Modular in-row cooling distribution

Abstract

A cooling distribution unit (CDU) includes a liquid cooling circuit, a cooling coil, and a plurality of cooling modules. A cooling fluid is configured to flow through the liquid cooling circuit The cooling coil is fluidically connected to the liquid cooling circuit. The cooling modules are removably coupled to the liquid cooling circuit. The cooling modules are configured to circulate air over the cooling coil. Each of the cooling modules is configured to be disconnected from the CDU while the remaining cooling module or cooling modules of the plurality of cooling modules continue operation.

Description

MODULAR IN-ROW COOLING DISTRIBUTIONCLAIM OF PRIORITY

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 625,397, filed January 26, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] There are many applications where cooling is critical, such as data centers. A data center usually consists of servers or other electronic computing components working continuously (24 hours per day, 7 days per week]. The rapid growth of internet and cloud services have created a consistently increasing demand for computing and storage power from servers in data centers. More recently, data centers have incorporated even more high-power density server racks, packing more high-power chips more compactly together to provide higher processing power. This is, e.g., due to the development of Artificial Intelligence [Al] and cloudbased services, which require high performance and high-power density processors.

[0003] Servers are typically placed in racks in a data center. A data center and the servers and other equipment and users in such centers generally require a relatively narrow range of acceptable temperatures and humidity for reliable operation of the servers. Server racks use electrical energy and produce heat as a byproduct of electrical resistance. The heat collectively generated by densely populated racks, if not adequately removed from the system can have an adverse effect on the performance and reliability of the equipment in the racks. Accordingly, heating, ventilation, air conditioning [HVAC] systems are often an important part of the design of an efficient and robust data center.

[0004] In a data center, server racks are typically laid out in rows and various types of measures and systems can be employed to manage the environmental conditions of the data center. Computer room air conditioner [CRAC] units can be employed, for example, to supply direct air cooling to the server racks. Additionally, data centers may employ direct liquid cooling systems, which can be supported by / combined with liquid-to-air cooling distribution units [CDUs],

[0005] A challenge for data centers is the need for continuous, practically uninterrupted operation of the servers. And separate from service and repair of the servers, components supporting the proper operation of the servers, like HVACequipment also need to be configured for continuous operation at levels that can meet the cooling needs of the data center and of the servers, while also being configured to safe and efficient repair and / or replacement.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals may describe similar components in different views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components, subcomponents of a larger logical or physical system, or the like. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various examples described in the present disclosure.

[0007] FIG. 1 schematically depicts an example system including a modular cooling distribution unit [CDU] in accordance with this disclosure.

[0008] FIGS. 2A and 2B schematically depict an example CDU according to this disclosure.

[0009] FIGS. 3A and 3B schematically depict another example CDU according to this disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 4 schematically depicts another example CDU according to this disclosure.

[0011] FIGS. 5A-5E depict another example CDU including an example selfclosing bypass damper for a removable cooling module of the CDU.

[0012] FIGS. 6A and 6B depict another example CDU including an example selfclosing bypass damper for a removable cooling module of the CDU.

[0013] FIGS. 7A and 7B depict another example CDU including an example selfclosing bypass damper for a removable cooling module of the CDU.SUMMARY

[0014] In an example, a cooling distribution unit [CDU] includes a liquid cooling circuit, a cooling coil, and a plurality of cooling modules. A cooling fluid is configured to flow through the liquid cooling circuit. The cooling coil is fluidically connected to the liquid cooling circuit. The cooling modules are removably coupled to the liquid cooling circuit. The cooling modules are configured to circulate air over the cooling coil. Each of the cooling modules is configured to be disconnected from the CDU while the remaining cooling module or cooling modules of the plurality of cooling modules continue operation.

[0015] In an example, a cooling distribution unit [CDU] includes a liquid cooling circuit, a cooling coil, and three cooling modules. A cooling fluid is configured to flow through the liquid cooling circuit. The cooling coil is fluidically connected to the liquid cooling circuit. The three cooling modules are removably coupled to the liquid cooling circuit. The three cooling modules are configured to circulate air over the cooling coil. Each of the cooling modules is configured to be disconnected from the CDU while the remaining two cooling modules continue operation and provide a total cooling capacity sufficient to meet approximately 100% of a target cooling load of the CDU.

[0016] In an example, a method of operating a CDU includes: on condition all of a plurality of cooling modules of the CDU are connected to the CDU, operating each of the plurality of cooling modules at a cooling capacity such that a total cooling capacity of all of the plurality of cooling modules is sufficient to meet approximately 100% of a target cooling load of the CDU; and on condition one or more cooling modules of the plurality of cooling modules are disconnected from the CDU, operating all of the remaining cooling modules of the plurality of cooling modules at a maximum cooling capacity. A total cooling capacity of all of the remaining cooling modules of the plurality of cooling modules, each operating at the maximum cooling capacity is sufficient to meet approximately 100% of the target cooling load of the CDU.

[0017] This overview is intended to provide an overview of subject matter of the present patent application. It is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive explanation of the invention. The detailed description is included to provide further information about the present patent application.DESCRIPTION

[0018] Examples according to this disclosure are directed to in row cooling distribution units [CDUs] employed, e.g., in data center cooling applications. Examples include liquid to air CDUs that employ cold air from a data center air cooling system to cool a liquid. The liquid cooled by the CDU is then supplied to a direct liquid cooling system that cools electronic equipment in, e.g., a server rack adjacentthe CDU. The liquid to which heatfrom the electronic equipmentis rejected is then returned to the CDU for cooling.

[0019] Examples according to this disclosure include a modular and hot swappable in row CDU having a plurality of modules. Each module can bedisconnected from the CDU for repair or replacement while the CDU including the remaining modules continues to operate. Additionally, each module has a cooling capacity that is greater than the cooling load on the module when all modules in the CDU are operating. For example, the CDU can be configured for different redundancy requirements and / or specifications, including so called N+l and 2N redundancy. For N+l redundancy, one cooling module can be disconnected / deactivated and / or removed from the CDU while the remaining cooling module or modules provide 100% of the required cooling load. And 2N redundancy means half of the total number of cooling modules in the CDU can be disconnected / deactivated and / or removed while the remaining connected cooling module or modules provides 100% of the required cooling load.

[0020] In an example of a CDU with three modular cooling units with N+l redundancy, each cooling unit has a maximum cooling capacity of 50% of the required cooling load on the CDU such that one module can be disconnected from the CDU, while the remaining two modules carry the entire load required and thus the CDU can continue to operate uninterrupted. In this example, when all three cooling modules are installed in the CDU, each module is providing 33% of the required cooling load. When, however, one module is removed for repair or replacement, the remaining two modules are each providing 50% of the required cooling load, which is also the maximum cooling capacity of each module.

[0021] In an example of a CDU with six modular cooling units with 2N redundancy, each cooling unit has a maximum cooling capacity of one third of the required cooling load such that three modules can be disconnected from the CDU, while the remaining three modules carry the entire cooling load required and thus the CDU can continue to operate uninterrupted.

[0022] In row CDUs in accordance with this disclosure are designed to be placed in the same row as server racks within a data center, as depicted with reference to examples system 100 in FIG. 1. In FIG. 1, system 100 includes server rack 102 and CDU 104. Example CDUs according to this disclosure, including CDU 104 can include a housing / cabinet holding the components of the CDU and sized and shaped to fit within the footprint of one server rack, or some multiple of server rack widths (e.g. a larger in row CDU could be designed to fit in the space allocated for two side by side server racks}.

[0023] Example CDU 104 includes three removable cooling modules 106, 108, and 110, a control module (which also can be removable] 112, and non-removableunit 114 in row with server rack 102. However, depending on cooling or other application requirements, example CDUs according to this disclosure and include more or fewer cooling modules.

[0024] Cooling modules 106, 108, and 110 (and other such cooling modules in other examples according to this disclosure] are removable in the sense that they can be removed temporarily or permanently without interrupting operation of CDU 104. In contrast, non-removable unit 114 is designed to not be removed from CDU 104 of system 100 while the CDU is still operating.

[0025] Each of cooling modules 106, 108, and 110 can include one or more fans, pump(s], and filterfs]. In some examples, each of cooling modules 106, 108, and 110 also includes a cooling coil or coils. Regardless of the inclusion of cooling coilfs] in cooling modules 106, 108, and 110, each module is fluidically connected to nonremovable unit 114. Such connection can include one or more quick connect valves or other mechanisms for quickly fluidically disconnecting each cooling module 106, 108, and 110 from non-removable unit 114. The fan(s) of each cooling module is configured to direct air over cooling coilfs] connected to a liquid cooling circuit through which liquid flows between server rack 102 and CDU 104. The air flowing over the cooling coils is configured to cool hot return liquid from a heat load, e.g., from server rack 102, which can then be supplied as cool supply liquid to the heat load, e.g., to server rack 102.

[0026] In examples, relatively cool air 116 is directed into CDU 104 by fan(s] of each of cooling modules 106, 108, and 110. The relatively cool air 116 flows over cooling coil(s], e.g. of each of cooling modules 106, 108, and 110 and / or in nonremovable unit 114. Relatively warm return cooling liquid flowing through the coil(s] rejects heatinto the air, which cools the liquid and heats the air, and relatively warm air 118 is exhausted from CDU 104.

[0027] Non-removable unit 114 is fluidically connected to a server rack 102 (e.g., to a direct liquid cooling system in the server rack] via cool liquid supply 220 and hot liquid return 222, which are schematically depicted in FIG. 1 and can include a variety of pipes, conduit, valves, etc. and can be arranged in a variety of manners including within the housing / cabinets of non-removable unit 114 of CDU 104 and / or server rack 102. Non-removable unit 114 can include, e.g., piping header, expansion tank, sensors and valves arranged and configured to transfer a cooling liquid between server rack 102 and CDU 104. In some examples, as will be described in detail below, non-removable unit 114 can also include one or more cooling coilsthrough which a cooling liquid flows (e.g. hot return liquid flows into an inlet of cooling coil(s] and cool supply liquid flows out of an outlet of cooling coilfs]).

[0028] Controller 112 is communicatively connected to cooling modules 106, 108, and 110 and can be configured to control various aspects of operation of CDU 104. For example, controller 112 can be configured to place each of cooling module 106, 108, and 110 into a service mode, in which, as an example, the fan(s) and / or pumpfs] of the module are stopped so that a technician can safely service the module.

[0029] FIGS. 2 A and 2B schematically depict example in row modular and hot swappable CDU 204 including three cooling modules 206, 208, 210, controller 212, and non-removable unit 214. FIG. 2A depicts CDU 204 with cooling modules 206, 208, 210 installed and operating. FIG. 2B depicts CDU 204 with two cooling modules 208 and 210 installed and operating while one cooling module 206 is hot swapped / disconnected for repair and / or replacement.

[0030] CDU 204 of FIGS. 2A and 2B includes 3 cooling modules, each of which is removable and hot swappable and can include pump, fan, filter, cooling coil and associated conduit For example, cooling module 206 includes fan 224, pump 226, filter 228, and cooling coil 230. Cooling module 208 includes fan 232, pump 234, filter 236, and cooling coil 238. And cooling module 210 includes fan 240, pump 242, filter 244, and cooling coil 246.

[0031] CDU 204 also includes removable controller 212, which can include a controller and user interface for programming or otherwise controlling aspects of the operation of CDU 204. Non-removable section 214 of CDU 204 can include liquid conduit header 248, and, although not depicted in the example of FIGS. 2A and 2B can include expansion tank, sensors and valves, some or all of which may form and / or be referred to as a liquid cooling circuit in examples according to this disclosure. Liquid conduit header 248 is fluidically connected to each of cooling coils 230, 238, and 246 of cooling modules 206, 208, and 210. In examples, cooling modules 206, 208, and 210 can be connected to non-removable unit 214, e.g. cooling coils 230, 238, and 246 connected to liquid conduit header 248 by quick connect / disconnect couplers and / or valves that allow each of the cooling modules to be quickly and efficiently hot swapped for repair and / or replacement.

[0032] Fans 220, 232, and 240 of each of cooling modules 206, 208, and 210 are configured to direct air over cooling coils 230, 234, and 246 connected to a liquid cooling circuit through which liquid flows between a server rack CDU 204. The airflowing over cooling coils 230, 234, and 246 is configured to cool hot return liquid from a heat load, e.g., from a server rack, which can then be supplied as cool supply liquid to the heat load, e.g., to the server rack.

[0033] In examples, relatively cool air is directed into CDU 204 by fans 220, 232, and 240 of each of cooling modules 206, 208, and 210. The relatively cool air flows over cooling coils 230, 234, and 246 of each of cooling modules 206, 208, and 210. Relatively warm return cooling liquid flowing through cooling coils 230, 234, and 246 rejects heat into the air, which cools the liquid and heats the air, and relatively warm air is exhausted from CDU 204.

[0034] Non-removable unit 214 is fluidically connected to a server rack (e.g., to a direct liquid cooling system in the server rack) via cool liquid supply 220 and hot liquid return 222, which form part of or are connected to liquid conduit header 248. Cool liquid supply 220 and hot liquid return 222 are schematically depicted in FIGS. 2 A and 2B and can include a variety of pipes, conduit, valves, etc. and can be arranged in a variety of manners including within the housing / cabinets of nonremovable unit 214 of CDU 204 and / or associated / connected server rack(s).

[0035] Controller 212 is communicatively connected to cooling modules 206, 208, and 210 and can be configured to control various aspects of operation of CDU 204. For example, controller 212 can be configured to place each of cooling modules 206, 208, and 210 into a service mode, in which, as an example, the fan and / or pump of a cooling module are stopped so that a technician can safely service the module.

[0036] The modular configuration of CDU 204 allows the pumps, coils, fans, and filters of each of cooling modules 206, 208, and 210 to be serviced and / or replaced in one module while the remaining modules continue to function (hot swappable). CDU 204 cooling modules 206, 208, and 210 can be sized and configured to deliver different levels of redundancy depending upon the intended application. For example, CDU 204 can be configured to deliver N+l redundancy. In such an example, each of cooling modules 206, 208, and 210 is sized to perform 50% of a total cooling load required of CDU 204, which allows one of the cooling modules, e.g. cooling module 206 in FIG. 2B to be removed for service or replacement without interrupting operation of the CDU as remaining cooling modules, e.g. cooling modules 208 and 210 provide 100% of the required cooling load.

[0037] FIGS. 3 A and 3B schematically depict example in row modular and hot swappable CDU 304 including four cooling modules 306, 308, 310, 350, controller 312, and non-removable unit 314. FIG. 3A depicts CDU 304 with cooling modules306, 308, 310, and 350 installed and operating. FIG. 3B depicts CDU 304 with two cooling modules 310 and 350 installed and operating while two cooling modules 306 and 308 are hot swapped / disconnected for repair and / or replacement

[0038] CDU 304 of FIGS. 3A and 3B includes 4 cooling modules, each of which is removable and hot swappable and can include pump, fan, filter, cooling coil and associated conduit For example, cooling module 306 includes fan 324, pump 326, filter 328, and cooling coil 330. Cooling module 308 includes fan 332, pump 334, filter 336, and cooling coil 338. Cooling module 310 includes fan 340, pump 342, filter 344, and cooling coil 346. And cooling module 350 includes fan 352, pump 354, filter 356, and cooling coil 358.

[0039] CDU 304 also includes removable controller 312, which can include a controller and user interface for programming or otherwise controlling aspects of the operation of CDU 304. Non-removable section 314 of CDU 304 can include liquid conduit header 348, and, although not depicted in the example of FIGS. 3A and 3B can include expansion tank, sensors and valves, some or all of which may form and / or be referred to as a liquid cooling circuit in examples according to this disclosure. Liquid conduit header 348 is fluidically connected to each of cooling coils 330, 338, 346, and 358 of cooling modules 306, 308, 310, and 350. In examples, cooling modules 306, 308, 310, and 350 can be connected to non-removable unit 314, e.g. cooling coils 330, 338, 346, and 358 connected to liquid conduit header 348 by quick connect / disconnect couplers and / or valves that allow each of the cooling modules to be quickly and efficiently hot swapped for repair and / or replacement

[0040] Fans 320, 332, 340, and 352 of each of cooling modules 306, 308, 310, and 350 are configured to direct air over cooling coils 330, 334, 346, and 358 connected to a liquid cooling circuit through which liquid flows between a server rack CDU 304. The air flowing over cooling coils 330, 334, 346, and 358 is configured to cool hot return liquid from a heat load, e.g., from a server rack, which can then be supplied as cool supply liquid to the heat load, e.g., to the server rack.

[0041] In examples, relatively cool air is directed into CDU 304 by fans 320, 332, 340, and 352 of each of cooling modules 306, 308, 310, and 350. The relatively cool air flows over cooling coils 330, 334, 346, and 358 of each of cooling modules 306, 308, 310, and 350. Relatively warm return cooling liquid flowing through cooling coils 330, 334, 346, and 358 rejects heatinto the air, which cools the liquid and heats the air, and relatively warm air is exhausted from CDU 304.

[0042] Non-removable unit 314 is fluidically connected to a server rack [e.g., to a direct liquid cooling system in the server rack) via cool liquid supply 320 and hot liquid return 322, which form part of or are connected to liquid conduit header 348. Cool liquid supply 320 and hot liquid return 322 are schematically depicted in FIGS. 3 A and 3B and can include a variety of pipes, conduit, valves, etc. and can be arranged in a variety of manners including within the housing / cabinets of nonremovable unit 314 of CDU 304 and / or associated / connected server rack[s).

[0043] Controller 312 is communicatively connected to cooling modules 306, 308, 310, and 350 and can be configured to control various aspects of operation of CDU 304. For example, controller 312 can be configured to place each of cooling modules 306, 308, 310, and 350 into a service mode, in which, as an example, the fan and / or pump of a cooling module are stopped so that a technician can safely service the module.

[0044] The modular configuration of CDU 304 allows the pumps, coils, fans, and filters of each of cooling modules 306, 308, 310, and 350 to be serviced and / or replaced in one module while the remaining modules continue to function [hot swappable). CDU 304 cooling modules 306, 308, 310, and 350 can be sized and configured to deliver different levels of redundancy depending upon the intended application. For example, CDU 304 can be configured to deliver 2N redundancy. In such an example, cooling modules 306, 308, 310, and 350 are sized and configured, e.g. are configured with a maximum cooling capacity selected so that on condition half of the cooling modules are disconnected for service or replacement, e.g. cooling modules 306 and 308 in FIG. 3B, the remaining cooling modules 310 and 350 provide 100% of a target cooling load of CDU 304.

[0045] FIG. 4 schematically depict example in row modular and hot swappable CDU 404 including four cooling modules 406, 408, 410, 450, controller 412, and nonremovable unit 414. CDU 404 can be substantially similar to example CDUs 204 and 304 in configuration and function, including being configured for N+l or 2N redundancy, except that the removable cooling modules 406, 408, 410, 450 do not include cooling coils and, instead, non-removable unit 414 includes one or more cooling coils. For example, CDU 404 includes 4 cooling modules, each of which is removable and hot swappable and can include pump, fan, filter, and associated conduit. For example, cooling module 406 includes fan 424, pump 426, and filter 428. Cooling module 408 includes fan 432, pump 434, and filter 436. Cooling module410 includes fan 440, pump 442, and filter 444. And cooling module 450 includes fan 452, pump 454, and filter 456.

[0046] CDU 404 also includes removable controller 412, which can include a controller and user interface for programming or otherwise controlling aspects of the operation of CDU 404. Non-removable section 414 of CDU 404 can include one or more cooling coils 430 and liquid conduit header 448, and, although not depicted in the example of FIG. 4 can include expansion tank, sensors and valves, some or all of which may form and / or be referred to as a liquid cooling circuit in examples according to this disclosure. Liquid conduit header 448 is fluidically connected to cooling coil 430. In examples, cooling modules 406, 408, 410, and 450 can be connected to non-removable unit 414, e.g. conduit connected to liquid conduit header 448 by quick connect / disconnect couplers and / or valves that allow each of the cooling modules to be quickly and efficiently hot swapped for repair and / or replacement

[0047] Fans 420, 432, 440, and 452 of each of cooling modules 406, 408, 410, and 450 are configured to direct air over cooling coil(s) 430 connected to a liquid cooling circuit through which liquid flows between a server rack CDU 404. The air flowing over cooling coil(s) 430 is configured to cool hot return liquid from a heat load, e.g., from a server rack, which can then be supplied as cool supply liquid to the heat load, e.g., to the server rack.

[0048] In examples, relatively cool air is directed into CDU 404 by fans 420, 432, 440, and 452 of each of cooling modules 406, 408, 410, and 450. The relatively cool air flows over cooling coil (sj 430 of each of cooling modules 406, 408, 410, and 450. Relatively warm return cooling liquid flowing through cooling coil(s) 430 rejects heat into the air, which cools the liquid and heats the air, and relatively warm air is exhausted from CDU 404.

[0049] Non-removable unit 414 is fluidically connected to a server rack (e.g., to a direct liquid cooling system in the server rack) via cool liquid supply 420 and hot liquid return 422, which form part of or are connected to liquid conduit header 448. Cool liquid supply 420 and hot liquid return 422 are schematically depicted in FIG. 4 and can include a variety of pipes, conduit, valves, etc. and can be arranged in a variety of manners including within the housing / cabinets of non-removable unit 414 of CDU 404 and / or associated / connected server rack(s).

[0050] Controller 412 is communicatively connected to cooling modules 406, 408, 410, and 450 and can be configured to control various aspects of operation ofCDU 404. For example, controller 412 can be configured to place each of cooling modules 406, 408, 410, and 450 into a service mode, in which, as an example, the fan and / or pump of a cooling module are stopped so that a technician can safely service the module.

[0051] To maintain cooling performance with one or more cooling modules removed, example CDUs according to this disclosure can include self-closing bypass damperfs] for each hot swappable cooling module in the CDU. FIGS. 5A-5E schematically depict example cooling module 500 of a CDU in accordance with examples of this disclosure. Cooling module 500 includes fan 502 (as well as other components which can be similar to or some combination of the components of other example cooling modules according to this disclosure] and self-closing bypass damper 504. FIGS. 5A-5E depict cooling module 500 being removed and self-closing bypass damper 504 providing an air seal for the CDU while the module is removed.

[0052] Removal of cooling module 500 causes self-closing bypass damper 504 to close and prevent air flow from leaving the unit. Self-closing bypass damper 504 can be automatically actuated upon removal of cooling module 500 via a variety of techniques / mechanisms, including, passively, e.g. springs, or actively, e.g. motor or other actuator. Replacement of cooling module 500 in the CDU cabinet can open selfclosing bypass damper 504 mechanically and thereby clear / open the path of air flow. The example shown in FIGS. 5A-5E depicts one possible configuration of selfclosing bypass damper 504, in a "saloon door" style on either side of each module. Other configurations of a self-closing bypass damper are possible.

[0053] FIGS. 6A and 6B depict example cooling module 600 of a CDU in accordance with examples of this disclosure. Cooling module 600 includes fan 602, pump 604, filter 606, and self-closing bypass damper 608. In the example of FIGS. 6A and 6B, the CDU includes a cooling coil or cooling coils 610 arranged in an A- frame configuration. A similar example to that of FIGS. 6A and 6B could include a cooling coil or cooling coils arranged in a V configuration. FIGS. 6A and 6B depict cooling module 600 being removed and self-closing bypass damper 608 providing an air seal for the CDU while the module is removed.

[0054] Removal of cooling module 600 causes self-closing bypass damper 608 to close and prevent air flow from leaving the unit. Self-closing bypass damper 608 can be automatically actuated upon removal of cooling module 600 via a variety of techniques / mechanisms, including, passively, e.g. springs, or actively, e.g. motor or other actuator.

[0055] FIGS. 7A and 7B depict example cooling module 700 of a CDU in accordance with examples of this disclosure. Cooling module 700 includes fan 702, pump 704, filter 706, and self-closing bypass damper 708. In the example of FIGS. 7A and 7B, the CDU includes a cooling coil or cooling coils 710. A similar example to that of FIGS. 7A and 7B could include arranged on the top (from the perspective depicted in the figures] of cooling module 700 instead of the bottom. FIGS. 7A and 7B depict cooling module 700 being removed and self-closing bypass damper 708 providing an air seal for the CDU while the module is removed.

[0056] Removal of cooling module 700 causes self-closing bypass damper 708 to close and prevent air flow from leaving the unit. Self-closing bypass damper 708 can be automatically actuated upon removal of cooling module 700 via a variety of techniques / mechanisms, including, passively, e.g. springs, or actively, e.g. motor or other actuator.

[0057] Controllers in examples according to this disclosure, including, e.g., controller 112, 212, 312, and 412 can include one or more controllers located on or remote from a machine. For example, controllers in accordance with examples of this disclosure can be included in or separate from a CDU. Examples according to this disclosure may include multiple controllers working in conjunction with each other to execute functions attributed to the controller(s).

[0058] Controller(s) included in examples according to this disclosure can be configured to communicate with one another and with other components of the work machine via various wired or wireless communications technologies and components using various public and / or proprietary standards and / or protocols. Examples of transport mediums and protocols for electronic communication between components of the work machine include Ethernet, Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP], IEEE 802.11 or Bluetooth, or other standard or proprietary transport mediums and communication protocols.

[0059] Controllers], whether onboard and / or separate from a CDU, can include software, hardware, and combinations of hardware and software configured to execute a number of functions attributed to the components in the disclosed examples. Such controllers in examples according to this disclosure can be an analog, digital, or combination analog and digital controller including a number of components. As examples, the controllerfs] can include integrated circuit boards or ICB(s], printed circuit boards PCB(s], processors], data storage devices, switches, relays, etcetera. Examples of processors can include any one or more of amicroprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor [DSP], an application specific integrated circuit [ASIC], a field-programmable gate array [FPGA], or equivalent discrete or integrated logic circuitry.

[0060] Controller[s] and other electronic controls in examples according to this disclosure can include storage media to store and / or retrieve data or other information, for example, signals from sensors. Examples of non-volatile storage devices include magnetic hard discs, optical discs, floppy discs, flash memories, or forms of electrically programmable memories [EPROM] or electrically erasable and programmable [EEPROM] memories. Examples of volatile storage devices include random access memories [RAM], dynamic random access memories [DRAM], static random access memories [SRAM], and other forms of volatile storage devices. The data storage devices can be used to store program instructions for execution by processor^] of, for example, the controller^].

[0061] Additionally, controller^] and other electronic controls in examples according to this disclosure can include additional digital and / or analog components, including transmitters, receivers, and transceivers, as examples.

[0001] A non-limiting numbered list of certain Aspects of the present disclosure are included below.

[0002] Aspect 1 can include system, device, or method that can include or use a cooling distribution unit [CDU], The CDU includes a liquid cooling circuit, a cooling coil, and a plurality of cooling modules. A cooling fluid is configured to flow through the liquid cooling circuit. The cooling coil is fluidically connected to the liquid cooling circuit The cooling modules are removably coupled to the liquid cooling circuit The cooling modules are configured to circulate air over the cooling coil. Each of the cooling modules is configured to be disconnected from the CDU while the remaining cooling module or cooling modules of the plurality of cooling modules continue operation.

[0003] Aspect 2 can include or use the system, device, or method of Aspect 1 , wherein: the CDU is configured for a target cooling load; each of the three cooling modules has a maximum cooling capacity; and a total maximum cooling capacity all of the three cooling modules is greater than the target cooling load.

[0004] Aspect 3 can include or use the system, device, or method of Aspect 1, further comprising a controller communicatively connected to each of the plurality of cooling modules.

[0005] Aspect 4 can include or use the system, device, or method of Aspect 1, wherein, on condition all of the plurality of cooling modules are connected to the CDU, the controller is configured to control one of more of the plurality of cooling modules to operate at less than the maximum cooling capacity of each of the one of more of the plurality of cooling modules.

[0006] Aspect 5 can include or use the system, device, or method of Aspect 1, wherein, on condition one or more cooling modules of the plurality of cooling modules are disconnected from the CDU, the controller is configured to control all of the remaining cooling modules of the plurality of cooling modules to operate at the maximum cooling capacity of each of the remaining cooling modules of the plurality of cooling modules.

[0007] Aspect 6 can include or use the system, device, or method of any of Aspects 1-5, wherein, the CDU is configured for a target cooling load, and wherein a number and a maximum cooling capacity of the plurality of cooling modules is selected so that, on condition one cooling module of the plurality of cooling modules is disconnected from the CDU, the remaining cooling module or cooling modules of the plurality of cooling modules provide a total cooling capacity sufficient to meet approximately 100% of the target cooling load.

[0008] Aspect 7 can include or use the system, device, or method of any of Aspects 1-6, wherein the CDU is configured for a target cooling load, and wherein a number and a maximum cooling capacity of the plurality of cooling modules is selected so that, on condition half of the plurality of cooling modules are disconnected from the CDU, the remaining cooling modules of the plurality of cooling modules provide a total cooling capacity sufficient to meet approximately 100% of the target cooling load.

[0009] Aspect 8 can include or use the system, device, or method of any of Aspects 1-7, further comprising a non-removable unit in which at least a portion of the liquid cooling circuit is arranged.

[0010] Aspect 9 can include or use the system, device, or method of Aspect 8, wherein the cooling coil is arranged in the non-removable unit

[0011] Aspect 10 can include or use the system, device, or method of any of Aspects 1-8, wherein the cooling coil is a first cooling coil arranged in one of the plurality of cooling modules.

[0012] Aspect 11 can include or use the system, device, or method of Aspect 10, wherein each of the other of the plurality of cooling modules includes a cooling coil fluidically connected to the liquid cooling circuit

[0013] Aspect 12 can include or use the system, device, or method of any of Aspects 1-11, further comprising a self-closing bypass damper configured and arranged to close and bypass air flow for at least one of the plurality of cooling modules on condition the at least one of the plurality of cooling modules is disconnected from the CDU.

[0014] Aspect 13 can include or use the system, device, or method of any of Aspects 1-12, wherein each of the plurality of cooling modules is configured to be disconnected from the CDU while the remaining cooling module or cooling modules of the plurality of cooling modules continue operation and provide a total cooling capacity sufficient to meet approximately 100% of a target cooling load of the CDU.

[0015] Aspect 14 can include system, device, or method that can include or use a cooling distribution unit [CDU], The CDU includes a liquid cooling circuit, a cooling coil, and three cooling modules. A cooling fluid is configured to flow through the liquid cooling circuit The cooling coil is fluidically connected to the liquid cooling circuit. The three cooling modules are removably coupled to the liquid cooling circuit. The three cooling modules are configured to circulate air over the cooling coil. Each of the cooling modules is configured to be disconnected from the CDU while the remaining two cooling modules continue operation and provide a total cooling capacity sufficient to meet approximately 100% of a target cooling load of the CDU.

[0016] Aspect 15 can include or use the system, device, or method of Aspect 14, wherein: the CDU is configured for a target cooling load; each of the three cooling modules has a maximum cooling capacity; and a total maximum cooling capacity all of the three cooling modules is greater than the target cooling load.

[0017] Aspect 16 can include or use the system, device, or method of Aspect 14, further comprising a controller communicatively connected to each of the three cooling modules.

[0018] Aspect 17 can include or use the system, device, or method of Aspect 16, wherein, on condition one of the three cooling modules is disconnected from the CDU, the controller is configured to control both of the remaining cooling modules of the three cooling modules to operate at the maximum cooling capacity of each cooling module.

[0019] Aspect 18 can include or use the system, device, or method of any of Aspects 14-17, wherein the CDU is configured for a target cooling load, and wherein a maximum cooling capacity of each of the three cooling modules is selected so that, on condition one cooling module of the three cooling modules is disconnected from the CDU, the remaining two cooling modules provide a total cooling capacity sufficient to meet approximately 100% of the target cooling load.

[0020] Aspect 19 can include or use the system, device, or method of any of Aspects 14-18, further comprising a self-closing bypass damper configured and arranged to close and bypass air flow for at least one of the three cooling modules on condition the at least one of the three cooling modules is disconnected from the CDU.

[0021] Aspect 20 can include or use the system, device, or method that can include or use a method of operating a CDU. The method of operating the CDU includes: on condition all of a plurality of cooling modules of the CDU are connected to the CDU, operating each of the plurality of cooling modules at a cooling capacity such that a total cooling capacity of all of the plurality of cooling modules is sufficient to meet approximately 100% of a target cooling load of the CDU; and on condition one or more cooling modules of the plurality of cooling modules are disconnected from the CDU, operating all of the remaining cooling modules of the plurality of cooling modules at a maximum cooling capacity. A total cooling capacity of all of the remaining cooling modules of the plurality of cooling modules, each operating at the maximum cooling capacity is sufficient to meet approximately 100% of the target cooling load of the CDU.

[0022] The above description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as "aspects" or "examples." Such examples can include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examples using any combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or one or more aspects thereof], either with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein.

[0023] In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and any documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in this document controls.In this document, the terms "a" or "an" are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of "at least one” or "one or more." In this document, the term "or" is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that "A or B" includes "A but not B," "B but not A," and "A and B," unless otherwise indicated. In this document, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms "including" and "comprising" are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

[0100] Geometric terms, such as "parallel", "perpendicular", "round", or "square", are not intended to require absolute mathematical precision, unless the context indicates otherwise. Instead, such geometric terms allow for variations due to manufacturing or equivalent functions. For example, if an element is described as "round" or "generally round," a component that is not precisely circular (e.g., one that is slightly oblong or is a many-sided polygon] is still encompassed by this description.

[0101] Method examples described herein can be machine or computer- implemented at least in part. Some examples can include a computer-readable medium or machine-readable medium encoded with instructions operable to configure an electronic device to perform methods as described in the above examples. An implementation of such methods can include code, such as microcode, assembly language code, a higher-level language code, or the like. Such code can include computer readable instructions for performing various methods. The code may form portions of computer program products. Further, in an example, the code can be tangibly stored on one or more volatile, non-transitory, or non-volatile tangible computer-readable media, such as during execution or at other times. Examples of these tangible computer-readable media can include, but are not limited to, hard disks, removable magnetic disks, removable optical disks (e.g., compact disks and digital video disks], magnetic cassettes, memory cards or sticks, random access memories [RAMs], read only memories [ROMs], and the like.

[0102] The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description as examples or embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that such embodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A cooling distribution unit (CDU) comprising: a liquid cooling circuit through which a cooling fluid is configured to flow; a cooling coil fluidically connected to the liquid cooling circuit; and a plurality of cooling modules removably coupled to the liquid cooling circuit, wherein: the plurality of cooling modules are configured to circulate air over the cooling coil, and each of the plurality of cooling modules is configured to be disconnected from the CDU while the remaining cooling module or cooling modules of the plurality of cooling modules continue operation.

2. The CDU of claim 1, wherein: the CDU is configured for a target cooling load; each of the plurality of cooling modules has a maximum cooling capacity; and a total maximum cooling capacity all of the plurality of cooling modules is greater than the target cooling load.

3. The CDU of claim 2, further comprising a controller communicatively connected to each of the plurality of cooling modules.

4. The CDU of claim 3, wherein, on condition all of the plurality of cooling modules are connected to the CDU, the controller is configured to control one of more of the plurality of cooling modules to operate at less than the maximum cooling capacity of each of the one of more of the plurality of cooling modules.

5. The CDU of claim 3, wherein, on condition one or more cooling modules of the plurality of cooling modules are disconnected from the CDU, the controller is configured to control all of the remaining cooling modules of the plurality of cooling modules to operate at the maximum cooling capacity of each of the remaining cooling modules of the plurality of cooling modules.

6. The CDU of any of claims 1-5, wherein the CDU is configured for a target cooling load, and wherein a number and a maximum cooling capacity of the plurality of cooling modules is selected so that, on condition one cooling module of the plurality of cooling modules is disconnected from the CDU, the remaining cooling module or cooling modules of the plurality of cooling modules provide a total cooling capacity sufficient to meet approximately 100% of the target cooling load.

7. The CDU of any of claims 1-6, wherein the CDU is configured for a target cooling load, and wherein a number and a maximum cooling capacity of the plurality of cooling modules is selected so that, on condition half of the plurality of cooling modules are disconnected from the CDU, the remaining cooling modules of the plurality of cooling modules provide a total cooling capacity sufficient to meet approximately 100% of the target cooling load.

8. The CDU of any of claims 1-7, further comprising a non-removable unit in which at least a portion of the liquid cooling circuit is arranged.

9. The CDU of claim 8, wherein the cooling coil is arranged in the nonremovable unit.

10. The CDU of any of claims 1-8, wherein the cooling coil is a first cooling coil arranged in one of the plurality of cooling modules.

11. The CDU of claim 10, wherein each of the other of the plurality of cooling modules includes a cooling coil fluidically connected to the liquid cooling circuit.

12. The CDU of any of claims 1-11, further comprising a self-closing bypass damper configured and arranged to close and bypass air flow for at least one of the plurality of cooling modules on condition the at least one of the plurality of cooling modules is disconnected from the CDU.

13. The CDU of any of claims 1-12, wherein each of the plurality of cooling modules is configured to be disconnected from the CDU while the remaining cooling module or cooling modules of the plurality of cooling modules continue operation and provide a total cooling capacity sufficient to meet approximately 100% of a target cooling load of the CDU.

14. A cooling distribution unit (CDU) comprising: a liquid cooling circuit through which a cooling fluid is configured to flow; a cooling coil fluidically connected to the liquid cooling circuit; and three cooling modules removably coupled to the liquid cooling circuit, wherein: the three cooling modules are configured to circulate air over the cooling coil; and each of the cooling modules is configured to be disconnected from the CDU while the remaining two cooling modules continue operation and provide a total cooling capacity sufficient to meet approximately 100% of a target cooling load of the CDU.

15. The CDU of claim 14, wherein: the CDU is configured for a target cooling load; each of the three cooling modules has a maximum cooling capacity; and a total maximum cooling capacity all of the three cooling modules is greater than the target cooling load.

16. The CDU of claim 15, further comprising a controller communicatively connected to each of the three cooling modules.

17. The CDU of claim 16, wherein, on condition one of the three cooling modules is disconnected from the CDU, the controller is configured to control both of the remaining cooling modules of the three cooling modules to operate at the maximum cooling capacity of each cooling module.

18. The CDU of any of claims 14-17, wherein the CDU is configured for a target cooling load, and wherein a maximum cooling capacity of each of the three cooling modules is selected so that, on condition one cooling module of the three cooling modules is disconnected from the CDU, the remaining two cooling modulesprovide a total cooling capacity sufficient to meet approximately 100% of the target cooling load.

19. The CDU of any of claims 14-18, further comprising a self-closing bypass damper configured and arranged to close and bypass air flow for at least one of the three cooling modules on condition the at least one of the three cooling modules is disconnected from the CDU.

20. A method of operating a cooling distribution unit [CDU], the method comprising: on condition all of a plurality of cooling modules of the CDU are connected to the CDU, operating each of the plurality of cooling modules at a cooling capacity such that a total cooling capacity of all of the plurality of cooling modules is sufficient to meet approximately 100% of a target cooling load of the CDU; and on condition one or more cooling modules of the plurality of cooling modules are disconnected from the CDU, operating all of the remaining cooling modules of the plurality of cooling modules at a maximum cooling capacity, wherein a total cooling capacity of all of the remaining cooling modules of the plurality of cooling modules, each operating at the maximum cooling capacity is sufficient to meet approximately 100% of the target cooling load of the CDU.