Refrigerated two-phase flow cooling system and method

Abstract

The application discloses a refrigeration type two-phase flow cooling system and method, and belongs to the technical field of cooling. The application comprises a compressor, a condenser, a throttle valve, a gas-liquid separator and a device pipe network; the compressor is a power device of the whole refrigeration type two-phase flow cooling system; the condenser inlet is connected with the compressor exhaust port; the throttle valve inlet is connected with the condenser outlet; the gas-liquid separator inlet is connected with the throttle valve outlet; the gas-liquid separator gas phase outlet is connected with the compressor suction inlet; the gas-liquid separator liquid phase outlet is connected with the device pipe network inlet; and the compressor suction inlet is connected with the device pipe network outlet. The application solves the problems of high temperature of conventional two-phase flow liquid supply, instability of gas-liquid two-phase medium in conveying and distribution, flow-induced vibration phenomenon, avoidance of compressor liquid strike risk, and incapability of long-time maintenance of the compression cycle system under a low load mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of cooling technology, specifically relating to a refrigeration-type two-phase flow cooling system and method. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional two-phase flow cooling technology is based on the principle of boiling heat transfer. Its circulation process involves a liquid phase change working fluid being driven by a pump into the cold plate of electronic equipment, where it evaporates and absorbs heat, forming a gas-liquid mixture which is then condensed into a liquid by an external heat sink via a condenser. Compared to liquid cooling technology, two-phase flow cooling technology has advantages such as strong heat carrying capacity and high heat exchange efficiency. It can reduce the amount of cooling equipment by more than one-third compared to liquid cooling and is now gradually being applied to heat dissipation in high-power electronic equipment.

[0003] However, the liquid supply temperature of two-phase flow cooling technology is greatly limited by the external heat sink. Taking air heat exchange as an example, at an ambient temperature of 50°C, the liquid supply temperature of two-phase flow cooling technology can reach 60°C. The high liquid supply temperature severely restricts its heat dissipation effect and application range.

[0004] If a compressor is used instead of a liquid supply pump based on the principle of compression refrigeration cycle, and the throttled gas-liquid working fluid is supplied to the cold plate of the electronic device, using the cold plate as an evaporator, a lower liquid supply temperature can be obtained. However, the cooling channels of electronic devices usually have complex series and parallel connections. Due to the unstable characteristics of the gas-liquid two-phase system, the system faces challenges in gas-liquid phase transport and distribution under complex piping networks. Furthermore, electronic devices often exhibit power agility modes, meaning there is an instantaneous switch between full load and low load. If the compressor does not stop during this time, there is a risk of liquid slugging at low loads, making long-term operation impossible. If the compressor is turned on and off along with the electronic device, frequent system start-ups and shutdowns occur, severely impacting reliability and lifespan.

[0005] If a refrigeration-type liquid cooling system is used, it can provide coolant at a temperature lower than that of the heat sink. However, a refrigeration-type liquid cooling system must include both a compression refrigeration cycle system and a liquid cooling system, making the equipment more complex. Furthermore, the heat exchange efficiency of a liquid cooling system is an order of magnitude lower than that of an evaporative heat exchange system, making it unsuitable for the heat dissipation needs of electronic systems with high heat flux density and high heat consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a refrigeration-type two-phase flow cooling system and method, which solves the problems of high liquid supply temperature in conventional two-phase flow under high temperature conditions, instability and flow-induced vibration of gas-liquid two-phase media during transportation and distribution, avoidance of compressor liquid slugging risk, and inability of the compression cycle system to be maintained for a long time under low load mode, and can meet the cooling requirements of large and complex electronic devices at high temperatures.

[0007] Specifically, on the one hand, the present invention provides a refrigeration-type two-phase flow cooling system, including a compressor, a condenser, a throttling valve, a gas-liquid separator, and a piping network;

[0008] The compressor is the power equipment for the entire refrigeration-type two-phase flow cooling system; the condenser inlet is connected to the compressor exhaust port; the throttle valve inlet is connected to the condenser outlet; the gas-liquid separator inlet is connected to the throttle valve outlet; the gas phase outlet of the gas-liquid separator is connected to the compressor suction port; the liquid phase outlet of the gas-liquid separator is connected to the equipment pipeline inlet; and the compressor suction port is connected to the equipment pipeline outlet.

[0009] On the other hand, the present invention also provides another refrigeration type two-phase flow cooling system, including a compressor, a condenser, a throttle valve, a gas-liquid separator and equipment piping, a regenerator and a liquid storage tank, a first solenoid valve and a second solenoid valve;

[0010] The compressor is the power unit of the entire refrigeration-type two-phase flow cooling system. The hot end inlet of the regenerator is connected to the compressor exhaust port, the condenser inlet is connected to the hot end outlet of the regenerator, the throttle valve inlet is connected to the condenser outlet, the gas-liquid separator inlet is connected to the throttle valve outlet, the gas phase outlet of the gas-liquid separator is connected to the compressor suction port, the liquid phase outlet of the gas-liquid separator is connected to the equipment pipeline inlet, the cold end inlet of the regenerator is connected to the equipment pipeline outlet, the cold end outlet of the regenerator is connected to the liquid storage tank inlet, and the liquid storage tank gas phase outlet is connected to the compressor inlet. A first solenoid valve and a second solenoid valve are respectively installed before and after the compressor.

[0011] In another aspect, the present invention also provides another refrigeration-type two-phase flow cooling system, including a compressor, a condenser, a throttling valve, a gas-liquid separator and equipment piping, a regenerator and a liquid storage tank, a first solenoid valve, a second solenoid valve, a liquid supply pump, a third solenoid valve, a fourth solenoid valve, a fifth solenoid valve and a first check valve and a second check valve.

[0012] The compressor is the power unit of the entire refrigeration-type two-phase flow cooling system. The hot end inlet of the regenerator is connected to the compressor exhaust port, the condenser inlet is connected to the hot end outlet of the regenerator, the throttle valve inlet is connected to the condenser outlet, the gas-liquid separator inlet is connected to the throttle valve outlet, the gas phase outlet of the gas-liquid separator is connected to the compressor suction port, and the liquid phase outlet of the gas-liquid separator is connected to the equipment pipeline inlet. The cold end inlet of the regenerator is connected to the equipment pipeline outlet, the cold end outlet of the regenerator is connected to the liquid storage tank inlet, the gas phase outlet of the liquid storage tank is connected to the compressor inlet, and the liquid phase outlet of the liquid storage tank is connected to the regenerator inlet. The liquid supply pump inlet is connected to the liquid phase outlet of the gas-liquid separator, and the liquid supply pump outlet is connected to the equipment pipeline inlet. A first solenoid valve and a second solenoid valve are respectively installed before and after the compressor 1, a third solenoid valve and a fourth solenoid valve are respectively installed before and after the liquid supply pump, and a fifth solenoid valve is installed at the liquid phase outlet of the liquid storage tank. A first check valve and a second check valve are respectively installed in the gas-liquid separator gas-liquid phase outlet pipeline.

[0013] Furthermore, the condenser is a plate heat exchanger.

[0014] Furthermore, the throttle valve is an electromagnetic throttle valve.

[0015] In another aspect, the present invention also provides a refrigeration-type two-phase flow cooling method, implemented using the above-mentioned refrigeration-type two-phase flow cooling system, characterized by the following workflow:

[0016] Under rated operating conditions, the first and second solenoid valves before and after the compressor are open, the third and fourth solenoid valves before and after the liquid supply pump are closed, and the fifth solenoid valve at the liquid phase outlet of the storage tank is closed. The compressor is in operation. The high-temperature and high-pressure gas passes through the compressor exhaust port and the regenerator to reheat the working fluid at the equipment pipeline outlet. After passing through the condenser and the throttling valve, it enters the gas-liquid separator. The liquid phase working fluid enters the equipment pipeline, and the gas phase working fluid enters the compressor suction port. After heat exchange in the equipment pipeline, the liquid phase working fluid flows through the regenerator and enters the storage tank. It then enters the compressor suction port from the gas phase outlet of the storage tank, completing the cycle. In this operating mode, there is no or only a small amount of liquid phase working fluid in the storage tank.

[0017] When the equipment switches to low-load operation, the liquid content at the equipment outlet increases, and the liquid level in the storage tank gradually rises. Before triggering the high-level alarm, if the equipment re-enters full-load operation mode, the liquid in the storage tank gradually vaporizes under the action of superheated gas at the cold end outlet of the regenerator, returning to the rated operation mode. If the low-load operation mode is maintained for a long time, the liquid level rises and triggers the high-level alarm. At this time, the compressor stops, the first and second solenoid valves before and after it close, the third and fourth solenoid valves before and after the liquid supply pump open, the fifth solenoid valve at the liquid phase outlet of the storage tank opens, the liquid supply pump runs, and draws the liquid working medium from the storage tank into the equipment pipeline network, using the pump-driven two-phase circulation to cool the equipment.

[0018] The beneficial effects of the refrigeration-type two-phase flow cooling system and method of the present invention are as follows:

[0019] The refrigerant is directly supplied to the electronic equipment via the compressor, so that the supply temperature of the cooling system is the evaporation temperature in the refrigeration cycle, avoiding the constraint of the external ambient temperature and solving the problem of high supply temperature of conventional two-phase flow under high temperature conditions.

[0020] By using a gas-liquid separator to separate the working medium in the pipeline before electronic equipment, only the liquid phase refrigerant is supplied to the electronic equipment, thus avoiding instability and flow-induced vibration in the transportation and distribution of the two-phase gas and liquid media.

[0021] By using a regenerator to exchange heat between the electronic equipment return liquid and the compressor exhaust, the two-phase working fluid in the return liquid is fully vaporized and then enters the storage tank for secondary gas-liquid phase separation. This avoids the risk of compressor liquid slugging caused by uneven gas-liquid phase distribution and short-term low-load conditions, thus improving system reliability.

[0022] A liquid supply pump circuit is set up to stop the compressor and start the liquid supply pump circuit when the liquid storage tank is full, which solves the problem that the compression cycle system cannot be maintained for a long time under low load mode. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the system composition of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the system composition of Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the system composition of Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0026] Diagram labels: 1-Compressor, 11-Compressor suction inlet, 12-Compressor discharge outlet, 2-Regenerator, 21-Hot end inlet, 22-Hot end outlet, 23-Cold end inlet, 24-Cold end outlet, 3-Condenser, 31-Condenser inlet, 32-Condenser outlet, 4-Throttle valve, 41-Throttle valve inlet, 42-Throttle valve outlet, 5-Gas-liquid separator, 51-Gas-liquid separator inlet, 52-Gas-liquid separator vapor phase outlet, 53-Gas-liquid separator... 6-Liquid phase outlet, 6-Equipment piping network, 61-Equipment piping network inlet, 62-Equipment piping network outlet, 7-Storage tank, 71-Storage tank inlet, 72-Storage tank vapor phase outlet, 73-Storage tank liquid phase outlet, 8-Supply pump, 81-Supply pump inlet, 82-Supply pump outlet, 9-First solenoid valve, 10-Second solenoid valve, 11-Third solenoid valve, 12-Fourth solenoid valve, 13-First check valve, 14-Fifth solenoid valve, 15-Second check valve. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

[0028] Example 1:

[0029] One embodiment of the present invention is a refrigeration-type two-phase flow cooling system, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the system includes a compressor 1, a condenser 3, a throttling valve 4, a gas-liquid separator 5, and a piping network 6. The compressor 1 is the power unit for the entire system; the condenser 3 is a plate heat exchanger, with its inlet 31 connected to the compressor exhaust port 12; the throttling valve 4 is an electromagnetic throttling valve, with its inlet 41 connected to the condenser outlet 32, the gas-liquid separator inlet 51 connected to the throttling valve outlet 42, the gas phase outlet 52 of the gas-liquid separator connected to the compressor suction port 11, the liquid phase outlet 53 of the gas-liquid separator connected to the piping network inlet 61, and the compressor suction port 11 connected to the piping network outlet 62.

[0030] The workflow of the refrigeration-type two-phase flow cooling system in this embodiment is as follows: Compressor 1 is in operation. High-temperature, high-pressure gas exits from the compressor 1 outlet, passes through the condenser 3, and then through the throttling valve 4 before entering the gas-liquid separator 5. The liquid working fluid enters the equipment piping network 6, while the gaseous working fluid enters the compressor 1 inlet. In this embodiment, the refrigerant is directly supplied to the electronic equipment via the compressor, ensuring that the cooling system's supply liquid temperature is the evaporation temperature in the refrigeration cycle. This avoids external environmental temperature constraints and solves the problem of high supply liquid temperature in conventional two-phase flow systems under high-temperature conditions. The gas-liquid separator separates the working fluid in the piping before the electronic equipment, supplying only the liquid refrigerant to the electronic equipment, thus avoiding instability and flow-induced vibration during the transport and distribution of the gas-liquid two-phase medium.

[0031] Example 2:

[0032] Preferably, in another embodiment, the refrigeration-type two-phase flow cooling system of the present invention, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the system also includes a regenerator 2, a liquid storage tank 7, a first solenoid valve 9, and a second solenoid valve 10. The compressor 1 is the power unit for the entire system. The hot end inlet 21 of the regenerator is connected to the compressor exhaust port 12. The condenser 3 is a plate heat exchanger, with its inlet 31 connected to the hot end outlet 22 of the regenerator. The throttling valve 4 is an electromagnetic throttling valve, with its inlet 41 connected to the condenser outlet 32. The gas-liquid separator inlet 51 is connected to the throttling valve outlet 42. The gas phase outlet 52 of the gas-liquid separator is connected to the compressor suction port 11, and the liquid phase outlet 53 of the gas-liquid separator is connected to the equipment pipeline inlet 61. The cold end inlet 23 of the regenerator 2 is connected to the equipment pipeline outlet 62. The cold end outlet 24 of the regenerator 2 is connected to the liquid storage tank inlet 71, and the liquid storage tank gas phase outlet 72 is connected to the compressor inlet 11. The compressor 1 is equipped with a first solenoid valve 9 and a second solenoid valve 10 before and after it, respectively.

[0033] The workflow of the refrigeration-type two-phase flow cooling system in this embodiment is as follows: In this embodiment, the first solenoid valve 9 and the second solenoid valve 10 before and after the compressor 1 are in the open state. The high-temperature and high-pressure gas flows from the compressor exhaust port 12 through the regenerator 2 to reheat the working fluid at the equipment outlet, then through the condenser 3, and through the throttling valve 4 into the gas-liquid separator 5. The liquid phase working fluid enters the equipment pipeline 6, and the gas phase working fluid enters the compressor suction port 11. After heat exchange within the equipment, the liquid phase working fluid flows through the regenerator 2 and enters the liquid storage tank 7. From the gas phase outlet 72 of the liquid storage tank, it enters the compressor suction port 11, completing the cycle. In this embodiment, the regenerator is used to exchange heat between the electronic equipment return liquid and the compressor exhaust, so that the return liquid two-phase working fluid is fully vaporized and then enters the liquid storage tank for secondary gas-liquid phase separation. This avoids the risk of compressor liquid slugging caused by uneven gas-liquid phase distribution and short-term low-load conditions, thus improving system reliability.

[0034] Example 3:

[0035] Preferably, in another embodiment, the refrigeration-type two-phase flow cooling system of the present invention, such as... Figure 3 As shown, it also includes a liquid supply pump 8, a third solenoid valve 11, a fourth solenoid valve 12, a first check valve 13, a fifth solenoid valve 14, and a second check valve 15. The compressor 1 is the power unit of the entire system. The hot end inlet 21 of the regenerator is connected to the compressor exhaust port 12. The condenser 3 is a plate heat exchanger. The condenser inlet 31 is connected to the hot end outlet 22 of the regenerator. The throttling valve 4 is an electromagnetic throttling valve. The throttling valve inlet 41 is connected to the condenser outlet 32. The gas-liquid separator inlet 51 is connected to the throttling valve outlet 42. The gas phase outlet 52 of the gas-liquid separator is connected to the compressor suction port 11. The liquid phase outlet 53 of the gas-liquid separator is connected to the equipment pipeline inlet 61. The cold end inlet 23 of the regenerator 2 is connected to the equipment pipeline outlet 62. The cold end outlet 24 of the regenerator 2 is connected to the liquid storage tank inlet 71. The liquid storage tank gas phase outlet 72 is connected to the compressor inlet 11. The liquid storage tank liquid phase outlet 73 is connected to the compressor exhaust port 12. The liquid supply pump inlet 81 is connected to the condenser outlet 32. The liquid supply pump outlet 82 is connected to the equipment pipeline inlet 61. A first solenoid valve 9 and a second solenoid valve 10 are respectively installed before and after the compressor 1. A third solenoid valve 11 and a fourth solenoid valve 12 are respectively installed before and after the liquid supply pump 8. A fifth solenoid valve 14 is installed at the liquid phase outlet 73 of the liquid storage tank. A first solenoid valve 13 is installed at the liquid phase outlet 53 of the gas-liquid separator. A second solenoid valve 15 is installed at the gas phase outlet 52 of the gas-liquid separator.

[0036] The refrigeration-type two-phase flow cooling method in this embodiment is implemented using the above-mentioned refrigeration-type two-phase flow cooling system, and its workflow is as follows:

[0037] Under rated operating conditions, the first solenoid valve 9 and the second solenoid valve 10 before and after compressor 1 are open, the third solenoid valve 11 and the fourth solenoid valve 12 before and after liquid supply pump 8 are closed, and the fifth solenoid valve after liquid phase outlet 73 of the storage tank is closed. Compressor 1 is in operation. High-temperature and high-pressure gas passes through compressor exhaust port 12, reheats the working fluid at equipment pipeline outlet 62 via regenerator 2, then passes through condenser 3 and throttle valve 4 before entering gas-liquid separator 5. The liquid phase working fluid enters equipment pipeline 6, and the gas phase working fluid enters compressor 1 suction port. After heat exchange within the equipment pipeline, the liquid phase working fluid flows through regenerator 2 and enters storage tank 7. From the gas phase outlet of storage tank 7, it enters compressor 1 suction port, completing the cycle. In this operating mode, storage tank 7 contains little or no liquid phase working fluid.

[0038] When the equipment switches to low-load operation, the liquid content at the equipment outlet increases, and the liquid level in the storage tank 7 gradually rises. Before triggering the high liquid level alarm, if the equipment re-enters full-load operation mode, the liquid in the storage tank 7 gradually vaporizes under the action of superheated gas at the cold end outlet 24 of the regenerator 2, returning to the rated operation mode. If the low-load operation is maintained for a long time, the liquid level rises and triggers the high liquid level alarm. At this time, the compressor 1 stops, the first solenoid valve 9 and the second solenoid valve 10 before and after it close, the third solenoid valve 11 and the fourth solenoid valve 12 before and after the liquid supply pump 8 open, the fifth solenoid valve after the liquid phase outlet of the storage tank 7 opens, the liquid supply pump 8 runs, and draws the liquid working medium from the gas-liquid separator 5 into the equipment pipeline 6, thereby using the pump-driven two-phase circulation to cool the equipment.

[0039] In this embodiment, by setting up a liquid supply pump circuit, the compressor is stopped and the liquid supply pump circuit is started when the liquid storage tank is full, which solves the problem that the compression cycle system cannot be maintained for a long time under low load mode.

[0040] While the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, these embodiments are not intended to limit the invention. Any equivalent changes or modifications made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention are also within the scope of protection of the invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A refrigeration-type two-phase flow cooling system, characterized in that, Includes compressor, condenser, throttle valve, gas-liquid separator and equipment piping network, regenerator and liquid storage tank, first solenoid valve, second solenoid valve, liquid supply pump, third solenoid valve, fourth solenoid valve, fifth solenoid valve and first check valve, second check valve; The compressor is the power unit of the entire refrigeration-type two-phase flow cooling system. The hot end inlet of the regenerator is connected to the compressor exhaust port, the condenser inlet is connected to the hot end outlet of the regenerator, the throttle valve inlet is connected to the condenser outlet, the gas-liquid separator inlet is connected to the throttle valve outlet, the gas phase outlet of the gas-liquid separator is connected to the compressor suction port, and the liquid phase outlet of the gas-liquid separator is connected to the equipment pipeline inlet. The cold end inlet of the regenerator is connected to the equipment pipeline outlet, the cold end outlet of the regenerator is connected to the liquid storage tank inlet, the gas phase outlet of the liquid storage tank is connected to the compressor inlet, and the liquid phase outlet of the liquid storage tank is connected to the regenerator inlet. The liquid supply pump inlet is connected to the liquid phase outlet of the gas-liquid separator, and the liquid supply pump outlet is connected to the equipment pipeline inlet. A first solenoid valve and a second solenoid valve are respectively installed before and after the compressor 1, a third solenoid valve and a fourth solenoid valve are respectively installed before and after the liquid supply pump, and a fifth solenoid valve is installed at the liquid phase outlet of the liquid storage tank. A first check valve and a second check valve are respectively installed in the gas-liquid separator gas-liquid phase outlet pipeline.

2. The refrigeration two-phase flow cooling system of claim 1, wherein, The condenser is a plate heat exchanger.

3. The refrigeration two-phase flow cooling system of claim 1, wherein, The throttle valve is an electromagnetic throttle valve.

4. A refrigeration type two-phase flow cooling method characterized by, The cooling system according to claim 1 is characterized by the following workflow: Under rated operating conditions, the first and second solenoid valves before and after the compressor are open, the third and fourth solenoid valves before and after the liquid supply pump are closed, and the fifth solenoid valve at the liquid phase outlet of the storage tank is closed. The compressor is in operation. The high-temperature and high-pressure gas passes through the compressor exhaust port and the regenerator to reheat the working fluid at the equipment pipeline outlet. After passing through the condenser and the throttling valve, it enters the gas-liquid separator. The liquid phase working fluid enters the equipment pipeline, and the gas phase working fluid enters the compressor suction port. After heat exchange in the equipment pipeline, the liquid phase working fluid flows through the regenerator and enters the storage tank. It then enters the compressor suction port from the gas phase outlet of the storage tank, completing the cycle. In this operating mode, there is no or only a small amount of liquid phase working fluid in the storage tank. When the equipment switches to low-load operation, the liquid content at the equipment outlet increases, and the liquid level in the storage tank gradually rises. Before triggering the high-level alarm, if the equipment re-enters full-load operation mode, the liquid in the storage tank gradually vaporizes under the action of superheated gas at the cold end outlet of the regenerator, returning to the rated operation mode. If the low-load operation mode is maintained for a long time, the liquid level rises and triggers the high-level alarm. At this time, the compressor stops, the first and second solenoid valves before and after it close, the third and fourth solenoid valves before and after the liquid supply pump open, the fifth solenoid valve at the liquid phase outlet of the storage tank opens, the liquid supply pump runs, and draws the liquid working medium from the storage tank into the equipment pipeline network, using the pump-driven two-phase circulation to cool the equipment.

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