Connector assembly, electronic rack and data center

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to connector assemblies, electronic racks, and data centers. A connector assembly includes a distribution frame including an adjustment channel and one or more distribution modules disposed along the adjustment channel and capable of sliding movement. Each of the one or more distribution modules includes an inlet connector to receive a cooling liquid from a cooling liquid loop, a fluid blind mate connector to connect the cooling liquid loop to one or more cold plates of a server enclosure, and a guide element having a guide structure and configured to house the fluid blind mate connector. When the guide element is in contact with the server enclosure, the guide element causes the corresponding distribution module to move slightly to align the fluid blind mate connector with a server connector of the server enclosure, such that the fluid blind mate connector connects with the server connector to distribute the cooling liquid to the server enclosure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of this disclosure generally relate to cooling the electronics of servers in a server rack. Specifically, connector assemblies may have cooling distribution units or modules with guiding elements that facilitate mating of blind-mate fluid connectors with server connectors, while the connector assembly is scalable and flexible enough to accommodate varying numbers of server chassis within a server rack. Background Technology

[0002] Information technology (IT) includes technologies such as computers, which are accessible via the Internet or local networks and provide storage or access to data, websites, computer programs, algorithms, services, and so on. IT equipment, such as servers and other electronic components (e.g., peripherals), can be installed in server chassis. These server chassis can then be installed in server racks, which are also referred to as IT racks.

[0003] A server rack can contain multiple server chassis, each housing one or more printed circuit boards that encapsulate electronic components and integrated circuits. Server chassis can be used to manage the power, thermal requirements, electronic connections, structural support, and other considerations of IT equipment.

[0004] Liquid cooling is gaining popularity for high-power-density electronic devices because air cooling may be insufficient in some cases. Liquid cooling allows for higher packaging density and increased computational loads because it can properly transfer the heat load generated by the electronic devices while providing a suitable thermal environment.

[0005] A server rack may include multiple server chassis mounted on it. Some server chassis may have high-density components—multiple servers can be packed into and coexist within a single server chassis. Other server racks may have only a single server. Therefore, the number and / or location of connectors in the individual server chassis within a server rack may vary based on the type or number of servers housed within the chassis.

[0006] Server racks may include infrastructure (e.g., rack cooling components) for distributing and managing fluids (e.g., liquid coolant) to and from each server chassis filled within the server rack. This infrastructure can form a fluid recirculation loop for the server chassis and server racks. However, traditional infrastructures lack the flexibility to accommodate the various configurations of server chassis and server racks. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a connector assembly is provided, comprising: a distribution frame including an adjustment channel; and one or more distribution modules disposed along the adjustment channel and slidably movable. Each of the one or more distribution modules includes: an inlet connector for receiving coolant from a coolant circuit; a fluid blind-mate connector for connecting the coolant circuit to one or more cold plates of a server chassis; and a guide element having a guiding structure and configured to receive the fluid blind-mate connector. When the guide element contacts the server chassis, it slightly moves the corresponding distribution module to align the fluid blind-mate connector with a server connector of the server chassis, such that the fluid blind-mate connector engages with the server connector to distribute coolant to the server chassis.

[0008] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an electronic rack is provided, comprising: a plurality of server chassis; and a connector assembly attached to each of the plurality of server chassis. The connector assembly includes: a distribution frame including an adjustment channel; and a plurality of distribution modules corresponding to the plurality of server chassis and disposed along the adjustment channel and slidably movable. Each of the one or more distribution modules includes: an inlet connector for receiving coolant from a coolant circuit; a fluid blind-mate connector for connecting the coolant circuit to one or more cold plates of the corresponding server chassis; and a guide element having a guiding structure and configured to receive the fluid blind-mate connector. When the guide element contacts a server chassis, the guide element slightly moves the distribution module to align the fluid blind-mate connector with a server connector of the server chassis, such that the fluid blind-mate connector engages with the server connector to distribute coolant to the server chassis.

[0009] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a data center is provided, comprising: a plurality of electronic racks, each of the plurality of electronic racks including: a plurality of server chassis; and a connector assembly attached to each of the plurality of server chassis. The connector assembly includes: a distribution frame including an adjustment channel; and a plurality of distribution modules corresponding to the plurality of server chassis and disposed along the adjustment channel and slidably movable. Each distribution module includes: an inlet connector for receiving coolant from a coolant circuit; a fluid blind-mate connector for connecting the coolant circuit to one or more cold plates of each server chassis in the corresponding server chassis; and a guide element having a guiding structure and configured to receive the fluid blind-mate connector. When the guide element contacts the corresponding server chassis, the guide element slightly moves the distribution module to align the fluid blind-mate connector with a server connector of the server chassis, such that the fluid blind-mate connector engages with the server connector. Attached Figure Description

[0010] The various aspects are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the various figures of the accompanying drawings, wherein similar reference numerals indicate similar elements. It should be noted that references to “an” or “one” aspects of this disclosure are not necessarily references to the same aspect, and they mean at least one. Moreover, for the sake of brevity and to reduce the total number of figures, a given figure may be used to illustrate features of more than one aspect, and a given aspect may not require all elements in the figure.

[0011] Figure 1 A side view of a connector assembly according to some embodiments is shown.

[0012] Figure 2 A front view of a connector assembly according to some embodiments is shown.

[0013] Figure 3 A side view of the allocation module according to some embodiments is shown.

[0014] Figure 4 A side view of a connector assembly having a rear connector according to some embodiments is shown.

[0015] Figure 5 A side view of a connector assembly configured to have multiple loops according to some embodiments is shown.

[0016] Figure 6 An example of a server rack according to some embodiments is shown, the server rack including multiple server chassis and multiple connector assemblies.

[0017] Figure 7An example of a server rack according to some embodiments is shown, the server rack including multiple server chassis, multiple connector assemblies, and a leak detection arrangement.

[0018] Figure 8A and Figure 8B Examples of connector assembly operation before and after alignment with a server chassis are shown according to some embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Several aspects of this disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Where the shape, relative position, and other aspects of a part described in a given aspect are not explicitly defined, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the part shown, which is intended for illustrative purposes only. Furthermore, while many details are set forth, it should be understood that some aspects can be practiced without these details. In other instances, well-known circuits, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure the understanding of this description. Moreover, unless the meaning is clearly to the contrary, all scopes set forth herein are to be considered to include the endpoints of each scope.

[0020] In this specification, references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may include at least one embodiment of this disclosure. The phrase "in one embodiment" appearing in various places in this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0021] Existing solutions use rack manifolds for fluid distribution, where the rack manifold includes fluid connectors fixed to the main frame. However, this solution may not be suitable for different use cases and may not be scalable or flexible for different deployment scenarios. Embodiments of this disclosure provide advanced rack cooling solutions for different deployment scenarios, including different rack and server designs. These solutions also enable liquid cooling solutions to achieve more efficient rack-level fluid distribution designs.

[0022] Embodiments of this disclosure can address the identified problems, such as: adapting to various configurations of server chassis and electronic device racks in a flexible and modular manner; providing highly reliable designs; providing efficient leak detection implementation methods; highly scalable solutions; providing different redundancy designs; achieving cost-effective designs for blind mating connectors; efficient installation, removal, and maintainability of each server chassis in a server rack; and / or adaptability to different liquid cooling solutions.

[0023] According to one aspect, the connector assembly may include a distribution frame including an adjustment channel; and one or more distribution modules disposed along the adjustment channel and slidably movable. Each of the one or more distribution modules may include: an inlet connector for receiving coolant from a coolant circuit; a fluid blind-mate connector for connecting the coolant circuit to one or more cold plates of a server chassis; and a guide element having a guiding structure and configured to receive the fluid blind-mate connector. When the guide element contacts the server chassis, the guide element causes the distribution module to move slightly to align the fluid blind-mate connector with a server connector of the corresponding server chassis, such that the fluid blind-mate connector connects with the server connector of the server chassis.

[0024] In one embodiment, the connector assembly may further include a guide panel that may be disposed and coupled to a rear portion of the server chassis. The guide panel may have one or more openings configured to guide the guide element during coupling of a fluid-blind mating connector on the server chassis to a rack manifold to form a fluid connection between the server chassis and the cooling fluid circuit, which may be connected to an external cooling source.

[0025] In one embodiment, the connector assembly may further include a flexible hose that connects one or more dispensing modules to the coolant loop connector, thereby forming a fluid connection between the coolant loop connector and the one or more dispensing modules.

[0026] In one embodiment, the connector assembly may further include one or more connectors disposed at predefined locations on each of the one or more allocation modules. Each of the one or more allocation modules may include a plurality of fluid channels for delivering cooling fluid to the server chassis via a fluid-blind mating connector through one of the one or more connectors.

[0027] In one embodiment, the plurality of fluid channels may be configured to distribute the cooling fluid from one of the one or more connectors to another of the one or more connectors, thereby ensuring fluid distribution continuity within the network of the one or more distribution modules.

[0028] In one embodiment, the one or more connectors are disposed on the rear portion of the one or more distribution modules, and the one or more connectors are configured to connect the one or more distribution modules to a first supply connector of the cooling liquid circuit via a first flexible hose to form a first fluid supply and return line between the cooling liquid circuit and the server chassis.

[0029] In one embodiment, at least one of the one or more connectors is configured to connect the dispensing module to another dispensing module via the first flexible hose.

[0030] In one embodiment, at least one of the one or more connectors is configured to connect the distribution module to a second supply connector via a second flexible hose to form a second fluid supply and return line between the cooling liquid circuit and the server chassis.

[0031] In one embodiment, the connector assembly may further include a leak detection arrangement having a first leak detector disposed below the rear portion of the one or more distribution modules.

[0032] In one embodiment, the connector assembly may further include a leak detection arrangement having a second leak detector disposed below the server connector of the server chassis.

[0033] According to another aspect, an electronic rack may include a plurality of server chassis and a connector assembly attached to each of the server chassis. The connector assembly may include a distribution frame including an adjustment channel; and a distribution module corresponding to the plurality of server chassis and disposed along the adjustment channel and slidably movable. Each of the one or more distribution modules may include: an inlet connector for receiving coolant from a coolant circuit; a fluid-blind mating connector for connecting the coolant circuit to one or more cold plates of the corresponding server chassis; and a guide element having a guiding structure and configured to receive the fluid-blind mating connector. When the guide element contacts a server chassis, the guide element causes the corresponding distribution module to move slightly to align the fluid-blind mating connector with a server connector of the corresponding server chassis, such that the fluid-blind mating connector engages with the server connector of the server chassis to distribute the coolant to the server chassis.

[0034] According to another aspect, a data center may include electronic racks, each of which may include a plurality of server chassis and a connector assembly attached to each of the server chassis. The connector assembly may include a distribution frame including an adjustment channel; and a distribution module corresponding to the plurality of server chassis and disposed along the adjustment channel and slidably movable. Each distribution module may include: an inlet connector for receiving coolant from a coolant circuit; a fluid blind-mate connector for distributing the coolant to one or more cold plates of the corresponding server chassis; and a guide element having a guiding structure and configured to receive the fluid blind-mate connector. When the guide element contacts the server chassis, the guide element causes the corresponding distribution module to move slightly to align the fluid blind-mate connector with a server connector of the server chassis, such that the fluid blind-mate connector connects with the server connector of the server chassis.

[0035] Figure 1 A side view of an example connector assembly according to some embodiments is shown. A connector assembly 100 is shown to be attached to a server chassis used to fill a server rack.

[0036] refer to Figure 1 The connector assembly 100 may include a distribution frame 102, which includes an adjustment channel 106. The connector assembly 100 may also include one or more distribution modules 104 disposed along the adjustment channel 106 and slidably movable. Each of the one or more distribution modules 104 may include an inlet connector 108 for receiving coolant from a coolant circuit, a fluid-blind mating connector 110 for connecting the coolant circuit to one or more cold plates of a server chassis (not shown), and a guide element 112 having a guide structure 114 and configured to receive the fluid-blind mating connector 110. When the guide element 112 contacts the server chassis, it causes the distribution module 104 to move slightly (e.g., up and down) to align the fluid-blind mating connector 110 with a server connector of the server chassis, such that the fluid-blind mating connector 110 engages with the server connector to distribute coolant to the server chassis.

[0037] The connector assembly 100 may additionally include a flexible hose 140 connecting one or more distribution modules 104 to a supply connector 142 to form a fluid connection between the supply connector 142 and the one or more distribution modules 104, wherein the supply connector 142 may be coupled to an external cooling fluid circuit, such as a data center cooling circuit. Each of the one or more distribution modules 104 may further include a connector for connection to another distribution module in the distribution module 104 or a connector on a cooling fluid circuit.

[0038] In this example, each distribution module includes an inlet connector, such as connector 108, for receiving the incoming coolant and an outlet connector (e.g., located at the bottom of the distribution module) for supplying the coolant to another distribution module. Figure 1 As shown, in this example, all distribution modules 104 are chained together via their respective inlet and outlet connectors, except for the blind-mating connector 110, using flexible hoses. Thus, each distribution module can distribute coolant to its associated server chassis and downstream distribution modules coupled via flexible hose 140.

[0039] Flexible hose 140 can connect one or more distribution modules 104 to coolant loop connector 142 to form a fluid connection between coolant loop connector and one or more distribution modules 104. Flexible hose 140 can be integrated with distribution module 104 or can be provided as a separate part. In one embodiment, connector assembly 100 can be pre-assembled based on design specifications and can then be integrated into server rack.

[0040] In one embodiment, the connector assembly 100 may further include a mounting channel 118 configured to mount one or more distribution modules 104 onto an adjustment channel 106. The mounting channel 118 allows one or more distribution modules 104 to be secured in a predetermined position. Alternatively, the mounting channel 118 may also allow one or more distribution modules 104 to move vertically along the adjustment channel 106. This means that the position of the fluid blind mating connector 110 can be adjusted, for example, for alignment with a server connector on a server chassis. In this way, the position of the fluid blind mating connector 110 can be adjusted according to the corresponding server location.

[0041] Guide element 112 is a master trigger for adjusting the position of fluid blind mating connector 110, guide element 112, connector 108, and one or more distribution modules 104. Guide element 112, fluid blind mating connector 110, and one or more distribution modules 104 are fixed together. Movement of guide element 112 during engagement causes one or more distribution modules 104 and fluid blind mating connector 110 to move, ensuring that fluid blind mating connector 110 is aligned and engaged with the server connector. Guide element 112 can be configured to control the position of one or more distribution modules 104 during engagement between fluid blind mating connector 110 and server connector. In this way, guide element 112 can provide a self-aligning feature, causing fluid blind mating connector 110 to self-align with server connector during engagement.

[0042] Note that connector assembly 100 has been described as an example of a supply connector assembly for receiving coolant from an external cooling loop or external cooling source and distributing or supplying coolant to the server chassis upon connection. In one embodiment, connector assembly 100 can also be used as an example of a return connector assembly for receiving coolant from the server chassis and returning coolant carrying heat exchanged from the server chassis to the external cooling loop or external cooling source. That is, an electronic rack with a cluster of server chassis will include two connector assemblies: a supply connector assembly and a return connector assembly. Figure 1 This indicates both the supply manifold side and the return manifold side, and in this example, the coolant loop connector 142 can be understood as either an inlet connector to be connected to an external cooling loop or a return connector to be connected to an external cooling loop.

[0043] Figure 2 A side view of an example connector assembly 200 according to some embodiments is shown. (Reference) Figure 2 The connector assembly can represent Figure 1 The connector assembly 200 is described above. As described, the connector assembly 200 may include a distribution frame 202, which includes an adjustment channel 206. The connector assembly 200 may also include one or more distribution modules 204 disposed along the adjustment channel 206 and slidably movable. Each of the one or more distribution modules 204 may include an inlet connector 208 for receiving coolant from a coolant circuit, a fluid blind-mate connector 210 for connecting the coolant circuit to one or more cold plates of the server chassis, and a guide element 212 configured to receive the fluid blind-mate connector 210.

[0044] When the guide element 212 contacts the server chassis, it causes one or more distribution modules 204 to move slightly (e.g., up and down) to align the fluid blind mating connector 210 with the server connector, thereby connecting the fluid blind mating connector 210 to the server connector. The connector assembly 200 may additionally include a flexible hose 240, which in this example connects one or more distribution modules 204 in the chain to the coolant loop connector to form a fluid connection between the coolant loop connector 242 and one or more distribution modules 204.

[0045] Coolant loop connector 242 can be coupled to an external cooling loop or an external cooling source. Coolant loop connector 242 (also referred to as a supply connector and return connector) can be coupled to any of the distribution modules 204 via a flexible hose. In this example, coolant loop connector 242 is coupled via a flexible hose to the inlet connector 208 of the top distribution module in the chain. In one embodiment, coolant loop connector 242 is part of one or more distribution modules 204, and coolant loop connector 242 is connected to one or more distribution modules 204 via a flexible hose 240.

[0046] In one embodiment, mounting channel 218 may be configured to mount one or more dispensing modules 204 onto adjustment channel 206. In one embodiment, adjustment channel 206 may be a pair of tracks that allow one or more dispensing modules 204 to slide slidably up and down on adjustment channel 206. There may be sufficient friction between mounting channel 218 and adjustment channel 206 to simultaneously allow up and down movement, such that the dispensing modules can be moved up and down and can stop at any position along adjustment channel 206.

[0047] Note that connector assembly 200 has been described as a supply connector assembly for receiving coolant from an external cooling circuit or external cooling source. However, connector assembly 200 can also be used as a return connector assembly for receiving coolant carrying heat exchanged from the server chassis and returning the coolant to the external cooling circuit or external cooling source.

[0048] Figure 3 An example of an allocation module 304 according to some embodiments is shown. The allocation module 304 may represent... Figure 1 The allocation module 104 in [the document / reference] is mentioned. Figure 3The distribution module 304 may further include one or more connectors 330A, 330B, 330C disposed at predefined locations on the distribution module 304. The distribution module 304 may include a fluid channel 322 for delivering cooling fluid to the server chassis via one of the one or more connectors 330A, 330B, 330C through a fluid blind-mate connector 310. The fluid channel 322 may be integrated within the distribution module 304.

[0049] In one embodiment, fluid channel 322 can be configured to distribute cooling fluid from one connector of one or more connectors to another connector of one or more connectors, thereby ensuring fluid distribution continuity within the network of one or more distribution modules 304. For example, fluid channel 322A can be configured to provide a fluid path for cooling fluid from connector 330A to connector 330B. In this way, fluid channel 322A allows cooling fluid to be distributed from distribution module 304 to another distribution module in the network of distribution modules. In another example, fluid channel 322B can be configured to provide a fluid path for cooling fluid from connector 330A to connector 330C. In this way, fluid channel 322B allows cooling fluid to be distributed from distribution module 304 to supply connectors (not shown). In yet another example, fluid channel 322C can be configured to provide a fluid path for cooling fluid from connector 330A to blind-mating fluid connector 310.

[0050] As described above, the distribution module 304 may include a guide element 312 having a guide structure 314 and configured to receive a fluid blind-mating connector 310. When the guide element 312 contacts the server chassis, it causes one or more distribution modules 304 to move slightly to align the fluid blind-mating connector 310 with the server connector of the server chassis, thereby connecting the fluid blind-mating connector 310 to the server connector to distribute coolant to the server chassis.

[0051] Figure 4 An example side view of a connector assembly 400 according to some embodiments is shown. In this example, for illustrative purposes, three distribution modules 404 are arranged in the network of the connector assembly 400. Although three distribution modules 404 are shown, any number of distribution models can be used in the network of the connector assembly 400. Reference Figure 4In one embodiment, one or more connectors 430 may be provided on the rear portion of one or more distribution modules 404. The one or more connectors 430 may be configured to connect one or more distribution modules 404 to a first supply connector or coolant return connector 442 via a first flexible hose 440 to form a first fluid supply and return line between the external coolant return circuit and the server chassis.

[0052] In this example, some distribution modules include rear connectors, such as rear connector 430, for connection to another distribution module. The rear connector is configured to operate as an inlet connector to receive coolant from an upstream distribution module, distribute at least a portion of the coolant to a corresponding server chassis via a blind-mating connector, and supply at least a portion of the coolant to a downstream distribution module in the chain. Similarly, if connector assembly 400 is used as a return connector assembly, the rear connector is configured to receive coolant from the corresponding server chassis and the downstream distribution module, and to return the received coolant to the upstream distribution module.

[0053] Figure 5 An example side view of a connector assembly 500 according to some embodiments is shown. Connector assembly 500 may represent any connector assembly described above. References Figure 5 In one embodiment, at least one of one or more connectors 530A may be configured to connect the dispensing module 504A to another dispensing module 504B via a first flexible hose 540.

[0054] In one embodiment, at least one of one or more connectors 530B may be configured to connect the distribution module 504B to the second supply connector 544 via the second flexible hose 546 to form a second fluid supply and return line between the cooling liquid loop and the server chassis.

[0055] Figure 5 A multi-loop assembly that can be implemented using a connector assembly is illustrated. It can be seen that multiple individual loops can be configured in this embodiment. For example, by connecting one or more connectors 530B of one or more distribution modules 504B to a second supply connector 544 via a second flexible hose 546, a second fluid supply and return line can be constructed between the cooling fluid loop and the server chassis. This embodiment demonstrates that the connector assembly 600 can flexibly adapt to practical operating scenarios, such as forming different redundant loop requirements.

[0056] Figure 6An example of a server rack 620 according to some embodiments is shown, the server rack including server chassis 622A, 622B, and 622C and connector assemblies 600A, 600B, 600C, and 600D. Server chassis 622A, 622B, and 622C may be collectively referred to as server chassis 622. As shown, server chassis 622A may be fitted with a cooling module 660, and server connector 624A may be attached to the cooling module 660. Connector assembly 600A may be configured to cool electronic server components 664 positioned on a circuit board such as a printed circuit board (PCB) 662. Cooling module 660 is thermally coupled to one or more electronic server components 664, such as an integrated circuit (IC), which may be a surface mount device (SMD) attached to the printed circuit board (PCB) 662.

[0057] refer to Figure 6 The connector assembly 600A may also include a guide panel 614 to be coupled to a rear portion of the server chassis 622A. The guide panel 614 may have one or more openings 616 configured to guide guide elements 612 during coupling of the fluid blind mating connector 610 and the server connector 624A to form a fluid connection between the server chassis 622A and the cooling fluid circuit.

[0058] like Figure 6 As shown, server chassis 1 622A may include a server connector 624A, server chassis 2 622B may include server connectors 624B with different form factors, and server chassis 3 622C may include two server connectors 624C and 624D. It can be seen that embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented using different distribution systems. For example, one implementation may be configured for use as... Figure 6 Server chassis 1622A, server chassis 2622B, and server chassis 3622C are deployed as shown. In one embodiment, a new server arrangement can be implemented within server rack 620, with server chassis 2622B filling above server chassis 1622A. Embodiments of this disclosure can be configured to accommodate such a new server arrangement without requiring new hardware. For example, allocation module 604 can be slidably moved to a new position so that the blind-mate fluid connector of allocation module 604 can be aligned with the new position of server connector 624B.

[0059] As shown, in one embodiment, server chassis 3 622C may be coupled to distribution manifold 626 (e.g., primary source) via a first loop. The first loop may be constructed using connector assembly 600B of server chassis 2 622B, a rear port of server chassis 2 622B, and a rear port of server chassis 1 622A. In another embodiment, connector assembly 600D of server chassis 3 622C may be coupled to secondary source 628 via a second loop.

[0060] Figure 7 An example of a server rack 720 according to some embodiments is shown, the server rack including server chassis 722A, 722B, 722C and connector assemblies 700A, 700B, 700C, 700D. The server rack 720 can represent... Figure 6 Server rack 620.

[0061] refer to Figure 7 The connector assembly 700 may further include a leak detection arrangement having a first leak detector 752 (sensor or device) disposed below the rear portion of the guide element of one or more distribution modules 704. The leak detection arrangement integrates the first leak detector 752 at the connection surface between the rear portion of one or more distribution modules 704 and a rear connector disposed on the rear portion of the one or more distribution modules 704. This is the most vulnerable location for leaks, making it most advantageous to place the leak detector at this location. The leak detector 752 (sensor or device) may be coupled to this location and configured to sense a cooling fluid leak occurring at the location where cooling fluid is supplied to the distribution module 704.

[0062] In one embodiment, the connector assembly 700 may further include a leak detection arrangement with a second leak detector 754 disposed below a server connector, such as server connector 724, within the server chassis. For example, the leak detection arrangement integrates the second leak detector 754 (sensor or device) at the connection surface between the fluid-blind mating connector 710 and the server connector 724. This ensures that the second leak detector 754 detects a leak of cooling fluid before it leaks from the connection interface.

[0063] Figure 8A and Figure 8B These are examples of connector assemblies before and after alignment with a server chassis, according to some embodiments. References Figure 8AThe distribution module 804 is not aligned with the server chassis 822A. As shown, the guide element 812 contacts the rear portion of the server chassis 822A, but the blind-mating fluid connector is not yet aligned with the server connector 824. The guide structure of the guide element 812 is not inserted into the opening 816 of the guide panel 814. The opening 816 can be configured to guide the guide element 812 during coupling of the fluid blind-mating connector 810 with the server connector 824. When the guide element 812 contacts the edge of the opening 816 of the server chassis 822A, the edge of the opening 816 forces the guide element 812 and the distribution module 804 to move slightly (in this example, downward as illustrated by the downward-pointing arrow) due to the shape of the guide element (e.g., a conical shape) to align the fluid blind-mating connector 810 with the server connector 824, thereby enabling the fluid blind-mating connector 810 to engage with the server connector 824. In this way, the guide element 812 can facilitate self-alignment of the fluid blind-mating connector 810 with the server connector during engagement.

[0064] refer to Figure 8B A portion of the guide structure of the guide element is inserted into one of the openings, causing the dispensing module 804 to now align with the server chassis 822A. Therefore, the fluid blind mating connector 810 is now aligned with and connected to the server connector 824.

[0065] This disclosure also relates to an electronic rack comprising a plurality of server chassis and a connector assembly as described above attached to each of the plurality of server chassis. This disclosure further relates to a data center comprising a plurality of electronic racks. Each of the plurality of electronic racks may include a server chassis and a connector assembly as described above attached to each of the plurality of server chassis.

[0066] Furthermore, although not shown, in some embodiments, the server rack may include various other ancillary components. For example, the server rack may include a cooling distribution unit (CDU) or a rack management unit (RMU). The server chassis may also be referred to as a server blade, which may be inserted into a server slot array from either the front or rear end of the server rack. The server rack may be either open to the environment or partially contained within a rack container. The server rack may include one or more cooling fans that generate airflow from the front to the rear end of the server rack. In some embodiments, the server rack may include a cooling fan for each server chassis. Cooling fans may be mounted on each server chassis to generate airflow through the server chassis. In some embodiments, the CDU may include a heat exchanger, a liquid pump, a pump controller, a fluid reservoir, a power supply, sensors, etc. The heat exchanger of the CDU may be a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger including a first loop having an inlet connector and an outlet connector, the first loop having a first pair of liquid connectors coupled to an external liquid supply / return line for forming a primary loop. The liquid supply / return lines can be fluidly connected to a set of room manifolds, which can be coupled to an external heat removal system or an external cooling circuit. Furthermore, the heat exchanger may further include a second circuit with two connectors, the second circuit having a second pair of liquid connectors coupled to the fluid manifold for forming a secondary circuit that fluidly supplies and returns fluid between one or more server chassis and the CDU.

[0067] Each server chassis may house one or more servers, which may include one or more components such as a central processing unit or CPU, a graphics processing unit (GPU), memory, and / or storage devices. Each component may perform data processing tasks, wherein the component may include software installed in storage devices, loaded into memory, and executed by one or more processors to perform data processing tasks. At least some of these components may be attached to the bottom of any cold plate as described above. Servers may include host servers (referred to as host nodes) coupled to one or more compute servers (also referred to as compute nodes, such as CPU servers and GPU servers). Host servers (having one or more CPUs) typically connect to clients via a network (e.g., the Internet) to receive requests for specific services such as storage services (e.g., cloud-based storage services such as backup and / or recovery), thereby executing applications to perform certain operations (e.g., image processing, deep data learning algorithms, or modeling, as part of a Software as a Service or SaaS platform). In response to a request, the host server assigns the task to one or more of the performance compute nodes or compute servers (having one or more GPUs) managed by the host server. The performance compute servers perform the actual tasks, which may generate heat during operation.

[0068] The server rack may further include an optional RMU configured to provide and manage power supplied to the servers, fan modules, and CDUs. The RMU may be coupled to the power supply unit to manage the power consumption of the power supply unit. The power supply unit may include the necessary circuitry (e.g., AC to DC or DC to DC power converters, backup batteries, transformers, or regulators) to provide power to the rest of the server rack.

[0069] The cooling distribution system can be flexible and deployed in different system architectures; for example, the system can be deployed with a local pumping system (e.g., a closed system architecture) or a central pumping system (e.g., an open system architecture). The described aspects can simultaneously isolate IT equipment from leaking fluid and direct the leaking fluid to a common location for detection, thereby minimizing the impact of fluid leaks and improving overall system reliability.

[0070] Some embodiments may include a non-transitory machine-readable medium (such as a microelectronic memory) storing instructions that program one or more data processing units (generally referred to herein as a "processor") to perform the operations described herein. In some embodiments, some of these operations may be performed by specific hardware components containing hard-wired logic. Alternatively, these operations may be performed by any combination of programmed data processing units and fixed hard-wired circuit components.

[0071] In the foregoing description, embodiments of the present disclosure have been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. It will be apparent that various modifications may be made to the present disclosure without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. Therefore, the description and drawings should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0072] While certain aspects have been described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that such aspects are merely illustrative and do not limit the broad scope of the disclosure, and that this disclosure is not limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, as various other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The description is therefore to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0073] In some aspects, this disclosure may include, for example, the language “at least one of [element A] and [element B]”. This language can refer to one or more elements. For example, “at least one of A and B” can mean “A”, “B”, or “A and B”. Specifically, “at least one of A and B” can mean “at least one of A and at least one of B” or “at least A or B”. In some aspects, this disclosure may include, for example, the language “[element A], [element B] and / or [element C]”. This language can refer to one of the elements or any combination thereof. For example, “A, B and / or C” can mean “A”, “B”, “C”, “A and B”, “A and C”, “B and C”, or “A, B and C”.

Claims

1. A connector assembly, comprising: An allocation framework, the allocation framework including an adjustment channel; as well as One or more allocation modules are disposed along the adjustment channel and are slidably movable, each of the one or more allocation modules comprising: The inlet connector is used to receive cooling liquid from the cooling liquid circuit. A fluid blind-mating connector, the fluid blind-mating connector being used to connect the cooling fluid circuit to one or more cold plates of the server chassis, and A guide element, having a guiding structure and configured to receive the fluid blind-mating connector, wherein, when the guide element contacts the server chassis, the guide element causes a corresponding distribution module to move to align the fluid blind-mating connector with a server connector of the server chassis, thereby connecting the fluid blind-mating connector with the server connector to distribute the coolant to the server chassis. The connector assembly further includes one or more connectors disposed at multiple predefined locations on each of the one or more allocation modules. Each of the one or more allocation modules includes multiple fluid channels for delivering cooling fluid to the server chassis via one of the one or more connectors through the fluid blind mating connector.

2. The connector assembly of claim 1, further comprising a guide panel for coupling to a rear portion of the server chassis, the guide panel having one or more openings configured to guide the guide element during coupling of the fluid blind-mate connector to the server connector to form a fluid connection between the server chassis and the cooling fluid circuit.

3. The connector assembly of claim 1, further comprising a flexible hose connecting the one or more dispensing modules to a coolant loop connector to form a fluid connection between the coolant loop connector and the one or more dispensing modules.

4. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The plurality of fluid channels are configured to distribute the cooling fluid from one of the one or more connectors to another of the one or more connectors, thereby ensuring fluid distribution continuity within the network of the one or more distribution modules.

5. The connector assembly of claim 1, further comprising one or more connectors disposed on a rear portion of the one or more distribution modules, the one or more connectors being configured to connect the one or more distribution modules to a first supply connector of the cooling fluid circuit via a first flexible hose to form a first fluid supply and return line between the cooling fluid circuit and the server chassis.

6. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein, At least one of the one or more connectors is configured to connect the dispensing module to another dispensing module via a first flexible hose.

7. The connector assembly of claim 5, wherein, At least one of the one or more connectors is configured to connect the distribution module to a second supply connector via a second flexible hose to form a second fluid supply and return line between the cooling liquid circuit and the server chassis.

8. The connector assembly of claim 1, further comprising a leak detection arrangement having a first leak detector disposed below the rear portion of the one or more distribution modules.

9. The connector assembly of claim 1, further comprising a leak detection arrangement having a second leak detector disposed below the server connector of the server chassis.

10. An electronic rack, comprising: Multiple server chassis; as well as Connector assembly, the connector assembly being attached to each of the plurality of server chassis, the connector assembly comprising: An allocation framework, the allocation framework including an adjustment channel; and Multiple allocation modules, corresponding to the multiple server chassis, are arranged along the adjustment channel and are slidable, each of the multiple allocation modules comprising: The inlet connector is used to receive cooling liquid from the cooling liquid circuit. A fluid blind-mating connector, used to connect the cooling fluid circuit to one or more cold plates of a corresponding server chassis, and A guide element, having a guiding structure and configured to receive the fluid blind-mating connector, wherein, when the guide element contacts the server chassis, the guide element causes the distribution module to move to align the fluid blind-mating connector with a server connector of the server chassis, such that the fluid blind-mating connector engages with the server connector to distribute the coolant to the server chassis. The electronic rack further includes one or more connectors disposed at multiple predefined locations on the distribution module, wherein each distribution module includes multiple fluid channels for delivering cooling fluid to each server chassis in the server chassis via one of the one or more connectors through the fluid blind mating connector.

11. The electronic rack of claim 10, further comprising a guide panel for coupling to a rear portion of each server chassis in the server chassis, the guide panel having one or more openings configured to guide the guide element during coupling of the fluid blind mating connector to the server connector to form a fluid connection between each server chassis in the server chassis and the cooling fluid circuit.

12. The electronic rack of claim 10, further comprising a flexible hose connecting the dispensing module to a coolant circuit connector to form a fluid connection between the coolant circuit connector and the dispensing module.

13. The electronic rack as claimed in claim 10, wherein, The plurality of fluid channels are configured to distribute the cooling fluid from one of the one or more connectors to another of the one or more connectors, thereby ensuring the continuity of fluid distribution within the network of the distribution module.

14. The electronic rack of claim 10, further comprising one or more connectors disposed on a rear portion of the distribution module, the one or more connectors being configured to connect the one or more distribution modules to a first supply connector of the cooling liquid circuit via a first flexible hose to form a first fluid supply and return line between the cooling liquid circuit and the server chassis.

15. The electronic rack as claimed in claim 14, wherein, At least one of the one or more connectors is configured to connect the dispensing module to another dispensing module via a first flexible hose.

16. The electronic rack as claimed in claim 14, wherein, At least one of the one or more connectors is configured to connect the distribution module to a second supply connector via a second flexible hose to form a second fluid supply and return line between the cooling liquid circuit and the server chassis.

17. A data center, comprising: Multiple electronic racks, each of the multiple electronic racks comprising: Multiple server chassis; and Connector assembly, the connector assembly being attached to each of the plurality of server chassis, the connector assembly comprising: An allocation framework, the allocation framework including an adjustment channel; and Multiple allocation modules, corresponding to the multiple server chassis, are arranged along the adjustment channel and are slidable, each of the multiple allocation modules comprising: The inlet connector is used to receive cooling liquid from the cooling liquid circuit. A fluid blind-mating connector, used to connect the cooling fluid circuit to one or more cold plates in each server chassis within a corresponding server chassis, and A guide element, having a guiding structure and configured to receive the fluid-blind mating connector, wherein, when the guide element contacts the corresponding server chassis, the guide element causes the distribution module to move to align the fluid-blind mating connector with the server connector of the server chassis, thereby connecting the fluid-blind mating connector to the server connector. The connector assembly further includes one or more connectors disposed at multiple predefined locations on the distribution module, wherein each distribution module includes multiple fluid channels for delivering cooling fluid to each server chassis in the server chassis via one of the one or more connectors through the fluid blind mating connector.

18. The data center of claim 17, wherein, Each electronic rack further includes a guide panel for coupling to a rear portion of each server chassis within the server chassis. The guide panel has one or more openings configured to guide the guide element during coupling of the fluid blind mating connector to the server connector, thereby forming a fluid connection between each server chassis within the server chassis and the cooling fluid circuit.

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