Cold storage type heat exchange system and control method thereof

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of refrigeration technology, and relates to a cold storage type heat exchange system and a control method thereof. The cold storage type heat exchange system comprises a cabinet, a refrigeration device, and a cold storage circulating device. The refrigeration device comprises an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, the indoor unit is arranged in the cabinet, and the outdoor unit is arranged outside the cabinet. The cold storage circulating device is arranged outside the cabinet, and comprises a casing, a cold storage medium circulating assembly, and a cooling assembly. The casing stores cold storage medium, and the cold storage medium circulating assembly is used to circulate the cold storage medium through the outdoor unit. The indoor unit is used to dissipate heat from the cabinet, and the cold storage medium is used to dissipate heat from the outdoor unit. A temperature difference can be formed between the heat emitted by the outdoor unit and the ambient temperature, and the heat of the outdoor unit can be dissipated. The cooling assembly can be used to cool the cold storage medium to store cold sources during a low electricity consumption period, and the cold storage medium can release the cold sources to dissipate heat from the outdoor unit during a high electricity consumption period, thereby reducing the operation cost of the cabinet refrigeration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of refrigeration technology, and in particular to a cold storage heat exchange system and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] In 5G network construction, various communication devices are housed in cabinets for centralized management. Using the C-RAN (Cloud Radio Access Network) construction method, a large number of BBUs (Building Baseband Units) are centrally located in the same cabinet, with each cabinet generating over 5kW of heat. Since site cooling primarily employs traditional data center-level air conditioning, prioritizing the environment before cooling the equipment, lowering the air conditioning setpoints or operating multiple units simultaneously is necessary to reduce the temperature of high-power devices. This significantly increases site air conditioning energy consumption and raises the operating costs of cabinet cooling.

[0003] The above content is only used to help understand the technical solution of this application and does not represent an admission that the above content is prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main objective of this invention is to provide a cold storage heat exchange system, which aims to reduce electricity consumption during peak hours and lower the operating costs of cabinet cooling.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention proposes a cold storage heat exchange system, comprising:

[0006] Server rack;

[0007] A refrigeration device, comprising an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, wherein the indoor unit is located inside the cabinet and the outdoor unit is located outside the cabinet;

[0008] A cold storage circulation device is located outside the cabinet. The cold storage circulation device includes a casing, a cold storage medium circulation component, and a cooling component. The casing stores a cold storage medium. The cooling component is used to cool the cold storage medium. The cold storage medium circulation component is used to circulate the cold storage medium through the outdoor unit.

[0009] Optionally, the indoor unit includes a heat pipe evaporator and a first fan, which are located inside the cabinet.

[0010] The outdoor unit includes a heat pipe condenser and a second fan. The heat pipe condenser and the second fan are located outside the cabinet. The heat pipe evaporator and the heat pipe condenser are connected by a first circulation pipeline.

[0011] Optionally, the cold storage medium circulation assembly includes a heat exchanger and a second circulation pipeline. The heat exchanger is located in the outdoor unit, and the second circulation pipeline circulates between the heat exchanger and the cold storage medium inside the casing, so as to circulate the cold storage medium through the outdoor unit.

[0012] The second circulation pipeline is equipped with a delivery pump for conveying the cold storage medium.

[0013] Optionally, the cooling component includes a cooling component condenser, a cooling component evaporator, and a third circulation pipeline;

[0014] The cooling component condenser is located in the outdoor unit, and the cooling component evaporator is located inside the casing. The cooling component condenser and the cooling component evaporator are circulated and connected through the third circulation pipeline.

[0015] Optionally, the third circulation pipeline is further provided with a compressor and an expansion valve, which are located inside the housing.

[0016] Optionally, the heat pipe condenser, the heat exchanger, the cooling component condenser, and the second fan are integrated into one unit.

[0017] Optionally, the housing and the outdoor unit are integrated into one unit;

[0018] Alternatively, the housing may be separated from the outdoor unit;

[0019] Alternatively, the refrigeration equipment is a gravity heat pipe refrigerator;

[0020] Alternatively, the heat exchanger may be located between the heat pipe condenser and the cooling assembly condenser.

[0021] This invention also proposes a control method for a cold storage heat exchange system, wherein the control method is applied to a cold storage heat exchange system, and the control method includes:

[0022] Start the cooling equipment to exchange heat from inside the cabinet to the outdoor unit through the indoor unit, and then dissipate the heat through the outdoor unit.

[0023] Start the cold storage circulation equipment to cool and store cold through the cooling components, and turn on the cold storage medium circulation component to circulate the cold storage medium through the outdoor unit to cool the outdoor unit.

[0024] Optionally, during the operation of the refrigeration equipment, the heat pipe evaporator and the first fan work to reduce the temperature inside the cabinet; the heat pipe evaporator exchanges heat with the heat pipe condenser through the first circulation pipe, and the heat pipe condenser and the second fan work to dissipate the heat.

[0025] Optionally, during the operation of the cold storage circulation equipment, the cold storage process of the cold storage medium is as follows: the cooling component is started, the compressor does work, the evaporator of the cooling component takes away the heat of the cold storage medium in the casing, the evaporator of the cooling component exchanges heat to the condenser of the cooling component through the third circulation pipeline, and the condenser of the cooling component works with the second fan to dissipate the heat.

[0026] The process of releasing the cold source from the cold storage medium is as follows: the transfer pump is turned on, and the cold storage medium is circulated to the heat exchanger through the second circulation pipeline.

[0027] Optionally, during the operation of the refrigeration equipment, the ambient temperature Tx is detected to determine whether the ambient temperature Tx is higher than a preset temperature Ty.

[0028] When Tx < Ty, start the second fan to dissipate heat from the outdoor unit and turn off the delivery pump;

[0029] When Tx≥Ty, the delivery pump is turned on to circulate the cold storage medium to the heat exchanger through the second circulation pipeline to dissipate heat for the outdoor unit, and the second fan is turned off.

[0030] Optionally, during the operation of the refrigeration equipment, the actual electricity price Fx is detected to determine whether the electricity price is higher than the preset price Fy.

[0031] When Fx < Fy, the cooling component is activated, and the evaporator of the cooling component cools and stores the cold storage medium. The delivery pump is then turned off.

[0032] When Fx≥Fy, the cooling component is turned off and the delivery pump is turned on to circulate the cold storage medium to the heat exchanger through the second circulation pipeline to dissipate heat for the outdoor unit.

[0033] This invention utilizes the synergistic effect of a refrigeration unit and a cold storage circulation unit to dissipate heat from within a server rack. The indoor unit of the refrigeration unit is located inside the rack, while the outdoor unit is located outside. The indoor unit cools the rack by exchanging heat with the outdoor unit, which then dissipates the heat outdoors. Simultaneously, the cold storage circulation unit includes a casing, a cold storage medium circulation assembly, and a cooling assembly. The casing stores the cold storage medium. The cooling assembly cools and dissipates heat from the cold storage medium, allowing it to store a cold source. This cold storage medium is then circulated to the outdoor unit via the circulation assembly, cooling the outdoor unit. This design allows for the dissipation of heat from the outdoor unit by creating a temperature difference when the outdoor ambient temperature is low, thus fully utilizing the ambient cold source. On the other hand, it allows the cooling components to cool and store the cold source during off-peak hours, while the cold source is released by the cold storage medium to dissipate heat from the outdoor unit during peak hours, thereby reducing power consumption during peak hours and lowering the operating cost of the cabinet cooling system. Attached Figure Description

[0034] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a cold storage heat exchange system according to the present invention;

[0036] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of a refrigeration device according to the present invention;

[0037] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of a cold storage circulation device according to the present invention;

[0038] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a cooling component according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown below;

[0039] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of a cold storage medium circulation component of the present invention.

[0040] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0041] label name label name 100 Cold storage heat exchange system 511 Cold storage medium 10 server rack 52 Cold storage medium circulation component 30 Refrigeration equipment 521 heat exchanger 31 Indoor unit 523 Second circulation pipeline 311 heat pipe evaporator 525 transfer pump 313 First Wind Turbine 53 Cooling components 33 Outdoor unit 533 Cooling component evaporator 331 heat pipe condenser 531 Cooling component condenser 333 Second fan 535 compressor 35 First circulation pipeline 537 Expansion valve 50 Cold storage circulation equipment 539 Third circulation pipeline 51 chassis

[0042] The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0044] It should be noted that all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of the present invention are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0045] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixed" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0046] Furthermore, in this invention, descriptions involving "first," "second," etc., are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the word "and / or" throughout the text means including three parallel solutions; taking "A and / or B" as an example, it includes solution A, solution B, or a solution that simultaneously satisfies A and B. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0047] Currently, many regions in my country experience severe power shortages during peak hours, while a large amount of electricity remains underutilized during off-peak hours. Peak electricity prices are generally higher, and there is a risk of power outages, affecting the continuity of power supply to users. During off-peak hours, a significant amount of generation, transmission, and distribution capacity remains underutilized, impacting the economic operation of the power grid. In the heat dissipation process of rack 10, there is a correlation between ambient temperature and electricity consumption. During the daytime, when temperatures are high and electricity consumption is at its peak, the rack also requires significant cooling. Electricity prices are higher during this period. At night, temperatures cool down, electricity consumption decreases, and the load on the rack is reduced. From an economic perspective, fully understanding the relationship between electricity consumption, heat dissipation, and electricity prices is crucial for rack 10 to effectively dissipate heat, reduce cooling costs, and ensure stable heat dissipation.

[0048] Currently, a relatively effective method for cooling 5G equipment is rack-level cooling, which integrates the indoor air conditioning unit into the rack, creating a closed cooling system inside the rack. The outdoor unit then directly transfers the heat from inside the rack to the outside of the server room. Because the air conditioning terminal is close to the heat-generating equipment, the air supply space is reduced, which significantly improves the equipment's heat dissipation efficiency and ensures that the cooling capacity is fully utilized.

[0049] While rack-level cooling improves equipment heat dissipation, most current cooling system designs use electric compression refrigeration systems, which are costly. In areas with abundant natural outdoor cooling sources, this approach cannot effectively utilize these sources to reduce operating costs.

[0050] This invention proposes a cold storage type heat exchange system 100. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment. The cold storage heat exchange system includes a cabinet 10, a refrigeration unit 30, and a cold storage circulation unit 50. The refrigeration unit 30 includes an indoor unit 31 and an outdoor unit 33. The indoor unit 31 is located inside the cabinet 10, and the outdoor unit 33 is located outside the cabinet 10. The cold storage circulation unit 50 is located outside the cabinet 10 and includes a casing 51, a cold storage medium circulation component 52, and a cooling component 53. The casing 51 stores a cold storage medium 511. The cooling component 53 is used to cool the cold storage medium 511, and the cold storage medium circulation component 52 is used to circulate the cold storage medium 511 through the outdoor unit 33. The indoor unit 31 dissipates heat from the cabinet 10, and the cold storage medium 511 dissipates heat from the outdoor unit 33.

[0051] like Figure 1As shown, a cold storage heat exchange system 100 is used to dissipate heat from equipment inside a server rack 10. The refrigeration equipment 30 includes an indoor unit 31 and an outdoor unit 33. The indoor unit 31 is located inside the server rack 10, and the outdoor unit 33 is located outside the server rack 10. Integrating the indoor unit 31 into the server rack 10 creates a closed cooling system inside the rack 10, and the outdoor unit 33 directly transfers the heat from inside the rack 10 to the outside of the server room. Because the indoor unit 31 is directly close to the heat-generating equipment, the air supply space is reduced, which significantly improves the heat dissipation efficiency of the equipment, and the cooling capacity is fully utilized.

[0052] In order to reduce the power load of the refrigeration equipment 30 and to prevent the heat generated by the outdoor unit 33 from not forming a temperature difference with the ambient temperature when the ambient temperature is high, thus preventing the heat of the outdoor unit 33 from being effectively discharged, a cold storage circulation device 50 is used to dissipate heat and cool the outdoor unit 33. The cold storage circulation device 50 is located outside the cabinet 10. The cold storage circulation device 50 includes a casing 51, a cold storage medium circulation component 52, and a cooling component 53. The casing 51 stores a cold storage medium 511. The cooling component 53 is used to cool the cold storage medium 511. The cold storage medium circulation component 52 is used to circulate the cold storage medium 511 through the outdoor unit 33. Cooling components 53 can be used to cool and store cold energy in the cold storage medium 511 during periods of low power consumption, while the cold storage medium 511 can be used to cool the outdoor unit 33 during periods of high power consumption. Alternatively, when the outdoor unit 33 is unable to dissipate heat, the cold storage medium 511 can be used to cool the outdoor unit 33, thereby reducing the load during high-temperature periods and improving the heat dissipation capacity of the outdoor unit 33.

[0053] That is, through the synergistic action of the refrigeration equipment 30 and the cold storage circulation equipment 50, the heat inside the cabinet 10 is dissipated. The indoor unit 31 of the refrigeration equipment 30 is located inside the cabinet 10, and the outdoor unit 33 of the refrigeration equipment 30 is located outside the cabinet 10. The indoor unit 31 is used to cool the cabinet 10, exchanging heat from inside the cabinet 10 to the outdoor unit 33, which then dissipates the heat outdoors. Meanwhile, the cold storage circulation equipment 50 includes a casing 51, a cold storage medium circulation assembly 52, and a cooling assembly 53. The casing 51 stores a cold storage medium 511. The cooling assembly 53 cools and dissipates heat from the cold storage medium 511, allowing it to store a cold source. The cold storage medium 511 is then circulated to the outdoor unit 33 through the cold storage medium circulation assembly 52, cooling and dissipating heat from the outdoor unit 33. On the one hand, this design allows the outdoor unit 33 to dissipate heat from the ambient temperature when the outdoor temperature is low, creating a temperature difference between the heat emitted by the outdoor unit 33 and the ambient temperature, thus making full use of the ambient cold source. On the other hand, it allows the cooling component 53 to be used as a cold storage medium 511 to cool and store the cold source during off-peak electricity consumption periods, while the cold storage medium 511 releases the cold source to dissipate heat from the outdoor unit 33 during peak electricity consumption periods, reducing electricity consumption during peak periods and lowering the operating cost of cooling the cabinet 10.

[0054] The equipment inside rack 10 is not limited and can be ICT (information and communications technology). ICT is a comprehensive term that covers all communication equipment or application software and various related services and application software.

[0055] The refrigeration equipment 30 can be either mechanical refrigeration or heat pipe refrigeration. Mechanical refrigeration relies on mechanical or thermal action to cause a change in the state (including a change in phase) of the refrigerant, completing a refrigeration cycle and utilizing the temperature rise or phase change of the refrigerant at low temperatures for cooling. For example, a compressor can be used to change the state of the refrigerant. Heat pipe refrigeration utilizes a heat exchange cycle generated by a temperature difference. The heat exchange effect is achieved by the existence of a temperature difference driving the cycle. For example, a heat pipe consists of a shell, a wick, and end caps. The inside of the heat pipe is evaporated under negative pressure and filled with a suitable liquid with a low boiling point and easy volatility. The pipe wall has a wick made of capillary porous material. One end of the heat pipe is the evaporation end, and the other end is the condensation end. When one end of the heat pipe is heated, the liquid in the capillary evaporates rapidly. The vapor flows to the other end under a small pressure difference, releasing heat and recondensing into liquid. The liquid then flows back to the evaporation section along the porous material by capillary force, and this cycle continues, transferring heat from one end of the heat pipe to the other. This cycle is rapid, and heat can be continuously conducted away.

[0056] Furthermore, the indoor unit 31 includes a heat pipe evaporator 311 and a first fan 313, which are located inside the cabinet 10. The outdoor unit 33 includes a heat pipe condenser 331 and a second fan 333, which are located outside the cabinet 10. The heat pipe evaporator 311 and the heat pipe condenser 331 are connected by a first circulation pipe 35.

[0057] like Figure 2 As shown, the indoor unit 31 includes a heat pipe evaporator 311 and a first fan 313, which are located inside the cabinet 10 for cooling the equipment inside the cabinet 10. The outdoor unit 33 includes a heat pipe condenser 331 and a second fan 333, which are located outside the cabinet 10 for dissipating the heat exchanged by the indoor unit 31. The heat pipe evaporator 311 and the heat pipe condenser 331 are connected by a first circulation pipe 35, which serves as a heat circulation and transfer pipe.

[0058] The refrigeration equipment 30 can be a heat pipe refrigerator. Since a heat pipe refrigerator does not require a compressor to perform work, a heat exchange cycle can be generated simply by a temperature difference. Thus, using a heat pipe refrigerator can make reasonable use of the temperature difference changes in the environment for heat dissipation, greatly saving energy. For example, during periods of low ambient temperature, because the cabinet 10 is enclosed, the heat inside the indoor unit 31 is exchanged with the heat pipe condenser 331 of the outdoor unit 33 through the heat pipe evaporator 311 and the first fan 313. That is, the first fan 313 forms an internal airflow circulation, which cools the hot air through the heat pipe evaporator 311. In the outdoor unit 33, the second fan 333 sends out outdoor air to achieve heat dissipation of the heat pipe condenser 331, dissipating the heat to the surrounding environment. Since the ambient temperature is low, the heat pipe condenser 331 can effectively dissipate heat. Thus, in low-temperature environments, heat pipe refrigerators can be used to dissipate heat with less electricity.

[0059] By utilizing heat pipe coolers, natural cold sources can be fully utilized, thereby reducing cooling energy consumption. Simultaneously, a cold storage circulation device 50 can be used to store cold during low-temperature periods, which are not peak electricity consumption periods, resulting in lower electricity prices and effectively reducing electricity costs. During high-temperature periods, which are peak electricity consumption periods with higher electricity prices, the cold storage medium 511 can release cold sources to dissipate heat from the heat pipe coolers, achieving peak cooling load smoothing within the cabinet 10 and improving the heat dissipation reliability of the cabinet 10 during peak electricity consumption periods. In this way, by comprehensively utilizing ambient temperature and lower electricity prices, the cooling cost of the cabinet 10 is reduced.

[0060] In other words, this cold storage heat exchange system 100 can utilize cooling components 53 and cold storage medium 511 to store cold during certain periods of the day and release it during periods of high outdoor temperatures, thereby achieving peak cooling load reduction within the cabinet 10, tailored to the environmental and electricity consumption characteristics of the region where the cabinet 10 is located. Simultaneously, the cooling capacity of the cooling components 53 can be reduced, changing from a maximum load design to a partial load design, thus reducing costs. Furthermore, in areas with peak and off-peak electricity price differences, cold can be stored during periods of low electricity prices and released during periods of high electricity prices, reducing operating electricity costs.

[0061] Furthermore, the cold storage medium circulation assembly 52 includes a heat exchanger 521 and a second circulation pipe 523. The heat exchanger 521 is located in the outdoor unit 33, and the second circulation pipe 523 circulates between the heat exchanger 521 and the cold storage medium 511 inside the casing 51, so as to circulate the cold storage medium 511 through the outdoor unit 33. A transfer pump 525 for transporting the cold storage medium 511 is provided on the second circulation pipe 523.

[0062] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the cold storage medium circulation assembly 52 includes a heat exchanger 521 and a second circulation pipe 523. The heat exchanger 521 is located in the outdoor unit 33. Since the heat pipe condenser 331 is located in the outdoor unit 33, the outdoor unit 33 is connected to the casing 51 through the second circulation pipe 523, so as to circulate the cold storage medium 511 in the casing 51 to the heat exchanger 521, so as to circulate the cold storage medium 511 through the outdoor unit 33, so that heat exchange occurs between the cold storage medium 511 and the heat pipe condenser 331 during the process of releasing cold, and the cold storage medium 511 cools the heat pipe condenser 331.

[0063] In other words, a second circulation pipe 523 is used to connect the heat exchanger 521, allowing the cold storage medium 511 to enter and exit the heat exchanger 521 through the second circulation pipe 523. A transfer pump 525 is installed on the second circulation pipe 523 to provide power for the cold storage medium 511. The heat exchanger 521 can be a plate heat exchanger, which is composed of stamped, textured stainless steel plates. The textured surfaces between two adjacent plates are arranged at 180-degree angles, thus forming staggered contact points. These contact points are joined by vacuum welding, forming a high-pressure, staggered flow structure for the plate heat exchanger. This staggered flow structure causes strong turbulence in the hot and cold fluids within the plate heat exchanger, achieving a high heat exchange efficiency.

[0064] Furthermore, the cooling component 53 includes a cooling component condenser 531, a cooling component evaporator 533, and a third circulation pipe 539. The cooling component condenser 531 is located in the outdoor unit 33, and the cooling component evaporator 533 is located inside the casing 51. The cooling component condenser 531 and the cooling component evaporator 533 are circulatedly connected through the third circulation pipe 539.

[0065] As shown in the figure and Figure 4 As shown, the cooling component 53 includes a cooling component condenser 531, a cooling component evaporator 533, and a third circulation pipe 539. The cooling component evaporator 533 is used to cool the cold storage medium 511, and the cooling component condenser 531 is used to dissipate the heat exchanged by the cooling component evaporator 533. Furthermore, the cooling component condenser 531 is located in the outdoor unit 33 to prevent the heat dissipated by the cooling component condenser 531 from being absorbed by the cold storage medium 511.

[0066] The cooling component evaporator 533 is located inside the casing 51 so that the cooling component evaporator 533 can directly cool the cold storage medium 511. The cooling component condenser 531 and the cooling component evaporator 533 are circulatedly connected through the third circulation pipe 539, which is used as a channel for heat exchange between the cooling component condenser 531 and the cooling component evaporator 533.

[0067] Furthermore, to effectively cool the cooling component condenser 531, the cooling component condenser 531 is positioned near the heat pipe condenser 331, so that heat dissipation from the cooling component condenser 531 is achieved through the second fan 333. Additionally, the cooling component evaporator 533 can be located within the space containing the cold storage medium 511, allowing the cold storage medium 511 to directly contact the cooling component evaporator 533 for direct heat exchange, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0068] Furthermore, the third circulation pipeline 539 also includes a compressor 535 and an expansion valve 537, which are located inside the housing 51.

[0069] like Figure 4 As shown, since the expansion valve 537 operates based on the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor, and the temperature sensing system has relatively low sensitivity and a large time lag in signal transmission, it is prone to frequent opening and closing of the expansion valve 537 and fluctuations in the liquid supply. Therefore, the expansion valve 537 is installed close to the evaporator 533 of the cooling component. Meanwhile, the compressor 535 generates heat during operation. To prevent the compressor 535 from overheating, it is housed inside the casing 51 and near the evaporator 533 of the cooling component, so that the cold source near the evaporator 533 can cool the compressor 535.

[0070] Furthermore, the heat pipe condenser 331, heat exchanger 521, cooling component condenser 531, and second fan 333 are integrated into one unit.

[0071] like Figure 1 As shown, the heat pipe condenser 331, heat exchanger 521, cooling component condenser 531, and second fan 333 are integrated into one unit to form the outdoor unit 33. This allows the second fan 333 to dissipate heat from the cooling component condenser 531 and the heat pipe condenser 331, simplifying the equipment structure and facilitating centralized maintenance and management.

[0072] Furthermore, the casing 51 and the outdoor unit 33 are integrated into one unit;

[0073] Alternatively, the casing 51 can be installed separately from the outdoor unit 33;

[0074] Alternatively, the refrigeration equipment 30 may be a gravity heat pipe refrigerator;

[0075] Alternatively, the heat exchanger 521 may be located between the heat pipe condenser 331 and the cooling component condenser 531.

[0076] like Figure 1 As shown, the casing 51 and the outdoor unit 33 can be integrated into one unit, or the casing 51 and the outdoor unit 33 can be installed separately. The combination can be selected according to actual needs. For example, the outdoor unit 33 can be used in combination with the cabinet 10, or the casing 51, the outdoor unit 33 and the cabinet 10 can be used together. When the cold storage circulation equipment 50 is not needed, the combination of the outdoor unit 33 and the cabinet 10 can be used directly. When the cold storage circulation equipment 50 is needed, the combination of the casing 51, the outdoor unit 33 and the cabinet 10 can be used, thereby improving the adaptability and selectivity of the entire cold storage heat exchange system 100.

[0077] Furthermore, the heat pipe refrigerator is a gravity heat pipe refrigerator. Gravity heat pipes utilize the evaporation and condensation of the working fluid to transfer heat, and the working fluid circulates automatically without the need for external power. It differs from ordinary heat pipes in that it lacks a wick. The condensate returns from the condensation section to the evaporation section not by the capillary force generated by the wick, but by the condensate's own gravity. Because gravity heat pipes do not have a wick, they are not only simple in structure and low in cost, but also have excellent heat transfer performance and reliable operation.

[0078] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 As shown, the heat exchanger 521 is located between the heat pipe condenser 331 and the cooling component condenser 531. When the heat exchanger 521 is used to dissipate heat from both the heat pipe condenser 331 and the cooling component condenser 531 at the same time, placing the heat exchanger 521 between the two can effectively dissipate heat from both of them.

[0079] Furthermore, the cold storage medium 511 is a phase change material, which can be an alkaline nitrate, sodium acetate, sodium metasilicate pentahydrate (Na2SiO3·5H2O), metal or alkane mixture, and can be selected according to specific circumstances.

[0080] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 As shown, during the cold storage process in the cold storage circulation device 50, the cooling component 53 operates. The cooling component 53 includes a cooling component condenser 531, a cooling component evaporator 533, a compressor 535, and an expansion valve 537. The cooling component 53 cools the cold storage medium 511. During the cold release process in the cold storage circulation device 50, the cold storage medium 511 flows into the heat exchanger 521 through the transfer pump 525 and exchanges heat with the heat pipe condenser 331. By transferring the cold energy of the cold storage medium 511 to the heat pipe condenser 331, the cold storage medium 511 is released.

[0081] Since the cold storage circulation device 50 requires electricity for cooling, this process consumes electricity. Considering peak electricity consumption and electricity prices, during periods of low electricity prices, the cooling component 53 is activated to cool the cold storage medium 511, achieving cold storage in the cold storage medium 511. During this process, the transfer pump 525 is turned off to close the flow path of the cold storage medium 511 to the heat exchanger 521. During periods of high electricity prices, the power supply to the cooling component 53 is turned off. At this time, the cooling component 53 does not cool the cold storage medium 511, and the transfer pump 525 is turned on to open the flow path of the cold storage medium 511 to the heat exchanger 521, releasing the cold storage medium 511.

[0082] During the operation of the cold storage heat exchange system 100, when the outdoor temperature is low, the temperature difference between the heat generated by the heat pipe condenser 331 and the ambient temperature is sufficient to dissipate heat from the heat pipe condenser 331 through the second fan 333. At this time, the transfer pump 525 is turned off to close the flow path of the cold storage medium 511 to the heat exchanger 521, and the heat inside the cabinet 10 is discharged to the outside through the heat pipe condenser (331). Furthermore, under normal circumstances, when the outdoor temperature is low, it is not a peak electricity consumption period. At this time, the electricity price is low, and the cost of using the second fan 333 to dissipate heat from the heat pipe condenser 331 is low.

[0083] During the period before the outdoor high temperature period, and when the temperature difference between the heat generated by the heat pipe condenser 331 and the ambient temperature can still dissipate heat from the heat pipe condenser 331, the transfer pump 525 is turned off to close the flow path of the cold storage medium 511 to the heat exchanger 521. The cold storage medium 511 is cooled first, and the cold source is stored in advance so that the cold source stored in the cold storage medium 511 can be used for the subsequent high temperature period, avoiding the high pressure of electricity consumption and high electricity price during the high temperature period.

[0084] During periods of high outdoor temperature, the temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the heat generated by the heat pipe condenser 331 makes it difficult for the heat pipe condenser 331 to dissipate heat. At this time, the power supply of the cooling component 53 is turned off, and the delivery pump 525 is turned on to open the flow path of the cold storage medium 511 to the heat exchanger 521. The cold storage medium 511 releases cold, dissipates heat from the heat pipe condenser 331, and further reduces the temperature inside the cabinet 10.

[0085] By linking the refrigeration equipment 30 and the cold storage circulation equipment 50 to electricity prices and ambient temperature, cold storage is carried out during off-peak electricity consumption periods and low electricity price periods, and cold is released during peak electricity consumption periods and high electricity price periods, so as to alleviate the pressure of high-temperature electricity consumption. Furthermore, the system effectively dissipates heat by utilizing natural cold sources, improves the reliability of heat dissipation, and reduces the operating cost of the cold storage heat exchange system.

[0086] The present invention also provides a control method for a cold storage heat exchange system. Since the control method for the cold storage heat exchange system adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0087] Control methods for cold storage heat exchange systems include:

[0088] The refrigeration equipment 30 is started to exchange heat from the cabinet 10 to the outdoor unit 33 through the indoor unit 31, and the outdoor unit 33 dissipates the heat. The cold storage circulation equipment 50 is started to cool and store cold for the cold storage medium 511 through the cooling component 53, and the cold storage medium circulation component 52 is turned on to circulate the cold storage medium 511 through the outdoor unit 33 to cool the outdoor unit 33.

[0089] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 As shown, during the operation of the refrigeration equipment 30, the heat pipe evaporator 311 and the first fan 313 work to reduce the temperature inside the cabinet 10; the heat pipe evaporator 311 exchanges heat with the heat pipe condenser 331 through the first circulation pipe 35, and the heat pipe condenser 331 and the second fan 333 work to dissipate the heat.

[0090] Furthermore, such as Figure 1As shown, during the operation of the cold storage circulation device 50, the cold storage process of the cold storage medium 511 is as follows: the cooling component 53 is started, the compressor 535 performs work, the evaporator 533 of the cooling component removes the heat of the cold storage medium 511 in the casing 51, the evaporator 533 of the cooling component exchanges heat to the condenser 531 of the cooling component through the third circulation pipe 539, and the condenser 531 of the cooling component and the second fan 333 work to dissipate the heat. The process of releasing the cold source of the cold storage medium 511 is as follows: the transfer pump 525 is started, and the cold storage medium 511 is circulated to the heat exchanger 521 through the second circulation pipe 523. The heat exchanger 521 exchanges heat with the heat pipe condenser 331, and the cold storage medium 511 after heat exchange is transferred back to the casing 51.

[0091] Furthermore, during the operation of the refrigeration equipment 30, the ambient temperature Tx is detected to determine whether the ambient temperature Tx is higher than the preset temperature Ty.

[0092] When Tx < Ty, start the second fan 333 to dissipate heat from the heat pipe condenser 331 and turn off the delivery pump 525.

[0093] When Tx≥Ty, the delivery pump 525 is turned on to circulate the cold storage medium 511 to the heat exchanger 521 through the second circulation pipeline 523 to dissipate heat for the heat pipe condenser 331, and the second fan 333 is turned off.

[0094] This control method correlates ambient temperature with electricity prices to optimize the use of natural cooling sources and reduce costs. During the operation of the cold storage heat exchange system 100, the refrigeration unit 30 is activated to dissipate heat from the cabinet 10. When the ambient temperature is low, the heat pipe condenser 331 of the refrigeration unit 30 can be cooled by introducing cool outdoor air through the second fan 333. When the ambient temperature is high, the second fan 333 is insufficient to cool the heat pipe condenser 331. That is, during the operation of the refrigeration equipment 30, the ambient temperature Tx is detected to determine whether the ambient temperature Tx is higher than the preset temperature Ty. The preset temperature Ty refers to the actual high temperature reached by the environment. At the high temperature, the second fan 333 may have difficulty cooling the heat pipe condenser 331. In order to avoid the heat pipe condenser 331 not dissipating heat in time during the high temperature period and affecting the heat dissipation inside the cabinet 10, the actual ambient temperature is monitored. The preset temperature Ty can be set according to specific needs, and the cold storage circulation equipment 50 is activated based on the change of ambient temperature.

[0095] That is, when the ambient temperature Tx is lower than the preset temperature Ty, the second fan 333 of the outdoor unit 33 is activated to dissipate heat from the heat pipe condenser 331. The temperature difference between the outdoor ambient temperature and the heat pipe condenser 331 is sufficient for the heat pipe condenser 331 to dissipate heat. At this time, the delivery pump 525 is turned off, and the flow path of the cold storage medium 511 is closed, saving the cold source of the cold storage medium 511.

[0096] When the ambient temperature Tx is greater than or equal to the preset temperature Ty, and Tx≥Ty, the second fan 333 cannot meet the heat dissipation requirements of the heat pipe condenser 331. The second fan 333 is turned off, the delivery pump 525 is turned on, the flow path of the cold storage medium 511 is opened, and the cold storage medium 511 is circulated to the heat exchanger 521 through the second circulation pipeline 523 to dissipate heat for the heat pipe condenser 331. Turning off the second fan 333 can also save electricity.

[0097] Furthermore, during the operation of the refrigeration equipment 30, the actual electricity price Fx is detected to determine whether the electricity price is higher than the preset price Fy.

[0098] When Fx < Fy, the cooling component 53 is started, the evaporator of the cooling component 533 cools and stores cold storage medium 511, and the transfer pump 525 is turned off.

[0099] When Fx≥Fy, the cooling component 53 is turned off and the delivery pump 525 is turned on to circulate the cold storage medium 511 to the heat exchanger 521 through the second circulation pipeline 523 to dissipate heat for the heat pipe condenser 331.

[0100] Furthermore, the cooling component 53 requires electricity during the cooling and cold storage process of the cold storage medium 511. Considering the electricity price, when the cooling component 53 is used to cool and store the cold storage medium 511, the actual electricity price Fx is detected, and the cold storage medium 511 is judged to be stored based on the level of the actual electricity price Fx.

[0101] When the actual electricity price Fx is less than the preset price Fy, it is more cost-effective to use electricity. The cooling component 53 is activated to cool and store cold energy in the cold storage medium 511, while the delivery pump 525 is shut down, closing the flow path of the cold storage medium 511. During this process, the second fan 333 can also be activated simultaneously to dissipate heat from the heat pipe condenser 331.

[0102] When the actual electricity price Fx is greater than or equal to the preset price Fy, electricity consumption is not cost-effective. The cold source stored in the cold storage medium 511 is used to dissipate heat from the heat pipe condenser 331. The cooling component 53 is turned off, and the transfer pump 525 is turned on, opening the flow path of the cold storage medium 511. The cold storage medium 511 is circulated through the second circulation pipe 523 to the heat exchanger 521 to dissipate heat from the heat pipe condenser 331. The power supply to the cooling component 53 is then turned off, and the cold storage medium 511 is not cooled or stored at this time, saving electricity consumption during peak hours.

[0103] Since electricity prices are correlated with ambient temperature, peak electricity consumption occurs during high-temperature periods when electricity prices are higher. During these periods, the cold storage medium 511 is used to cool the heat pipe condenser 331. Specifically, the second fan 333 is turned off, and the flow path of the cold storage medium 511 is activated, allowing it to dissipate heat from the heat pipe condenser 331 through the heat exchanger 521. During low-temperature periods, the electricity load decreases, and electricity prices drop. During these periods, the cold storage medium 511 is cooled and stored, while the second fan 333 introduces low-temperature air from the environment into the heat pipe condenser 331, thus activating the second fan 333 to dissipate heat from the heat pipe condenser 331.

[0104] The cold storage heat exchange system 100 fully utilizes natural cold sources, thereby reducing cooling energy consumption. Simultaneously, using the cold storage circulation device 50, it can store cold during certain periods of the day and release it during periods of high outdoor temperatures, thus achieving peak cooling load shaving within the cabinet 10. Furthermore, the design cooling capacity of the cold storage circulation device 50 can be reduced from a maximum load design to a partial load design, thereby reducing costs. Additionally, in areas with peak-valley electricity price differences, cold can be stored during periods of low electricity prices and released during periods of high electricity prices, reducing operating electricity costs. This cold storage heat exchange system 100 can reduce investment costs and lower operating costs by utilizing natural cold sources.

[0105] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not limit the scope of the patent. Any equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the specification and drawings of the present invention under the inventive concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the scope of patent protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cold storage heat exchange system, characterized in that, The cold storage heat exchange system includes: Server rack (10); The refrigeration equipment (30) includes an indoor unit (31) and an outdoor unit (33), wherein the indoor unit (31) is located inside the cabinet (10) and the outdoor unit (33) is located outside the cabinet (10); A cold storage circulation device (50) is located outside the cabinet (10). The cold storage circulation device (50) includes a casing (51), a cold storage medium circulation component (52), and a cooling component (53). The casing (51) stores a cold storage medium (511). The cooling component (53) is used to cool the cold storage medium (511). The cold storage medium circulation component (52) is used to circulate the cold storage medium (511) through the outdoor unit (33). The indoor unit (31) is used to dissipate heat from the cabinet (10), and the cold storage medium (511) is used to dissipate heat from the outdoor unit (33). The indoor unit (31) includes a heat pipe evaporator (311) and a first fan (313), which are located inside the cabinet (10). The outdoor unit (33) includes a heat pipe condenser (331) and a second fan (333). The heat pipe condenser (331) and the second fan (333) are located outside the cabinet (10). The heat pipe evaporator (311) and the heat pipe condenser (331) are connected through a first circulation pipe (35). The cold storage medium circulation assembly (52) includes a heat exchanger (521) and a second circulation pipeline (523). The heat exchanger (521) is located in the outdoor unit (33). The second circulation pipeline (523) circulates between the heat exchanger (521) and the cold storage medium (511) inside the casing (51) to circulate the cold storage medium (511) through the outdoor unit (33). A transfer pump (525) is provided on the second circulation pipeline (523) to transport the cold storage medium (511). The cooling component (53) includes a cooling component condenser (531), a cooling component evaporator (533), and a third circulation pipe (539); the cooling component condenser (531) is located in the outdoor unit (33), the cooling component evaporator (533) is located in the casing (51), and the cooling component condenser (531) and the cooling component evaporator (533) are circulatedly connected through the third circulation pipe (539).

2. The cold storage heat exchange system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The third circulation pipeline (539) is also equipped with a compressor (535) and an expansion valve (537), which are located inside the housing (51).

3. The cold storage heat exchange system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The heat pipe condenser (331), the heat exchanger (521), the cooling component condenser (531), and the second fan (333) are integrated into one unit.

4. The cold storage heat exchange system as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The housing (51) and the outdoor unit (33) are integrated into one unit; Alternatively, the housing (51) may be separated from the outdoor unit (33); Alternatively, the refrigeration device (30) is a gravity heat pipe refrigerator; Alternatively, the heat exchanger (521) may be located between the heat pipe condenser (331) and the cooling component condenser (531).

5. A control method for a cold storage heat exchange system, characterized in that, The control method for the cold storage heat exchange system applies the cold storage heat exchange system as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, and the control method for the cold storage heat exchange system includes: Start the cooling equipment (30) to exchange the heat in the cabinet (10) with the outdoor unit (33) through the indoor unit (31), and dissipate the heat through the outdoor unit (33); Start the cold storage circulation device (50) to cool and store cold for the cold storage medium (511) through the cooling component (53), and turn on the cold storage medium circulation component (52) to circulate the cold storage medium (511) through the outdoor unit (33) to cool the outdoor unit (33).

6. The control method as described in claim 5, characterized in that, During the operation of the refrigeration equipment (30), the heat pipe evaporator (311) and the first fan (313) work to reduce the temperature inside the cabinet (10); the heat pipe evaporator (311) exchanges heat with the heat pipe condenser (331) through the first circulation pipe (35), and the heat pipe condenser (331) and the second fan (333) work to dissipate the heat.

7. The control method as described in claim 6, characterized in that, During the operation of the cold storage circulation device (50), the cold storage process of the cold storage medium (511) is as follows: the cooling component (53) is started, the compressor (535) does work, the evaporator (533) of the cooling component takes away the heat of the cold storage medium (511) in the casing (51), the evaporator (533) of the cooling component exchanges heat to the condenser (531) of the cooling component through the third circulation pipeline (539), and the condenser (531) of the cooling component and the second fan (333) work to dissipate the heat; The process of releasing the cold source of the cold storage medium (511) is as follows: turn on the delivery pump (525) and circulate the cold storage medium (511) to the heat exchanger (521) through the second circulation pipeline (523). The heat exchanger (521) exchanges heat with the heat pipe condenser (331).

8. The control method as described in claim 7, characterized in that, During the operation of the refrigeration equipment (30), the ambient temperature Tx is detected, and it is determined whether the ambient temperature Tx is higher than the preset temperature Ty: When Tx < Ty, start the second fan (333) to dissipate heat from the heat pipe condenser (331) and turn off the delivery pump (525). When Tx≥Ty, the delivery pump (525) is turned on to circulate the cold storage medium (511) to the heat exchanger (521) through the second circulation pipeline (523) to dissipate heat for the heat pipe condenser (331), and the second fan (333) is turned off.

9. The control method as described in claim 8, characterized in that, During the operation of the refrigeration equipment (30), the actual electricity price Fx is detected, and it is determined whether the electricity price is higher than the preset price Fy: When Fx < Fy, the cooling component (53) is started, the evaporator (533) of the cooling component is used to cool and store cold medium (511), and the delivery pump (525) is turned off. When Fx≥Fy, the cooling component (53) is turned off and the delivery pump (525) is turned on to circulate the cold storage medium (511) to the heat exchanger (521) through the second circulation pipeline (523) to dissipate heat for the heat pipe condenser (331).

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