Server Rack Ventilation

I planned to force-circulate air in my small server rack (15U – http://www.getfort.com/en/products/3/197). I used pipes commonly used in HVAC ventilation systems and designed a custom setup with two separate airflow paths (intake and exhaust). This helps cool the rack without the need to install a standard air conditioning unit.

This led me to design my own connector between the rack and plastic pipes, which might be useful to others. The idea assumes that the entire rack, together with its equipment, will be additionally hidden inside a standard full-size wardrobe located in a corridor.

Due to the limited maximum print size, the full model was split into two separate parts (each taking around two days plus a few additional hours to print). It requires a significant amount of support material, but I could not find a way to simplify the geometry while maintaining the same external surface quality—this was a hobby project.

I recommend printing at 70% speed. This significantly increases the print time, but provides greater confidence that the print will not fail after several hours.

The bolt holes should precisely match those found on the top cover.

If you want a solid connection, you can glue the parts together. For more convenient use, you can also secure the pipe connection with zip ties.

At the moment, I am presenting only the “air out” connector, as the second one is still in progress. I will update this post once it is completed.

Feel free to use and modify this project to suit your needs. It was entirely created using the free online tool Tinkercad: https://www.tinkercad.com/things/hDy7e8DPdks-ventilcanalfinal

Note: This design is intended for green pipes (the spacing between the circular openings fits them precisely). If you use grey pipes instead, the fit may differ (as was the case in my setup).