includes an actuator  1016  which can adjust one or more parameters of the attitude of the wing element  1010 . Such parameters can include one or more of the pitch, yaw, and roll of the wing element  1010 . In some embodiments, actuator  1016  can translate wing element up, down, sideways, away from plenum  1022 , towards and over plenum  1022 , some combination thereof, etc. The actuator  1016  can adjust various parameters of the wing element  1010  based at least in part upon various properties of the ambient air flow  1040  upstream of the wing element  1010 , including flow velocity, flow direction, etc. 
         [0102]    In some embodiments, one or more portions of system  1000  are at least partially included in one or more of data center structure  201  and exhaust plenum module  710 , illustrated and discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 7 , respectively. 
         [0103]      FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of a data center structure that includes an inverted exhaust plenum module and an air directing element coupled to a roof element according to some embodiments. 
         [0104]    In some embodiments, an air directing element can be coupled to one or more portions of an exhaust plenum module, including one or more roof elements, where the air directing element can divert the direction of ambient air flow over at least a portion of the exhaust plenum module. The diversion of ambient flow direction can mitigate exposure to ambient airflow impingement of one or more exhaust air vents in the exhaust plenum module. In some embodiments, the diversion of ambient air flow direction can induce, augment, etc. the flow of exhaust air from the exhaust plenum module to the ambient environment, based at least in part upon reducing the static air pressure at the top end of the exhaust plenum of the exhaust plenum module. 
         [0105]    In the illustrated embodiment, data center structure  1100  includes an air directing device  1130  that is coupled to a particular edge  1121 B of a roof element  1114 B. The air directing device diverts a flow direction of an ambient air flow  1140  over roof element  1114 B to flow in a diverted direction  1142 . As a result, the static air pressure at the top end of the plenum  1122  of exhaust plenum module  1120  may be reduced relative to if the air directing device  1130  were absent from being coupled to edge  1121 B, thereby inducing or augmenting the flow of exhaust air  1154  from plenum  1122  to the ambient environment  1103  via the top end of the plenum  1122 . In the illustrated embodiment, while an air directing device  1130  is coupled to edge  1121 B of roof element  1114 B, no such air directing device is coupled to edge  1121 A of roof element  1114 A. It will be understood that, in some embodiments, air directing devices can be coupled to separate edges. Air directing devices coupled to separate edges can have different shapes, structures, etc., so that the different air directing devices may divert airflows over separate roof elements towards the exhaust plenum module by different amounts in terms of angular change in flow direction. In some embodiments, one or more air directing elements  1130  can be adjusted to adjust the direction of ambient air flow  1142 . 
         [0106]    In some embodiments, one or more portions of data center structure  1100  are at least partially included in one or more of data center structure  201  and exhaust plenum module  710 , illustrated and discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 7 , respectively. 
         [0107]      FIG. 12  illustrates configuring an enclosure to provide headwind-resistant air discharge into an ambient environment according to some embodiments. 
         [0108]    At  1202 , one or more roof elements are coupled to an enclosure. The roof elements can be coupled to the enclosure to bound at least a portion of a top end of the enclosure. The roof elements can bound a limited portion of the top end, so that there is at least one gap extending between at least two separate roof elements. The gap can be bounded on opposite sides by respective edges of the at least two separate roof elements. The enclosure can include an enclosure of a data center structure in which one or more computer systems are installed and generate exhaust air. In some embodiments, the enclosure is a separate enclosure from the data center structure, and the data center structure includes separate roof elements that bound one or more ends of the data center enclosure. The roof elements can be angled in one or more various angles. In some embodiments, at least some of the roof elements are angled to induce a drainage gradient that induces a flow of environmental elements received onto the roof elements to an outer edge, drain, etc. of the enclosure. In some embodiments, at least some of the roof elements are angled to induce a flow of exhaust air in the enclosure to one or more various locations in an upper portion of the enclosure, including inducing a lateral flow towards one or more locations based at least in part upon relative air density of the exhaust air in the enclosure. 
         [0109]    At  1204 , wall elements are coupled to the separate roof element edges. The wall elements can be coupled to the separate roof element edges so that each wall element extends downwards from at least its respective coupled roof element edge. The wall elements are coupled to the separate roof element edges to extend downwards to establish side ends of a plenum that extends beneath the separate roof element edges. The plenum may be referred to as an exhaust plenum. The exhaust plenum is at least partially open, on a top end that spans between the separate roof element edges, to the ambient environment, so that air in the exhaust plenum can circulate upwards into the ambient environment based at least in part upon one or more various gradients, including a pressure gradient, air density gradient, some combination thereof, etc. In some embodiments, where the separate roof elements are angled towards the gap between the separate roof elements, coupling the separate wall elements to the separate roof element edges establishes separate ridges between the respective roof elements and the respective coupled wall element. Where a roof element is angled upwards towards the gap, the ridge between the roof element and a coupled wall element may be referred to as a “peak” ridge or “lip” of the exhaust plenum module. 
         [0110]    In some embodiments, one or more of the wall elements includes one or more open spaces, also referred to as “portals” that enable open flow communication between the enclosure bounded by the roof elements and the exhaust plenum. At  1206 , a determination is made whether to install exhaust vents in the wall elements. If not, at  1208 , one or more removable partitions can be coupled to the one or more portals to enclose the portals and restrict airflow between the enclosure and the exhaust plenum through the portals. 
         [0111]    If, at  1210 , vents are to be installed, one or more exhaust vents are coupled to one or more of the portals in the one or more wall elements. In some embodiments, an exhaust vent includes one or more sets of louvers which can direct airflow through the exhaust vent from the enclosure in one or more various directions. For example, one or more sets of louvers in an exhaust vent may be fixed to direct airflow from the enclosure in a downwards direction towards a lower portion of the exhaust plenum. In some embodiments, one or more sets of louvers comprise dampers which can be adjusted to adjustably control the direction of airflow into the exhaust plenum. In some embodiments, one or more sets of louvers are configured to direct environmental elements that are received into the exhaust plenum from the ambient environment away from an exhaust vent. For example, a set of fixed louvers may be angled, on an external side of the exhaust vent, downwards so that environmental elements, including precipitation, that fall onto one or more of the louvers are diverted downwards and away from the exhaust vent, so that the environmental elements are precluded from entering the exhaust vent, enclosure, etc. One or more sets of louvers, in some embodiments, can direct environmental elements to one or more drains, gutters, etc. which can direct the environmental elements away from the enclosure. At  1212 , one or more air moving devices are coupled to one or more of the exhaust vents. The air moving devices can induce an air flow through one or more of the vents into an exhaust air plenum. 
         [0112]    In some embodiments, some portals are coupled with removable partitions and some portals are coupled with exhaust vents. Selected portals may be determined to be coupled with partitions or coupled with exhaust vents, and the decision can be revisited at various times based at least in part upon various factors, including exhaust air generation rates by heat producing components, including computer systems, in the enclosure. 
         [0113]    At  1214 , one or more structural elements, referred to hereinafter as “trough” elements, are coupled to the wall elements to establish a lower end of the exhaust plenum. A trough element can span between wall elements along the lower end of the exhaust plenum. In some embodiments, a trough element is coupled to bottom ends of separate wall elements on separate side ends of the exhaust plenum. In some embodiments, one or more of the trough elements are angled, such that a drainage gradient along the upper surface of the trough elements is established. The drainage gradient can enable environmental elements, including precipitation, that are received into the exhaust plenum and land on the upper surface of the trough element to be directed by the trough element in a direction along the drainage gradient. 
         [0114]    At  1216 , where the exhaust plenum module is separate from the enclosure in which the exhaust air is generated, as illustrated and discussed above with reference to  FIG. 7 , the exhaust plenum module is coupled to an exhaust air outlet of an enclosure structure. The exhaust plenum module, itself including an enclosure bounded by the roof elements, wall elements, trough elements, etc., can include an air inlet which can direct air from an external source into the enclosure. Where the exhaust air is generated in a separate enclosure, including an interior enclosure of a data center, the separate enclosure can be enclosed by separate structural elements, which can include separate roof elements. One or more of the separate structural elements can include one or more exhaust air outlets which can direct exhaust air out of the separate enclosure. Coupling the exhaust plenum module to the exhaust air outlet can include coupling the air inlet of the exhaust plenum module with the exhaust air outlet, so that exhaust air can be directed from the separate enclosure in which it is generated into the enclosure of the exhaust plenum module via the coupled exhaust air outlet and air inlet of the exhaust plenum module. Where the exhaust air outlet is included in a roof element of the separate enclosure, the exhaust plenum can be mounted on the roof element to couple the air inlet with the exhaust air outlet. 
         [0115]    If, at  1217  and  1218 , a wing element to be coupled to the exhaust plenum module, the wing element is so coupled to a roof element edge of the exhaust plenum module. The wing element can induce, augment, etc. air flow of exhaust air out of the exhaust plenum module and into the ambient environment. The wing element is configured to reduce the air pressure at the upper end of the exhaust plenum, so that a pressure gradient is established, augmented, etc. from the exhaust vents to the upper end of the exhaust plenum. As a result of the air pressure being reduced at the upper end, the flow rate of the exhaust air out of the exhaust plenum can be induced, increased, etc. The wing element can be configured to allow an ambient air flow to flow over one or more surfaces of the wing element, where the air flow along the lower surface of the wing element flows faster than the ambient airflow upstream of the wing element, so that the lower airflow has a reduced static air pressure relative to the upstream ambient airflow. The wing element can be configured to establish an upper end of a cross-sectional flow area with a portion of one or more roof elements, including a roof element edge, where the airflow through the cross sectional area has a reduced static air pressure relative to the upstream ambient airflow based at least in part upon a greater flow speed of the airflow through the cross-sectional flow area relative to the upstream ambient airflow. In some embodiments, the wing element is coupled to an edge of one or more of the roof elements and extends at least partially over the upper end of the exhaust plenum. The wing element can include an adjustment mechanism that can adjust the attitude of the wing element, including the pitch, angle of attack to the ambient airflow, etc. 
         [0116]    If, at  1219  and  1220 , an air directing element is to be coupled to the exhaust plenum module, the air directing element is so coupled to a portion of one or more of the roof elements, including an edge of a roof element. The air directing element can induce, augment, etc. exhaust air flow out of the exhaust plenum based at least in part upon changing a direction of ambient airflow over the exhaust plenum. For example, the air directing element can direct ambient airflow flowing over the roof element upwards, which can enable increased exhaust air flow out of the exhaust plenum relative to exhaust air flow where the ambient air flow flowing over the roof element flows along the upper portion of the exhaust plenum. In some embodiments, one or more wing elements and one or more air directing elements can be coupled to an exhaust plenum module. 
         [0117]    The various methods as illustrated in the Figures and described herein represent example embodiments of methods. The methods may be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination thereof. The order of method may be changed, and various elements may be added, reordered, combined, omitted, modified, etc. 
         [0118]    Although the embodiments above have been described in considerable detail, numerous variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the above disclosure is fully appreciated. It is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace all such variations and modifications.