A compact cooling system includes a mounting panel adapted to receive a plurality
of at least three cooling units, a cooling fan, and a fan drive mechanism. The
mounting panel supports the fan and drive mechanism in a manner allowing rotation
of the fan about the axis of rotation. A front side of the mounting panel is adapted
for receiving and supporting the cooling units in a pattern defining a cantilevered,
tubular polygonal solid disposed about the fan. The mounting panel includes a convex
central region extending into the tubular polygonal solid and receiving the drive
mechanism in operative connection to the fan. By virtue of this arrangement, a
very compact cooling system is provided. The tubular polygonal shape of the cooling
units, when mounted on the mounting panel, forms an air duct for directing a flow
of cooling air induced by the fan through the cooling units. Positioning the drive
mechanism inside the convex central region of the mounting panel significantly
reduces the length of the cooling system along the axis of rotation.
