The invention provides an improved air flow distribution system that is operable to pass a flow of air in a linear vertical direction, thereby creating an improved optimal flow direction for cooling device components. The system described herein utilizes an improved air collimator that is operable to redirect swirling air from a fan into a linear flow, thereby increasing the cross-sectional air flow distribution throughout the device being cooled.

Importantly, the improved air cooling system described herein further includes separate self-activating louver systems that close off air flow back to individual fans. The separate self-activating louver systems within the air collimator automatically individually close upon failure of any of a plurality of fans to prevent air from recirculating through the failed fan. Therefore, even when just one fan fails (or is otherwise shut off for service, maintenance, etc.), air continues to move linearly across the device components such that the device components remain cooled to a specified temperature.

Thus in the conventional air cooling system air is allowed to pass back through a failed fan due to the creation of a low pressure region within the system, thus air flow would begin recirculating upon fan failure rather than flowing linearly out of the air cooling system. This re-circulation of air can be warmer air that then creates unwanted heat within the heat sink and/or component. As a result, the amount of power that can be safely dissipated within the chassis of the device is limited, preventing safe and reliable increases in circuit or component density within the relevant device.