Liquid supplementing device and liquid cooling system

Abstract

The application provides a liquid supplementing device and a liquid cooling system, and the liquid supplementing device is used for supplementing liquid to a liquid cooling server, the liquid cooling server comprises a liquid inlet pipeline with a first liquid inlet at a top end, and the liquid supplementing device comprises a liquid storage tank and a floating assembly, wherein the liquid storage tank is provided with a second liquid outlet, the second liquid outlet is communicated with the first liquid inlet; the floating assembly is arranged in the liquid inlet pipeline, the floating assembly is movably arranged at the first liquid inlet, and the floating assembly is matched with the first liquid inlet. The liquid storage tank is arranged to store refrigerant liquid; the floating assembly is used for opening or closing the first liquid inlet, so that the refrigerant liquid in the liquid storage tank flows to the liquid inlet pipeline through the second liquid outlet and the first liquid inlet, thereby supplementing liquid to the liquid cooling server, and thereby solving the problem that the liquid cooling system in the prior art is inconvenient to supplement liquid in time when pipeline liquid leakage or liquid volatilization occurs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of liquid cooling system technology, and more specifically, to a liquid replenishment device and a liquid cooling system. Background Technology

[0002] Liquid-cooled servers are a technology that uses a liquid cooling system to reduce server temperature. Because liquid cooling systems may experience liquid evaporation or leakage during operation, automatic liquid replenishment is necessary.

[0003] In existing technologies, when the liquid level in the liquid storage tank drops to a certain level, the liquid level sensor will send a signal, and the control system will adjust the replenishment speed and frequency according to the monitored liquid level signal to ensure that the liquid cooling system always has enough cooling liquid; when the liquid level sensor detects that the liquid level has recovered to the set level, the control system will stop the operation of the replenishment pump to ensure that the liquid level is maintained at a stable height.

[0004] However, liquid-cooled server replenishment devices require a stable supply of liquid coolant. If the supply is unstable or interrupted, it may cause the server to overheat and affect its performance and stability. In this case, although liquid-cooled servers can improve heat dissipation efficiency by changing the heat transfer medium, the liquid will inevitably evaporate or leak. Therefore, the reduction of coolant will affect the top server. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main objective of this invention is to provide a liquid replenishment device and a liquid cooling system to solve the problem that existing liquid cooling systems are not convenient for timely liquid replenishment when there is leakage in the pipeline or liquid evaporation.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, according to one aspect of the present invention, a liquid replenishment device is provided for replenishing liquid-cooled servers. The liquid-cooled server includes a liquid inlet pipe with a first liquid inlet at its top. The liquid replenishment device includes: a liquid storage tank having a second liquid outlet communicating with the first liquid inlet, the liquid storage tank being used to store refrigerant; and a floating component disposed within the liquid inlet pipe, the floating component being movably disposed at the first liquid inlet, the floating component cooperating with the first liquid inlet to open or close the first liquid inlet by floating the floating component.

[0007] Furthermore, the floating assembly includes: a floating component disposed within the liquid inlet pipe, the floating component cooperating with the first liquid inlet to open or close the first liquid inlet by the floating of the floating component; and a counterweight component connected to the floating component or disposed within the floating component, the counterweight component driving the floating component to sink to open the first liquid inlet.

[0008] Furthermore, the floating component is a hollow sphere; the counterweight component is a solid sphere; wherein the weight of the counterweight component is greater than the buoyancy force on the floating component.

[0009] Furthermore, the replenishment device also includes an auxiliary component, which is installed inside the storage tank. The auxiliary component is connected to the floating component via a connecting component. One end of the connecting component passes through the second liquid outlet and is connected to the auxiliary component, while the other end of the connecting component passes through the first liquid inlet and is connected to the floating component. This allows the auxiliary component to drive the floating component to rise, thereby closing the first liquid inlet.

[0010] Furthermore, the liquid storage tank has a liquid storage cavity; the auxiliary component is a hollow sphere, which is movably installed in the liquid storage cavity, and the sum of the buoyancy forces on the auxiliary component and the floating component is greater than the weight of the floating component; the connecting component is a connecting rope or a connecting rod.

[0011] Furthermore, the liquid replenishment device also includes: a sealing ring disposed on the first liquid inlet, the outer ring of the sealing ring being in contact with the wall of the first liquid inlet, and the inner ring of the sealing ring cooperating with the floating component.

[0012] Furthermore, the liquid storage tank includes: a second liquid inlet for introducing refrigerant into the liquid storage tank through the second liquid inlet; and an observation window disposed on the side wall of the liquid storage tank for monitoring the liquid level of the refrigerant stored in the liquid storage tank through the observation window.

[0013] Furthermore, the liquid storage tank also includes: a maximum liquid level line, located at the top end of the observation window to indicate the maximum liquid level of the refrigerant stored in the liquid storage tank; and / or a minimum liquid level line, located at the bottom end of the observation window to indicate the minimum liquid level of the refrigerant stored in the liquid storage tank.

[0014] Furthermore, the liquid replenishment device also includes: a connecting pipe, one end of which is connected to the second liquid outlet and the other end of which is connected to the first liquid inlet, so as to connect the liquid storage tank and the liquid inlet pipe of the liquid-cooled server; and a one-way valve, which is installed on the connecting pipe so that the refrigerant in the liquid storage tank flows unidirectionally to the liquid inlet pipe through the connecting pipe.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention, a liquid cooling system is provided, including a liquid-cooled server, the liquid-cooled server including a liquid inlet pipe having a first liquid inlet at the top, and the liquid cooling system further including: the above-described liquid replenishment device for replenishing the liquid-cooled server with liquid.

[0016] Applying the technical solution of this invention, a liquid replenishment device is provided for replenishing liquid-cooled servers. The liquid-cooled server includes a liquid inlet pipe with a first liquid inlet at its top. The liquid replenishment device includes a storage tank and a floating component. The storage tank has a second liquid outlet, which communicates with the first liquid inlet. The floating component is disposed inside the liquid inlet pipe and is movably positioned at the first liquid inlet, cooperating with it. By storing refrigerant in the storage tank and opening or closing the first liquid inlet by the floating component, the refrigerant in the storage tank flows into the liquid inlet pipe through the second liquid outlet and the first liquid inlet, thereby replenishing the liquid-cooled server. This solves the problem in existing liquid cooling systems where timely liquid replenishment is inconvenient when there is pipe leakage or liquid evaporation. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings:

[0018] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the floating assembly of the replenishment device according to the present invention when the first inlet is closed is shown;

[0019] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of the floating assembly of the replenishment device according to the present invention when the first inlet is opened is shown.

[0020] The above figures include the following reference numerals:

[0021] 1. Liquid-cooled server; 11. Liquid inlet pipe; 2. Liquid storage tank; 21. Second liquid outlet; 22. Second liquid inlet; 23. Liquid storage chamber; 24. Maximum liquid level line; 25. Minimum liquid level line; 3. Floating assembly; 31. Floating component; 32. Counterweight component; 4. Auxiliary component; 5. Connecting component; 6. Sealing ring; 7. Connecting pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0022] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0023] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2The present invention provides a liquid replenishment device for replenishing liquid-cooled server 1. The liquid-cooled server 1 includes a liquid inlet pipe 11 with a first liquid inlet at the top. The liquid replenishment device includes a liquid storage tank 2 and a floating component 3. The liquid storage tank 2 has a second liquid outlet 21, which is connected to the first liquid inlet. The liquid storage tank 2 is used to store refrigerant. The floating component 3 is disposed inside the liquid inlet pipe 11 and is movably disposed at the first liquid inlet. The floating component 3 cooperates with the first liquid inlet to open or close the first liquid inlet by floating.

[0024] This invention provides a liquid replenishment device for replenishing the liquid-cooled server 1. A liquid storage tank 2 stores the refrigerant; a floating component 3 opens or closes the first inlet, allowing the refrigerant in the storage tank 2 to flow through the second outlet 21 and the first inlet into the inlet pipe 11, thereby replenishing the liquid-cooled server 1. This solves the problem in existing liquid cooling systems where timely replenishment is inconvenient when there is pipe leakage or liquid evaporation.

[0025] Specifically, in order to open the first liquid inlet, the floating component 3 in this embodiment includes a floating component 31 and a counterweight component 32. The floating component 31 is disposed in the liquid inlet pipe 11 and cooperates with the first liquid inlet to open or close the first liquid inlet by floating the floating component 31. The counterweight component 32 is connected to the floating component 31 or disposed in the floating component 31, and the counterweight component 32 drives the floating component 31 to sink so as to open the first liquid inlet.

[0026] Preferably, the floating component 31 is a hollow sphere; the counterweight component 32 is a solid sphere.

[0027] The weight of the counterweight component 32 is greater than the buoyancy force on the floating component 31.

[0028] Furthermore, to close the first liquid inlet, the replenishment device also includes an auxiliary component 4, which is disposed inside the liquid storage tank 2. The auxiliary component 4 is connected to the floating assembly 3 via a connecting component 5. One end of the connecting component 5 passes through the second liquid outlet 21 and is connected to the auxiliary component 4, while the other end of the connecting component 5 passes through the first liquid inlet and is connected to the floating assembly 3. This allows the auxiliary component 4 to drive the floating assembly 3 to rise, thereby closing the first liquid inlet. This configuration not only assists the floating assembly in rising, enabling the floating assembly 31 to close the first liquid inlet, but also limits the movement of the floating assembly 31, preventing it from moving to other positions during the rising and falling process.

[0029] To store refrigerant, the liquid storage tank 2 has a liquid storage cavity 23.

[0030] Preferably, the auxiliary component 4 is a hollow sphere, which is movably disposed in the liquid storage cavity 23, and the sum of the buoyancy forces on the auxiliary component 4 and the floating component 3 is greater than the weight of the floating component 3; the connecting component 5 is a connecting rope or a connecting rod.

[0031] Specifically, the refrigerant replenishment device also includes a sealing ring 6, which is disposed on the first liquid inlet. The outer ring of the sealing ring 6 is fitted against the wall of the first liquid inlet, and the inner ring of the sealing ring 6 cooperates with the floating component 3. This arrangement not only prevents refrigerant in the liquid inlet pipe 11 from flowing into the liquid storage tank 2 when the refrigerant is sufficient, but also allows refrigerant in the liquid storage tank 2 to flow into the liquid inlet pipe 11 when the refrigerant is insufficient.

[0032] Preferably, the sealing ring 6 is made of rubber.

[0033] Generally, the liquid storage tank 2 includes a second liquid inlet 22 for introducing refrigerant into the liquid storage tank 2 through the second liquid inlet 22.

[0034] Furthermore, in order to facilitate the monitoring of the refrigerant level in the liquid storage tank 2, the liquid storage tank 2 in this embodiment of the application also includes an observation window, which is set on the side wall of the liquid storage tank 2 so as to monitor the level of the refrigerant stored in the liquid storage tank 2 through the observation window.

[0035] Specifically, the liquid storage tank 2 also includes a maximum liquid level line 24 and a minimum liquid level line 25. The maximum liquid level line 24 is located at the top end of the observation window to indicate the maximum liquid level of the refrigerant stored in the liquid storage tank 2. The minimum liquid level line 25 is located at the bottom end of the observation window to indicate the minimum liquid level of the refrigerant stored in the liquid storage tank 2, so that the operator can replenish the liquid storage tank 2 in a timely manner by observing the liquid level line.

[0036] Generally, in order to connect the first liquid inlet and the second liquid outlet 21, the liquid replenishment device also includes a connecting pipe 7. One end of the connecting pipe 7 is connected to the second liquid outlet 21, and the other end of the connecting pipe 7 is connected to the first liquid inlet, so as to connect the liquid storage tank 2 and the liquid inlet pipe 11 of the liquid cooling server 1.

[0037] Furthermore, in order to prevent the refrigerant in the inlet pipe 11 from flowing back into the liquid storage tank 2, the liquid replenishment device also includes a one-way valve, which is installed on the connecting pipe 7 so that the refrigerant in the liquid storage tank 2 flows unidirectionally to the inlet pipe 11 through the connecting pipe 7.

[0038] The present invention also provides a liquid cooling system, including a liquid-cooled server 1. The liquid-cooled server 1 includes a liquid inlet pipe 11 with a first liquid inlet at the top. The liquid cooling system also includes the above-mentioned liquid replenishment device for replenishing the liquid-cooled server 1.

[0039] Specifically, when the refrigerant in the inlet pipe 11 is at least at a predetermined level, the floating component 3 is engaged at the first inlet under the buoyancy of the refrigerant; when the refrigerant in the inlet pipe 11 is lower than the predetermined level, the floating component 3 moves away from the first inlet to replenish the refrigerant.

[0040] Preferably, in this embodiment, the floating component 31 and the auxiliary component 4 are made of corrosion-resistant plastic; the counterweight component 32 is made of stainless steel.

[0041] Specifically, in this embodiment, a storage tank 2 is installed at the top of the liquid inlet pipe 11 of the liquid-cooled server 1, maintaining the liquid level in the liquid inlet pipe 11 at a high level. A second inlet 22 is provided at the top of the storage tank 2, allowing for the injection of a larger amount of refrigerant at once for subsequent use; typically, this can be controlled to around 500 mL. A transparent observation window with a liquid level scale is provided on the storage tank 2, visually reflecting the remaining refrigerant level. A minimum liquid level line is provided at the bottom of the storage tank 2; if the level falls below this line, refrigerant must be replenished through the second inlet 22. An auxiliary component 4 with a volume of V is provided inside the storage tank 2. A floating component 31 with a volume of V is provided inside the liquid inlet pipe 11, and a counterweight component 32 is provided inside the floating component 31. A sealing ring is provided at the first liquid inlet of the liquid inlet pipe 11. The density of the refrigerant is ρ, and the mass of the counterweight component 32 is m.

[0042] When the refrigerant in the inlet pipe 11 is sufficient, the buoyancy force on both the floating component 3 and the auxiliary component 4 is ρVg. At this time, the condition ρVg > mg is satisfied, and the floating component 3 closes the first inlet. When the refrigerant in the inlet pipe 11 is insufficient, especially in the event of leakage, the refrigerant level in the inlet pipe 11 suddenly drops. At this time, the floating component 3 loses buoyancy, and the condition ρVg < mg is satisfied, so the floating component 3 opens the first inlet.

[0043] As can be seen from the above description, the embodiments of the present invention achieve the following technical effects:

[0044] This invention provides a liquid replenishment device for replenishing liquid-cooled server 1. The liquid-cooled server 1 includes an inlet pipe 11 with a first inlet at its top. The replenishment device includes a storage tank 2 and a floating component 3. The storage tank 2 has a second outlet 21 connected to the first inlet. The floating component 3 is disposed within the inlet pipe 11 and is movably positioned at the first inlet, cooperating with it. By storing refrigerant in the storage tank 2 and opening or closing the first inlet by the floating component 3, the refrigerant in the storage tank 2 flows through the second outlet 21 and the first inlet into the inlet pipe 11, thereby replenishing the liquid-cooled server 1. This solves the problem in existing liquid-cooling systems where timely replenishment is inconvenient when there is pipe leakage or liquid evaporation.

[0045] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0046] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0047] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" is generally based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention; the directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0048] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0049] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this invention.

[0050] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A liquid replenishment device for replenishing liquid in a liquid-cooled server (1), the liquid-cooled server (1) comprising a liquid inlet pipe (11) having a first liquid inlet at its top, characterized in that, The fluid replenishment device includes: The liquid storage tank (2) has a second liquid outlet (21) which is connected to the first liquid inlet. The liquid storage tank (2) is used to store refrigerant. A floating component (3) is disposed in the liquid inlet pipe (11). The floating component (3) is movably disposed at the first liquid inlet. The floating component (3) cooperates with the first liquid inlet to open or close the first liquid inlet by floating the floating component (3). The floating component (3) includes a floating part (31) and a counterweight part (32). The floating part (31) is disposed inside the liquid inlet pipe (11). The floating part (31) cooperates with the first liquid inlet so that the first liquid inlet can be opened or closed by the floating of the floating part (31). The counterweight part (32) is connected to the floating part (31) or disposed inside the floating part (31). The counterweight part (32) drives the floating part (31) to sink so as to open the first liquid inlet. The replenishment device also includes an auxiliary component (4) disposed in the liquid storage tank (2). The auxiliary component (4) is connected to the floating assembly (3) through a connecting component (5). One end of the connecting component (5) passes through the second liquid outlet (21) and is connected to the auxiliary component (4). The other end of the connecting component (5) passes through the first liquid inlet and is connected to the floating assembly (3) so that the floating assembly (3) is driven to rise by the auxiliary component (4) to close the first liquid inlet. The weight of the counterweight (32) is greater than the buoyancy force on the floating component (31); The liquid storage tank (2) has a liquid storage cavity (23), and the auxiliary component (4) is movably disposed in the liquid storage cavity (23). The sum of the buoyancy forces on the auxiliary component (4) and the floating component (3) is greater than the weight of the floating component (3). A connecting pipe (7) is provided, one end of which is connected to the second liquid outlet (21), and the other end of which is connected to the first liquid inlet, so as to connect the liquid storage tank (2) and the liquid inlet pipe (11) of the liquid cooling server (1). A one-way valve is installed on the connecting pipe (7) so that the refrigerant in the liquid storage tank (2) flows unidirectionally to the liquid inlet pipe (11) through the connecting pipe (7).

2. The fluid replenishment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The floating component (31) is a hollow sphere; The counterweight component (32) is a solid sphere.

3. The fluid replenishment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The auxiliary component (4) is a hollow sphere; The connecting component (5) is a connecting rope or a connecting rod.

4. The fluid replenishment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fluid replenishment device also includes: A sealing ring (6) is provided on the first liquid inlet. The outer ring of the sealing ring (6) is in contact with the wall of the first liquid inlet, and the inner ring of the sealing ring (6) is in cooperation with the floating component (3).

5. The fluid replenishment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid storage tank (2) includes: The second liquid inlet (22) is used to input the refrigerant into the liquid storage tank (2); An observation window is provided on the side wall of the liquid storage tank (2) to monitor the liquid level of the refrigerant stored in the liquid storage tank (2).

6. The fluid replenishment device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The liquid storage tank (2) also includes: A maximum liquid level line (24) is provided at one end of the observation window near the top to indicate the maximum liquid level of the refrigerant stored in the storage tank (2); and / or, The minimum liquid level line (25) is set at one end of the observation window near the bottom to indicate the minimum liquid level of the refrigerant stored in the liquid storage tank (2).

7. A liquid cooling system, comprising a liquid-cooled server (1), said liquid-cooled server (1) including a liquid inlet pipe (11) having a first liquid inlet at its top, characterized in that, The liquid cooling system also includes: The liquid replenishment device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is used to replenish the liquid-cooled server (1).

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