Cooling systems for computer components

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cooling system for immersed computer components, comprising: a cooling bath containing a cooling fluid flowing in its interior from at least one outlet to at least one inlet, the cooling bath being constructed and arranged so that at least one first portion of the at least one computer component to be cooled is placed therein, at least partially immersed in the cooling fluid contained therein; and at least one refrigeration unit, the refrigeration unit being designed to collect and refrigerate the cooling fluid leaving from at least one inlet and, once refrigerated, reintroduce the cooling fluid into the cooling bath through at least one outlet, the system being characterized in that the at least one refrigeration unit is constructed to be inserted into the cooling bath, at least partially immersed in the cooling fluid contained therein, and removed from the cooling bath.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooling system for a computing device at least partially immersed in a cooling bath. Background Art

[0002] Cooling systems for computing devices are known in the prior art, which cooling systems comprise a cooling bath tank to cool the computing device using a cooling fluid in which the device is immersed. Furthermore, these cooling systems have a heat exchanger and a fluid pump, which are arranged inside the tank and in contact with the cooling fluid.

[0003] Document CN108323118 describes a cooling bath having two separate spaces: a first space for electronic devices and a second space containing a heat exchanger and a fluid pump. Both spaces share the same cooling fluid. This has the disadvantage of requiring the second space in the cooling box to be completely drained of the cooling fluid in order to enable maintenance work to be performed on the components arranged in said space.

[0004] Furthermore, document CN108323118 describes how a cooling fluid in a second space in a box can flow from a first space in a box to a second space in a box through a fluid inlet arranged in an upper portion of a cooling box. Thus, once the cooling fluid has cooled the computing device in the first space in the box, the cooling fluid flows to the second space to be cooled. As described above, the second space in the box includes a heat exchanger and a fluid pump having a suction port for the cooling fluid, which is connected to the first space in the box via a fluid outlet located at a lower portion of the first space in the box, thereby enabling the cooling fluid to flow from the second space in the box to the first space in the box once the cooling fluid has been cooled.

[0005] The fact that the heat exchanger is positioned in the second space in the tank in contact with the cooling fluid has the disadvantage that any refrigeration fluid that leaks out of the cooling fluid then flows into the cooling tank.

[0006] Therefore, it is clear that there is a need to obtain a cooling system that allows the user to easily and simply perform maintenance work on the heat exchanger and the fluid pump without having to drain the cooling fluid from the cooling tank. In addition, in the event of a leak, the cooling system must prevent the refrigeration fluid of the cooling fluid from flowing into the tank containing the cooling bath of the cooling fluid. Summary of the invention

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a cooling system for a computing device which solves the cited disadvantages and provides the advantages described below.

[0008] To achieve this object and according to a first aspect, the present invention provides a cooling system for an immersive computing device, comprising:

[0009] a cooling bath containing a cooling fluid flowing therethrough from at least one outlet to at least one inlet, wherein the cooling bath is designed and arranged such that at least a first portion of a computing device to be cooled can be inserted therein, the computing device being at least partially immersed in the cooling fluid contained therein; and

[0010] - at least one cooling unit designed to collect and cool the cooling fluid flowing out of the at least one inlet and, once cooled, return the cooling fluid to the cooling bath through the at least one outlet.

[0011] The cooling system according to the invention is characterized in that at least one cooling unit is designed to be inserted into a cooling bath, at least partially immersed in a cooling fluid contained therein, and to be removed from the cooling bath.

[0012] According to the invention, the user of the cooling system can insert and / or remove a cooling unit from a cooling bath to perform maintenance work on components of the unit without having to drain the cooling fluid from the cooling bath. Furthermore, during maintenance of a faulty cooling unit, the user can easily replace the cooling unit with another cooling unit so that the cooling bath can continue to operate.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the cooling unit comprises a housing having a protrusion designed and arranged to be supported by at least a support protruding inwardly from an inner wall of the cooling bath when the cooling unit is inserted into the cooling bath.

[0014] Thus, the protrusion of the shell of the cooling unit is positioned above the support of the inner wall of the cooling bath, which makes it easy to insert and / or remove the cooling unit from the interior of the cooling bath. In addition, the protrusion and the support enable the cooling unit to be supported simply and easily.

[0015] The shell is substantially symmetrical about the transverse axis and cooperates with the perimeter of the interior of the cooling bath tank. Advantageously, the shell has two substantially symmetrical projections arranged on opposite sides of the shell over the supports of two opposite walls of the cooling bath tank.

[0016] Preferably, the support member is a support member extending longitudinally along the inner wall of the bathing tank.

[0017] Since the support extends longitudinally along the inner wall of the cooling bath, the cooling unit can be placed anywhere along the interior of the cooling bath according to the user's requirements. For example, when transporting the cooling bath, the cooling unit can be positioned in the central part of the box so that the center of gravity of the assembly can be located in the central part.

[0018] Advantageously, the supports of the inner wall of the cooling tank project outwards.

[0019] According to an alternative embodiment, the support also serves to support a protrusion from a computing device to be cooled, the computing device being designed to be inserted into and removed from the cooling bath.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the housing has a first compartment and a second compartment fluidly isolated from each other, wherein the first compartment has an inlet to enable cooling fluid from at least one outlet in the cooling bath to enter said first compartment.

[0021] Thus, the first compartment of the housing is designed to receive the cooling fluid once the temperature of the fluid has increased after cooling the computing device. Furthermore, once the temperature of the cooling fluid drops, the first compartment delivers the cooling fluid to the cooling bath to cool the computing device. Thus, the cooling fluid is retained inside the cooling bath, which maintains a constant volume therein.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the cooling fluid enters the cooling bath tank through the lower part of the tank via a distribution wall arranged parallel to the base of the cooling bath tank. This creates a distribution volume in which the cooling fluid accumulates. The cooling fluid enters the tank through an orifice in the distribution wall and is conveyed towards the computing device. The distribution wall has at least one means operatively connected to the discharge valve of the cooling unit, which enables the cooled cooling fluid to enter the distribution volume.

[0023] Preferably, the first compartment houses a fluid pump which is immersed in a cooling fluid which has entered through the inlet of the first compartment and which is designed and arranged to pump said cooling fluid to the inlet of a first circuit of a heat exchanger which is housed in the second compartment and which is designed to cool the cooling fluid flowing through the first circuit.

[0024] The fluid pump then pumps the cooling fluid in the first compartment to the first circuit of the heat exchanger to be cooled by the refrigerant fluid flowing through the second circuit of the heat exchanger.

[0025] Optionally, the first compartment may house more than one fluid pump, which is designed to be activated in the event of failure of one of the fluid pumps. This enables the cooling system to continue to operate when one fluid pump fails.

[0026] Preferably, a motor of a fluid pump immersed in the cooling fluid is positioned in the lower part of the first compartment of the housing.

[0027] Also preferably, the refrigerant fluid flowing through the second circuit of the heat exchanger is water having a temperature lower than that of the cooling fluid.However, another type of fluid having the same physical properties and enabling the cooling fluid to be cooled may be used in the present invention.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the first compartment has a first subcompartment and a second subcompartment, wherein the first subcompartment has an inlet to enable a cooling fluid to enter therein, and wherein the first circuit of the heat exchanger has at least one cooling fluid outlet arranged in the second subcompartment.

[0029] This enables the cooling fluid from the heat exchanger to flow through the second sub-compartment, which is preferably located in the lower part of the housing of the cooling unit, before flowing out of the outlet into the cooling bath.

[0030] Preferably, the first and second sub-compartments communicate with each other via a through hole designed and arranged to enable a portion of the fluid pump to pass from the first sub-compartment into the second sub-compartment such that the portion of the fluid pump is accommodated in the second sub-compartment.

[0031] This means that the first and second sub-compartments are in communication, which enables the passage of a fluid pump, such that a portion of the pump is housed in the first sub-compartment and another portion is housed in the second sub-compartment.

[0032] Advantageously, the through hole has a movable member arranged to move between the following positions:

[0033] an operating position in which the member supports the portion of the fluid pump that has passed through the through hole and in which the movable member is positioned together with the lower portion of the fluid pump in the second subcompartment; and

[0034] A blocking position, in which the piece covers the through hole, the blocking position being adaptable when not carrying the fluid pump.

[0035] Thus, the movable member enables a portion of the fluid pump to enter the second subcompartment to be cooled.When the fluid pump is removed, for example for maintenance, the movable member is moved to prevent the fluid in the second subcompartment from flowing through the through hole into the first subcompartment and vice versa.

[0036] Advantageously, the through hole has a gasket around its inner periphery, the gasket preventing the cooling fluid from flowing between the first sub-compartment and the second sub-compartment when in contact with the movable part when the movable part is in the blocking position, or preventing the cooling fluid from flowing between the first sub-compartment and the second sub-compartment when in contact with the outer periphery of the fluid pump when the movable part is in the operating position.

[0037] Thus, since the gasket remains in contact with the movable member when the movable member is in the blocking position, the gasket prevents the cooling fluid from flowing from the second subcompartment to the first subcompartment and vice versa. In addition, when the movable member is in the operating position, the outer periphery of the gasket contacts the outer periphery of the fluid pump to prevent the fluid from flowing from the second subcompartment to the first subcompartment and vice versa.

[0038] Preferably, the second subcompartment comprises a flow director arranged to direct cooling fluid entering from the outlet towards a portion of the fluid pump arranged in the second subcompartment so that the cooling fluid is in thermal contact with an exterior of the portion of the fluid pump to cool the portion.

[0039] Thereby, the flow director enables cooling fluid coming from the outlet to cool the part of the fluid pump arranged in the second sub-compartment to be directed.

[0040] Advantageously, the fluid pump comprises an upper part of the fluid pump housed in the first sub-compartment and comprising a suction opening for the cooling fluid in the first sub-compartment, and a lower part of the fluid pump to be cooled housed in the second sub-compartment.

[0041] The cooling fluid from the heat exchanger then cools the lower portion of the fluid pump in the first sub-compartment before flowing out of the outlet into the cooling bath.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the lower part of the fluid pump, comprising the motor, is located in the second sub-compartment to be cooled by the cooling fluid therein.

[0043] Preferably, the inlet of the first compartment is located in an upper region of the housing, which is located such that the cooling fluid overflows into said inlet once the cooling unit has been inserted into the cooling bath.

[0044] Thus, when the cooling system is in use, cooling fluid from the cooling bath enters the cooling unit through the inlet located in the upper region of the housing.The cooling fluid overflows the overflow wall arranged inside the cooling bath to reach this location and the inlet of the cooling unit.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the cooling bath tank has a first subtank and a second subtank fluidly isolated from each other, wherein the first subtank is arranged within the second subtank and is designed to accommodate at least the at least one cooling unit and at least the first part of the computing device.

[0046] Preferably, the first sub-tank is joined to the second sub-tank and has an outer volume smaller than an inner volume of the second sub-tank, thereby forming a separation volume between the first sub-tank and the second sub-tank.

[0047] Thus, the cooling bath tank is divided into two sub-tanks with a separation volume between the two sub-tanks. The first sub-tank contains a cooling fluid in which the computing device and the cooling unit are immersed. The second sub-tank serves as an outer shell of the cooling bath tank. The separation volume between the two sub-tanks is fluidically isolated from the first sub-tank, thereby serving as a thermal insulator for the cooling fluid inside the first cooling bath sub-tank.

[0048] Optionally, the partitioned volumes between the sub-boxes contain thermal insulators, such as rock wool or glass wool, to reduce the transfer of heat accumulated by the cooling flow volume in the first sub-box to outside the cooling bath box.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the partitioned volume is in fluid communication with a leakage aperture of the second compartment of the housing to drain any fluid leakage thereto, thereby preventing such fluid leakage from entering the first sub-tank.

[0050] Thus, the leakage aperture ensures that the fluid leakage flows into the first sub-tank, thereby preventing the fluid leakage from contacting the computing device and causing damage. In addition, the cooling fluid is not diluted by the fluid leakage, which may cause the cooling system to malfunction. Instead, the fluid leakage is discharged to the outside of the cooling bath tank through the leakage aperture that communicates with the outside of the cooling bath tank.

[0051] The fluid leakage may be a refrigeration fluid from the second circuit of the heat exchanger. Preferably, the refrigeration fluid is water having a temperature lower than that of the cooling fluid. However, another type of fluid having the same physical properties and enabling the cooling fluid to be cooled may be used in the present invention.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the cooling system has a transport device which is designed and arranged to move at least one computing device or one cooling unit from an immersion position to a maintenance position and vice versa.

[0053] Therefore, the cooling system has a transport device to assist a user in inserting and removing a computing device or cooling unit into and from the interior of the cooling bath, such as for maintenance or replacement.

[0054] Preferably, the cooling bath box comprises a conveying guide longitudinally arranged on at least one outer surface of at least one peripheral wall of the box, and wherein the conveying device comprises a movable conveyor connected to the conveying guide in a guided manner so as to be able to move longitudinally in two directions along the guide to the position of the computing device or cooling unit to be moved.

[0055] These conveying guides enable the movable conveyor to be positioned above the computing device or cooling unit to move the computing device or cooling unit. In addition, the conveying guides enable the movable conveyor to move in two senses in the longitudinal direction to move the computing device or cooling unit when the computing device or cooling unit is in a maintenance position.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the conveying guides are arranged on opposite walls of the cooling bath tank, so that, depending on the desired position of the cooling system, the movable conveyor can be coupled in a guided manner to the wall of the tank which is most suitable for the user.

[0057] Optionally, the conveying guides are arranged such that when multiple cooling systems are arranged in a row, the conveying guides are operably connected to conveying guides of adjacent cooling systems so that a single movable conveyor can be used for multiple cooling systems arranged in a row.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the cooling bath tank has conveying guides on at least two mutually perpendicular faces of the tank, so that the movable conveyor can be moved along two conveying guides by performing a 90° turn.

[0059] Preferably, the movable conveyor comprises a lifting / lowering device designed to be removably coupled to the computing device or cooling unit to be moved and to move the computing device or cooling unit upward or downward in a direction Z orthogonal to said longitudinal direction to transport the computing device or cooling unit from the immersion position to said maintenance position and vice versa. Advantageously, the lifting / lowering device comprises a cable removably connected to the computing device or cooling unit to be moved and operatively connected to said drive means to perform said lifting and lowering movement thereof. Alternatively, these lifting / lowering devices comprise rigid elements for actively moving the computing device or cooling unit to be moved to perform said upward or downward movement thereof.

[0060] This enables the movable conveyor to make it easy and simple for a user to move a computing device or cooling unit from an immersed position to a maintenance position, and vice versa.

[0061] Optionally, the raising / lowering device is designed to be removably engaged to an engaging element disposed on a computing device or a cooling unit to be moved, and to move the engaging element upward or downward.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the lifting / lowering device comprises a retaining element designed to removably engage the computing device to the cooling bath. Preferably, the retaining element is designed such that when the lifting / lowering device is engaged to the engaging element, the retaining element is in a position where the computing device is disengaged from a portion of the cooling bath. However, when the lifting / lowering device is not engaged to the engaging element, the retaining element is in a position where the computing device is coupled to a portion of the cooling bath.

[0063] Thus, the raising / lowering device enables easy insertion and removal of the computing device, yet ensures that the computing device cannot move freely within the cooling bath when the cooling bath is moved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0064] The accompanying drawings show actual embodiments and are provided by way of non-limiting examples to aid the understanding of the foregoing.

[0065] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a cooling system.

[0066] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective cutaway view of an embodiment of a cooling system is shown having a computing device and a cooling unit within a cooling bath.

[0067] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A cut-away elevation view of an embodiment of a cooling system is shown.

[0068] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A perspective cutaway view of a cooling unit of the embodiment of the cooling system shown.For the sake of clarity, the wall of the second compartment of the housing is not shown.

[0069] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A perspective cutaway view of a cooling unit of an embodiment of a cooling system is shown.

[0070] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 Detailed view of a region of the second compartment of the housing of an embodiment of a cooling system is shown.

[0071] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 Detailed view of the second subcompartment of the housing of the embodiment of the cooling system shown, with the outlet valve of the first subcompartment open.

[0072] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 Detailed view of the second subcompartment of the housing of the embodiment of the cooling system shown, with the outlet valve of the first subcompartment closed.

[0073] Fig. 9 yes Figure 1 Detailed view of the second sub-compartment of the housing of the embodiment of the cooling system shown, with both movable parts in the blocking position.

[0074] Fig.10 yes Figure 1 Detailed view of a second sub-compartment of the housing of an embodiment of the cooling system shown with one movable element in an intermediate position between the blocking position and the operating position and with the other movable element in the blocking position.

[0075] Fig.11 yes Figure 1 Detailed view of the lower area of ​​a cooling bath tank of the illustrated embodiment of the cooling system showing the cooling unit disconnected from the distributor of the cooling bath tank.

[0076] Fig.12 yes Figure 1 A detailed view of the lower area of ​​a cooling bath tank of an embodiment of the cooling system shown, showing a cooling unit connected to a distributor of the cooling bath tank.

[0077] Fig.13 yes Figure 1 A detailed view of the upper region of a cooling bath tank of an embodiment of the cooling system is shown, illustrating the cooling fluid overflow conduit.

[0078] Fig.14 yes Figure 1 A detailed view of engagement elements of an embodiment of a cooling system is shown, showing those engagement elements arranged in a computing device and a cooling unit.

[0079] Fig.15a is a detailed view of a retaining element in a position where a computing device is disengaged from a portion of a cooling bath.

[0080] Fig.15b is a detailed view of a retaining element in a position where a computing device is coupled to a portion of a cooling bath.

[0081] Fig.16 is a perspective view of a cooling system according to a second embodiment, wherein the cooling system includes a conveying device.

[0082] Fig.17 yes Fig.16 A perspective view of a cooling system is shown, wherein multiple cooling systems are arranged in a row. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0083] Reference below Figures 1 to 17 Two preferred embodiments of a cooling system 1 for a computing device 6 according to the invention are described.

[0084] First preferred embodiment reference Figure 1 to Figure 1 5. In this first embodiment, the cooling system 1 does not include a conveying guide 13 for coupling a movable conveyor 12 that enables the computing device 6 or the cooling unit 5 to be raised and lowered.

[0085] Second preferred embodiment reference Fig.16 and Fig.17 In this second embodiment, the cooling system 1 comprises a conveying guide 13 for connecting a movable conveyor 12 which enables the computing device 6 or the cooling unit 5 to be raised and lowered. Fig.17 As shown, four cooling systems 1 are arranged in a row such that the conveying guides 13 are arranged such that the movable conveyor 12 can move along said guides, thereby enabling a single movable conveyor 12 to lift and lower the computing devices 6 or cooling units 5 of the four cooling systems 1 .

[0086] The embodiment of the cooling system 1 described below includes a cooling unit 5 and a computing device 6 arranged inside the cooling bath 3. However, depending on the requirements of the user, these cooling systems 1 may include more than one cooling unit 5 and more than one computing device 6. In addition, the cooling fluid used in these embodiments is a dielectric fluid. However, other types of fluids with physical properties similar to the physical properties of the dielectric fluid can be used. The refrigeration fluid of the cooling fluid used in the described embodiment is water. However, other types of fluids with physical properties similar to the physical properties of water can be used. Moreover, in the described embodiment, the cooling unit 5 includes two fluid pumps 11, one of which can operate in the event of a failure of the main fluid pump 11. However, the cooling unit 5 may include a single fluid pump 11 for correct operation.

[0087] In a first preferred embodiment, if Figure 1 As shown, the cooling system 1 has a substantially parallelepiped shape and comprises a cooling bath box 3 having a cover 2 at the top, which is arranged to allow a user to access a computing device 6 and a cooling unit 5. The cover 2 is hinged on one of the outer longitudinal walls of the cooling bath box 3 so that the user can rotate the cover 2 using two handles 4 arranged on the periphery of the cover 2 to access the interior of the cooling bath box 3. In addition, the cover 2 has a lock 10 to prevent unauthorized users from accessing the interior of the box 3. In addition, the cover 2 is arranged to protect the computing device 6, the cooling unit 5 and the cooling fluid from the cooling system 1 (see Figure 1 )External damage and danger.

[0088] The cooling bath 3 has two chambers 8 arranged on its outer longitudinal walls to accommodate, for example, cables to enable communication between the computing devices 6 or a power supply to supply power to the computing devices 6. These chambers 8 have locks 9 to prevent unauthorized users from gaining access to the interior of the chambers 8 (see Figure 1 ).

[0089] like Figure 2 As shown, the cooling bath box 3 has: a first sub-box 3a, in which the cooling unit 5 and the computing device are immersed in the cooling fluid; and a second sub-box 3b, which is arranged outside the first sub-box 3a. The first sub-box 3a and the second sub-box 3b are joined together, but separated, so that the outer volume of the first sub-box 3a is smaller than the inner volume of the second sub-box 3b. The partition between the two sub-boxes 3a, 3b forms a partition volume 14.

[0090] The first sub-tank 3a and the second sub-tank 3b are fluidically isolated from each other so that the cooling fluid in the first sub-tank 3a cannot enter the second sub-tank 3b unless the first sub-tank 3a is ruptured (see Figure 3 ).

[0091] The partition volume 14 acts as a thermal insulator to reduce the transfer of heat accumulated by the cooling fluid in the first sub-tank 3a to the outside of the cooling bath tank 3 and thus into the room housing the cooling system 1 (see Figure 3 ).

[0092] In the embodiment described, the partition volume 14 accommodates a sensor (not shown) to detect a fluid leak, for example a cooling fluid leak inside the first sub-tank 3a.

[0093] In an alternative embodiment not depicted, the partition volume 14 may house a thermal insulator, such as rock wool or glass wool, to reduce the transfer of heat accumulated by the cooling fluid in the first sub-tank 3 a to the outside of the cooling bath tank 3 .

[0094] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the first sub-box 3a has a distribution wall 15 arranged in the lower area of ​​the interior of the first sub-box 3a, parallel to the lower wall 16 of the first sub-box. The distribution wall 15 and the lower wall 16 of the first sub-box 3a form a distribution volume 17 in which the cooling fluid from the cooling unit 5 accumulates. These distribution walls 15 have a plurality of inlets 19, which are arranged across the length and width of the surface of the distribution wall to enable the cooling fluid to enter the volume of the first sub-box 3a in which the computing device 6 is immersed.

[0095] The upper region of the cooling bath tank 3 has support members 20 protruding outward from the inner wall of the first sub-tank 3a. The protrusions 21 on the cooling unit 5 rest on the support members 20, so that the cooling unit 5 is supported by the support members 20 and immersed in the cooling fluid at the same time. These support members 20 extend longitudinally along the inner wall of the first sub-tank 3a, which enables the cooling unit 5 to be positioned at a desired position by the user (see Figure 2 and Figure 3 ).

[0096] In the embodiment described, the support 20 has partition walls 22 which are mounted perpendicular to the support 20 and define overflow spaces 23 between these partition walls 22 and the inner wall of the first sub-tank 3a. These overflow spaces 23 define channels through which the cooling fluid flows out of the cooling bath tank 3 and into the cooling unit through the inlet 19 (see Figure 3 and Figure 4 ).

[0097] These partition walls 22 are arranged on two supports 20 and each of them has a plurality of slits 35 designed to be coupled to a portion of the computing device 6 so that the computing device 6 can be supported by the partition walls 22 and immersed in a cooling fluid (see Fig.13 ).

[0098] Furthermore, the retaining elements 41 of the engaging elements 39 arranged on the computing device are coupled to the partition walls 22. When the cables (not shown) of the lifting / lowering device of the movable conveyor are connected, the retaining elements 41 are automatically coupled to the walls 22. Similarly, when the cables (not shown) of the lifting / lowering device of the movable conveyor are disconnected, the retaining elements 41 are disconnected from the partition walls (see Fig.15a and Fig.15b ).

[0099] like Figure 4 As shown, the cooling unit 5 has a housing 7 symmetrical about the longitudinal axis, which enables the cooling unit 5 to be optimally arranged within the first sub-box 3a for the user. The cooling unit 5 has an inlet 19 arranged in the upper part of the housing 7 to allow cooling fluid to enter said housing 7.

[0100] The housing 7 has a first compartment 7a and a second compartment 7b which are fluidically isolated from each other. The first compartment 7a has a first sub-compartment 7a1 and a second sub-compartment 7a2 which are fluidically connected (see Figure 4 and Figure 5 ).

[0101] The first sub-compartment 7a1 of the first compartment 7a has an inlet 19 to allow a cooling fluid to enter the interior of the shell 7. The first sub-compartment 7a1 accommodates two fluid pumps 11, which draw cooling fluid from the interior of the first sub-compartment 7a1 of the first compartment 7a. These fluid pumps 11 pump the cooling fluid into the first circuit of the heat exchanger 24. The temperature of the cooling fluid in the heat exchanger 24 drops when flowing through the first circuit, and the first circuit interacts with the cooling fluid of the cooling fluid of the second circuit flowing through the heat exchanger 24, which is at a lower temperature. Once the temperature of the cooling fluid drops, the cooling fluid is transported to the second sub-compartment 7a2 (see Figure 4 and Figure 5 ).

[0102] In the embodiment described, the heat exchanger 24 is positioned in the second compartment 7b of the housing 7 so as not to come into contact with the fluid in the first subcompartment 7a1 of the first compartment 7a.

[0103] The second compartment 7b of the shell 7 extends to the outside of the shell 7 of the cooling unit 5 via a conduit 25 positioned above a cooling fluid inlet 19 of the first sub-compartment 7a1. The conduit 25 comprises a first pipe 26 which can be connected, for example, to a refrigeration fluid facility to convey the refrigeration fluid to a second circuit of a heat exchanger 24. Furthermore, the conduit comprises a second pipe 27 coming from the heat exchanger 24 to convey the refrigeration fluid, for example, to a refrigeration fluid facility to be cooled again (see Figure 6 ).

[0104] The pipe 25 has a leakage aperture (not shown) which connects the second compartment 7b in fluid communication with the partition volume 14. The leakage aperture (not shown) enables fluid leakage to be discharged from the second compartment 7b to the partition volume 14. Such fluid leakage may be a cooling fluid or a refrigeration fluid. A sensor (not shown) arranged in the partition volume 14 enables the presence of fluid in said partition volume 14 to be detected and a computer program can be used, for example, to warn a user and deactivate the operation of the cooling system 1. This prevents fluid leakage into the first subcompartment 7a1 of the first compartment 7a (see Figure 5 and Figure 6 ).

[0105] The first sub-compartment 7a1 and the second sub-compartment 7a2 have two through holes 29 covered by the movable member 28. Each of these through holes 29 has a gasket (not shown) arranged on the outer periphery of these through holes 29.

[0106] The movable member 28 is designed to move independently from the blocking position to the operating position so that the part of the fluid pump 11 that houses its motor can be housed in the second sub-compartment 7a2. This allows this part of the fluid pump 11 to be cooled by the cooling fluid introduced into the second sub-compartment 7a2 through the outlet 40 of the pipe 32 from the first circuit of the heat exchanger 24.

[0107] In the blocking position, the movable member 28 contacts the gasket to prevent the cooling fluid in the first sub-compartment 7a1 from flowing into the second sub-compartment 7a2, and vice versa. Similarly, when the movable member 28 is in the operating position, the gasket (not shown) contacts the outer wall of the fluid pump 11 to prevent the cooling fluid in the first sub-compartment 7a1 from flowing into the second sub-compartment 7a2, and vice versa.

[0108] The movable member 28 has four springs 30, and when the part of the fluid pump 11 is inserted into the second sub-compartment 7a2, the springs are compressed to accumulate potential energy, which moves the movable member 28 from the blocking position to the operating position. When the part of the fluid pump 11 is removed from the outside of the second sub-compartment 7a2, the energy accumulated in the springs 30 automatically moves the movable member 28 from the operating position to the blocking position (see Figures 7 to 10 ).

[0109] like Figures 7 to 10 As shown, the second sub-compartment 7a2 of the first compartment 7a has a flow director 31 to guide the cooling fluid to the portion of the fluid pump 11 inserted into the second sub-compartment 7a2. The cooling fluid is introduced into the second sub-compartment 7a2 through the outlet 40 of the pipe 32 from the first circuit of the heat exchanger 24.

[0110] The shell 7 comprises two drain valves 33 in its lower part, which are in fluid communication with the distribution volume 17 when the cooling unit 5 is immersed in the cooling bath tank 3. These drain valves 33 are used to drain the cooling fluid from the interior of the shell 7 of the unit when the cooling unit 5 is removed from the first sub-tank 3a. In addition, the shell 7 has a drain valve 36 arranged between the first sub-compartment 7a1 and the second sub-compartment 7a2, which is used to drain the cooling fluid from the first sub-compartment 7a1 to the second sub-compartment 7a2 (see Figures 7 to 10 ). This discharge valve 36 is actuated when the cooling unit 5 is moved vertically to remove said unit from the cooling bath 3. When said vertical movement of the cooling unit 5 occurs, the cooling fluid presses against the plate fastened to the two springs, which plate moves longitudinally to enable the cooling fluid to be discharged from the first sub-compartment 7a1 to the second sub-compartment 7a2.

[0111] Two outlet valves 33 arranged in the lower part of the shell 7 enable it to be coupled to two mechanisms 34 arranged in the distribution wall 15 to put the second sub-compartment 7a2 and the distribution volume 17 in fluid communication when these mechanisms 34 are actuated. Thus, when the cooling unit 5 is in use, the cooling fluid, once cooled, is delivered to the distribution volume 17 of the first sub-box 3a (see Fig.11 and Fig.12 ).

[0112] In a second preferred embodiment, the cooling system 1 has conveying means which facilitate the user to insert and remove the computing device 6 and the cooling unit 5. These conveying means comprise two conveying guides 13 mounted in the lower region of one peripheral wall of the cooling bath 3. The conveying guides 13 are arranged in parallel on the base of the cooling bath 3 and parallel to each other, which covers the entire length of the cooling bath 3 (see Fig.16 ).

[0113] The conveying device also has a movable conveyor 12 mounted on two conveying guides 13 , which enables said conveyor to be moved in direction Y along said conveying guides 13 in two senses.

[0114] In the embodiment described, the movable conveyor 12 has a rigid arm 37, the first distal end of which is mounted on two conveying guides 13 using a connecting plate 38. The second distal end of the rigid arm 37 is positioned at a distance above the cooling bath 3, which enables the user to move the computing device 6 or the cooling unit 5 of the cooling bath 3 from the maintenance position to the immersion position and vice versa.

[0115] The computing device 6 or cooling unit 5 is removed from or inserted into the cooling bath 3 using a lifting / lowering device (comprising a motor with a pulley (not shown)) arranged on the movable conveyor 12. The pulley (not shown) comprises a cable (not shown) coupled to two engagement elements 39 of the computing device 6 or cooling unit 5. These engagement elements 39 are arranged on opposite ends of the upper region of the computing device 6 or cooling unit 5. When the motor of the lifting / lowering device is activated, and once the cable of the pulley has been engaged to the engagement elements 39, the computing device 6 or cooling unit 5 can be raised and lowered.

[0116] Refer to the following Figures 1 to 16 The operation of the cooling system 1 is described.

[0117] The high temperature cooling fluid enters the cooling unit 5 through the inlets 19 arranged in the side wall of the housing 7. These inlets 19 deliver the cooling fluid to the first sub-compartment 7a1 of the first compartment 7a of the housing 7. Once inside the first sub-compartment 7a1, the cooling fluid is sucked by the fluid pump 11 and pumped into the heat exchanger 24. Once inside the heat exchanger 24, the cooling fluid flows through the first circuit to be cooled by the refrigeration fluid flowing through the second circuit of the heat exchanger 24.

[0118] Once cooled, the cooling fluid is delivered to the second sub-compartment 7a2 to cool the portion of the fluid pump 11 housed in said second sub-compartment 7a2.

[0119] The cooling fluid then flows out of the second sub-compartment 7 a 2 towards the distribution volume 17 through two outlet valves 33 arranged in the lower part of the housing 7 .

[0120] The cooling fluid then enters the region of the first sub-box 3 a through the outlet 18 to cool the computing device 6 arranged in this region.

[0121] The temperature of the cooling fluid in contact with the computing device 6 increases, and the cooling fluid moves to the upper portion of the first sub-tank 3 a .

[0122] Finally, the cooling fluid overflows from the partition wall 22 into the overflow space 23 before being conveyed back into the first sub-compartment 7 a 1 of the housing 7 of the cooling unit 5 .

[0123] Although reference has been made to specific embodiments of the present invention, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made to the cooling system described, and all the details mentioned may be replaced by other technically equivalent details without therefore exceeding the scope of protection defined by the appended claims. For example, although the cooling system 1 in the described embodiment has a cooling unit 5, these cooling systems 1 may have more than one cooling unit 5. For example, although the cooling system 1 in the described embodiment has a computing device 6, these cooling systems 1 may have more than one computing device 6. For example, although the cooling fluid used in some embodiments is a dielectric fluid, another type of fluid having physical properties similar to those of the dielectric fluid may be used. For example, although the refrigeration fluid of the cooling fluid used in some embodiments is water, another type of fluid having physical properties similar to those of water may be used. For example, although the cooling unit 5 is described as having two fluid pumps 11 (one of which is used in the event of a failure of the main fluid pump 11), the cooling unit 5 may have a single fluid pump 11.

Claims

1. A cooling system (1) for an immersive computing device, comprising: a cooling bath (3) containing a cooling fluid flowing through its interior from at least one outlet (18) to at least one inlet (19), wherein the cooling bath (3) is designed and arranged such that at least a first portion of at least one computing device (6) to be cooled can be inserted therein, the computing device being at least partially immersed in the cooling fluid contained therein; and at least one cooling unit (5) designed to collect and cool the cooling fluid flowing out of the at least one inlet (19) and, once cooled, return the cooling fluid through the at least one outlet (18) to the cooling bath (3), the at least one cooling unit (5) being designed to be inserted into the cooling bath (3) so as to be at least partially immersed in the cooling fluid contained therein and to be removed from the cooling bath (3), and the at least one cooling unit (5) comprising a housing (7) having a projection (21) designed and arranged to be supported by at least a support (20) protruding inwardly from an inner wall of the cooling bath tank (3) when the cooling unit (5) is inserted into the cooling bath tank (3), the housing (7) having a first compartment (7a) and a second compartment (7b) fluidically isolated from each other, the first compartment (7a) being fluidically connected to the at least one outlet (18), the second compartment (7b) housing a heat exchanger (24), the first compartment (7a) having a second inlet (19) to enable the cooling fluid coming out of the at least one outlet (18) in the cooling bath tank (3) to enter the first compartment (7a), wherein the first compartment (7a) comprises a first sub-compartment (7a1) and a second sub-compartment (7a2) fluidically connected to the at least one outlet (18), wherein the first sub-compartment (7a1) at least partially accommodates a fluid pump (11), the fluid pump (11) comprising a suction port therein, the fluid pump (11) being immersed in the cooling fluid having entered through the second inlet (19) of the first compartment (7a), and the fluid pump (11) being designed and arranged to pump the cooling fluid to a third inlet of a first circuit of the heat exchanger (24), the heat exchanger (24) being accommodated in the second compartment (7b) and being designed to cool the fluid flowing through the first circuit by means of a refrigerating fluid flowing through the second circuit of the heat exchanger (24), so that the cooled cooling fluid of the first circuit of the heat exchanger (24) can flow to the second sub-compartment (7a2) through a cooling fluid outlet (40) arranged in the second sub-compartment (7a2).

2. The system (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The first sub-compartment (7a1) and the second sub-compartment (7a2) are connected to each other via a through hole (29), and the through hole (29) is designed and arranged so that a part of the fluid pump (11) can enter the second sub-compartment (7a2) from the first sub-compartment (7a1), so that the part of the fluid pump (11) is accommodated in the second sub-compartment (7a2).

3. The system (1) according to claim 2, wherein: The through hole (29) has a movable member (28) arranged to move between the following positions: an operating position in which the movable member supports the portion of the fluid pump (11) that has passed through the through hole (29) and in which the movable member (28) is positioned together with the lower part of the fluid pump (11) in the second sub-compartment (7a2); as well as - a blocking position in which the movable element covers the through hole (29), the blocking position being adaptable when not supporting the fluid pump (11).

4. The system (1) according to claim 3, wherein: The through hole (29) has a gasket around its inner periphery, and when the movable part (28) is in a blocking position, the gasket prevents the cooling fluid from flowing between the first sub-compartment (7a1) and the second sub-compartment (7a2) when it contacts the movable part (28), or when the movable part (28) is in an operating position, the gasket prevents the cooling fluid from flowing between the first sub-compartment (7a1) and the second sub-compartment (7a2) when it contacts the outer periphery of the fluid pump (11).

5. The system (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein: The second sub-compartment (7a2) includes a flow guide (31), which is arranged to guide the cooling fluid entering from the cooling fluid outlet (40) toward the part of the fluid pump (11) arranged inside the second sub-compartment (7a2), so that the cooling fluid is in thermal contact with the outside of the part of the fluid pump (11) to cool the part.

6. The system (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein: The fluid pump (11) comprises: an upper part of the fluid pump (11), which is accommodated in the first sub-compartment (7a1) and includes a suction port for accommodating the cooling fluid of the first sub-compartment (7a1); and a lower part of the fluid pump (11) to be cooled, which is accommodated in the second sub-compartment (7a2).

7. The system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The second inlet (19) of the first compartment (7a) is located in an upper region of the housing (7), the upper region being located such that the cooling fluid overflows into the second inlet (19) once the cooling unit (5) has been inserted into the cooling bath (3).

8. The system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The cooling bath tank (3) comprises a first sub-tank (3a) and a second sub-tank (3b) which are fluidically isolated from each other, wherein the first sub-tank (3a) is arranged within the second sub-tank (3b) and is designed to accommodate at least the at least one cooling unit (5) and at least the first part of the computing device (6).

9. The system (1) according to claim 8, wherein: The first sub-tank (3a) is joined to the second sub-tank (3b) and has an outer volume smaller than an inner volume of the second sub-tank (3b) so as to form a separation volume (14) between the first sub-tank (3a) and the second sub-tank (3b).

10. The system (1) according to claim 9, wherein: The partition volume (14) is in fluid communication with a leakage aperture of the second compartment (7b) of the housing (7) to vent any fluid leakage thereto, thereby preventing such fluid leakage from entering the first sub-tank (3a).

11. System (1) according to claim 1, comprising transport means designed and arranged to move at least the at least one computing device (6) from an immersion position to a maintenance position and vice versa.

12. The system (1) according to claim 11, wherein: The transport device is designed and arranged to move the at least one cooling unit (5) from an immersion position to a maintenance position and vice versa.

13. System (1) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: The cooling bath (3) comprises a conveying guide (13) which is longitudinally arranged on at least one outer surface of at least one peripheral wall of the cooling bath, and wherein the conveying device comprises a movable conveyor (12) which is connected to the conveying guide (13) in a guided manner so as to be able to move longitudinally in two directions along the conveying guide to the position of the computing device (6) or the cooling unit (5) to be moved.

14. The system (1) according to claim 13, wherein: The movable conveyor (12) includes a lifting / lowering device, which is designed to be removably engaged with the computing device (6) or the cooling unit (5) to be moved, and to move the computing device or the cooling unit upward or downward in a direction Z orthogonal to the longitudinal direction to move the computing device or the cooling unit from the immersion position to the maintenance position, or vice versa.

15. The system (1) according to claim 14, wherein: The lifting / lowering device includes a cable which is removably connected to the computing device (6) or the cooling unit (5) to be moved and is operatively connected to a driving device to perform the lifting or lowering movement thereof.

16. System (1) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein: The lifting / lowering device is designed to be removably engaged to an engaging element (39) disposed on the computing device (6) or the cooling unit (5) to be moved, and to move the engaging element (39) upward or downward.

17. The system (1) according to claim 16, wherein: The engagement element (39) is designed to removably engage the computing device (6) to the cooling bath (3).

18. The system (1) according to claim 17, wherein: The engagement element (39) comprises a retaining element (41) designed to removably engage the computing device (6) to the cooling bath (3).

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