In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a fan for cooling electronics within a chassis, the fan comprising a rotor with a plurality of fan blades connected thereto for generating an axial airflow during operation of the fan, a sensor for detecting failure of the fan, and an airflow blocking device positioned at an exhaust side of the fan and configured to prevent airflow through the fan upon detection of the fan failure, wherein the airflow blocking device is stowed in a position removed from a path of the axial airflow generated by the fan during operation of the fan. A method for preventing airflow recirculation at a failed fan is also disclosed herein.

A fan failure backup apparatus includes a first fan module and a second fan module. When a second control unit of the second fan module realizes that the first fan module is failed through a first control unit of the first fan module, and the second control unit realizes that the second fan module is not failed, the second control unit controls the second fan module to additionally enhance a pressure-flow characteristic of a second fan unit of the second fan module.

A fan assembly includes a socket to receive a fan module, a fan flap coupled to a first side wall of the socket, and an anti-reflow device coupled to a second side wall of the socket. The fan flap moves in a curved path between a first position and a second position. The anti-reflow device has an attachment feature, an embossed feature, and a stopping feature. The attachment feature attaches the anti-reflow device to the second side wall. The embossed feature extends through a first aperture in the second side wall. The stopping feature extends through a second aperture in the second side wall and contacts the fan flap. When the fan module is removed, the stopping feature retains the fan flap in the first position to block the socket and prevent air from reflowing through the socket.

The disclosed embodiments provide a system that estimates a remaining useful life (RUL) for a fan. During operation, the system receives telemetry data associated with the fan during operation of the critical asset, wherein the telemetry data includes a fan-speed signal. Next, the system uses the telemetry data to construct a historical fan-speed profile, which indicates a cumulative time that the fan has operated in specific ranges of fan speeds. The system then computes an RUL for the fan based on the historical fan-speed profile and empirical time-to-failure (TTF) data, which indicates a TTF for the same type of fan as a function of fan speed. Finally, when the RUL falls below a threshold, the system generates a notification indicating that the fan needs to be replaced.

An airflow management system that can be fitted to an electrical cabinet intended to accommodate electrical devices in the internal volume thereof, the system comprising: a casing comprising at least one air input intended to be placed in communication with the internal volume of the electrical cabinet, at least two air outputs and at least one principal throat arranged to connect the air input to the two air outputs, a switch device arranged inside said principal throat, between the first air output and the second air output, the switch device comprising movable flaps that can be controlled between a first position in which the air input communicates solely with the first air output and a second position in which the air input communicates at least with the second air output.

A cooling module including a first air inlet, a second air inlet, and an air discharge vent, the module having two check valves, each mounted in register with a respective inlet and arranged to allow air to pass towards the inside of the module and to oppose a flow of air in the opposite direction. An electronic unit including such a box.

A fan (200) includes a housing (201) defining a duct (202). A spindle (203) can be concentrically located about a central axis within the duct. One or more fan blades (205,206,207) extending radially from the spindle toward a surface of the duct. Each fan blade is pivotable about a radial axis (208) between a closed position (400) where the each fan blade is in contact with each adjacent fan blade and an axially displaced open position (300) where the each fan blade is physically separated from the each adjacent fan blade. This prevents recirculation of air if a fan should fail.

In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a fan for cooling electronics within a chassis, the fan comprising a rotor with a plurality of fan blades connected thereto for generating an axial airflow during operation of the fan, a sensor for detecting failure of the fan, and an airflow blocking device positioned at an exhaust side of the fan and configured to prevent airflow through the fan upon detection of the fan failure, wherein the airflow blocking device is stowed in a position removed from a path of the axial airflow generated by the fan during operation of the fan. A method for preventing airflow recirculation at a failed fan is also disclosed herein.

A fan (200) includes a housing (201) defining a duct (202). A spindle (203) can be concentrically located about a central axis within the duct. One or more fan blades (205,206,207) extending radially from the spindle toward a surface of the duct. Each fan blade is pivotable about a radial axis (208) between a closed position (400) where the each fan blade is in contact with each adjacent fan blade and an axially displaced open position (300) where the each fan blade is physically separated from the each adjacent fan blade. This prevents recirculation of air if a fan should fail.

Methods and structures are provided for implementing electronic enclosure cooling containment for concurrent maintenance actions with a top cover of the electronic enclosure removed. The structure includes a moveable airflow baffle being attached to the associated electronic enclosure. During concurrent maintenance actions, the moveable airflow baffle is moved to an open position over at least a partial length of a replaceable component, without being detached or removed from the associated electronic enclosure. During normal operations, the moveable airflow baffle hangs down over at least a partial length of a replaceable component.