Cooling airflow distribution device

A cabinet for supporting electronic assemblies and for being received on a plinth having an input port, an output port, a plinth airflow path extending between the input and the output ports and a fan assembly positioned within the plinth airflow path, the cabinet comprising:

• a first vertical airflow path for connection to the inlet port of the plinth;
• a second vertical airflow path for connection to the outlet port of the plinth;
• brackets for supporting electronic assemblies in a vertical array between the first and the second vertical airflow paths;
• and
• at least one substantially planar, vertically extending airflow distribution device having a plurality of apertures in a predetermined pattern of sizes and positions for establishing a predetermined flow rate distribution through electronic assemblies supported on the brackets.

A cabinet for supporting electronic assemblies and for being received on a plinth having an input port, an output port, a plinth airflow path extending between the input and the output ports and a fan assembly positioned within the plinth airflow path, the cabinet comprising:

• a first vertical airflow path for connection to the inlet port of the plinth;
• a second vertical airflow path for connection to the outlet port of the plinth;
• brackets for supporting electronic assemblies in a vertical array between the first and the second vertical airflow paths;
• and
• at least one distribution device extending vertically and horizontally between a lower end and an upper end, such that the upper end of the distribution device is closer to the brackets than the lower end, for establishing a predetermined flow rate distribution through electronic assemblies supported on the brackets.

A plinth for supporting and cooling at least one cabinet including a first vertical airflow path, a second vertical air flow path, a base defining an outlet for the first vertical airflow path and an inlet for the second vertical air flow path, and brackets for supporting electronic assemblies in a vertical array between the first vertical airflow path and the second vertical air flow path, the plinth comprising:

• an input port for receiving air from the outlet of the cabinet;
• an output port for transmitting air from the plinth to the inlet port of the cabinet;
• a plinth air flow path extending between the input and the output ports;
• at least one heat exchanger disposed along the plinth air flow path for containing a heat exchange medium;
• and
• at least one fan assembly disposed along the plinth air flow path for driving air through the heat exchanger towards the output port.