Replaceable pump unit for cooling system

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for high density liquid cooling units for cooling electrical components. A replaceable pump unit (RPU) may include a pump configured to provide a flow of fluid to cool the electrical component (e.g., direct liquid cooling of the electrical component via the pumped fluid, and air-liquid cooling of the pumped fluid via a heat exchanger in fluid communication with the RPU). The RPU may be configured to operate with or satisfy one or more RPU performance features.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 338,251, filed on May 4, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] A cooling system may be provided for electrical components in a data center. In some cases, a data center may include a liquid cooling loop that may provide liquid coolant to electronic equipment housed within the data center. The liquid coolant may be pumped through the liquid cooling loop by a pump to provide continuous cooling of the electronic components of the data center. Summary of the invention

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention may provide an improved cooling system, the cooling system including a replaceable pump unit (RPU), the replaceable pump unit may provide a pumped fluid flow for cooling electrical components. For example, an RPU for liquid cooling of electronic equipment, the RPU may include a first inlet connection module, a first outlet connection module, a base plate including at least one cassette support feature, a locking structure, a first removable pump cassette, a first removable controller, and a second removable controller. The first removable pump cassette may include a cassette frame, the cassette frame defining a slide along the bottom of the cassette frame, a rotatable protrusion at the front face of the pump cassette, a locking mechanism rotatably coupled to the rotatable protrusion, and a pump including a pump inlet connection module and a pump outlet connection module. In the locked configuration, the engagement of the locking structure with the locking mechanism may lock the first removable pump cassette into the RPU, wherein the first inlet connection module is in fluid communication with the pump inlet connection module, and the first outlet connection module is in fluid communication with the pump outlet connection module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the technical document, illustrate examples of the disclosed technology and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of embodiments of the present invention:

[0006] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary cooling system for an electrical component;

[0007] Figure 1B for Figure 1A A schematic diagram of certain components of a cooling system including a replaceable pump unit (RPU) with a hot-swappable pump cassette;

[0008] Figure 2 and Figure 3is a schematic diagram of an exemplary cooling system for electrical components, the cooling system comprising an RPU with multiple sets of pump cassettes operating in parallel;

[0009] Figure 4 For use Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a control system of a cooling system;

[0010] Figure 5 and Figure 6 is a partial perspective view of an exemplary cooling system for electrical components, the cooling system including an RPU with a set of hot-swappable pump cassettes operating in parallel;

[0011] 7A to 9C Shown for Figure 5 and Figure 6 Aspects of the pump cassette's locking device and installation / removal process;

[0012] Fig.10 is a partial perspective view of an exemplary cooling system for electrical components, the cooling system including an RPU with a set of hot-swappable pump cassettes operating in parallel;

[0013] Fig.11 A partial perspective view of the locking of a pump cassette of an RPU, wherein the pump cassette includes its locking device;

[0014] Fig. 12A is a partial perspective view of an exemplary cooling system for electrical components, the cooling system including an RPU with a set of hot-swappable pump cassettes operating in parallel;

[0015] Fig. 12B for Fig.11 A partial perspective view of the pump box of the cooling system and its locking device; and

[0016] Fig.13 is an isometric view of an exemplary cooling system for electrical components including an RPU with a set of hot-swappable pump cassettes operating in parallel;

[0017] Fig.14 for Fig.13 an isometric view of an RPU with a panel of the RPU removed to illustrate internal components of the RPU;

[0018] Fig.15 for Fig.13 A partial isometric view of an RPU with a panel removed and a pump cassette removed to illustrate cassette support features of the RPU;

[0019] Fig.16 for Fig.13A partial top plan view of an RPU with a panel removed and a pump cassette removed to illustrate cassette support features of the RPU;

[0020] Fig.17 for Fig.13 A bottom right front isometric view of a pump cassette of an RPU according to certain embodiments;

[0021] Fig.18 for Fig.13 A partial cross-sectional view of an RPU showing engagement of a cassette support feature of the RPU with a pump cassette;

[0022] Fig.19 for Fig.13 A partial cross-sectional view of an RPU showing a mechanical holding mechanism of the RPU;

[0023] Fig. 20 is a partial isometric view of an RPU, wherein the pump cassette is shown exploded from the RPU to illustrate features of the pump cassette;

[0024] Fig.21 is an isometric view of a pump cassette of an RPU according to certain embodiments;

[0025] Fig.22A and Fig. 22B is a partial isometric view of a pump cassette for an RPU according to certain aspects;

[0026] Fig.23 is a top plan view of the RPU with panels of the RPU removed to illustrate internal components;

[0027] Figure 24A-24C illustrates aspects of airflow arrangements for an RPU according to certain embodiments; and

[0028] Fig.25 and Fig.26 is a partial isometric view of an RPU showing the arrangement of fill / drain lines according to certain embodiments;

[0029] FIG27 is an isometric view of a control module of an RPU according to certain embodiments; and

[0030] 28 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary control process implemented by a controller of an RPU according to certain embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Before explaining any embodiment of the present invention in detail, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the details of the construction and arrangement of the parts set forth in the following description or shown in the following figures in its application. The present invention can have other embodiments and can be practiced or executed in various ways. In addition, it should be understood that the wording and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be considered as restrictive. The use of "comprising", "including", or "having" and its variants herein is intended to cover the items listed thereafter and their equivalents and additional items. Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "installed", "connected", "supported", and "connected" and their variants are widely used and cover direct and indirect installation, connection, support and connection. Further, "connected" and "connected" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or connections.

[0032] The following discussion is presented to enable those skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of the present invention. Various modifications to the illustrated embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, embodiments of the present invention are not intended to be limited to the illustrated embodiments, but are given the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The following detailed description will be read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which similar elements in different drawings have similar reference numerals. The drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of embodiments of the present invention. The skilled person will recognize that the examples provided herein have many useful alternatives and fall within the scope of embodiments of the present invention.

[0033] A data center may be provided with a cooling system to cool electrical components within the data center. During operation, electrical components, which are typically housed in racks having a standard rack footprint (e.g., standard height, width, and depth), generate heat. Because heat may degrade electrical components, damage the system, or reduce the performance of the components, a cooling system may be provided for a data center to transfer heat away from racks of the data center with electrical components that require cooling.

[0034] Cabinets or racks containing electrical equipment are typically arranged in rows within a data center, which define aisles between consecutive rows. Racks can be preassembled and "rolled in" adjacent to other racks into a space in the row that is predefined to have the footprint of a standard rack. This arrangement allows for modular construction or addition of components in a data center. In some configurations, aisles on opposite sides of a row of cabinets can be alternately designated as cold aisles or hot aisles, and heat generated by the electrical components of the cabinets can be exhausted to the hot air aisles.

[0035] Certain examples of the technology disclosed herein may include a cooling distribution unit (CDU), which generally includes a pump system and associated components for moving fluid along a liquid flow path of a cooling system (e.g., a primary or secondary flow loop for liquid cooling of a server or other electronic device). In particular, certain examples include a CDU configured as a replaceable pump unit with components for liquid coolant distribution that can be easily installed into and removed from a cooling system, including in some embodiments while the cooling system is running (i.e., with "hot-swappable" components). For example, a replaceable pump unit (RPU) may include an arrangement of components that allow a separate pump cassette to be selectively installed into or removed from a cooling system to provide redundant, hot-swappable pump capacity for water or other liquid cooling flows. In some cases, an RPU may include the structure of a larger cooling system that can receive and secure a hot-swappable cassette (or other cassette) and ensure leak-proofing for liquid connections.

[0036] Figure 1A A schematic diagram of an exemplary cooling system 100 is shown, which is configured to transfer heat away from electrical equipment in various numbers of cabinets using air-to-liquid (ATL) heat exchange. Although the following example focuses on an ATL arrangement, similar systems can generally be used with other cooling arrangements, including cooling arrangements for liquid-to-liquid heat exchange or liquid-to-air heat exchange. In the illustrated embodiment, three different electrical equipment racks 110 are schematically shown on the left, and an in-row cooling device (ICD) 120 is shown on the right. As further discussed below, the racks 110 can be connected to the ICD 120 using various piping arrangements (e.g., known pipes, hoses, manifolds, or valve arrangements) for the flow of cooling fluid (e.g., water, a mixture of water and an anti-corrosive agent, insulating oil, or propylene glycol) into and out of the racks 110. Thus, for example, cooler fluid may flow from ICD 120 to racks 110 to remove thermal energy from electrical equipment therein, while warmer fluid may return from racks 110 to ICD 120 .

[0037] In some examples, ICD 120 can be housed in a rack with a standard rack footprint for modular assembly, ease of installation, and integration within a data center. In other examples, the footprint of the in-row cooling device can be smaller than a standard rack footprint or have other dimensions.

[0038] In the example shown, the manifold 130 of the ICD 120 is arranged to receive and distribute the fluid flowing between the ICD 120 and the rack 110, and the fluid flowing between the heat exchanger 140 and the flow connection module 150 of the RPU 160. Therefore, when at least one pump unit of the RPU 160 operates to provide a cooling flow, the manifold 130 can guide the fluid that has been heated in the rack 110 to the heat exchanger 140, and can also guide the fluid that has been cooled by the heat exchanger 140 to the rack 110.

[0039] A variety of manifold configurations are possible. In some examples, the manifold 130 may include an integrated assembly to support one or more of: connections (e.g., quick-connect fittings) and conduits for flow into and out of the rack 110; connections and conduits for flow into and out of the RPU 160; or connections and conduits for flow into and out of the heat exchanger 140. In some examples, the manifold 130 may include a distributed arrangement that includes separate components or component assemblies distributed in various ways around the RPU 160 for connection and flow between these different subsystems.

[0040] In some examples, the manifold 130 can include a connection module 150 as part of an integrated component. In some examples, including the example shown in FIG. 1 , the connection module 150 can be separate from the manifold used to distribute fluid to or away from the racks 110, and various known types of flow components (e.g., tubes, fittings, valves, filters, etc.) can be arranged to allow flow between the connection module 150 and one or more other subsystems of the cooling system 100 (e.g., the manifold 130 as shown in FIG. 1 , the heat exchanger 140, the racks 110 without a different manifold in between, etc.).

[0041] In some embodiments, a fan may be provided to generate airflow through the heat exchanger 140 to increase the cooling efficiency of the system 100. In some embodiments, for example, the fan may further enhance the cooling of the system by directing air toward the hot channel. In the illustrated example, a fan group 170 is included in the ICD 120 to provide forced airflow through the heat exchanger 140 (see dashed arrows). Although the airflow from the fan group 170 is shown as being directed toward the rack 110, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that actual implementations may position the rack 110 outside the path of the heated air. The fan group 170 may appropriately include any number of fan modules, including hot-swappable fans arranged in a vertical arrangement mode or a lateral arrangement mode. Further, although in the illustrated embodiment, the airflow is shown as being in a direction from the fan group 170 toward the heat exchanger 140, in other configurations, the fan may draw air through the heat exchanger in a direction from the heat exchanger toward the fan group (e.g., in a direction opposite to the direction shown).

[0042] In different embodiments, the fan assembly 170 can be at the side, front, or rear of the ICD 120, can be included on a door of the ICD 120, or can be located elsewhere. In some examples, the fan assembly 170 can be included in an integrated housing with the heat exchanger 140, the manifold 130, or the RPU 160. In some examples, the fan assembly 170 can be a removable (e.g., external) module that can be selectively attached to a separate housing for the heat exchanger 140, the manifold 130, or the RPU 160. In some examples, the fan assembly 170 and the heat exchanger 140 can be housed in a door mounted to one of the racks 110 (e.g., as a rear door heat exchanger unit).

[0043] As described above, some examples may include hot-swappable pump assemblies, including pump assemblies that may be configured with hot-swappable pump cassettes. The pump cassette may be a self-contained module that includes a pump for an RPU, inlet and outlet connections for the pump (e.g., quick-connect fittings of known type), and a cassette frame that supports the pump for operation within the RPU (and ICD) and also supports the inlet and outlet connections for the pump to appropriately engage with corresponding connections of the RPU for use within the ICD. Correspondingly, in Figure 1AIn the illustrated example of the ICD 120 of the cooling system 100, the ICD 120 includes at least one pump cassette 180 that is configured (as indicated by the block arrows) for hot-swappable installation into or removal from the ICD 120. In the illustrated example, the ICD 120 includes compartments for two pump cassettes within the RPU 160, and the ICD 120 can thus receive two substantially identical instances of the pump cassettes 180 for parallel or redundant operation (e.g., in a side-by-side or stacked configuration). In other embodiments, other arrangements (e.g., different numbers) of RPUs, pump cassettes (e.g., pump cassettes 180), or corresponding subsystems of the ICD (e.g., compartments within the ICD for RPUs) are possible.

[0044] Figure 1B An exemplary arrangement of the pump cassette 180 of the ICD 120 and the RPU 160 is shown to provide hot-swappable pump capacity for cooling operation of the cooling system 100. For clarity of presentation, Figure 1B Only one pump cassette 180 is shown in FIG. As described above, certain embodiments may include multiple pump cassettes including multiple substantially identical (or other) cassettes configured for parallel or redundant operation of cooling operations.

[0045] In the example shown, the pump cassette 180 includes a cassette frame 210 that supports a pump 220 and a flow connection module 230 in fluid communication with the pump 220. The flow connection module 230 includes an inlet connection 232 and an outlet connection 234 that are configured to interface with the outlet connection 152 and the inlet connection 154, respectively, of the connection module 150 of the RPU 160 within the ICD 120. Thus, when installed, the connection modules 232, 152 and 234, 154 are engaged, and the pump 220 can provide flow for cooling operations of the ICD 120 (e.g., via the manifold 130 as discussed above) and the entire cooling system 100.

[0046] In some cases, other connection types may be included in modules 150, 230, or the like. For example, some connection modules for an RPU may include an electronic connection module, which generally allows electronic communication and power transfer between the RPU and an ICD (e.g., for pump 220, various sensors ( Figure 1A and Figure 1BIn some embodiments, the electronic connection module can allow a control system on the RPU (e.g., a variable frequency drive for pump 220) to communicate with a larger control system of cooling system 100 (e.g., a programmable electronic controller 190 (see FIG. 1 ) contained in ICD 120). Figure 1A )) communication between them.

[0047] In different examples, the cassette frame 210 can be configured differently. In some examples, the cassette frame 210 can include a skeleton support structure, such as edge struts, to form a rectangular scaffolding to which the pump 220 and the flow connection module 230 can be fixed. In some examples, the cassette frame 210 can include a sled (e.g., a closed or partially closed rectangular box structure) that can support and more widely protect the pump 220 and the flow connection module 230. For example, the cassette frame 210 can be primarily formed as a bent sheet metal structure with a support base for the pump 220, one or more side walls, a front wall (e.g., a cover containing a fan for cooling the pump 220), etc. In some embodiments, the cassette frame 210 can be molded or otherwise formed from plastic or other polymers or composite materials.

[0048] In some cases, the flow connection module 230 may include only the inlet and outlet connection modules 230, 234. For example, the connection modules 230, 234 may be free-floating inlet and outlet fittings or conduits, or may otherwise be non-rigidly fixed to the cassette frame 210, and then the connection modules 230, 234 may be received and properly aligned by corresponding structures of the RPU 160 within the ICD 120. For example, the connection module 150 may include a funnel or other tapered structure so that when the cassette is received into the corresponding bay of the ICD 120, the connection module 150 may receive the inlet and outlet connection modules 230, 234, wherein the inlet and outlet connection modules 230, 234 are within a relatively large range of potential positions (e.g., the center of either of the connection modules 230, 234 is displaced from the nominal centered position by 0.5 times or more the diameter of the associated fitting or flow conduit).

[0049] In some cases, connection modules 230, 234 may only be fixed (e.g., rigidly fixed) to pump 220, and thus may only be indirectly supported by cassette frame 210. For example, pump 220 may be rigidly fixed to cassette frame 210, and connection modules 230, 234 may rigidly extend from pump 220, but connection modules 232, 234 may not otherwise be connected to or supported by cassette frame 210. In some embodiments, connection modules 230, 234 may be integral with the pump (e.g., a portion of a pump housing or contained pump inlet or outlet structures), respectively, rather than being contained as separate components.

[0050] In some cases, connection module 150 may be non-rigidly fixed within ICD 120. For example, one or both of connectors 152, 154 may be configured to move with pump cassette 180 as pump cassette 180 is moved into or out of the housing (e.g., between an operative position within RPU 160 and an installed / uninstalled position that is otherwise internal to or at least partially external to RPU 160).

[0051] In some examples, the structure of pump cassette 180 or ICD 120 (e.g., RPU 160 within ICD 120) can be configured to ensure proper support of pump cassette 180 (e.g., particularly relative to connection modules 150, 230) during installation or removal. In some examples, cassette frame 210 can integrally present cassette support features, or can include separate components secured to cassette frame 210, secured to or included on pump 220, secured to or included on connection module 230, etc., to provide such features. Similarly, RPU 160 within ICD 120 (or ICD 120 generally) can include cassette support features for cassette frame 210, including cassette support features that can be integrally present on a housing or frame member of RPU 160 (or ICD 120 generally) or otherwise secured within ICD 120.

[0052] The cassette support features may variously include: external or internal corners (e.g., external or internal corners of a sheet metal frame or structural frame member); grooves or other recesses; protrusions (e.g., tracks, pins, detents, hooks, or other non-linear protrusion profiles, etc.); rollers (e.g., wheels, bearings, shafts, etc.); slides (e.g., telescoping slides); magnetic systems; operating levers; hinges; any type of known system for aligned movement of drawers or cabinet doors; etc. Thus, for example, pump cassette 180 may include one or more cassette support features (e.g., Figure 1BThe cassette support features are variously configured as structures of cassette frame 210, connection module 230, or pump 220 or attached to cassette frame 210, connection module 230, or pump 220, and the one or more cassette support features include as corners (e.g., corners of a slide plate or a bottom support stand), as protrusions or recesses, as part of one or more roller assemblies or slides, etc., and RPU 160 may correspondingly include one or more cassette support features (e.g., as Figure 1B ), the one or more cassette support features of the RPU are respectively configured as complementary corner guides, complementary recesses or protrusions, complementary one or more roller assemblies or slides, etc., and vice versa.

[0053] In some examples, a locking system may be included to secure the pump cassette in the installed position (or other position). In some examples, the locking system may be part of the cassette support system (e.g., may include or use one or more cassette support features). For example, the locking system may secure the pump cassette in the installed position for cooling operations, and may also be engaged to actively move the pump cassette into the installed position. In some examples, the locking system may be constructed or may otherwise operate separately from the cassette support system.

[0054] In some embodiments, the locking system can be arranged to be easily accessible by an authorized user from outside the ICD. Figure 1B As shown in FIG, a locking system for RPU 160 (e.g., a locking system for retaining pump cassette 180 within RPU 160) can include ICD locking structure 112, and pump cassette 180 can include locking structure 186, the locking structure of the pump cassette being configured to lockingly engage with locking structure 112 to secure pump cassette 180 within ICD 120 for cooling operation.

[0055] In different examples, various locking structures may be used, including: latch or pin systems, rotary or linear cam systems, spring-biased catches, or other structures, electronic or magnetic systems, manual or automatic actuation systems, screw locking mechanisms, etc. Thus, for example, the locking structure 186 of the pump cassette 180 may include a rotating cam, a spring-biased or lever-operated latch, a threaded rod, or other similar extendable / retractable structure, and the locking structure 112 of the RPU 160 in the ICD 120 (or the ICD 120 generally) may include a corresponding recess, protrusion, or other structure that can be lockingly engaged with the locking structure 186 of the pump cassette 180, or vice versa. In some examples, as also generally mentioned above, the engagement of such a rotating cam, latch, or other structure on the locking structure 186 with the locking structure 112 can help to urge the pump cassette 180 into the final installed orientation (e.g., via the linearized force of the rotating spiral cam, screw, or lever mechanism).

[0056] In certain embodiments, engagement of the associated locking structures or other similar installation steps may generally result in an enable signal or other signal to a control system (e.g., a pump driver, a fan driver, or various known types of general industrial controllers (not shown)) for operating ICD 120 and cooling system 100. For example, in certain examples, operation of pump 220 may not be permitted until a switch or other sensor (not shown) of known or other configuration is activated to indicate proper engagement of connection modules 150, 230, proper support of overall pump cassette 180, proper engagement of locking structures 186 and locking structures 112, or one or more other satisfactory diagnostic conditions.

[0057] Various other examples of RPUs and related systems are presented below. Unless otherwise indicated, similar reference numerals are used for similarly named components in different examples (e.g., RPU 160 and RPU 160A) to indicate similar possible structure and function of the components discussed. Thus, for example, the discussion of cooling system 100 herein is generally applicable to other cooling systems 100A, 100B, etc. at the system and component levels. Although the following discussion describes the contemplated RPU as being mounted within a cabinet that houses an air-to-liquid heat exchanger or a liquid-to-air heat exchanger, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the RPU may be arranged in a variety of cooling configurations. For example, in addition to or as an alternative to RPU 160 being installed in cooling system 100, a separate RPU may be installed in a cabinet that is configured to house an air-to-liquid heat exchanger or a liquid-to-air heat exchanger. Figure 1AIn one or more racks 110 of the embodiment of the present invention, multiple RPUs may be provided along the liquid coolant loop to increase the pumping capacity and cooling efficiency along the liquid coolant loop. Further, the RPU may be provided in a cabinet dedicated to liquid cooling, or the RPU may be co-located in a cabinet containing electrical components to be cooled (e.g., a cabinet may contain a liquid-to-air heat exchanger to cool electrical equipment within the cabinet).

[0058] Figure 2 Aspects of an RPU 160A are shown, which may be implemented as an example of an RPU 160 (e.g., as discussed above) in a cooling system 100A, which is an example of a cooling system 100 (e.g., as discussed above). In particular, the RPU 160A includes two pump cassettes 180A (only one is labeled) with blind-mate fluid connections 150A, 320A (e.g., with quick-connect inlet fittings 234A, 154A and quick-connect outlet fittings 232A, 152A) so as to be easily installed into or removed from the RPU 160A. As generally discussed with respect to RPU 160, the pump cassettes 180A of RPU 160A are arranged to operate in parallel with each other to provide pumped cooling flow from an upstream inlet 155A of RPU 160A to a downstream outlet 153A of RPU 160A (e.g., both with tri-clamp fittings as shown). In some cases, other components may also be included, including various flow devices (e.g., expansion tank 157A as shown to accommodate thermal expansion and other volume fluctuations), one or more flow sensor kits (e.g., for suction and supply temperature and pressure of pump cassette 180A). An electronic controller 190A may also be included (e.g., as part of or in communication with a variable frequency drive or other drive for the pumps of pump cassette 180A), and appropriate communication channels (e.g., for wired communication) may be provided between controller 190A and sensors, pump cassette 180A, etc. (e.g., via quick-connect electrical connectors (not shown)). Although in Figure 2 is shown separately (for example, it can be included in Figure 1A120 or other associated system), but in some cases, the controller 190A may be partially or fully contained on the RPU 160A (e.g., with a dedicated controller on each pump cassette 180A and a master controller in the cabinet of the ICD receiving the RPU 160A). In some cases, the controller 190A may be physically located on the RPU 160A and may function as the master controller for the electronic components (e.g., fans, power supplies, pumps, etc.) of the cooling system 100A, regardless of whether the electronic components are located inside or outside the RPU 160A. In some cases, as described below, the controller 190A may be one of a pair of controllers housed in the RPU 160A, the pair of controllers being either identical or including programming for separate operating modes for the cooling system (e.g., cooling system 100A) and its electronic components. In some cases, a pair of controllers housed in the RPU can provide redundancy, with one controller being a primary controller and the other being a backup controller, such that when the primary controller is not operating (e.g., when the primary controller is removed for maintenance or replacement, or when the primary controller fails), the backup controller assumes control of the system until the primary controller is operational again.

[0059] In some examples, the controller of the RPU may operate the pump according to a control process. For example, a user may input a desired performance or operating characteristic of the cooling system, and the controller may control the pump speed and / or fan speed to achieve the desired value. In some cases, the controller may operate one or more of the pump speed and the fan speed according to a proportional-integral-derivative controller (e.g., FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 ). Figure 2 1 and the speed of the fans of the fan group 170 shown in FIG. 1 ). For example, a user may set a target temperature value for the outlet of an ICD (e.g., ICD 120), and a controller (e.g., controller 190 housed in RPU 160) may iteratively adjust the pump speed and measure the temperature change to achieve the target temperature. In some cases, a user or the system may specify one or more of a target temperature, a target pressure, a target temperature difference (e.g., the difference between the temperatures at the inlet and outlet of heat exchanger 140), a target pressure difference, or any other value that can be measured by the system. In some cases, a user may directly control the speed of one or more pumps of the RPU by setting a pump speed value at an interface of the controller (e.g., a network interface, an Ethernet connection, a command line interface, a visual user interface, etc.). In some cases, the controller (e.g., controller 190) may be programmable to control the pump speed according to any algorithm or process determined by an operator of the cooling system 100.

[0060] In some cases, elements of a cooling system (e.g., cooling system 100 or examples thereof) along a flow path of a liquid coolant may be filled with fluid prior to integration with the cooling system or prior to operation within the cooling system. For example, air bubbles within the liquid of the liquid coolant in the cooling system may damage components along the flow path and increase wear on pipes and flow control components (including pumps). It may be advantageous to include features within the elements of the cooling system to allow the components to be filled (e.g., primed) with liquid prior to integration with the liquid cooling circuit so that the components do not introduce air into the flow path of the liquid coolant. In this regard, Figure 2 A fill / drain line with port 240A is shown to facilitate filling the RPU 160A with a liquid (e.g., water). Port 240A can also be used to drain fluid from the RPU 160A (e.g., to replace the fluid of the RPU 160A or to remove or repair the RPU 160A and its components). As shown, port 240A can include a quick-connect connection and can be fluidly connected to a fill kit (not shown) for filling or refilling the RPU 160A with liquid coolant.

[0061] Figure 3 1 shows aspects of a cooling system 100B that may be implemented as an example of the cooling system 100 discussed above. In particular, as shown, the cooling system 100B includes an RPU 160B that is generally similar to the RPU 160A discussed above (see, e.g., FIG. 1 ). Figure 2 ), and has additional sensor capabilities (e.g., with additional temperature and flow sensors relative to RPU 160A). Thus, cooling system 100B can implement cooling operations similar to those discussed above, wherein the pump cassette of RPU 160B provides pumping power to distribute cooled fluid to one or more external (or other) electronic systems to be cooled via a liquid supply and receives heated fluid from one or more electronic systems via a liquid return (e.g., both contained in manifold 130B), and moves the heated fluid through heat exchanger 140B to be cooled by fan assembly 170B. Correspondingly, various operations of cooling system 100B can be controlled by electronic controller 190B, which can include coordinating pump speed and fan speed based on data from various illustrated (or other) sensors. Further, RPU 160B can also include a fill / drain line, which includes a fill / drain port 240B for filling or draining RPU 160B, as relative to Figure 2 as described for port 240A.

[0062] Figure 4 Example instructions for Figure 31 is an exemplary schematic diagram of a control system 400 for a cooling system 100B. In the example shown, the control system 400 includes: a dedicated variable frequency drive for a pump contained on a corresponding pump cassette 180B; and an integrated power supply with different output voltages; and electronic communication connections between the pump cassette 180B and other architecture of the control system 400, including various sensors (e.g., as discussed above) and controller 190B. In some cases, the control system (e.g., control system 400) may also include electronic components external to the RPU 160B, including, for example, fan groups (e.g., fan group 170 shown in FIG. 1 , Figure 3 Further, the control system 400 may include a secondary controller 191B, so that the controller 190B may be one of a pair of redundant controllers, as described above.

[0063] Figure 5 Aspects of an RPU 160C are shown, which may be implemented as an example of an RPU 160 (e.g., as discussed above) in an ICD 120C of a cooling system 100C, which are examples of an ICD 120 and cooling system 100 (e.g., as discussed above). In the example shown, the RPU 160C includes a set of two substantially identical pump cassettes 180C, each pump cassette including a cassette frame 210C that supports a pump 220C and associated drive motor and cooling fan, and also supports a flow connection module 230C with an inlet connection 232C and an outlet connection 234C. Although numbering is shown for only one of the pump cassettes 180C, it should be understood that the description of the numbered pump cassette 180C is equally applicable to the pump cassette 180C that does not include a number.

[0064] The flow connections 232C, 234C may generally comprise known types of quick connect fittings or other connection structures as generally described above, and may be supported by the cassette frame 210C to be properly aligned for engagement with corresponding connection modules on the RPU 160C (not shown). In particular, the flow connection modules 232C, 234C are supported relative to the cassette frame 210C by upright plate brackets 260 with support angle plates 262 that provide further structural stability and protection for the flow connection modules 232C, 234C. However, in other embodiments, there are various other support arrangements (e.g., other direct support arrangements or various indirect support arrangements). For example, in some cases, the flow connection modules 232C, 234C may not be directly supported by the cassette frame 210C. Also as mentioned above, electrical connectors (e.g., various known types of quick connect electrical connectors) may also be provided, including electrical connectors that may provide power or control signals for the pump 220C (e.g., for a variable frequency drive used to control the speed of the pump) and other electronic components of the pump cassette 180C (which may include, for example, LEDs, sensors, locking mechanisms, switches, etc.).

[0065] In the example shown, the cassette frame 210C is primarily formed as a slide with a slide base 212 formed as a support platform made of bent sheet metal with upwardly angled sides and a central support area that directly supports the associated pump 220C and associated flow connection modules 232C, 234C (e.g., via a plate bracket 260 as shown). The slide base 212 of the pump cassette 180C is configured to slide directly on the base plate 214 of the RPU 160C so that the base plate 214 and the RPU 160C as a whole generally guide the slide base 212 to move between the installed position and the uninstalled position. For example, the slide base 212 may be sized for guiding contact with an edge of an opening 216 in a front plate of the RPU 160C or with other guiding features of the RPU 160C (e.g., features integrally formed with or securely secured to the base plate 214). In some cases, the slide base 212 may include integral or otherwise connected (but non-integral) features that may assist in properly aligning the pump cassette 180C generally or the flow connection modules 232C, 234C in particular. In some examples, as also generally mentioned above, the flow connection modules 232C, 234C or other features on the pump cassette 180C may assume a floating configuration, and the corresponding flow connections on the RPU 160C may be configured to receive and align the flow connection modules 232C, 234C for cooling operations. In addition or alternative to including dedicated attached or integral cassette support features, the pump cassette may be configured to be moved into cooling operations (and secured therein) via a locking mechanism, including as discussed further below.

[0066] Now also refer to 7A to 9C , pump cassette 180C includes a rotational locking mechanism by which a user's rotational input locks pump cassette 180C in an installed (and operating) position. In the example shown, the locking mechanism of pump cassette 180C may also facilitate insertion and support of pump cassette 180C relative to ICD 120C, although other configurations may not necessarily allow for such functionality. In particular, as Fig. 7A and Figure 7B As shown in FIG. 1 , pump cassette 180C includes a locking structure 186C including a handle 188 that is accessible from the exterior of RPU 160C for rotation and that is attached to an internal locking cam 192. Locking cam 192 includes a cylindrical base 194 extending from handle 188 and a helical cam protrusion 196 that protrudes generally radially from cylindrical base 194, as shown in FIG. Fig. 8A Also shown in .

[0067] Return to reference Fig. 7A and Figure 7B On RPU 160C, the corresponding locking structure 112C may include a slot 114 configured to engage a cam projection 196 (e.g., as shown) in a locking and cassette-supporting engagement. Figure 8B ). In particular, in the example shown, slot 114 is angled laterally and obliquely relative to the direction of insertion of pump cassette 180C. 9A to 9C Once the cassette 180C has been inserted through the opening, the handle is moved from the unlocked position (eg, fully upright) through the intermediate position (eg, Fig. 7A , Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B ) to the locked position (see Figure 7B and Fig. 9C ), slot 114 can engage cam projection 196 to pull cassette 180C into a suitable support for coolant flow from connection module 230C to ICD 120C, and to lock cassette 180C into an aligned (installed and operational) position. In other embodiments, other locking devices can similarly secure the cassette or can similarly push the cassette into an operational support, including locking devices that can be implemented via other rotating or non-rotating cam devices, via operating lever mechanisms, pins, latches, etc. In some cases, the locking device itself can be fixed in a specific (e.g., locked) configuration, including using fasteners, detents, snap rings, or other devices.

[0068] In some cases, the locking device (or other subsystem) may include a stop to prevent over-insertion of components of the RPU. Fig. 9B and Fig. 9C As shown in FIG. 1 , locking structure 112C includes stop 116, which can prevent over-insertion of pump cassette 180C while also providing contact (e.g., tactile) feedback to the user that can indicate that pump cassette 180C is positioned for locking operation using locking structures 186C, 112C. Similar or otherwise configured stops can be arranged to provide similar stopping functions in other situations, or arranged to provide other operable stops (e.g., relative to locking or unlocking rotation of handle 188 or other locking components).

[0069] Fig.101 shows aspects of an RPU 160D, which may be implemented as an example of an RPU 160 in an ICD 120D of a cooling system 100D (e.g., as discussed above), which ICD 120D and cooling system 100D may be examples of an ICD 120 and cooling system 100 (e.g., as discussed above). In general, RPU 160D is similar to RPU 160C (e.g., see Figure 5 ), includes a pump cassette 180D with a cassette frame 210D formed to include a sheet metal slide base 212D, and locking structures 186D, 112D arranged as a rotating cam system, wherein the cassette frame is formed to include a sheet metal slide base 212D, and the locking structures 186D, 112D can lock and align the pump cassette 180D (e.g., similar to the locking structures 186C, 112C discussed above).

[0070] However, in certain aspects, RPU 160D differs from RPU 160C. For example, guide member 218 is secured to cassette frame 210D at slide base 212D, and corresponding (e.g., complementary) guide member 222 is secured to base plate 214D of RPU 160D. In particular, guide member 218 defines two protrusions on opposite sides of a passageway, and guide member 222 is a track secured to base plate 214D to provide a protrusion protruding from base plate 214D that is complementary to guide member 218 (with appropriate clearance for sliding movement). Thus, for example, contact between guide members 218, 222 can help guide translational movement of pump cassette 180D during installation or removal of pump cassette 180D relative to ICD 120D, and can limit or restrict lateral movement (e.g., horizontal movement perpendicular to the insertion direction) of pump cassette 180D.

[0071] In the example shown, square protrusions and square recesses are provided, but other configurations are possible, and some embodiments may include more or fewer protruding (or other) guide structures. Further, while guide members 218, 222 are shown extending continuously over substantially the entire length of pump cassette 180D, some examples may include guide features that extend discontinuously along the pump cassette or other RPU structure, or extend only along a portion of the entire length of the pump cassette (e.g., totaling less than 80%, less than 60%, less than 50%, or less than 30% of the relevant length). Further, in some cases, alternate arrangements are possible (e.g., with guide recesses on the RPU that receive guide protrusions on the pump cassette), as well as other possibilities discussed above.

[0072] As another example of a difference relative to RPU 160C, the slide base 212D of pump cassette 180D does not directly support the inlet and outlet connections 232D, 234D for the associated pump 220D. Instead, inlet and outlet structures (e.g., inlet and outlet connections 232D, 234D) with various types of known plumbing fittings or other components (not shown) may extend from the inlet and outlet of pump 220D and may be directly supported only by pump 220D (or other structures not including slide base 212D), rather than by brackets, gussets, or other similar structures extending from slide base 214D (e.g., as with a pump cassette 180D). Figure 5 The bracket 260 and the corner plate 262 are shown in contrast).

[0073] Fig.11 Aspects of another RPU 160E are shown, which may be implemented as an example of RPU 160 (e.g., as discussed above). RPU 160E is generally similar to RPUs 160C, 160D discussed above, including with respect to the support structure and the power drive device, but differs in certain aspects. For example, the locking mechanism of pump cassette 180E of RPU 160E may include a handle configured as an operating lever 242 that is articulated about an axis (e.g., a fixed horizontal axis, as shown) to enable pin 244 to be locked in a locked configuration (e.g., a fixed horizontal axis, as shown). Fig.11 242 and an unlocked configuration (not shown). Thus, via movement of operating rod 242, pin 244 may move to allow or prevent pump cassette 180E from being removed from RPU 160E. In some examples, pin 244 or other structure associated with operating rod 242 may be configured to move pump cassette 180E into a position for cooling operation (e.g., substantially similar to locking structures 186C, 112C discussed above). In some embodiments, sensor 246 (e.g., a contact switch or other proximity sensor) may sense the position of operating rod 242 and may send a corresponding control signal to a controller (e.g., to indicate whether pump cassette 180E is properly locked and, therefore, ready for cooling operation). In various embodiments, any type of known sensor may be used for similar purposes, and similar sensor systems may be implemented with respect to other RPUs discussed herein.

[0074] Fig. 12A and Fig. 12BAspects of another cooling system 100F with an ICD 120F and an RPU 160F are shown, which can be implemented as an example of cooling system 100, ICD 120, and RPU 160 (e.g., as discussed above). RPU 160F is generally similar to RPUs 160C, 160D discussed above, including support structures and power drive equipment, but differs in certain aspects. For example, a locking mechanism of a pump cassette 180F of RPU 160F can include a rotatable knob 188F that can be rotated by a user in a first direction (e.g., in a clockwise direction) to secure pump cassette 180F in a locked configuration within RPU 160F, and can be rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction (e.g., in a counterclockwise direction) to move the retaining mechanism of RPU 160F to an unlocked configuration. In some examples, as further described below, when knob 188F is rotated to place the retaining mechanism in a locked configuration, the retaining mechanism (not shown) of pump cassette 180F and RPU 160F can engage to move pump cassette 180F into a position for cooling operation. Pump cassette 180F of RPU 160F can include features that facilitate installation and removal of cassette 180F. For example, as shown, pump cassette can include handle 250F to provide an operator with a location to grip pump cassette 180F when removing or installing cassette 180F. In some embodiments (e.g., including features such as those described below with respect to Fig. 20 As described above, pump cassette 180F may include additional handles and gripping features, which may allow an operator to engage the cassette with both hands. Further, pump cassette 180F may include fan modules 264F for cooling corresponding components of pump cassette 180F (e.g., pumps of pump cassette 180F). Fan modules 264F may operate to blow air through the components of the pump cassette in a direction toward the rear of RPU 160F (e.g., in the insertion direction of pump cassette 180C, toward the hot aisle of the data center).

[0075] Ports for filling or draining fluid from the RPU can be located in easily accessible locations to allow the RPU to be serviced and filled from the cold aisle of the data center. Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B As further shown in FIG. 1 , the liquid port 240F (e.g., similar to Figure 2 Port 240A and Figure 3Port 240B (shown in FIG. 1 ) may be disposed at the front face of RPU 160F. Port 240F may include a quick-connect connector to allow a hose of a liquid fill / drain kit (not shown) to be connected to port 240F to fill or drain fluid from RPU 160F and its components. In some embodiments, the RPU 160F may include a quick-connect connector to allow a hose of a liquid fill / drain kit (not shown) to be connected to port 240F to fill or drain fluid from RPU 160F. Fig.25 and Fig.26 As described, one or more liquid ports may be provided in the rear of the RPU to allow servicing from the rear of the cabinet in which the RPU is installed (e.g., a hot aisle within a data center). Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B The illustrated embodiment includes only one port, however, in other embodiments, more than one port may be provided for the liquid fill / drain lines.

[0076] In some cases, as described above, the RPU may include a control system for controlling the operation of the cooling system. The control system may include local control elements for components within the RPU (e.g., pumps), and may include controllers that can communicate with elements of the ICU (e.g., fans of fan group 170 shown in FIG. 1 ). Fig. 12A and Fig. 12BAs further shown in , the RPU 160F may include a removable controller 190F. The controller 190F may be mounted in a slot of the RPU 160F and may include a handle 198F to facilitate easy removal and insertion of the controller 190F from the RPU 160F. In some cases, the handle 198F may engage a retaining mechanism for the controller 190F, and removal of the controller 190F may require vertical displacement of the handle 198F to disengage the retaining mechanism before removing the controller 190F in a direction opposite to the insertion direction of the controller 190F. As further shown, the RPU 160F may include a second controller 191F, which may be substantially identical to the controller 190F in terms of mechanical features. In some cases, the programming of each of the controllers 190F, 191F may be substantially similar (e.g., identical). In some cases, one of the controllers 190F, 191F is a primary controller and the other of the controllers 190F, 191F is a backup controller. The primary controller may be operative to control the electrical components of the ICD 120F during operation. When the primary controller is removed or otherwise unable to communicate with the electronic components of the ICD 120F (e.g., when the primary controller fails), the backup controller may assume control of the electrical components of the ICD 120F until the primary controller resumes operation. In some cases, the controllers 190F, 191F may be programmed differently and may each include instructions for implementing a different operating mode than another of the controllers 190F, 191F. In some cases, an operator may select one of the controllers 190F, 191F as the primary controller. The controllers 190F, 191F may include interfaces (e.g., a TCP / IP interface, a Modbus protocol interface, an Ethernet interface, etc., such as with respect to Figure 4 191F) to allow interaction with other electrical components of the ICD 120F, and may further allow an operator of the ICD 120F to connect to either or both of the controllers 190F, 191F to read operating parameters, or set points (e.g., set points for target temperatures, target pressures, maximum and minimum values ​​for operating parameters, etc.) therefrom. Further, the controllers 190F, 191F may be hot-swappable, and the cooling system 100F may continue to operate when one of the controllers 190F, 191F is removed without interrupting the operation of the cooling system 100F.

[0077] Fig.13Aspects of the RPU 160F are further shown, wherein the RPU 160F is shown separated from the cooling system 100F and the ICD 120F. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the RPU 160F can be used in a liquid cooling system having a different configuration than the cooling system 100F and the ICD 120F. For example, as shown, the RPU 160F has a height of four rack units (e.g., 4U), which can occupy four standard slots in a cabinet of a data center. Therefore, the RPU 160F can be installed in any cabinet with four consecutive available slots, and fluid can be pumped along a liquid coolant loop. In some cases, the cabinet in which the RPU 160F is installed can include a heat exchange element (e.g., the cabinet can be a liquid-air cooling unit, an air-liquid cooling unit, can accommodate a liquid-air heat exchanger, or can be integrated with a rear door liquid-air heat exchanger). In some cases, RPU 160F may be mounted in a cabinet that does not contain heat exchange components, and may function alone or in conjunction with other RPUs to direct flow along a liquid cooling loop.

[0078] Reference now Fig.14 , such as relative to Figure 5 and Figure 6 As described with reference to the RPU 160C shown in FIG. 1 , each pump cassette 180F may include a cassette frame 210F that supports a pump 220F and an associated drive motor and cooling fan 264F, and also supports a flow connection module 230F with an inlet connector 232F and an outlet connector 234F, which are examples of the inlet connector 232 and outlet connector 234 described with respect to FIG. 1 . The flow connectors 232F, 234F may generally include known types of quick-connect fittings or other connection structures as generally described above. As shown, the flow connectors 232F, 234F of the flow connection module 230F are supported by the pump 220F (e.g., similar to Fig.10 In some examples, an upright plate support may be provided on the RPU (eg, as an alternative or in addition to providing a support plate on the pump cassette, such as Figure 6). The board bracket of the RPU can support the connection module of the RPU for positioning with the connection module of the pump box box inserted into the RPU. As shown, for example, the RPU 160F includes an upright board bracket 260F for supporting the components of the RPU 160F including the inlet connector 152F and the outlet connector 154F. The board bracket 260F can support the connectors 152F, 154F in a position so as to be properly aligned for engagement with the corresponding connectors 232F, 234F of the pump box box 180F. As also mentioned above, electrical connectors (e.g., various known types of quick-connect electrical connectors) can also be provided, including electrical connectors that can provide power or control signals to the pump 220F (e.g., to a variable frequency drive used to control the speed of the pump).

[0079] In some cases, cassette support features and mechanisms may be provided in the RPU to support and align the pump cassette within the RPU. Providing cassette support features on only one of the RPU or the pump cassette may simplify the insertion and removal of the pump cassette relative to the RPU, and may further simplify the manufacturing process for the RPU. For example, since the pump cassette may be replaced more frequently than the frame of the RPU, it may be advantageous to minimize the cassette support features built into the pump cassette to reduce manufacturing costs. Further, the cassette support features of the RPU may rely on gravity to prevent vertical displacement of the RPU, which may eliminate the need for rails or other mechanisms on the pump cassette or the RPU to ensure vertical positioning.

[0080] in this regard, Fig.15 and Fig.16 The cassette support features of the RPU 160F are shown, wherein the RPU 160F is shown with one pump cassette 180F removed. As shown, the RPU 160F can include cassette support features that can be integrally formed with or secured to the base plate 214F of the RPU 160F. The cassette support features can include a raised central member 222F, a first side bracket 802, and a second side bracket 804. The raised central member 222F can define a substantially flat horizontal surface that is configured to engage a bottom surface of a pump cassette (e.g., pump cassette 180F). The side brackets 802, 804 can each be a mirror image of the other side bracket 802, 804 and can include features for laterally supporting a pump cassette to be inserted into the RPU 160F. For example, the side brackets may define an "L" shape with a first surface 808 (e.g., a horizontal surface) configured to engage a bottom surface of a pump cassette, and lateral sides (e.g., a horizontal surface) substantially perpendicular to first surface 808 and configured to engage a slide base of pump cassette 180F. Fig.18160F). The substantially flat horizontal surface of raised central member 222F can be coplanar with the first surface 808 of each of the first and second brackets 802, 804, which can allow a pump cassette inserted into RPU 160F to rest on a substantially horizontal surface. A gap can be defined between raised central member 222F and side brackets 802, 804, which can allow airflow under pump cassette 180F inserted into RPU 160F and can also reduce friction during insertion and removal. In some embodiments, the side brackets and raised central member can be included in a single integrated support feature, and the first surface of the corresponding side bracket can be continuous with the substantially flat horizontal surface of the raised central member (e.g., without a gap between the surfaces).

[0081] The relative positioning of the side brackets for the cassette support feature of the RPU can ensure lateral positioning of the pump cassette inserted into the RPU and prevent lateral displacement of the installed pump cassette. For example, the distance between the second surface 810 of the first bracket 802 and the second surface 810 of the second bracket 804 can be substantially equal to the slide base of the pump cassette 180F (e.g., as shown in FIG. Fig.18 80F). Thus, engagement between the second surfaces 810 of the respective side brackets 802, 804 and the lateral sides of the skateboard base of the pump cassette 180F can prevent displacement of the inserted pump cassette 180F. In certain embodiments, as shown, the angled guide features 812 of the second surfaces can be angled laterally outward (e.g., away from the opposing side bracket) so that the distance along the angled guide features 812 between the second surfaces 810 of the first and second brackets 802, 804 can be greater than the width of the base of the pump cassette 180F. The angled guide features 812 can be positioned proximate to the entry point of the pump cassette 180F and can guide the insertion of the pump cassette 180F so that positioning of the pump cassette 180F prior to insertion is not required. In certain embodiments, the second surface (e.g., the vertical surface) of a side bracket of a cassette support system for a pump cassette in an RPU can be substantially planar along the length of the side bracket.

[0082] In some cases, the RPU may also include features and systems for preventing longitudinal displacement of the pump cassette within the RPU (e.g., displacement of the installed pump cassette in a direction parallel to the insertion direction of the RPU). As described above, the system for preventing longitudinal displacement of the pump cassette may be configured to provide a retaining mechanism for the pump cassette and a locking structure and an unlocking structure for the RPU. As shown, a collar 814 may be provided for the RPU 160F, and the collar may be supported by and secured to the bracket 260F. The collar 814 may include a threaded hole 818, which may be configured to receive a threaded rod of the pump cassette (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1 ). Fig.17 80F). The engagement between the threaded rod of the pump cassette and the collar 814 can tighten the engagement between the pump cassette and the connection module of the RPU (e.g., the engagement between the respective connectors 232F, 234F of pump cassette 180F and connectors 152F, 154F of RPU 160F), and can prevent longitudinal displacement of the pump cassette within the RPU in the locked configuration.

[0083] Reference now Fig.17 , shows a pump cassette 180F that defines a geometry and features configured to engage cassette supports and retaining features of an RPU (e.g., as shown relative to Fig.15 and Fig.16 For example, pump cassette 180F includes a slide base 212F with a bottom surface 903 and opposing side surfaces 904 (e.g., vertical surfaces perpendicular to bottom surface 903) that are sized and configured to engage with surfaces of raised central member 222F and side brackets 802, 804 (e.g., as shown in FIG. Fig.15 and Fig.16 ).

[0084] Pump cassette 180F may include threaded rod 906 that may be sized to be received by Fig.15 80F and can be mechanically connected to a knob 188F extending from a front surface of the pump cassette. Rotation of knob 188F can cause a corresponding rotation of threaded rod 906, which can allow an operator to secure pump cassette 180F within the RPU from the front side of the RPU. In some embodiments, a support member can be provided along the pump cassette to support the threaded rod and ensure that the threaded rod is positioned with respect to a corresponding collar of the RPU during insertion. For example, as shown in FIG. Fig.17As further shown in FIG. 1 , support wall 910 can be disposed in a back portion of the pump cassette, and the support wall can include an aperture (e.g., a hole in a collar of the pump cassette) for receiving threaded rod 906. Thus, the aperture disposed in the support wall can prevent or limit lateral and vertical displacement of the threaded rod relative to the pump cassette, which can allow for positioning of the threaded rod with the collar of the RPU during installation of the pump cassette.

[0085] Fig.18 1 is a cross-sectional view of a single RPU 160F with a pump cassette 180F installed therein. In particular, Fig.18 Engagement between the surface of the slide base 212F of the pump cassette 180F and the cassette support features 222F, 802, 804 of the RPU 160F is shown. As shown, when the pump cassette 180F is installed in the RPU 160F, the bottom surface 903 contacts the horizontal surface of the raised central member 222F and the first surface 808 of the first and second side brackets 802, 804. Further, the opposing lateral surfaces 904 engage the corresponding second surfaces 810 of the side brackets 802, 804. In some embodiments, the lateral surfaces of the base of the pump cassette do not contact the first side of the side bracket, and a minimum gap can be provided between the lateral surfaces and the corresponding first surface to reduce friction during installation, allow for a margin of error in the width of the base, allow for thermal expansion of components of the pump cassette and the RPU, etc. Thus, the cassette support features of the RPU 160F (eg, raised center member 222F and side brackets 802, 804) may limit or prevent displacement in both the vertical direction (eg, in conjunction with gravity) and the lateral direction.

[0086] As mentioned above, the RPU and / or pump cassette may also include mechanisms to prevent or limit displacement in a longitudinal direction (e.g., a direction parallel to the insertion direction) and to secure the pump cassette in position relative to the RPU. Fig.19 1 is a cross-sectional view of RPU 160F and shows threaded rod 906 (e.g., as shown in FIG. Fig.17 ) with the RPU collar 814 (e.g., as Fig.15As shown, the collar 814 can include a peripheral flange 820 that can engage the bracket 260F to resist displacement of the collar 814 in a direction opposite to the insertion direction of the pump cassette 180F. As shown, the threaded rod 906 extends along the length of the pump cassette 180F and extends rearwardly from the pump cassette 180F. As shown, in the installed configuration, the threaded rod 906 is at least partially received in the collar 814 and is coaxial with the threaded hole 818. Therefore, rotation of the knob 188F in a first direction (e.g., in a clockwise direction) can secure the threaded rod 906 in the collar 814 and tighten the engagement between the pump cassette 180F and the RPU 160F (e.g., the pump cassette 180F can be displaced in the insertion direction to allow elements such as quick connect fittings to engage more tightly). Rotation of knob 188F in the opposite direction (e.g., in a counterclockwise direction) can displace pump cassette 180F in a direction opposite to the insertion direction and can cause threaded rod 906 to eventually disengage from collar 814, thereby allowing pump cassette 180F to be removed from RPU 160F. In some embodiments, the threaded rod can be threaded along the entire length of the rod (e.g., as shown). In some embodiments, the threaded rod can be threaded only at the distal end to engage the collar of the RPU. In other embodiments, the rod for securing the pump cassette within the RPU can include a cam structure that can be rotated to overhang the surface of the RPU and limit the longitudinal displacement of the pump cassette. In some embodiments, any known mechanism for securing a fastening element of a rod to a structure in response to rotational movement can be used to secure the pump cassette within the RPU.

[0087] In certain embodiments, the pump cassette may include additional features to provide gripping points for the operator and to simplify installation, removal, and transport of the pump cassette. For example, a pump cassette may have considerable weight, and providing the cassette with two handles at the front of the cassette may allow the operator to grip the cassette with both hands, which may improve the operator's control when inserting or removing the pump cassette. In this regard, Fig. 20 RPU 160G is shown, and the RPU may be Figure 2. As shown, RPU 160G may include a pump cassette 180G with a first handle 250G and a second handle 251G disposed on a front face of the pump cassette 180G. In the illustrated embodiment, the handles 250G, 251G are spaced apart on opposite lateral sides of the pump cassette and are oriented vertically (e.g., the handles are parallel and extend upward from the perspective shown). In other embodiments, the handles of the pump cassette may be positioned on opposite vertical sides of the front face of the pump cassette (e.g., at the top and bottom) and may be oriented horizontally (e.g., the handles may at least partially span the lateral width of the pump cassette). In certain embodiments, the handles of the pump cassette may be positioned at an oblique angle relative to the vertical and may be positioned to increase operator comfort when using the handles to insert or remove the pump cassette.

[0088] In some cases, the pump cassette may also include a carrying handle to facilitate transport of the pump cassette (e.g., to carry the pump cassette when it is not aligned with the opening in the RPU). Fig. 20 A rear handle 2000 for a pump cassette 180G is shown. Rear handle 2000 can span the width of pump cassette 180G and can be secured to pump cassette 180G at opposite lateral sides of slide base 222G of pump cassette 180G. In certain embodiments, the rear handle of the pump cassette can include features for improving user comfort when the user is transporting the pump cassette. For example, the rear handle can include rubber, foam, or gripping grooves at the gripping surface of the handle. In certain embodiments, the rear handle can be positioned longitudinally along the pump cassette to provide weight balancing of the pump cassette around the rear handle when the user is carrying the pump cassette by the rear handle.

[0089] In some cases, the pump cassette retaining mechanism may be automated and may be electrically powered. For example, in some embodiments, a pump cassette may include a pump cassette having a plurality of pump cassettes. Fig.21 As shown in FIG. 1 , the pump cassette does not include a knob for rotating the threaded rod 906H of the pump cassette 180H. For example, the threaded rod 906H can be operatively connected to a motor (not shown), such as a servo motor, and the motor can rotate the threaded rod 906H to engage a corresponding retaining feature of the RPU (e.g., the collar 814 of the RPU 160F, such as Fig.15 , Fig.16 and Fig.19 ) or disengagement from the retaining features. A pump cassette that includes an automated retaining mechanism may still allow for manual installation and engagement of the retaining mechanism to place the pump cassette in a locked or unlocked configuration relative to the RPU. In this regard, Fig.21Hexagonal protrusion 188H is shown protruding from the front face of pump cassette 180H. Hexagonal protrusion 188H can allow threaded rod 906H to be rotated using a tool (such as socket wrench 2102 as shown) to install or disengage pump cassette 180H to the RPU. In some embodiments, the hexagonal protrusion can be sized to fit a standard socket head of a socket wrench (e.g., socket wrench 2102). For example, the hexagonal protrusion can be sized to be received into a 1 / 4 inch socket head, a 3 / 8 inch socket head, a 1 / 2 inch socket head, a 3 / 4 inch socket head, a 1 inch socket head, or the hexagonal protrusion can have any other size (e.g., cross-sectional profile) that can be received into a socket head having a standard size. In some cases, a removable knob may be provided to engage hexagonal protrusion 188H to rotate threaded rod 906H to install or disengage pump cassette 180H to the RPU.

[0090] In some cases, when the pump cassette is installed to or removed from the RPU, the engagement and disengagement of the connectors (e.g., the inlet connector and the outlet connector of the RPU and the pump cassette) may cause leakage of fluid at the interface between the connectors. Therefore, in order to prevent fluid from leaking onto the RPU or other parts of the cooling system, a drip pan may be provided at the interface between the connectors to catch the leaked fluid. For example, Fig.21 A drip pan 2104 is further shown. The drip pan 2104 is positioned vertically below the connectors 132H, 134H of the pump cassette 180H to receive fluid that may leak from the corresponding connectors during installation or removal of the pump cassette 180H into the RPU. The drip pan has a first wing 2106 on a first side of the connector 132H, 134H and a second wing (not shown) on an opposite lateral side of the connector 132H, 134H. The first wing 2106 and the second wing may include a "V" shape, wherein the distal end of each wing is elevated relative to a central connection point (e.g., the apex of the V-shape of the drip pan 2104, not shown). The drip pan may define retaining sidewalls 2108 along the perimeter of the drip pan, thereby defining a valley between the sidewalls 2108 to prevent fluid from flowing away from the drip pan 2104. In some embodiments, the pump cassette does not include a drip pan.

[0091] Fig.22A and Fig. 22B Another retaining mechanism for a pump cassette 180I is shown, which is the same as that of FIGS. 1 and 2. Figure 2. As shown, ratchet handle 188I can be disposed along the front face of the pump cassette. Ratchet handle 188I can be mechanically coupled to shaft 906I, which can include a threaded portion (not shown) at a distal end to be received into a collar of an RPU (e.g., collar 814 of RPU 160F) to secure pump cassette 180I to the RPU. As shown, ratchet handle 188I is mounted on plate 2200. As shown in FIG. Fig. 22B As shown in , the plate 2200 can define an aperture 2201 to at least partially receive the ratchet handle 188I. The aperture 2201 can include a ratchet section defined between a first stop surface 2204 and a second stop surface 2206. The ratchet handle 188I can include a protruding member 2202 that is sized to be received into the aperture 2201 in a radial region between the stop surfaces 2204, 2206. Rotation of the ratchet handle relative to the plate 2200 can thus be constrained by engagement between the protruding member 2202 and the respective stop surfaces 2204, 2206. In some embodiments, the stop surfaces 2204, 2206 can be angularly spaced about 90 degrees from each other, which can allow for 90 degree rotation of the ratchet handle 188I relative to the plate 2200. In some embodiments, the angular space between the stop surfaces of the plate that constrains the angular rotation of the ratchet handle can be greater than 90 degrees, or less than 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the rotation of the ratchet handle is not constrained (e.g., the pump cassette does not include a plate with a stop surface). In some cases, when ratchet handle 188I is rotated in a first direction (e.g., in a clockwise direction), ratchet handle 188I engages shaft 906I to produce a corresponding rotation of shaft 906I, and when the ratchet handle is rotated in a direction opposite to the first direction (e.g., in a counterclockwise direction), the ratchet handle does not engage shaft 906I and thus does not produce a corresponding rotation of shaft 906I.

[0092] In some cases, the RPU can be cooled by the cooling system (e.g., with respect to Figures 1 and Figure 2 The electrical components cooled by the cooling system 100 described herein receive heated fluid. The heated fluid may expand and increase the pressure in the piping elements of the cooling system, which contain the ICD and the RPU (e.g., FIGS. 1 and 2). Figure 2120 and RPU 160 shown in ). Therefore, in some cases, the increased heat load of the electrical components to be cooled may cause a corresponding increase in pressure in the RPU. When the heat of the fluid in the RPU exceeds the boiling point, the fluid (e.g., water) may boil and escape the liquid cooling circuit. Leakage of fluid through the circuit may negatively reduce the overall pressure and reduce the cooling efficiency of the cooling system. Therefore, in some cases, a system may be provided for the RPU to regulate the pressure within the fluid pipeline of the RPU and mitigate fluid losses within the RPU (e.g., due to boiling or leakage of the fluid). In this regard, Fig.23 RPU 160J is shown, and the RPU is shown in FIG. Figure 2 An example of an RPU 160 is shown in .

[0093] For example, in certain embodiments, the RPU may include an internal expansion tank that can accommodate thermal expansion and other volume fluctuations. The internal expansion tank can be filled to maintain the fluid below a threshold pressure (e.g., 1 bar), and when the pressure along the fluid line exceeds this value, the expansion tank can release the pressure along the fluid line by receiving a portion of the fluid (e.g., in the event of thermal expansion) until the pressure of the fluid line drops below the threshold pressure. Therefore, it may be advantageous to position the expansion tank upstream of the pumping components along the inlet of the RPU because this can provide protection for the pumping components against wear caused by thermal expansion of the fluid and the resulting pressure increase. In this regard, Fig.23 An expansion tank 157J is shown within RPU 160J. As shown, expansion tank 157J is fluidly connected to the piping of RPU 160J at a point downstream of RPU inlet 153J and upstream of inlet 152 of pump cassette 180J. Positioned in this manner, expansion tank 157J can absorb the increased pressure of heated fluid flowing into RPU 160J at RPU inlet 153J so that the pressure of piping components along RPU 160J remains below a threshold pressure. In certain embodiments, the expansion tank can achieve a threshold pressure of about 1 bar, about 1.1 bar, about 1.2 bar, about 1.3 bar, about 1.4 bar, or about 1.5 bar.

[0094] In some cases, a system may be provided for the RPU to at least partially regulate pressure within the piping components of the RPU by replacing fluid lost along the fluid coolant circuit. For example, fluid of the liquid cooling circuit may leak when components along the liquid cooling circuit are removed or replaced. In some cases, this may result in fluid loss when quick-connect connections are connected or disconnected. In some cases, fluid may be lost when the temperature of the fluid within the liquid cooling circuit exceeds the boiling temperature and the fluid is removed from the piping of the liquid cooling circuit via boiling. In some cases, the liquid cooling component (e.g., the RPU) may include a fluid reservoir to replace fluid loss within the system. The reservoir may be connected to the piping of the liquid cooling component, and when the pressure within the piping of the liquid cooling component decreases, fluid from the reservoir may flow into the piping until the pressure of the system is restored, or until the pressure of the fluid in the reservoir is approximately equal to the pressure of the fluid in the piping of the liquid cooling component. In this regard, Fig.23 A fluid reservoir 2300 is shown within the RPU 160J. The fluid reservoir 2300 can be fluidly connected to a portion of the piping of the RPU 160J between the RPU inlet 153J and the inlet 152 of the pump cassette 180J (e.g., via a hose 2301). When the pressure of the fluid in the piping drops below a minimum pressure, this can create a suction force along the hose 2301, thereby drawing the fluid from the reservoir into the piping of the RPU 160J. The fluid can flow from the reservoir 2300 to the piping of the RPU 160J until the minimum pressure is reached for the system. In some cases, the reservoir can be fluidly connected to the piping of the RPU at different points. For example, the reservoir can be fluidly connected to the piping between the outlet of the pump cassette 154J and the RPU outlet 155J. Other configurations are possible, and the pressure regulating element (e.g., expansion tank 157J, reservoir 2300) can be fluidly positioned at any point along the flow path of the liquid cooling circuit. In certain embodiments, the RPU does not include either an expansion tank or a reservoir, or includes only one of the expansion tank and the reservoir.

[0095] In some embodiments, the RPU may include a pressure regulating cap to release the pressure of the fluid in the system when the fluid is boiling. For example, when the pressure exceeds a maximum value, the pressure cap may automatically open to release the pressure along the fluid coolant circuit (e.g., by allowing steam or heated water to leave the circuit's pipeline through the pressure cap). In this regard, the RPU 160J may include a pressure cap 2308. When the fluid in the RPU 160J (e.g., the fluid in the reservoir 2300) boils, the pressure cap 2308 may automatically open to release the pressure. In some cases, the pressure cap 2308 may be adjustable and may be set to release the pressure when the pressure exceeds a value set by the user. In some embodiments, the pressure cap may be located at any point along the pipeline of the RPU. In some embodiments, the RPU may include multiple pressure caps to relieve overpressure when there is a pressure difference between components of the RPU.

[0096] In some cases, the piping of the RPU may include flexible hose sections. For example, the piping elements of the RPU may be subjected to loads that may cause temporary or permanent deformation of the corresponding components. In some cases, inserting the pump cassette into the RPU may generate a temporary load on the piping of the connector (e.g., connectors 152, 154) connected to the RPU. In some cases, when the temperature of the fluid flowing through the piping increases, the piping may expand, and when the temperature of the fluid flowing through the piping decreases, the piping may shrink. In some examples, all piping in the RPU may be rigid, and deformation or load on a portion of the piping may cause corresponding deformation along the entire piping of the RPU. The cumulative deformation and cumulative load of the loads on different parts of the rigid piping assembly of the RPU may cause wear on the various piping elements of the system, which may reduce the life of the RPU and its components. The RPU 160J may include features for preventing the above-described problems, and flexible hoses 2304, 2306 may be disposed at points along the piping of the RPU 160J to prevent the transfer of a force or load on one component from generating a corresponding force or deformation on all piping of the RPU 260J. The flexible hoses 2304, 2306 may absorb forces and may deform to accommodate the forces, thereby reducing the load on the remainder of the piping. In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible hoses 2304, 2306 extend laterally, thereby partially mechanically decoupling the piping elements on the first lateral side of the RPU 160J and the piping elements on the lateral side of the RPU 160J opposite to the first lateral side. In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible hose 2304 is disposed between parallel piping elements of the fluid inlet (e.g., between the fluid inlet 154), and the flexible hose 2306 is disposed between parallel piping elements of the fluid outlet (e.g., between the fluid outlets 152). In other embodiments, the flexible hose may be disposed at different points along the conduits of the RPU. In some examples, the flexible conduits may be disposed along the longitudinal conduits of the RPU 160J (e.g., the flexible hose may extend between the front and rear of the RPU 160J, rather than extending laterally). In some embodiments, all conduits of the RPU may include flexible hoses.

[0097] The RPU may include airflow components to cool components of the RPU by directing airflow through the RPU. Fig.24A As shown in FIG. 1 , the RPU 160K may include a fan 264K (eg, similar to or identical to the fan 264K) on the corresponding pump cassette 180K of the RPU 160K. Fig.13160F). In some embodiments, fan 264K can generate airflow in a direction parallel to the insertion direction of pump cassette 180K into RPU 160K (e.g., from the front of RPU 160K toward the back of RPU 160K). In some embodiments, fan 264K can operate to pull air through the components of RPU 160K in a direction opposite to the insertion direction of pump cassette 180K. Increasing the air flow through the RPU can increase cooling of the components of the RPU, which can extend the life of the system components. In some embodiments, additional fans can be positioned along the RPU to increase the air flow through the RPU. Fig. 24B As shown in , the rear of the RPU 160K (e.g., a portion of the RPU 160K that is close to the hot aisle when the RPU is installed in the cabinet) can include a rear fan 265. The rear fan 265 can operate to increase the air flow through the RPU 160K together with the fan 264K of the pump cassette 180K. For example, when the pump cassette fan 264K is operating to blow air in the insertion direction of the pump cassette 180K, the rear fan 265 can operate to pull air through the RPU 160K in the same direction as the airflow (i.e., in the insertion direction of the pump cassette 180K). In some cases, the rear fan 265 is enabled when the heat in the RPU 160K exceeds a threshold heat. In some cases, the user can manually enable or disable the fan 265 (e.g., through an interface of a controller of the RPU). In some embodiments, the RPU can include two rear fans at the back of the RPU. In some cases, one or more rear fans may be used in place of the fans of the RPU's pump cassette.

[0098] The RPU of the cooling system (e.g., Figure 1 and Figure 2 ) may include a RPU 160 for the cooling system 100 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , which may include a plurality of RPUs for filling / draining lines and corresponding ports, such as with respect to FIG. Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B For example, ports for liquid fill and drain lines can be located at the rear of the RPU, which can allow the RPU to be serviced from the hot aisle or rear of the cabinet in which the RPU is installed. In addition, the RPU can include fill / drain lines and corresponding ports along the inlet (e.g., at the suction side) and separate fill / drain lines and corresponding ports along the outlet (e.g., at the supply side). For example, Fig.25 and Fig.26 The example illustrates an RPU 160L with fill / drain lines located at the inlet and outlet of the RPU 160L. Fig.25As shown in FIG. 1 , first liquid fill / drain line 2506 can be fluidly connected to line 2508, which can be a line along an inlet (e.g., return or suction side) of RPU 160L, and can further include fill / drain line 2502, which can be fluidly connected to line 2504, which can be a line at an outlet (e.g., supply side). First fill / drain port 2604 can be disposed at the rear of RPU 160L and can be fluidly connected to Fig.25 160L and can be connected to the fill / drain line 2506. Correspondingly, a second port 2602 can extend from the rear of the RPU 160L and can be fluidly connected to the fill / drain line 2502. Ports 2602, 2604 can be quick-connect fittings that can allow fluid flow when a corresponding hose or drain line of the fill / drain kit is connected to the quick-connect fittings.

[0099] The foregoing description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be given the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0100] In certain embodiments, the devices or systems disclosed herein may be utilized, manufactured, installed, etc. using methods that embody various aspects of the present invention. Accordingly, any description herein of a particular feature, capability, or intended purpose of a device or system is generally intended to include disclosure of methods for using such a device for its intended purpose, methods for otherwise implementing such capabilities, methods for manufacturing related components of such a device or system (or the device or system as a whole), and methods for installing disclosed (or otherwise known) components to support such purposes or capabilities. Similarly, unless otherwise indicated or limited, discussion herein of any method for manufacturing or using a particular device or system (including installing the device or system) is intended to inherently include disclosure of the utilized features and realized capabilities of such a device or system as an embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] In some embodiments, various aspects of the present invention (including computerized implementations of methods according to the present invention) can be implemented as systems, methods, devices or articles of manufacture by using standard programming and / or engineering techniques to generate software, firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof to control a processor device (e.g., serial or parallel general or dedicated processor chips, single-core or multi-core chips, microprocessors, field programmable gate arrays, control units, any combination of arithmetic logic units and processor registers, etc.), a computer (e.g., a processor device operatively connected to a memory), or another electronically operated controller to implement various aspects described in detail herein. Thus, for example, embodiments of the present invention can be implemented as a set of instructions tangibly embodied on a non-transitory computer-readable medium so that a processor device can implement instructions based on reading instructions from a computer-readable medium. Certain embodiments of the present invention may include (or utilize): a control device, such as an automation device; a dedicated or general-purpose computer including various computer hardware, software, firmware, etc., which is consistent with the following discussion. As specific examples, the control device may include a processor, a microcontroller, a field programmable gate array, a programmable logic controller, logic gates, etc., as well as other typical components known in the art for implementing appropriate functions (e.g., memory, communication system, power supply, user interface and other input parts, etc.). In certain embodiments, the control device may include a centralized hub controller that receives, processes and (re)transmits control signals and other data to and from other distributed control devices (e.g., engine controllers, actuator controllers, drive controllers, etc.), including as part of a hub-and-spoke architecture or other architecture.

[0102] As used herein, the term "article of manufacture" is intended to encompass a computer program that can be accessed from any computer-readable device, carrier (e.g., non-transitory signal), or medium (e.g., non-transitory medium). For example, a computer-readable medium may include, but is not limited to, a magnetic storage device (e.g., a hard disk, a floppy disk, a magnetic strip, etc.), an optical disk (e.g., a compact disk (CD), a digital versatile disk (DVD), etc.), a smart card, and a flash memory device (e.g., a card, a stick, etc.). In addition, it should be understood that a carrier wave may be used to carry computer-readable electronic data, such as those used when transmitting and receiving e-mails or accessing a network such as the Internet or a local area network (LAN). Those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications may be made to these constructions without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed subject matter.

[0103] Certain operations of the methods according to the present invention or certain operations of the systems for performing these methods may be schematically represented in the accompanying drawings or discussed in other ways herein. Unless otherwise specified or limited, representing specific operations in a specific spatial order in the accompanying drawings may not necessarily require that these operations be performed in a specific order corresponding to the specific spatial order. Correspondingly, certain operations represented in the accompanying drawings or disclosed in other ways herein may be performed in a different order from that explicitly shown or described, which is appropriate for a specific embodiment of the present invention. Further, in some embodiments, certain operations may be performed in parallel, including by dedicated parallel processing devices or separate computing devices configured to interact as part of a large system.

[0104] As used herein in the context of computer implementation, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "component", "system", "module", "block", etc. are intended to cover part or all of a computer-related system comprising hardware, software, a combination of hardware and software, or software in execution. For example, a component may be, but is not limited to, a processor device, a process executed (or executable by a processor device), an object, an executable program, an execution thread, a computer program, or a computer. For example, both an application program and a computer running on a computer may be a component. One or more components (or systems, modules, etc.) may reside in a process or execution thread, may be localized on a computer, may be distributed between two or more computers or other processor devices, or may be contained in another component (or system, module, etc.).

[0105] Likewise, as used herein, unless otherwise limited or defined, "or" indicates a non-exclusive list of components or operations that can exist in any kind of combination, rather than an exclusive list of components that can only exist as substitutes for each other. For example, a list of "A, B, or C" indicates the following options: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; and A, B, and C. Correspondingly, the term "or" as used herein indicates exclusive substitutes only when preceded by an exclusive term (such as "any one," "one of...", "only one of...", "exactly one of..."). For example, a list of "one of A, B, or C" indicates the following options: A, but not B and C; B, but not A and C; and C, but not A and B. A list preceded by "one or more (and variations thereof)" and containing "or" to separate the listed elements indicates an option of one or more of any or all of the listed elements. For example, the phrases "one or more of A, B, or C" and "at least one of A, B, or C" indicate the following options: one or more A; one or more B; one or more C; one or more A and one or more B; one or more B and one or more C; one or more A and one or more C; and one or more A, one or more B, and one or more C. Similarly, a list preceded by "plurality (and variations thereof)" and containing "or" to separate the listed elements indicates the option of multiple instances of any or all of the listed elements. For example, the phrases "plurality of A, B, or C" and "two or more of A, B, or C" indicate the following options: A and B; B and C; A and C; and A, B, and C.

[0106] Likewise, as used herein, unless otherwise limited or defined, the terms "about," "substantially," and "approximately" refer to a value range of ±5% of the numerical value following the term. By default, the terms "about" and "approximately" include the endpoints of the relevant range, but are also intended to disclose ranges that do not include the endpoints.

[0107] Likewise, as used herein, unless otherwise qualified or defined, "unitary" and its derivatives (e.g., "integrally") describe an element that is manufactured as a single part without fasteners, adhesives, etc. to secure the separate parts together. For example, an element that is stamped into a one-piece component from a single sheet of sheet metal without rivets, screws, or adhesives to hold the separately formed parts together is a unitary (and integrally formed) element. In contrast, an element that is formed from multiple parts that are initially formed separately and subsequently joined together is not a unitary (or integrally formed) element.

Claims

1. A replaceable pump unit (RPU) for liquid cooling of electronic equipment, the RPU comprising: A first inlet connection module; A first outlet connection module; a base plate including at least one cassette support feature; as well as Locking structure; A first removable pump cassette, the first removable pump cassette comprising: a cassette frame defining a slide plate along a bottom of the cassette frame, a rotatable protrusion at a front face of the pump cassette, a locking mechanism rotatably coupled to the rotatable protrusion, A pump, the pump comprising a pump inlet connection module and a pump outlet connection module; as well as a first removable controller and a second removable controller; Wherein, in a locked configuration, engagement of the locking structure with the locking mechanism locks the first removable pump cassette within the RPU, wherein the first inlet connection module is in fluid communication with the pump inlet connection module and the first outlet connection module is in fluid communication with the pump outlet connection module.

2. The RPU according to claim 1, wherein: The first inlet connection module, the first outlet connection module, and the locking structure extend through and are supported by an upright panel support.

3. The RPU according to claim 1, wherein: The rotatable protrusion comprises a knob.

4. The RPU according to claim 1, wherein: The locking mechanism includes a shaft rotatably coupled to the rotatable protrusion, the shaft including a threaded portion at a distal end of the shaft, and wherein the locking structure includes a threaded hole sized and configured to receive the threaded portion of the shaft.

5. The RPU according to claim 4, wherein: The first removable pump cassette includes a motor configured to drive rotation of the shaft.

6. The RPU according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one cassette support feature includes two opposing brackets mounted to the base plate, each of the at least two opposing brackets including a horizontal surface and a lateral surface, wherein, in the locked configuration, the horizontal surface of the slide engages the horizontal surfaces of both of the two opposing brackets and the slide is positioned between the lateral surfaces of both of the two opposing brackets.

7. The RPU of claim 1, further comprising a liquid fill line and a liquid fill port, the liquid fill port extending outwardly from a surface of the RPU, and the fill line being in fluid communication with the liquid fill port and tubing of the RPU.

8. The RPU according to claim 1, wherein: The first removable pump cassette includes a fan mounted at a front surface of the first removable pump cassette.

9. The RPU according to claim 1, wherein: The first removable controller includes a handle.

10. The RPU according to claim 1, wherein: A front surface of the first removable pump cassette includes two handles.

11. The RPU according to claim 1, wherein: The first removable controller is a primary controller and the second removable controller is a backup controller.

12. The RPU according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the first removable controller and the second removable controller is in electronic communication with the pump to control a speed of the pump.

13. The RPU according to claim 1, wherein: The RPU is mounted within a housing that includes at least one fan, and wherein at least one of the first removable controller and the second removable controller is in electronic communication with the fan to control a speed thereof.

14. A pumping system for use with a liquid cooling system, the pumping system comprising: A framework, the framework comprising: a liquid inlet for receiving liquid into the pumping system; a first inlet connection module and a second inlet connection module, wherein the first inlet connection module and the second inlet connection module are in fluid communication with the liquid inlet; Liquid outlet; a first liquid outlet connection module and a second liquid outlet connection module, wherein the first liquid outlet connection module and the second liquid outlet connection module are in fluid communication with the liquid outlet; a collar including a threaded hole; at least two slots, each slot configured to receive a removable controller module; a base plate including a plurality of cassette support features; At least two compartments are configured to receive a pump cassette, each of the at least two compartments being at least partially defined by the base plate.

Images