Liquid level control device

Abstract

The present application provides a liquid level control device, which comprises a main tank, a storage tank and a communication manifold. The main tank has a delivery port and a first liquid level detector. The delivery port is arranged at a bottom of the main tank, and the first liquid level detector is arranged at a top of the main tank. The storage tank has a liquid outlet, a liquid inlet and a second liquid level detector. The communication manifold is arranged between the main tank and the storage tank. The communication manifold comprises a liquid supplement pipe and a liquid discharge pipe. Two ends of the liquid supplement pipe are connected with the delivery port and the liquid outlet respectively. Two ends of the liquid discharge pipe are connected with the delivery port and the liquid inlet respectively. The liquid level control device has the advantage of controllable liquid level height.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a liquid level control device, and more particularly to a liquid level control device with controllable liquid level height. Background Technology

[0002] Immersion cooling systems can be divided into two-phase cooling systems with phase change and single-phase cooling systems without phase change. Both types of immersion cooling systems require that the components to be cooled be immersed in a non-conductive liquid; otherwise, the components cannot exchange heat with the non-conductive liquid for cooling. The coolant level in the storage tank of the immersion cooling system will decrease as the components to be cooled are removed from the storage tank. However, if additional coolant is added to the storage tank, or if another larger component is placed into the original storage tank, the coolant level in the storage tank will exceed the original standard. This rise in level increases the possibility of coolant leakage, and an excessively high level can cause the coolant to come into contact with the condenser inside the immersion cooling system, affecting its heat dissipation efficiency.

[0003] To control the liquid level in the storage tank, traditional immersion cooling systems have a replenishment opening at the bottom and a drain opening at the top. Upper and lower level gauges are installed near the drain opening. If the liquid level in the tank is below the lower limit, a pump is activated to replenish coolant through the replenishment opening; if the liquid level is above the upper limit, the coolant is automatically drained from the tank by gravity through the drain opening. However, different volumes of components to be cooled require different coolant levels in the storage tank, but the positions of the upper and lower level gauges are limited by the drain opening, failing to provide flexible and controllable operation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a liquid level control device with controllable liquid level height to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] One embodiment of the present invention provides a liquid level control device, which includes a main tank, a storage tank, and a connecting manifold. The main tank has a delivery port and a first liquid level detector. The delivery port is located at the bottom of the main tank, and the first liquid level detector is located at the top of the main tank. The storage tank has a liquid outlet, a liquid inlet, and a second liquid level detector. The connecting manifold is located between the main tank and the storage tank. The connecting manifold includes a replenishment pipe and a drain pipe. The two ends of the replenishment pipe are respectively connected to the delivery port and the liquid outlet. The two ends of the drain pipe are respectively connected to the delivery port and the liquid inlet.

[0006] Optionally, the liquid level control device further includes a replenishment pump and a replenishment controller. The replenishment pump is disposed on the replenishment pipe and is used to transfer the liquid in the storage tank to the main tank. The replenishment controller is disposed on the replenishment pipe and is used to turn the replenishment pump on or off.

[0007] Optionally, the liquid level control device further includes a drain pump and a drain controller. The drain pump is disposed on the drain pipe and is used to transfer the liquid in the main tank to the storage tank. The drain controller is disposed on the drain pipe and is used to turn the drain pump on or off.

[0008] The liquid level control device provided by this invention only requires a delivery port at the bottom of the main tank and connects the main tank and the storage tank using a Y-shaped manifold. This allows the cooling liquid to flow between the main tank and the storage tank via the replenishment and drainage pipes of the manifold. Since the delivery port is located at the bottom of the main tank, the position of the first liquid level detector within the main tank can be adjusted arbitrarily according to actual needs, making the liquid level control device applicable to devices of various sizes to be cooled. After a device of unknown volume is placed in the main tank, the liquid level control device can analyze the detection results of the first and second liquid level detectors and automatically perform liquid drainage or replenishment in the main tank, ensuring that the liquid levels in both the main tank and the storage tank meet the application requirements. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 The image shown is a schematic diagram of the liquid level control device in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 2 The diagram shown is a partial schematic of the liquid level control device in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 3 The diagram shown is an operation flowchart of the liquid level control device in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Component designation explanation

[0013] 10. Liquid level control equipment

[0014] 12 Main tank body

[0015] 14. Liquid Storage Tank

[0016] 16 Connecting manifold

[0017] 18 Conveyor Ports

[0018] 20 First Liquid Level Detector

[0019] 22 Liquid outlet

[0020] 24 Liquid Inlet

[0021] 26 Second liquid level detector

[0022] 28. Infusion tube

[0023] 30 drain pipe

[0024] 32 First level gauge

[0025] 34 Second level gauge

[0026] 36 First Liquid Level Gauge

[0027] 38 Second level gauge

[0028] 40 replenishment pump

[0029] 42 Fluid Replacement Controller

[0030] 44 Drainage Pump

[0031] 46 Drainage Controller

[0032] 48 Computing Processor

[0033] Steps S100~S136 Detailed Implementation

[0034] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 The image shown is a schematic diagram of the appearance of the liquid level control device 10 in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 The diagram shows a partial component schematic of the liquid level control device 10 in an embodiment of the present invention. The liquid level control device 10 may include a main tank 12, a storage tank 14, and a connecting manifold 16. The main tank 12 may have a delivery port 18 and a first liquid level detector 20. The delivery port 18 is preferably located at the bottom of the main tank 12; the cooling liquid in the main tank 12 flows in and out through the delivery port 18. The first liquid level detector 20 is located at the top of the main tank 12 and is used to detect changes in the liquid level of the cooling liquid in the main tank 12. The liquid level control device 10 can use a single storage tank 14 to replenish and drain liquid from a plurality of main tanks 12, so the number of main tanks 12 should be the same as the number of connecting manifolds 16. Each connecting manifold connects the storage tank 14 and the corresponding main tank 12, and the number of main tanks 12 and connecting manifolds 16 is not limited to the shown configuration.

[0035] The storage tank 14 may have a liquid outlet 22, a liquid inlet 24, and a second liquid level detector 26. Typically, the liquid outlet 22 is positioned lower than the liquid inlet 24, but practical applications are not limited to this. A connecting manifold 16 may be disposed between the main tank 12 and the storage tank 14. The connecting manifold 16 may include a replenishment pipe 28 and a drain pipe 30. The two ends of the replenishment pipe 28 can be connected to the delivery port 18 and the liquid outlet 22 of the storage tank 14, respectively. The two ends of the drain pipe 30 are connected to the delivery port 18 and the liquid inlet 24 of the storage tank 14, respectively.

[0036] In this embodiment, the first liquid level detector 20 may include a first liquid level gauge 32 and a second liquid level gauge 34, which are respectively set at different positions within the main tank 12 with varying heights. For example, the distance of the first liquid level gauge 32 relative to the bottom of the main tank 12 is greater than the distance of the second liquid level gauge 34 relative to the bottom of the main tank 12. The first liquid level gauge 32 can be used to detect the upper limit of the liquid level in the main tank 12. The second liquid level gauge 34 is used to detect the lower limit of the liquid level in the main tank 12. To adjust the upper and lower limit settings of the liquid level in the main tank 12, the positions of the first liquid level gauge 32 and / or the second liquid level gauge 34 can be changed. Since the delivery port 18 is located at the bottom of the main tank 12, the movable positions of the first liquid level gauge 32 and the second liquid level gauge 34 are not affected by the delivery port 18.

[0037] In other possible variations, the first level detector 20 can be designed as a continuous level gauge. When adjusting the upper and lower limits of the liquid level in the main tank 12, only the system settings in the continuous level gauge need to be adjusted, without having to manually or automatically change the actual location of the first level detector 20.

[0038] Accordingly, the second level detector 26 may include a first level gauge 36 and a second level gauge 38, which are respectively set at different positions within the storage tank 14 with varying heights. For example, the distance between the first level gauge 36 and the bottom of the main storage tank 14 is greater than the distance between the second level gauge 38 and the bottom of the storage tank 14. The first level gauge 36 can be used to detect the upper limit of the liquid level in the storage tank 14. The second level gauge 38 is used to detect the lower limit of the liquid level in the storage tank 14. The setting method for the upper and lower limits of the liquid level in the storage tank 14 is as described in the first level detector 20, and will not be repeated here. In addition, the second level detector 26 may also be designed as a continuous level gauge, as in the first level detector 20.

[0039] The liquid level control device 10 may further include a replenishment pump 40, a replenishment controller 42, a drain pump 44, and a drain controller 46. The replenishment pump 40 and replenishment controller 42 are disposed on the replenishment pipe 28. The drain pump 44 and drain controller 46 are disposed on the drain pipe 30. The flow direction of the replenishment pump 40 is opposite to that of the drain pump 44. The replenishment pump 40 is used to transfer liquid from the storage tank 14 to the main tank 12, and the replenishment controller 42 is used to turn the replenishment pump 40 on or off. The drain pump 44 is used to transfer liquid from the main tank 12 to the storage tank 14, and the drain controller 46 is used to turn the drain pump 44 on or off.

[0040] Therefore, the main tank 12 is designed with a delivery port 18 only near the bottom, and is connected to the liquid outlet 22 and liquid inlet 24 of the storage tank 14 using Y-shaped piping or other connection methods. The replenishment pipe 28 and the drain pipe 30 of the connecting manifold 16 can be two pipes on the same side of the Y-shaped piping, and the single pipe on the other side of the Y-shaped piping is connected to the delivery port 18 of the main tank 12. The first liquid level detector 20 of the main tank 12 is much higher than the delivery port 18, meaning that the upper and lower limits of the liquid level in the main tank 12 are both higher than the delivery port 18. Furthermore, the lower limit of the liquid level in the storage tank 14 must be higher than the liquid outlet 22 to prevent the replenishment pump 40 from sucking in air and filling the main tank 12 through the replenishment pipe 28. The upper limit of the liquid level in the storage tank 14 must be a certain distance away from the opening of the storage tank 14 to prevent excessive liquid in the storage tank 14 from overflowing from the upper opening.

[0041] The liquid level control device 10 may optionally include a processing unit 48, electrically connected to a first liquid level detector 20, a second liquid level detector 26, a replenishment controller 42, and a drain controller 46. The processing unit 48 analyzes the detection results of the first liquid level detector 20 and the second liquid level detector 26, and outputs corresponding control commands to the replenishment controller 42 or the drain controller 46 to drive the replenishment pump 40 or the drain pump 44. The processing unit 48 may be a separate external processor, connected to the internal electronic components of the liquid level control device 10 via wired or wireless means. Alternatively, the processing unit 48 may also be a built-in processor of the liquid level control device 10; the specific implementation varies depending on design requirements and will not be described in detail here.

[0042] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 3This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the liquid level control device 10 in this embodiment of the invention. First, step S100 is executed to shut down the replenishment pump 40, replenishment controller 42, drain pump 44, and drain controller 46, confirming that all components of the liquid level control device 10 are in the off state. Next, steps S102 and S104 are executed to select one main tank 12 from the plurality of main tanks 12 for monitoring, obtaining the first lower limit value of this main tank 12. If the first liquid level detector 20 issues a first lower limit alarm, step S106 is executed to obtain the second lower limit value of the storage tank 14. If the second liquid level detector 26 issues a second lower limit alarm, step S108 is executed to issue a low liquid level warning for both the main tank 12 and the storage tank 14. If the second liquid level detector 26 does not issue a second lower limit alarm, step S110 is executed to turn on the replenishment pump 40 via the replenishment controller 42.

[0043] Next, after waiting for a period of time, step S112 is executed to obtain the first lower limit value of the main tank 12 again. If the first liquid level detector 20 issues a first lower limit alarm, step S114 is executed to obtain the second lower limit value of the storage tank 14. If the second liquid level detector 26 does not issue a second lower limit alarm, the process returns to the stage of step S110. If the second liquid level detector 26 issues a second lower limit alarm, step S116 is executed to shut down the replenishment controller 42 and the replenishment pump 40, and the process jumps to step S108. If the first liquid level detector 20 does not issue a first lower limit alarm, it indicates that the liquid in the main tank 12 is sufficient. Steps S118 and S120 are executed to shut down the replenishment controller 42 and the replenishment pump 40, ending the liquid level control program of the main tank 12, and another main tank 12 is selected for monitoring.

[0044] After step S104, if the first level detector 20 does not issue a first lower limit alarm, step S122 is executed to obtain the first upper limit value of the main tank 12. If the first level detector 20 does not issue a first upper limit alarm, the process jumps to step S120 to select another main tank 12 for monitoring. If the first level detector 20 issues a first upper limit alarm, step S124 is executed to obtain the second upper limit value of the storage tank 14. If the second level detector 26 issues a second upper limit alarm, step S126 is executed to shut down the drain pump 44 via the drain controller 46 and issue a high level warning for both the main tank 12 and the storage tank 14. If the second level detector 26 does not issue a second upper limit alarm, step S128 is executed to turn on the drain pump 44 via the drain controller 46.

[0045] Next, after waiting for a period of time, step S130 is executed to obtain the first upper limit value of the main tank 12 again. If the first liquid level detector 20 issues a first upper limit alarm, step S132 is executed to obtain the second upper limit value of the storage tank 14. If the second liquid level detector 26 does not issue a second upper limit alarm, the process jumps to step S128. If the second liquid level detector 26 issues a second upper limit alarm, step S134 is executed to shut down the drain pump 44 and the drain controller 46, and the process jumps to step S126. If the first liquid level detector 20 does not issue a first upper limit alarm, step S136 is executed to shut down the drain pump 44 through the drain controller 46, and the liquid level control program of the main tank 12 is terminated, and the process jumps to step S120 to select another main tank 12 for monitoring.

[0046] In summary, the liquid level control device of the present invention only requires a delivery port at the bottom of the main tank and connects the main tank and the storage tank using a Y-shaped connecting manifold, allowing the cooling liquid to flow between the main tank and the storage tank via the replenishment and drainage pipes of the connecting manifold. Since the delivery port is located at the bottom of the main tank, the position of the first liquid level detector within the main tank can be adjusted arbitrarily according to actual needs, making the liquid level control device applicable to cooling devices of various sizes. After a cooling device of unknown volume is placed in the main tank, the liquid level control device can analyze the detection results of the first and second liquid level detectors and automatically perform drainage or replenishment of the main tank, ensuring that the liquid levels in both the main tank and the storage tank meet the application requirements. In a possible embodiment of the present invention, the liquid level control device can be applied to a server, which can be used for artificial intelligence (AI) computing, edge computing, or as a 5G server, cloud server, or vehicle-to-everything (V2X) server.

[0047] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. All equivalent changes and modifications made within the scope of the claims of the present invention should be included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A liquid level control device, characterized in that, Include: A main tank has a delivery port and a first liquid level detector. The delivery port is located at a bottom of the main tank, and the first liquid level detector is located at a top of the main tank. A liquid storage tank having a liquid outlet, a liquid inlet, and a second liquid level detector; and A connecting manifold is disposed between the main tank and the storage tank, the connecting manifold comprising: A replenishment tube, the two ends of which are respectively connected to the delivery port and the liquid outlet; A drain pipe, the two ends of which are respectively connected to the delivery port and the liquid inlet; A replenishment pump is installed in the replenishment pipe to transfer the liquid in the storage tank to the main tank. A fluid replenishment controller is installed in the fluid replenishment tube to turn the fluid replenishment pump on or off; A discharge pump is installed in the discharge pipe to transfer the liquid in the main tank to the storage tank. A drain controller, installed in the drain pipe, is used to turn the drain pump on or off; and An arithmetic processor is electrically connected to the replenishment controller and the drain controller. The arithmetic processor is used to analyze the detection results of the first liquid level detector and the second liquid level detector, and output corresponding control commands to the replenishment controller or the drain controller to drive the replenishment pump or the drain pump. When the first liquid level detector issues a first lower limit alarm and the second liquid level detector does not issue a second lower limit alarm, the arithmetic processor starts the replenishment pump through the replenishment controller.

2. The liquid level control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first liquid level detector is a continuous liquid level gauge used to detect an upper limit and a lower limit of the liquid level in the main tank.

3. The liquid level control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first liquid level detector includes a first liquid level gauge and a second liquid level gauge, which are respectively installed in the main tank in a high-low drop manner, and are used to detect an upper limit and a lower limit of the liquid level in the main tank.

4. The liquid level control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid outlet is located below the liquid inlet.

5. The liquid level control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second liquid level detector is a continuous liquid level gauge used to detect an upper limit and a lower limit of the liquid level in the storage tank.

6. The liquid level control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second liquid level detector includes a first liquid level gauge and a second liquid level gauge, which are respectively installed in the liquid storage tank in a height difference manner, and are used to detect an upper limit and a lower limit of the liquid level in the liquid storage tank.

7. The liquid level control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the first liquid level detector issues the first lower limit alarm and the second liquid level detector issues the second lower limit alarm, the processing unit shuts down the replenishment pump through the replenishment controller and issues a low liquid level warning for the main tank and the storage tank.

8. The liquid level control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the first liquid level detector does not issue the first lower limit alarm, the processing unit shuts down the replenishment pump through the replenishment controller and terminates the liquid level control program of the main tank.

9. The liquid level control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the first liquid level detector issues a first upper limit alarm and the second liquid level detector does not issue a second upper limit alarm, the processing unit activates the drainage pump via the drainage controller.

10. The liquid level control device according to claim 9, characterized in that, When the first liquid level detector issues the first upper limit alarm and the second liquid level detector issues the second upper limit alarm, the processing unit shuts down the drain pump through the drain controller and issues a high liquid level warning for the main tank and the storage tank.

11. The liquid level control device according to claim 9, characterized in that, When the first liquid level detector does not issue the first upper limit alarm, the processing unit shuts down the drain pump through the drain controller and terminates the liquid level control program of the main tank.

12. The liquid level control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processing unit does not start the replenishment pump and the drainage pump when the first liquid level detector does not issue a first lower limit alarm and a first upper limit alarm.

13. The liquid level control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid level control device further includes a plurality of main tanks and a plurality of connecting manifolds, each connecting manifold being used to connect the liquid storage tank to a corresponding main tank among the plurality of main tanks.

Images