Flue device for computer racks

Abstract

A flue device for use with a computer rack includes an elongate body having an open end and defining a ventilation channel. The flue device further includes a coupling feature adapted to couple the elongate body to the computer rack. When coupled to the computer rack, the elongate body extends in a substantially vertical direction with the open end extending upward and is positioned to cover each of the respective vents to receive air from the vents and direct the received air toward the open end.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for managing heat generated by one or more computing devices within a computer rack, the method comprising:
 coupling a flue device to at least one of the computer rack or the one or more computing devices, the flue device comprising an elongate body defining a ventilation channel, the elongate body comprising a top segment including an open end, a bottom segment including a closed bottom, and an intermediate section disposed between the top segment and the bottom segment and comprising at least a first section coupled to the top segment and a second section coupled to the bottom segment, the first section horizontally offset from the second section;   capturing, by the ventilation channel, heated air generated by the one or more computing devices; and   guiding the heated air through the ventilation channel and out the open end, thereby removing the heated air from the one or more computing devices.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising encouraging heated air to flow through the ventilation channel to the open end via at least one fan disposed within or coupled to the flue device. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising sensing characteristics of the heated air within the ventilation channel via a sensor disposed within the ventilation channel. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , further comprising controlling the operation of the at least one fan in response to sensed characteristics of heated air within the ventilation channel. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one fan is disposed within the elongate body. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one fan is coupled to the flue device adjacent the open end such that forced air generated by the at least one fan blows in a direction orthogonal to the elongate body. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising augmenting an airflow within the ventilation channel to enhance movement of the heated air through the ventilation channel. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein augmenting the airflow comprises augmenting the airflow via a plurality of baffles distributed in the ventilation channel. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein augmenting the airflow comprises augmenting the airflow via a plurality of airfoils. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein augmenting the airflow comprises augmenting the airflow via a plurality of adjustable louvers adapted to pivot to vary an angle of deflection of each louver of the plurality of louvers. 
     
     
         11 . A method for managing heat generated by one or more computing devices within a computer rack, the method comprising:
 coupling a flue device to at least one of the computer rack or the one or more computing devices, the flue device comprising an elongate body defining a ventilation channel, the elongate body comprising a top segment including an open end, a bottom segment including a closed bottom, and an intermediate section coupled to and disposed between the top segment and the bottom segment and comprising a first open end having a first width and a second open end having a second width, the second width being different than the first width;   capturing, by the ventilation channel, heated air generated by the one or more computing devices; and   guiding the heated air through the ventilation channel and out the open end, thereby removing the heated air from the one or more computing devices.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising encouraging heated air to flow through the ventilation channel to the open end via at least one fan disposed within or coupled to the flue device. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising sensing characteristics of the heated air within the ventilation channel via a sensor disposed within the ventilation channel. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising controlling the operation of the at least one fan in response to sensed characteristics of heated air within the ventilation channel. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the at least one fan is disposed within the elongate body. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the at least one fan is coupled to the flue device adjacent the open end such that forced air generated by the at least one fan blows in a direction orthogonal to the elongate body. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising augmenting an airflow within the ventilation channel to enhance movement of the heated air through the ventilation channel. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein augmenting the airflow comprises augmenting the airflow via a plurality of baffles distributed in the ventilation channel. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein augmenting the airflow comprises augmenting the airflow via a plurality of airfoils. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein augmenting the airflow comprises augmenting the airflow via a plurality of adjustable louvers adapted to pivot to vary an angle of deflection of each louver of the plurality of louvers.