Coolant distribution unit and computer system

Abstract

A coolant distribution unit and computer system are disclosed, wherein the coolant distribution unit provides reliable circulation of coolant in a liquid cooling system for heat generating components, such as computer servers. The coolant distribution unit includes a manifold unit having a supply connector that supplies coolant to the heat generating components and a collection connector that collects coolant from a heat exchanger. A first pump has an inlet coupled to the manifold unit and an outlet coupled to the manifold unit. The first pump circulates coolant from the inlet to the outlet. A second pump has an inlet coupled to the manifold unit and an outlet coupled to the manifold unit. The second pump circulates coolant from the inlet to the outlet. The second pump is disconnectable from the manifold unit while the first pump continues to circulate coolant through the manifold unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to liquid cooling systems, and more particularly to a coolant distribution unit with a backup pump, allowing the liquid cooling system to function when one pump is offline. Background Technology

[0002] For example, a server's electronic components include numerous electronic devices powered by a general-purpose power supply. Due to the operation of its internal electronics (such as controllers, processors, and memory), a server generates a significant amount of heat. Inefficient heat removal leading to overheating can shut down or prevent the device from operating. Therefore, current servers are designed to rely on airflow within the server to remove the heat generated by the electronic components. Servers typically include various heat sinks attached to electronic components, such as processing units. The heat sinks absorb heat from the electronic components, thus transferring the heat away from them. The heat from the heat sinks must be exhausted from the server. The airflow used to exhaust this heat is typically generated by a fan system.

[0003] As high-performance systems improve, the amount of heat that needs to be removed increases with each new generation of electronic components. With the advent of more powerful components, traditional air cooling combined with fan systems is insufficient to adequately remove the heat generated by these newer generations. The development of liquid cooling has been driven by this increased demand for cooling. Due to its superior thermal performance, liquid cooling is currently the accepted solution for rapid heat removal. At room temperature, air has a thermal conductivity of only 0.024 W / mK, while a coolant (such as water) has a thermal conductivity of 0.58 W / mK, 24 times that of air. Therefore, liquid cooling is more efficient at transferring heat from heat sources to heat sinks and allows for heat removal from critical components without noise pollution.

[0004] In rack-level liquid cooling system design, coolant sources include both closed-loop and open-loop cooling systems to facilitate heat exchange. Known closed-loop liquid cooling systems use heat exchange to cool hot water heated from a heat source. Heat is then removed from the hot water in the closed-loop liquid cooling system via an open-loop system (e.g., a radiator near a fan wall). A closed-loop cooling system includes a heat source, such as a computer system, and a heat exchanger. Liquid flow tubes carry coolant liquid to the heat source. Heat generated by the heat source is transferred to the coolant liquid. The liquid flow tubes carry the heated liquid away from the heat source. The heat exchanger has a radiator in which returning coolant flows. The radiator transfers heat from the heated liquid, thus causing cooler liquid to circulate back to the liquid flow tubes. Open-loop air cooling systems (e.g., fan walls) generate airflow that carries away the heat absorbed by the radiator of the heat exchanger.

[0005] When using liquid cooling to cool server systems, pumps are needed to circulate the coolant to the heat source, through the liquid flow lines, and through the heat exchanger. Liquid cooling systems require the pumps to remain operational to circulate the coolant. In current liquid cooling systems, operators need to shut down the computer system to repair or replace the pumps. Therefore, current liquid cooling systems can cause unnecessary computer downtime when a pump needs to be replaced.

[0006] Therefore, a coolant distribution unit for liquid cooling systems is needed that allows the computer system to continue operating even when the pump is being replaced. A mechanism is also needed to circulate coolant to the operating pump when another pump is offline. Additionally, a coolant distribution unit is needed to allow the removal of a backup pump without coolant leakage. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The terms used in the embodiments and similar terms (e.g., implementation, configuration, feature, example, and option) are intended to refer broadly to all aspects of the invention and the following claims. Several statements containing these terms should be understood as not limiting the subject matter described herein or limiting the meaning or scope of the following claims. The embodiments of the invention covered herein are defined by the appended claims, not by the scope of the invention itself. This summary is a high-level overview of various features of the invention and introduces some concepts further described in the following description paragraphs. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential components of the subject matter of the claims, nor is it intended to be used independently to determine the scope of the claims. The subject matter should be understood through reference to the complete specification of the invention, including all drawings to scale and each claim.

[0008] According to certain features of the invention, an exemplary coolant distribution unit is disclosed, providing coolant circulation in a liquid cooling system for a heat-generating component. The coolant distribution unit includes a manifold unit having a supply connector and a collection connector. The supply connector supplies coolant to the heat-generating component, and the collection connector collects coolant from a heat exchanger. A first pump has an inlet and an outlet, the inlet and outlet being coupled to the manifold unit. The first pump circulates coolant from the inlet to the outlet. A second pump has an inlet and an outlet, the inlet and outlet being coupled to the manifold unit. The second pump circulates coolant from the inlet to the outlet. The second pump can be disconnected from the manifold unit while the first pump continuously circulates coolant through the manifold unit.

[0009] Another embodiment of the exemplary coolant distribution unit is that the inlet and outlet of each of the first and second pumps are coupled to a manifold unit via quick connectors. When the second pump is disconnected, the quick connectors at the inlet and outlet of the second pump isolate the manifold unit to prevent coolant leakage. Another embodiment of the manifold unit includes a merging manifold and a split manifold, the merging manifold being coupled to the inlets of the first and second pumps, and the split manifold being coupled to the outlets of the first and second pumps. Another embodiment of the exemplary coolant distribution unit further includes a third pump having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet being coupled to the manifold unit and the outlet being coupled to the manifold unit. The third pump circulates coolant from the inlet to the outlet. When the second pump is disconnected from the manifold unit, the third pump continues to circulate coolant. Another embodiment of the exemplary coolant distribution unit includes a controller coupled to the first and second pumps. The controller is configured to adjust the circulation flow rate of the first pump when the second pump is disconnected. Another embodiment of the controller is a programmable logic device. Another embodiment of the heating component includes a heat calculation unit and internal conduits to circulate coolant received from the manifold unit. Another embodiment is that the heat-generating component is one of an application server, a storage server, a storage device, or a network switch. Another embodiment is an exemplary coolant distribution unit including a housing with an open end. The housing houses a first pump and a second pump. The first and second pumps are removable from the housing through the open end.

[0010] According to certain features of the present invention, an exemplary computer system is disclosed. The computer system includes a computer component having a heating device, a conduit, a hot coolant connector, and a cold coolant connector, the conduit circulating coolant. A heat exchanger is configured to receive hot coolant from the hot coolant connector and supply cooled coolant. A manifold unit is fluidly coupled to the heat exchanger to receive the cooled coolant and supply the cooled coolant to the cold coolant connector. A pump module is coupled to the manifold unit to circulate coolant between the heat exchanger, the manifold unit, and the computer component. The pump module includes a first pump having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet coupled to the manifold unit, and the outlet coupled to the manifold unit. The first pump circulates coolant from the inlet to the outlet. A second pump has an inlet and an outlet, the inlet coupled to the manifold unit, and the outlet coupled to the manifold unit. The second pump circulates coolant from the inlet to the outlet. The second pump can be disconnected from the manifold unit, while the first pump continuously circulates coolant.

[0011] Another embodiment of the exemplary computer system is that the inlet and outlet of each of the first and second pumps are coupled to a manifold unit via quick connectors. When the second pump is disconnected, the quick connectors at the inlet and outlet of the second pump isolate the manifold unit to prevent coolant leakage. Another embodiment is that the manifold unit includes a merging manifold and a split manifold, the merging manifold being coupled to the inlets of the first and second pumps, and the split manifold being coupled to the outlets of the first and second pumps. Another embodiment is that the pump module further includes a third pump having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet being coupled to the manifold unit and the outlet being coupled to the manifold unit. The third pump circulates coolant from the inlet to the outlet. When the second pump is disconnected from the manifold unit, the third pump continues to circulate coolant. Another embodiment is that the exemplary computer system also includes a controller coupled to the first and second pumps. The controller is configured to adjust the circulation rate of the first pump when the second pump is disconnected. Another embodiment is that the controller is a programmable logic device. Another embodiment is that the computer component includes internal conduits for circulating coolant received from the manifold unit. In another embodiment, the computer component is one of an application server, a storage server, a storage device, or a network switch. In another embodiment, the computer system also includes a coolant distribution unit having a housing. The housing houses a manifold unit and a pump module. In yet another embodiment, an exemplary computer system includes a rack housing the computer component, the manifold unit, and the pump module. The rack includes a door housing a heat exchanger.

[0012] The foregoing description is not intended to represent every embodiment or every feature of the invention. Rather, the foregoing description provides only examples of some novel features and characteristics set forth herein. These features and advantages, as well as other features and advantages of the invention, will become apparent from the following detailed description of representative embodiments and modes, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and appended claims. Additional features of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the detailed description of the illustrations and various embodiments, which are briefly described below. Attached Figure Description

[0013] The advantages of the invention, along with the accompanying drawings, will be better understood from the following description of embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. These drawings depict only exemplary embodiments and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the various embodiments or claims.

[0014] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of a computer system with a liquid cooling system, which has certain features of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 This invention relates to a pump with backup features. Figure 1 A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the pump module of the liquid cooling system in the image;

[0016] Figure 3 These are some features of the present invention. Figure 2 A perspective view of an exemplary manifold unit of the cooling system and a backup pump;

[0017] Figure 4 These are some features of the present invention. Figure 2 A perspective view of an exemplary manifold unit shows the coolant flowing into and out of the interior of the two pumps;

[0018] Figure 5 These are some features of the present invention. Figure 2 A perspective view of an exemplary manifold unit in which one of the backup pumps is removed, resulting in a diverted coolant flow;

[0019] Figures 6A to 6B These are some features of the present invention. Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of one of the quick connections between the manifold unit and the pump, in both connected and disconnected states;

[0020] Figure 7 These are some features of the present invention. Figure 1 The pump controller and the block diagram of the pump; and

[0021] Figure 8 Some features of this invention are derived from Figure 7 The flowchart shows the program executed by the pump controller.

[0022] Symbol Explanation

[0023] 100: Computer System

[0024] 102: Rack

[0025] 104: Heating Components / Components

[0026] 106: Coolant Distribution Unit

[0027] 110: Bottom frame

[0028] 112: Wheel

[0029] 114a, 114b: Upright support components

[0030] 116: Top Panel

[0031] 118, 120: Lateral tie rod components

[0032] 122: Backdoor

[0033] 124: Heat exchanger

[0034] 130: Cold manifold / manifold

[0035] 132: Heating manifold / manifold

[0036] 134: Fluid Coupling Component

[0037] 138: Chassis

[0038] 140: Input connector

[0039] 142: Output connector

[0040] 150: Radiator

[0041] 152: Fan Wall

[0042] 200, 320: Housing

[0043] 210: Manifold Unit

[0044] 220: Pump Module

[0045] 222: Bottom Panel

[0046] 224, 226: Sidewall

[0047] 228: Frontend

[0048] 230: Backend

[0049] 240: Collect connectors / entry points

[0050] 242,254: Connector Supply / Export

[0051] 250: Hose

[0052] 252, 256: Connectors

[0053] 310, 312: Pumps

[0054] 322, 342: Rear panel

[0055] 324: Front Panel

[0056] 326: Handle

[0057] 330, 350, 382, ​​384: Entry Point

[0058] 332,352,372,374: Exports

[0059] 340: Housing

[0060] 360: Split manifold / manifold

[0061] 362: Merge manifold / manifold

[0062] 390: Quick Connector

[0063] 400, 410, 500, 510: Arrows

[0064] 610: Male connector

[0065] 612: Female connector

[0066] 620, 630, 650, 660: Opening

[0067] 622, 652: Ball valve

[0068] 624, 654: Through holes

[0069] 626, 656: Rod

[0070] 628, 658: Gears

[0071] 632, 662: Annular collar

[0072] 634, 664: Lateral arm

[0073] 636,666: Extended lamina

[0074] 638, 668: Tooth edge

[0075] 710: Controller

[0076] 720, 722: Pump motor

[0077] 730, 732: Speed ​​Sensor

[0078] 810,812,814,816,818,820,822: Program Detailed Implementation

[0079] Various embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings, throughout which similar reference numerals are used to designate similar or equivalent elements. The drawings are not drawn to scale and are provided solely for illustrative purposes. Numerous specific details, relationships, and methods are set forth to provide a comprehensive understanding of certain features and characteristics of the invention, although those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that these features and characteristics may be practiced in other relationships or in other ways without one or more specific details. In some instances, well-known structures or operations are not shown in detail for illustrative purposes. The various embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to the order of actions or events shown, as some actions may occur in a different order and / or simultaneously with other actions or events. Furthermore, not all actions or events shown are necessary for carrying out the methods according to the invention.

[0080] For the purposes of this embodiment, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the singular includes the plural and vice versa. The noun "including" means "including but not limited to". Furthermore, approximate words such as "about (about), almost, substantially, approximatelyly)" and similar words may be meant herein as, for example, "at," "near, nearly at," "within 3-5% of," "within acceptable manufacturing tolerances," or any logical combination thereof. Similarly, the terms "vertical" or "horizontal" are intended to additionally include "within 3-5%" in the vertical or horizontal direction, respectively. Furthermore, directional words such as "top," "bottom," "left," "right," "above," and "below" are intended to relate to the equivalent directions described in the reference figures, to be understood from the context of the referenced object or element, such as from its usual location, or as otherwise described herein.

[0081] This invention relates to a coolant distribution unit for a liquid cooling system. The coolant distribution unit has at least two hot-swappable pump modules that circulate liquid coolant to a manifold unit. Each pump module has a pair of quick-connect connectors for the liquid coolant. The manifold unit (i) separates the received liquid coolant into the two pumps, and (ii) combines the now-pressurized liquid coolant from the two pumps into the coolant supply connector. The pressurized liquid coolant is then circulated to components requiring cooling, such as computer servers. When the pumps require maintenance, the operator can disconnect the pair of quick-connect connectors. Thus, the manifold unit directs the liquid coolant through the remaining pumps to provide circulation, allowing the cooling system to operate continuously.

[0082] Figure 1 This is a partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary computer system 100, including a rack 102, a heat-generating component 104, and a coolant distribution unit 106. Although only one heat-generating component 104 is shown for ease of illustration, it should be understood that the rack 102 may accommodate multiple heat-generating components stacked above the coolant distribution unit 106. In this example, the heat-generating component 104 may be a computer component, such as a storage server, application server, network switch, or any other electronic device. Each heat-generating component (e.g., heat-generating component 104) has a fully sealed chassis to allow coolant circulation to cool the internal components within the chassis via a liquid cooling system.

[0083] Rack 102 includes a rectangular bottom frame 110. The bottom frame 110 includes a set of wheels 112 attached to the bottom of the frame 110. The wheels 112 allow rack 102 to be moved to a desired location within the data center. Side members of the bottom frame 110 support upright supports 114a, 114b, which define one side of rack 102. Similar upright supports are provided on the other side of rack 102, from... Figure 1 The top panel 116 connects to the top of the upright supports 114a and 114b. The top panel 116 accommodates lateral tie rods 118 and 120, which connect the tops of the upright supports 114a and 114b to the upright supports on the opposite side of the rack 102. Each upright support 114a and 114b may include a hole to allow the insertion of a pin. The pin may support shelves that can be mounted between (i) supports 114a and 114b and (ii) corresponding supports on the other side of the rack 102. Support 114b is located near the rear end of the rack 102, which includes a rear door 122. The rear door 122 can be opened to allow access to the rear of components stored in the rack 102. As will be explained, the rear door 122 supports a heat exchanger 124, which is part of the liquid cooling system of the rack 102.

[0084] Support member 114a is located near the front end of the opening in frame 102. Component 104 and coolant distribution unit 106 are mounted approximately from the front end of frame 102 onto one of the racks between the supports. The component can thus be pushed into frame 102 until it contacts a stop mechanism. Individual component 104 and coolant distribution unit 106 can also be pulled out of frame 102 from the front of frame 102 between supports (e.g., support member 114a) for replacement or maintenance.

[0085] In this example, the coolant distribution unit 106 is mounted on the bottom frame 110, below the stacked heating components (component 104). The coolant distribution unit 106 may have replaceable modules, such as a pump that can be inserted from the front end of the rack 102. Each rack attached to the supports 114a and 114b can accommodate one or more heating components. The racks may be arranged at different heights between the racks. It should be understood that any number of racks and corresponding heating components may be mounted in the rack 102. In this example, component 104 is placed in the rack 102 in a horizontal orientation. However, due to the additional internal structure connected to the supports 114a and 114b, the heating component 104 may be in an upright orientation.

[0086] A rack 102 supports a cooling manifold 130 and a heating manifold 132, each extending beyond the height of the rack 102 at the rear between supports 114a and 114b. The cooling manifold 130 is fluidly connected to a coolant distribution unit 106. The heating manifold 132 is fluidly connected to a heat exchanger 124. Each manifold 130 and 132 allows coolant to circulate along its respective length. Manifolds 130 and 132 have periodically spaced fluid couplings 134 that allow fluid communication to one of the components (e.g., component 104).

[0087] Component 104 includes a fully enclosed chassis 138 that encloses the electronics of component 104. In this example, the rear of chassis 138 of component 104 includes an input connector 140 for connection to one of the fluid couplings 134 of the cold manifold 130. The rear of chassis 138 also includes an output connector 142 for connection to one of the fluid couplings 134 of the hot manifold 132.

[0088] A fully sealed chassis 138 encloses electronic components, power supplies, circuit boards, device cards, processors, storage devices, and other components. Chassis 138 may include an internal network of fluid conduits that circulate coolant around the internal components of component 104. Coolant is completely sealed by chassis 138 and can only enter or exit chassis 138 via input connector 140 or output connector 142.

[0089] For example, component 104 may be an application server with processing devices (e.g., a Central Processing Unit (CPU) and a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)). Component 104 may include a cold plate that contacts the CPU and GPU and adjacent storage devices (e.g., dual inline memory modules (DIMMs)). Coolant circulates through the cold plate to remove heat generated by the processing devices and storage devices. In this example, a single heat-generating component 104 may be inserted into a rack from the front of rack 102. Once positioned, input connector 140 is fluidly connected to one of the couplings 134 of cold manifold 130, and output connector 142 is fluidly connected to one of the couplings 134 of hot manifold 132. Component 104 may be connected to a power connector for power supply and other wiring for carrying data signals. Any heat-generating components (e.g., servers, storage devices, network switches, routers, etc.) may be mounted and cooled by coolant supplied by cold manifold 130.

[0090] In this example, heat exchanger 124 is part of a liquid cooling system and includes a series of radiators 150 that receive heated coolant from heat manifold 132. The radiators 150 allow the heated coolant to be cooled via a series of fan walls 152 mounted near each radiator 150. The cooled coolant is discharged from the radiators 150 and directed to coolant distribution unit 106.

[0091] Manifolds 130 and 132 circulate coolant to assembly 104 through a closed loop formed by coolant distribution unit 106 and heat exchanger 124. Therefore, liquid coolant flows into assembly 104 from inlet connector 140 of cold manifold 130. The coolant circulates through internal conduits of assembly 104 to absorb heat from internal components and flows out of assembly 104 through outlet connector 142 to hot manifold 132. The heated coolant is circulated to heat exchanger 124. Heat exchanger 124 removes heat from the heated coolant via radiator 150 and fan wall 152. The cooled coolant is directed to coolant distribution unit 106. Coolant distribution unit 106 includes a reservoir and a pump; the reservoir stores coolant, and the pump circulates the coolant through manifolds 130 and 132 and heat exchanger 124. The pump in coolant distribution unit 106 provides pressure to circulate the cooled coolant to cold manifold 130.

[0092] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of the coolant distribution unit 106. The coolant distribution unit 106 includes a housing 200, a manifold unit 210, and a pump module 220. The housing 200 includes a bottom panel 222 and two side walls 224 and 226. The side walls 224 and 226 define a front end 228 and a rear end 230. In this example, the pump module 220 includes at least two pumps, each of which can be inserted from the front end 228 of the housing 200. The pump module 220 (i) receives coolant from the manifold unit 210 and (ii) provides circulating pressure to the coolant to supply coolant to the liquid cooling system through the manifold unit 210.

[0093] The manifold unit 210 includes a collection connector 240 for receiving coolant and a supply connector 242 for supplying pressurized coolant from the pump module 220. The collection connector 240 is connected to a hose 250, which has a connector 252 that is fluidly connected to... Figure 1 The heat exchanger 124 receives the cooled coolant. A supply connector 242 connects to a hose 254, which has a connector 256 that allows fluid connection to... Figure 1The cooling manifold 130 is supplied with coolant. Therefore, the supply connector 242 supplies coolant to heat-generating components (e.g., Figure 1 Component 104 in the middle supplies coolant.

[0094] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of manifold unit 210 and pump module 220 is shown. In this example, pump module 220 includes two pumps, 310 and 312. Each pump 310 and 312 is a modular unit, and both are identical. Pumps 310 and 312 are controlled by a controller (not shown) to set the flow rate of pumps 310 and 312. Pumps 310 and 312 of pump module 220 circulate liquid coolant through manifold unit 210 as part of the closed-loop cooling system described above. Although two pumps are provided in this example, it should be understood that additional pumps can be used to increase the total flow rate of coolant circulated by manifold unit 210.

[0095] Pump 310 has a rectangular housing 320, which has a rear panel 322 and an opposing front panel 324. In this example, the rear panel 322 includes an electrical connection interface for connecting to a pump controller module and for receiving power from a power source. Housing 320 is designed to be inserted into... Figure 2 In the registration component on the bottom panel 222 of the housing 200 of the coolant distribution unit 106. In this example, Figure 1 The rack 102 may include individual power supplies, which can be connected to pumps 310 and 312 via the rear panel 322. The front panel 324 also includes a handle 326, which facilitates movement from... Figure 2 The housing 200 is inserted into or removed from the pump 310 for replacement or repair.

[0096] The pump controller module can be a specialized controller, such as a chassis management controller (CMC), or any other type of programmable controller device, such as a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or mounted on... Figure 1A general-purpose processor is mounted on rack 102. If the pump controller is a dedicated application-specific circuit device, such as an application-specific integrated circuit, the functionality is designed into the hardware itself. If the controller includes programmable hardware (such as a complex programmable logic device or a field-programmable gate array), the device hardware can be programmed before being mounted into rack 102.

[0097] The rear panel 322 has a liquid inlet 330 and a liquid outlet 332. The housing 320 encloses an internal fluid conduit and a motor, which drives the coolant received from the inlet 330 to exit through the outlet 332.

[0098] Similarly, pump 312 has a housing 340, which has a rear panel 342 with a liquid inlet 350 and a liquid outlet 352. The housing 340 encloses an internal fluid conduit and a motor that drives coolant received from the inlet 350 to exit through the outlet 352.

[0099] Manifold unit 210 includes a split manifold 360 and a merge manifold 362. The split manifold 360 and merge manifold 362 are coupled together but fluidly isolated from each other. The split manifold 360 includes a collection connector 240. Coolant is received by the collection connector 240. The coolant circulates through the split manifold 360 and is guided internally through an internal conduit to one of two outlets 372 and 374. In this example, outlet 372 is fluidly coupled to the inlet 330 of pump 310, while outlet 374 is fluidly coupled to the inlet 350 of pump 312.

[0100] The merging manifold 362 includes a supply connector 242. Coolant is supplied to the closed-loop system through the supply connector 242. Coolant is supplied to the merging manifold 362 from one of two inlets 382 and 384. In this example, inlet 382 is fluidly coupled to outlet 332 of pump 310, while inlet 384 is fluidly coupled to outlet 352 of pump 312. Therefore, coolant from outlets 332 and 352 is merged in the merging manifold 362 via internal conduits and supplied through the supply connector 242.

[0101] In this example, a quick-connect mechanism (e.g., quick connector 390) is provided to connect the outlet 372 of the manifold unit 210 to the inlet 330 of the pump 310. As described below, when the connection is broken, the quick-connect mechanism mechanically cuts off fluid communication, thereby allowing the pump 310 to be removed without coolant leakage. Other types of connectors may be used to connect the outlet 372 to the inlet 330.

[0102] Another quick connector 390 is provided to connect the outlet 374 of manifold unit 210 to the inlet 350 of pump 312. Another quick connector 390 is provided to connect the inlet 382 of manifold unit 210 to the outlet 332 of pump 310. Another quick connector 390 is provided to connect the inlet 384 of manifold unit 210 to the outlet 352 of pump 312.

[0103] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing the circulation of fluid through the pump module 220 and manifold unit 210 during normal operation of the pump module 220. Figure 4 Similar elements in and Figure 3 Similar symbols are used. The split manifold 360 collects coolant from connector 240. Arrow 400 indicates that the collected coolant is separated into outlets 372 and 374 via internal conduits in the split manifold 360. Coolant from outlet 372 is directed to inlet 330 of pump 310, while coolant from outlet 374 is directed to inlet 350 of pump 312. Pumps 310 and 312 pressurize the coolant from their respective inlets 330 and 350 and circulate the coolant through their respective outlets 332 and 352.

[0104] Outlet 332 is fluidly connected to inlet 382 of the combined manifold 362, while outlet 352 is fluidly connected to inlet 384. Arrow 410 indicates that the coolant circulated by pumps 310 and 312 is supplied through inlets 382 and 384 of the combined manifold 362. The combined coolant can be used in a liquid cooling system via supply connector 242.

[0105] In normal operation of the liquid cooling system for computer system 100, coolant is supplied from the merge manifold 362 via supply connector 242. The coolant is also supplied via a split manifold 360, which acts to direct the coolant to two pumps 310 and 312. Pumps 310 and 312 provide propulsive pressure and force the coolant from the merge manifold 362 to the split manifold 360.

[0106] When one of pumps 310 or 312 fails or requires maintenance, the user can remove the non-functional pump. The two quick connectors 390 connecting each pump to manifolds 360 and 362 close themselves and create a seal to prevent coolant from flowing into or out of the respective split manifold 360 and merge manifold 362 of manifold unit 210. The remaining functional pump will continue to circulate liquid through manifold unit 210 to the cooling system. Once a new pump is installed by closing the quick connectors 390, the cooling system will return to normal operation via both pumps. Therefore, since the closed-loop cooling system can continue to operate with one pump still functioning, pump replacement allows computer system 100 to continue operating. Although pump module 220 has two pumps 310 and 312, additional pumps can be added to provide better coolant circulation. Therefore, additional inlets and outlets can be provided in manifold unit 210 to connect to additional pumps. When pump 310 or 312 is removed, the remaining pump continues to operate to circulate coolant.

[0107] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the circulation of fluid through pump module 220 and manifold unit 210 when one of the pumps 312 is removed. Figure 5 Similar elements in and Figure 3 Similar symbol markings. As described above, pump 312 can be obtained from... Figure 2 The housing 200 is pulled out for replacement or repair. During this process, the quick connector 390 connecting the inlet 350 of pump 312 to the outlet 374 of split manifold 360 is closed to prevent coolant leakage from the outlet 374 of split manifold 360. The quick connector 390 connecting the outlet 352 of pump 312 to the inlet 384 of merge manifold 362 is closed to prevent coolant leakage from the inlet 384 of merge manifold 362. Pump 312 can then be pulled out of the housing via handle 326.

[0108] As indicated by arrow 500, coolant is continuously received by the remaining pump 310 and circulated to the merge manifold 362, also as indicated by arrow 510. Therefore, coolant is continuously received from the collection connector 240. The received coolant 500 is directed only through an internal conduit to the outlet 372 of the merge manifold 362 and then to the inlet 330 of the pump 310. The pump 310 pressurizes the received coolant, which is then directed through the outlet 332 to the merge manifold 362 and then to the supply connector 242. To maintain the same circulation flow, the pressure provided by the pump 310 can be increased to compensate for the temporary unavailability of the removed pump 312.

[0109] Figures 6A to 6B yes Figure 3The diagram shows a perspective view of one of the quick connectors 390 in both connected and disconnected states. The quick connector 390 includes a male connector 610 and a female connector 612. The male connector 610 includes an opening 620 that provides fluid communication to a ball valve 622 located inside the male connector 610. The ball valve 622 includes a through-hole 624 and a rod 626 attached to a gear 628. Another opening 630 provides fluid communication to an annular collar 632. The ball valve 622 can be rotated via the rod 626 and the gear 628. Therefore, the ball valve 622 can rotate between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the through-hole 624 aligns with openings 620 and 630 to allow fluid flow. The closed position is where the through-hole 624 rotates away from openings 620 and 630, and thus the ball valve 622 blocks fluid flow between openings 620 and 630. In this example, opening 620 is fluidly connected to... Figure 3 One of the inlet or outlet of pump 310 or 312 in the system.

[0110] The male connector 610 also includes a transverse arm 634. The transverse arm 634 extends from one end of the male connector 610 and supports an extended tab 636 having a toothed edge 638.

[0111] The female connector 612 includes an opening 650 that provides fluid communication to a ball valve 652 located inside the female connector 612. The ball valve 652 includes a through-hole 654 and a rod 656 attached to a gear 658. Another opening 660 provides fluid communication to an annular collar 662. The ball valve 652 can be rotated via the rod 656 and the gear 658. Therefore, the ball valve 652 can rotate between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the through-hole 654 aligns with openings 650 and 660 to allow fluid flow. The closed position is where the through-hole 654 rotates away from openings 650 and 660, and thus the ball valve 652 blocks fluid flow between openings 650 and 660.

[0112] The female connector 612 also includes a lateral arm 664. The lateral arm 664 extends from one end of the female connector 612 and supports an extended tab 666 having teeth 668.

[0113] When the male connector 610 is as follows Figure 6A When attached to the female connector 612 as shown, fluid can flow through the quick connector 390. Annular collars 632 and 662 engage with each other to provide a tight fluid seal. The toothed edge 638 of the transverse arm 634 engages gear 658 to hold ball valve 652 in the open position. Similarly, the toothed edge 668 of the transverse arm 664 engages gear 628 to hold ball valve 622 in the open position. Therefore, coolant can flow between openings 620 and 650.

[0114] like Figure 6BAs shown, when the male connector 610 is separated from the female connector 612, the coolant flow is cut off. As the male connector 610 moves away from the female connector 612, the toothed edge 638 of the transverse arm 634 is moved, and thus the gear 658 is rotated to rotate the ball valve 652 to the closed position. When the male connector 610 is completely separated from the female connector 612, the toothed edge 638 then moves completely away. The ball valve 652 remains in the closed position. Similarly, the toothed edge 668 of the transverse arm 664 also moves, and thus the gear 628 is rotated to rotate the ball valve 622 to the closed position. When the male connector 610 is completely separated from the female connector 612, the toothed edge 668 then moves completely away. The ball valve 622 remains in the closed position.

[0115] When male connector 610 and female connector 612 are reattached, tooth 638 engages gear 658 to rotate and hold ball valve 652 in the open position. Simultaneously, tooth 668 engages gear 628 to rotate and hold ball valve 622 in the open position. When male connector 610 and female connector 612 are fully attached, each ball valve 622 and 652 is opened, allowing fluid to flow between openings 620 and 650.

[0116] Figure 7 This is a block diagram of the pump control system 700. The pump control system 700 controls the motor speed, and therefore controls... Figure 3 The flow pressure of pumps 310 and 312 is controlled by a controller 710, which regulates pumps 310 and 312 to maintain the desired fluid pressure for circulating coolant through manifold unit 210. The controller 710 provides speed control signals to pump motor 720 of pump 310 and pump motor 722 of pump 312. Therefore, the controller 710 controls the flow rate of each pump 310 and 312. The controller 710 is based on... Figure 1The computer system 100 uses the circulation of cooling fluid required by the pumps 310 and 312 to set the speed control signal. If one of the pumps 310 or 312 is removed, the controller 710 will also adjust the speed control signal for the pump motors 720 and 722. Speed ​​sensors 730 and 732 are connected to the controller 710 to provide motor speed measurements, which can be correlated with the flow rate of the fluid circulating through the manifold unit 210. In this example, when the pump module 220 is operating normally, a simple control routine can set pumps 310 and 312 to be at half duty. If one pump is removed, the program will set the other pump to run at maximum duty to allow the same level of coolant circulation. Alternatively, flow rate sensors can be attached to the inlet 240 and outlet 242 of the manifold unit 210. The total flow rate of coolant produced by pumps 310 and 312 can be determined, and the speed control signal can be adjusted accordingly.

[0117] Figure 8 It represents the use of Figure 7 The program of exemplary machine-readable instructions of controller 710 in the example is used to perform control of pumps 310 and 312. In this example, the machine-readable instructions include an algorithm for execution by: (a) a processor; (b) a controller; and / or (c) one or more other suitable processing devices. This algorithm may be embodied in software stored on tangible media (e.g., flash memory, CD-ROM, floppy disk, hard drive, DVD, or other storage devices). However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the entire algorithm and / or parts thereof may alternatively be executed by a device other than a processor and / or embodied in firmware or dedicated hardware in a well-known manner (e.g., by application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field-programmable logic devices (FPLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), discrete logic devices, etc.). For example, any or all components of the interface may be implemented by software, hardware, and / or firmware. Furthermore, some or all of the machine-readable instructions presented in the flowchart can be implemented manually. Moreover, although exemplary procedures are described herein, those skilled in the art will readily understand many other implementations of the example machine-readable instructions that can be used alternatively.

[0118] Controller 710 reads the required flow rate (810). The flow rate can be determined by... Figure 1The controller 710 determines the required cooling demand of the computer components in the computer system 100. Next, the controller 710 reads the speeds of pumps 310 and 312 from sensors 730 and 732 (812). The actual flow rate is determined by the speed read from the pump motors by sensors 730 and 732 (814). Next, the controller 710 determines whether the actual flow rate matches the required flow rate (816). If the actual flow rate matches the required flow rate, the program loops back to read the required flow rate (810).

[0119] If the actual flow rate differs from the desired flow rate, controller 710 determines whether one of the pumps is offline (818). If both pumps are offline, controller 710 determines the pump speeds of the two pumps required to generate the desired flow rate, and adjusts the pump speeds accordingly (820). The program then reverts to read the desired flow rate (810). If one pump is offline, controller 710 determines the pump speeds of the remaining pumps required to generate the desired flow rate, and adjusts the pump speeds of the remaining pumps accordingly (822). The program then reverts to read the desired flow rate (810).

[0120] Alternatively, the pump motor speed can be directly supplied to the controller by the corresponding pump. The program then determines the flow rate from the provided motor speed and whether the pump motor speed should be adjusted accordingly to achieve the desired flow rate.

[0121] Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to one or more embodiments, equivalents and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding this specification and the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, while specific features of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several embodiments, such features may be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments, as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.

[0122] While various embodiments of the invention have been described above, it should be understood that they are presented by way of example only and not as limiting. Various changes may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the breadth and scope of the invention should not be limited by any of the foregoing embodiments. Rather, the scope of the invention should be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A coolant distribution unit for circulating coolant to a heat generating component, the coolant distribution unit comprising: a manifold unit having a supply connector to supply coolant to the heat generating component and a collection connector to collect coolant from a heat exchanger; a first pump having an inlet coupled to the manifold unit and an outlet coupled to the manifold unit, the first pump circulating coolant from the inlet to the outlet; and a second pump having an inlet coupled to the manifold unit and an outlet coupled to the manifold unit, the second pump circulating coolant from the inlet to the outlet, wherein the second pump is disconnectable from the manifold unit while the first pump continues to circulate coolant through the manifold unit, wherein the inlet and the outlet of each of the first pump and the second pump are coupled to the manifold unit via quick connectors having a first ball valve connected to a first gear, a first cross arm having a gear rim, a second ball valve connected to a second gear, and a second cross arm having a gear rim, the first and second ball valves having open positions to allow coolant flow and closed positions to block coolant flow, wherein when the second pump is disconnected, the quick connectors of the inlet and the outlet of the second pump isolate the manifold unit from coolant leakage by the gear rim of the first cross arm moving and driving the second gear engaged therewith, the gear rim of the second cross arm moving and driving the first gear engaged therewith to rotate the first and second ball valves to the closed positions to block coolant flow.

2. The coolant distribution unit of claim 1, wherein the manifold unit comprises a merge manifold coupled to the inlets of the first and second pumps and a split manifold coupled to the outlets of the first and second pumps.

3. The coolant distribution unit of claim 1, further comprising a third pump having an inlet coupled to the manifold unit and an outlet coupled to the manifold unit, the third pump circulating coolant from the inlet to the outlet, wherein the third pump continues to circulate coolant when the second pump is disconnected from the manifold unit.

4. The coolant distribution unit of claim 1, further comprising a controller coupled to the first and second pumps, wherein the controller is configured to adjust a circulation flow rate of the first pump when the second pump is disconnected.

5. The coolant distribution unit of claim 4, wherein the controller is a programmable logic device.

6. The coolant distribution unit of claim 1, wherein the heat generating component comprises a heat generating computing component and a plurality of internal conduits to circulate the coolant received from the manifold unit.

7. The coolant distribution unit of claim 6, wherein the heat generating component is one of an application server, a storage server, a storage device, or a network switch.

8. A computer system comprising: a computer component having a heat generating device, a conduit, a hot coolant connector, and a cold coolant connector, wherein the conduit circulates coolant; a heat exchanger configured to receive hot coolant from the hot coolant connector and supply cooled coolant; a manifold unit fluidly coupled to the heat exchanger to receive cooled coolant and supply the cooled coolant to the cold coolant connector; and a pump module coupled to the manifold unit to circulate the coolant between the heat exchanger, the manifold unit, and the computer components, the pump module comprising: a first pump having an inlet coupled to the manifold unit and an outlet coupled to the manifold unit, the first pump circulating the coolant from the inlet to the outlet; and a second pump having an inlet coupled to the manifold unit and an outlet coupled to the manifold unit, the second pump circulating the coolant from the inlet to the outlet, wherein the second pump is disconnectable from the manifold unit while the first pump continues to circulate the coolant, wherein the inlet and the outlet of each of the first pump and the second pump are coupled to the manifold unit via quick connectors having a first ball valve connected to a first gear, a first cross arm having a gear rim, a second ball valve connected to a second gear, and a second cross arm having a gear rim, the first ball valve and the second ball valve having open positions that allow coolant flow and closed positions that block coolant flow, wherein when the second pump is disconnected, the quick connectors of the inlet and the outlet of the second pump isolate the manifold unit from coolant leakage by the gear rim of the first cross arm moving and engaging the second gear, the gear rim of the second cross arm moving and engaging the first gear, to rotate the first ball valve and the second ball valve to the closed positions to block coolant flow.

9. The computer system of claim 8, further comprising a rack housing the computer components, the manifold unit, and the pump module, wherein the rack comprises a door housing the heat exchanger.

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