Data center liquid cooling device for reducing icing risk of dry cooler

Abstract

A liquid cooling system and method for preventing icing of dry cooler components are presented, comprising: a first liquid distribution loop to convey cooling liquid from a dry cooler; a second liquid distribution circuit to deliver the heated liquid to the dry cooler; an auxiliary liquid supply circuit for replenishing the flow of liquid back to the dry cooler; the first temperature sensor is used for measuring the temperature of the cooling liquid; the volume sensor is used for measuring the flow of the cooling liquid; and an intelligent bypass control valve fluidly coupled with the auxiliary supply circuit and the second liquid distribution circuit. Upon determining that the cooling liquid flow is less than the minimum volume, a bypass control valve is opened to allow the auxiliary supply circuit to increase the liquid flow back to the dry cooler, and upon determining that the cooling liquid temperature is less than the minimum temperature, an alarm message is issued.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present technology relates generally to the field of data center cooling equipment and, more particularly, to controls to minimize the risk of icing of data center dry cooling units servicing the liquid cooling needs of rack-mounted processing components. Background Art

[0002] Data centers and many computer processing facilities house numerous rack-mounted electronic processing equipment. During operation, this electronic processing equipment generates a large amount of heat that must be dissipated to avoid electronic component failure and to ensure continued efficient processing operations.

[0003] To this end, various liquid cooling measures have been implemented to facilitate the dissipation of heat generated by electronic processing equipment. One such measure employs liquid block cooling technology to directly cool one or more heat generating processing components. The technology utilizes liquid cooling blocks having internal channels that receive cooling liquid from a liquid cooling source, and these liquid cooling blocks are in thermal contact with the heat generating processing components.

[0004] Depending on the availability of water resources, in many cases, the preferred source of cooling liquid includes a dry cooling unit. The dry cooling unit supplies cooling liquid to rack-mounted electronic processing equipment, and receives heated liquid from the electronic processing equipment, and the dry cooling unit is configured to re-cool the received heated liquid to circulate back to the electronic processing equipment. However, considering that many rack-mounted electronic processing equipment require liquid cooling measures, dry cooling units occupy a large amount of space, and dry cooling units are typically installed outside of the data center / computer processing facility. In doing so, the dry cooling unit is typically exposed to external environmental factors, including freezing weather and icy conditions.

[0005] In this regard, there remains interest in reducing the risk of liquid supplied by and flowing through a dry cooling unit freezing due to freezing conditions.

[0006] The subject matter discussed in the background section should not be assumed to be prior art simply because it is mentioned in the background section. Similarly, it should not be assumed that the problems mentioned in the background section or associated with the subject matter in the background section have been previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background section merely represents different approaches. Summary of the invention

[0007] Embodiments of the present technology were developed in light of certain shortcomings associated with conventional dry cooling techniques and implementations.

[0008] In one aspect of the inventive concept, the present technology provides an antifreeze liquid cooling device for rack-mounted processing components in a data center, the antifreeze liquid cooling device comprising: a dry cooling unit configured to supply cooling liquid to the rack-mounted processing components and receive heated liquid from the rack-mounted processing components; a first liquid distribution circuit for transferring cooling liquid from the dry cooling unit to the rack-mounted processing components; a second liquid distribution circuit for transferring heated liquid from the rack-mounted processing components to the dry cooling unit; an auxiliary liquid supply circuit for replenishing the liquid flow back to the dry cooling unit; each of the rack-mounted data processing components comprises at least one heat-generating electronic processing element and at least one liquid cooling block and an intelligent control valve, the at least one liquid cooling block being arranged to be in thermal contact with the at least one heat-generating electronic processing element respectively and the at least one liquid cooling block being fluidly connected to the first liquid distribution circuit, the intelligent control valve being correspondingly arranged to be fluidly connected to at least one liquid cooling block of the corresponding rack-mounted data processing component.

[0009] The antifreeze liquid cooling device also includes: a device for adjusting the temperature T of the supplied cooling liquid. C A first temperature sensor for measuring the temperature T of the heated liquid from the data processing component PA The second temperature sensor for measuring the pressure P in the water storage tank W A pressure sensor for measuring the flow rate V of the supplied cooling liquid C A volume sensor for measuring; an intelligent bypass control valve, the intelligent bypass control valve being fluidly connected to the auxiliary liquid supply circuit and the return liquid distribution circuit; and an antifreeze module, the antifreeze module being configured to measure the flow rate V of the supplied cooling liquid C Is it less than the specified minimum threshold V min Determine, based on V C Is it less than V min To control the intelligent bypass control valve, the measured temperature T of the supplied cooling liquid C Is it less than the specified minimum temperature threshold T min To determine, and based on T C Is it less than T min To control the intelligent bypass control valve.

[0010] The antifreeze liquid cooling device is additionally characterized in that the antifreeze module is further configured to: W Is it less than the specified minimum pressure threshold P? min Determine and based on PW Is it less than P min To control the intelligent bypass control valve.

[0011] Another feature of the antifreeze liquid cooling device is that the intelligent bypass control valve is configured to receive a control instruction from the antifreeze module and respond to the control instruction from the antifreeze module to open or close the liquid flow through the intelligent bypass control valve.

[0012] And, another feature of the antifreeze liquid cooling device is that in response to determining the measured pressure P in the water storage tank W Not less than the specified minimum pressure threshold P min And the measured flow rate V of the supplied cooling liquid C Less than the minimum volume threshold V min , controls the smart bypass control valve to open and allows the auxiliary liquid supply loop to increase liquid flow back to the dry cooling unit.

[0013] An additional feature of the antifreeze liquid cooling device is that after the intelligent bypass control valve is controlled to open, the antifreeze module continues to control the measured flow rate V of the supplied cooling liquid. C Is it still less than the minimum volume threshold V? min Check.

[0014] A further feature of the antifreeze liquid cooling device is that, when determining the measured temperature T of the supplied cooling liquid, C Less than the specified minimum temperature threshold T min Or the measured pressure P in the water tank W Less than the specified minimum pressure threshold P min After that, an alarm message is issued indicating that operator intervention / control is required.

[0015] In a related aspect of the inventive concept, the present technology provides an antifreeze process for a liquid cooling system for rack-mounted processing components, the antifreeze process comprising: providing a dry cooling unit for supplying cooling liquid to the rack-mounted processing components and receiving heated liquid from the rack-mounted processing components; providing a first liquid distribution circuit for conveying cooling liquid from the dry cooling unit to the rack-mounted processing components, a second liquid distribution circuit for conveying heated liquid from the rack-mounted processing components to the dry cooling unit, and an auxiliary liquid supply circuit for replenishing liquid flow back to the dry cooling unit; each of the rack-mounted data processing components includes at least one heat-generating electronic processing element and at least one liquid cooling block and an intelligent control valve, the at least one liquid cooling block being arranged to be in thermal contact with the at least one heat-generating electronic processing element and being fluidly coupled to the first liquid distribution circuit to receive the cooling liquid, the intelligent control valve being correspondingly arranged to be fluidly coupled to the at least one liquid cooling block of the corresponding rack-mounted data processing component; and providing a temperature T of the supplied cooling liquid along the first liquid distribution circuit. C A first temperature sensor for measuring the temperature T of the heated liquid from the data processing component PA The second temperature sensor for measuring the pressure P in the water storage tank W A pressure sensor for measuring the flow rate V of the supplied cooling liquid C Volume sensor for measurement.

[0016] The antifreeze process further includes: providing an intelligent bypass control valve, the intelligent bypass control valve being fluidly coupled to the auxiliary liquid supply circuit and the return liquid distribution circuit; and determining the flow rate V of the supplied cooling liquid measured. C Is it less than the specified minimum volume threshold V min Determine; based on V C Is it less than V min To control the intelligent bypass control valve; the measured temperature T of the supplied cooling liquid C Is it less than the specified minimum temperature threshold T min Determine; and based on T C Is it less than T min To control the intelligent bypass control valve.

[0017] An additional feature of the antifreeze process is the measured pressure P in the water storage tank. W Is it less than the specified minimum pressure threshold P? min Determine and based on P W Is it less than P min To control the intelligent bypass control valve.

[0018] Another feature of the antifreeze process is that in response to determining the measured flow rate V of the supplied cooling liquid C Less than the minimum volume threshold V min , controls the smart bypass control valve to open and allows the auxiliary liquid supply loop to increase liquid flow back to the dry cooling unit.

[0019] Another feature of the antifreeze process is that in response to determining the measured pressure P in the water storage tank W Less than the specified minimum pressure threshold P min , issues an alarm message indicating that operator intervention / control is required.

[0020] A further feature of the antifreeze process is that, in determining the measured flow rate V of the supplied cooling liquid C Not less than the minimum body threshold V min Then, the measured temperature T of the supplied cooling liquid is C Is it less than the specified minimum temperature threshold T min Determine and if T C Less than T min , issues an alarm message indicating that operator intervention / control is required.

[0021] An additional feature of the antifreeze process is that in response to determining the measured pressure P in the water storage tank W Not less than the specified minimum pressure threshold P min The flow rate V of the supplied cooling liquid is measured at the same time C Less than the minimum volume threshold V min , controls the smart bypass control valve to open and allows the auxiliary liquid supply loop to increase liquid flow back to the dry cooling unit.

[0022] In the context of this specification, unless otherwise explicitly stated, a computer system may refer to but is not limited to an "electronic device", "operating system", "system", "computer-based system", "controller unit", "monitoring device", "control device" and / or any combination thereof suitable for the currently relevant task.

[0023] In the context of this specification, unless expressly provided otherwise, the expressions "computer-readable medium" and "memory" are intended to include media of any nature and kind, non-limiting examples of which include RAM, ROM, disks (CD-ROM, DVD, floppy disks, hard disk drives, etc.), USB keys, flash memory cards, solid-state drives, and tape drives. Still in the context of this specification, "a" computer-readable medium and "the" computer-readable medium should not be interpreted as the same computer-readable medium. On the contrary, where appropriate, "a" computer-readable medium and "the" computer-readable medium may also be interpreted as a first computer-readable medium and a second computer-readable medium.

[0024] In the context of this specification, unless expressly specified otherwise, the words "first", "second", "third" etc. are used as adjectives merely for the purpose of allowing the nouns they modify to be distinguished from each other, rather than for describing any particular relationship between these nouns.

[0025] The implementations of the present technology each have at least one of the above-mentioned purposes and / or aspects, but not necessarily all of them. It should be understood that some aspects of the present technology generated by attempting to achieve the above-mentioned purpose may not meet the purpose and / or may meet other purposes not specifically described herein.

[0026] Additional and / or alternative features, aspects, and advantages of implementations of the present techniques will become apparent from the following description, drawings, and appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] For a better understanding of the present technology and other aspects and further features thereof, reference is made to the following description which will be used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 A high-level functional block diagram of an antifreeze liquid cooling device for data center rack-mounted processing components according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present technology is shown;

[0029] Figure 2 A flow chart illustrating a freeze protection process for a liquid cooling system for rack-mounted processing components according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present technology;

[0030] Figure 3 A flow chart illustrating an additional freeze protection process for a liquid cooling system including rack-mounted processing components according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present technology; and

[0031] Figure 4 A high-level functional block diagram of a controller for an antifreeze liquid cooling device is shown.

[0032] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are not drawn to scale unless otherwise explicitly stated herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The examples and conditional language described herein are primarily intended to help readers understand the principles of the present technology, rather than limiting its scope to these specifically described examples and conditions. It will be understood that those skilled in the art can design various arrangements that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, still embody the principles of the present technology.

[0034] In addition, to facilitate understanding, the following description may describe relatively simplified implementations of the present technology. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various implementations of the present technology may have greater complexity.

[0035] In some cases, examples that are considered helpful for modifications of the present technology may also be set forth. This is done solely to aid understanding, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present technology or set forth its boundaries. These modifications are not an exhaustive list, and other modifications may be made by those skilled in the art while remaining within the scope of the present technology. In addition, if no examples of modifications are set forth, it should not be interpreted that modifications are impossible and / or that what is described is the only way to implement that element of the present technology.

[0036] In addition, all statements describing the principles, aspects, and implementations of the present technology and specific examples thereof herein are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof, whether they are currently known or developed in the future. Thus, for example, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that any block diagram herein represents a conceptual view of an illustrative circuit that embodies the principles of the present technology. Similarly, it will be understood that any flow chart, job diagram, state transition diagram, pseudocode, etc. represent various processes that can be substantially represented in a non-transient computer-readable medium and executed by a computer or processor, whether or not such computer or processor is explicitly displayed.

[0037] The functions of the various elements shown in the figure (including any functional blocks marked as "processors") can be provided by using dedicated hardware and hardware that can be combined with appropriate software to execute software. When provided by a processor, these functions can be provided by a single dedicated processor, by a single shared processor, or by multiple separate processors (some of which can be shared). In some embodiments of the present technology, the processor can be a general-purpose processor (such as a central processing unit (CPU)) or a processor dedicated to a specific purpose (such as a digital signal processor (DSP)). In addition, the explicit use of the term "processor" should not be interpreted as specifically referring to hardware that can execute software, and may implicitly include but is not limited to application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), read-only memories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs) and non-volatile memories for storing software. Other conventional and / or customized hardware may also be included.

[0038] Software modules or simple modules implicitly being software may be represented herein as any combination of flow chart elements or other elements indicating the execution of process steps and / or textual descriptions. These modules may be executed by hardware shown explicitly or implicitly. In addition, it should be understood that a module may include, for example, but not limited to, computer program logic, computer program instructions, software, stacks, firmware, hardware circuits, or combinations thereof that provide the desired functionality.

[0039] Based on this basic understanding, the disclosed embodiments are directed to an antifreeze liquid cooling apparatus and associated antifreeze process for servicing rack-mounted processing components, both of which are configured to prevent ice from forming in dry cooling units and / or corresponding fluidly coupled liquid distribution circuits under freezing ambient conditions.

[0040] Figure 1 A high-level functional block diagram of an antifreeze liquid cooling device 100 for rack-mounted processing components in a data center according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present technology is shown. As shown, the device 100 includes: a dry cooling unit 110; a plurality of rack-mounted processing components 120A to 120N; a plurality of "smart" valves 122A to 122N, in which each smart valve is fluidly connected to a corresponding processing component; a forward liquid distribution loop 115 including at least one pump 112A, 112B, which is used to supply cooling liquid from the dry cooling unit 110; a return liquid distribution loop 125, which is used to return heated liquid to the dry cooling unit 110; and an auxiliary liquid supply loop 117, which is used to replenish the cooling liquid flow back to the dry cooling unit 110.

[0041] The dry cooling unit 110 can be located on any suitable stable support surface, such as, for example, the roof of a data center / computer processing facility building. The dry cooling unit 110 includes an outlet 110C configured to supply cooling liquid and an inlet 110D configured to receive heated liquid. The dry cooling unit 110 is used to dissipate heat energy from the heated liquid circulating therethrough to the surrounding environment. For example, in a data center or similar facility, the dry cooling unit 110 operates to receive heated liquid (e.g., water circulating through a water block in contact with a heat generating component) from a rack-mounted processing component 120A to 120N and extracts heat energy from the heated liquid by dissipating energy into the surrounding environment via at least one fan assembly 110A, thereby re-cooling the heated liquid. The dry cooling unit 110 then operates to supply the re-cooled liquid back to the rack-mounted processing component 120A to 120N.

[0042] With respect to the cooling / recooling liquid, in some embodiments, the cooling / recooling liquid comprises water. In other embodiments, the cooling / recooling liquid may comprise water containing additives such as, for example, corrosion inhibitors. While these cooling / recooling liquid embodiments may exhibit different temperature-related performance attributes, it will be understood that the exact composition of the cooling / recooling liquid will not affect the overall inventive concepts presented by the present disclosure.

[0043] As shown, the dry cooling unit 110 includes at least one heat exchanger 110B and at least one fan assembly 110A. The heat exchanger 110 can be in a variety of configurations, such as an air-liquid heat exchanger, etc., and the heat exchanger 110 can also include an evaporative pad or a cooling pad. For the purposes of this disclosure, the exact configuration of the dry cooling unit 110 and the heat exchanger 110 is not limited, as various configurations can be adopted without departing from the concept of this disclosure.

[0044] The cooling liquid / recooled liquid is supplied by the dry cooling unit 110 to the rack mounted processing components 120A to 120N through the outlet 110C and the positive liquid distribution loop 115. The positive liquid distribution loop 115 includes at least one pump 112A and a water storage tank 114A, which is fluidly coupled to the input side of the at least one pump 112A. The water storage tank 114A also includes a pressure sensor 114B, which is configured to monitor the pressure P in the water storage tank 114A. w In the depicted embodiment, the forward liquid distribution circuit 115 includes two pumps 112A, 112B arranged in a parallel configuration to maintain the flow rate of cooling / recooling liquid supplied to the processing components 120A to 120N at an appropriate level.

[0045] The heated liquid from the rack-mounted processing components 120A to 120N is returned to the dry cooling unit 110 via the return liquid distribution loop 125 and the inlet 110D for recooling. As shown, the dry cooling unit 110 supplies the rack-mounted processing components 120A to 120N with cooling liquid / recooled liquid at a nominal temperature T, and the heated liquid returning to the dry cooling unit 110 is at a nominal temperature of T+ΔT, where ΔT represents the temperature difference between the cooling liquid / recooled liquid and the heated liquid.

[0046] Back to Figure 1 The liquid cooling device 100 includes a plurality of rack-mounted processing components 120A to 120N, which receive a supply of cooled / recooled liquid via a forward liquid distribution loop 115, internally direct the liquid (e.g., water circulated through a water block) to a heat-generating processing component, and transfer the heated liquid from the heat-generating processing component to a return liquid distribution loop 125.

[0047] The rack-mounted processing components 120A-120N may or may not be configured with similar heat generating processing components. As such, each of the rack-mounted processing components 120A-120N may have different temperature and flow requirements for proper operation.

[0048] It will be understood that while the rack-mounted processing components 120A-120N are shown as being arranged in a parallel configuration, this is not meant to be limiting, as the processing components 120A-120N may also be arranged in a series configuration or a combined parallel and series configuration without departing from the concepts of the present disclosure.

[0049] As shown, each of the rack-mounted processing components 120A to 120N is fluidly coupled to a "smart" valve 122A to 122N that dynamically controls the flow of the corresponding processing component 120A to 120N based on the detected liquid temperature. For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "smart" valve refers to a valve that is pressure-independent, temperature-responsive, and includes a differential pressure regulator to automatically adjust for changes in system pressure. Such smart valves may include PICVs, ABQMs, or other valves with similar functions.

[0050] As noted above, the liquid cooling device 100 includes a pressure sensor 114B configured to sense the pressure P in the water storage tank 114A. w The liquid cooling device 100 further includes a temperature sensor 126 for measuring the temperature T of the cooling liquid supplied along the forward liquid distribution circuit 115. Cvolume sensor 128, the volume sensor 128 is used to flow rate V of the cooling liquid supplied along the forward liquid distribution circuit 115 C temperature sensor 118, the temperature sensor 118 is used to process the liquid directly discharged by the components 120A to 120N temperature T PA and a temperature sensor 130 for measuring the temperature T of the heated liquid returned at the end of the return liquid distribution circuit 125; H Take measurements.

[0051] The liquid cooling device 100 further includes an intelligent bypass control valve 140, which is fluidly coupled to the auxiliary liquid supply circuit 117 and the return liquid distribution circuit 125, and the intelligent bypass control valve 140 is communicatively coupled to a volume sensor 128, which is configured to detect the cooling liquid flow rate V C Take measurements.

[0052] The liquid cooling device 100 further includes an antifreeze module 150, which is communicatively coupled to the temperature sensor 126 to receive the measured temperature T of the cooling liquid. C Volume sensor 128, the volume sensor 128 is used for cooling liquid flow V C pressure sensor 114B, the pressure sensor 114B is configured to measure the water tank pressure P w and bypassing control valve 140. As will be described in more detail below, module 150 operates to receive the measured T C Value, V C Value and P W The module 150 operates to open the smart bypass control valve 140 to allow additional liquid flow via the auxiliary liquid supply circuit 117 to the return liquid distribution circuit 125, thereby supplying the dry cooling unit 110 with an increased flow rate to prevent or minimize ice formation therein and throughout the corresponding fluidly coupled liquid distribution circuits.

[0053] That being said, Figure 2 A flow chart of an antifreeze process 200 for a liquid cooling system including rack-mounted processing components is shown in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present technology. In the depicted embodiment, the process 200 or portions thereof are shown as being performed by the antifreeze module 150. Execution of the antifreeze module 150 may be performed by the controller 400.

[0054] For example, such a controller 400 is composed of Figure 4 . As shown, the controller 400 includes a processor or multiple co-processors (represented as processor 410 for simplicity), a memory device or multiple memory devices (represented as memory device 430 for simplicity), and an input / output interface 420 (or separate input interface and output interface) that allows the controller 400 to communicate with certain components of the liquid cooling device 100. The processor 410 is operably connected to the memory device 430 and the input / output interface 420. The memory device 430 includes a storage device for storing parameters 434, which include, for example, but not limited to the predetermined conductivity threshold value described above. The memory device 430 may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium for storing code instructions 432, which can be executed by the processor 410 to allow the controller 400 to perform various tasks assigned to the controller 400.

[0055] The controller 400 is operatively connected to components of the liquid cooling device 100 via the input / output interface 420, such as the temperature sensor 126, which senses the cooling liquid temperature T C Volume sensor 128, the volume sensor 128 for cooling liquid flow V C pressure sensor 114B, the pressure sensor for the water tank pressure P w and bypassing the control valve 140. The controller 400 executes the code instructions 432 stored in the memory device 430 to implement the above-mentioned various functions of the antifreeze module 150.

[0056] However, it will be understood that in other embodiments, the antifreeze process 200 or portions thereof may be performed by related components such as, for example, temperature sensors, volume sensors, and smart bypass control valves. For purposes of this disclosure, the exact one or more entities that perform the process 200 are not limited to the proposed inventive concept.

[0057] Back to Figure 2 The antifreeze process 200 starts at decision block 202 by measuring the flow rate V of the supplied cooling liquid. C Is it less than the specified minimum threshold V min For the specified minimum threshold V min The calculation is performed to take into account the component performance characteristics relative to the prevailing temperature conditions. Thus, if the measured supplied cooling liquid flow V C Less than the minimum threshold V min, then at task block 204, process 200 directs the smart bypass control valve 140 to open and allow the auxiliary liquid supply loop 117 to redirect a portion of the cooling liquid flow back to the dry cooling unit 110 to replenish the flow. Then, process 200 returns to decision block 202 until the measured supplied cooling liquid flow V C is no longer less than the minimum threshold V min .

[0058] The process 200 then moves to decision block 206 to determine the measured temperature T of the supplied cooling liquid. C Is it less than the specified minimum threshold T min For the specified minimum threshold T min The calculations are performed to take into account the component performance characteristics relative to the cooling liquid composition (e.g., water or water plus additives) and the prevailing temperature conditions. In some non-limiting embodiments, T min It can be set between about 5°C and about 10°C. If T C Not less than T min , then process 200 exits at task block 210, thereby indicating that the supplemental flow has increased the temperature of the liquid flowing through the dry cooling unit 110 to prevent any icing issues.

[0059] However, if it is determined at decision block 206 that the measured temperature of the supplied cooling liquid T C Less than the specified minimum threshold T min , the process 200 proceeds to task block 208 to issue an alarm message to the operator indicating that the increased flow rate is insufficient to prevent icing given the prevailing temperature conditions and that operator intervention / control is required.

[0060] In this manner, the freeze protection process 200 functions to control and regulate the flow of liquid supplied to the dry cooling unit to prevent freezing of the dry cooling unit and / or a corresponding fluidly coupled liquid distribution circuit during freezing ambient conditions.

[0061] Figure 3 A flow chart illustrating another freeze protection process 300 for a liquid cooling system including rack-mounted processing components in accordance with additional non-limiting embodiments of the present technology is shown.

[0062] As shown, the antifreeze process 300 begins at decision block 302 by measuring the temperature T of the supplied cooling liquid. C Is it less than the specified minimum threshold T min As noted previously, for a specified minimum threshold T min The calculations are performed to take into account the component performance characteristics relative to the cooling fluid composition (e.g., water or water with additives) and the prevailing temperature conditions.C Not less than T min , then process 300 exits at task block 304, indicating that the temperature of the liquid flowing through the dry cooling unit 110 is sufficient to prevent any icing issues.

[0063] However, if the measured temperature T of the supplied cooling liquid is determined C Less than the specified minimum threshold T min , the process 300 proceeds to decision block 306 to adjust the measured pressure P of the water storage tank 114A. w Is it less than the specified minimum threshold P? min If yes, then process 300 proceeds to task block 310 to issue an alarm message to the operator indicating that the temperature T is too high considering the prevailing temperature conditions. c and / or water pressure P w Not sufficient to prevent icing and requires operator intervention / control.

[0064] However, if the measured pressure P of the water storage tank 114A is determined w Not less than the specified minimum threshold P min , the process 300 moves to decision block 308 to adjust the measured supplied cooling liquid flow rate V C Is it less than the specified minimum threshold V min If V C Not less than V min , the process 300 returns to task block 304 to exit, indicating that the temperature and volume of the liquid flowing through the dry cooling unit 110 are sufficient to prevent any icing issues.

[0065] If the measured flow rate V of the supplied cooling liquid is determined C Less than the specified minimum threshold V min , the process 300 proceeds to task block 312 to direct the smart bypass control valve 140 to open and allow the auxiliary liquid supply loop 117 to redirect a portion of the cooling liquid flow back to the dry cooling unit 110 to replenish the flow.

[0066] The process 300 then returns to decision block 306 to loop back to the pressure P measured in the water storage tank 114A in consideration of opening the smart bypass control valve 140. w Is it less than the specified minimum threshold P? min to confirm.

[0067] Although the above implementation has been described and illustrated with reference to specific steps performed in a specific order, it should be understood that these steps can be combined, subdivided, or reordered without departing from the teachings of the present technology. At least some of the steps can be performed in parallel or in series. Therefore, the order and grouping of the steps are not limitations of the present technology.

[0068] Modifications and improvements to the above-described implementations of the present technology will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The foregoing description is intended to be exemplary rather than limiting. Therefore, the scope of the present technology is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A liquid cooling method (200, 300) for a rack-mounted processing component (120A-120N), the liquid cooling method comprising: providing a dry cooling unit (110) for supplying cooling liquid to the rack-mounted processing components (120A-120N) and receiving heated liquid from the rack-mounted processing components (120A-120N); providing a first liquid distribution circuit (115) for conveying the cooling liquid from the dry cooling unit (110) to the rack mounted processing components, a second liquid distribution circuit (125) for conveying the heated liquid from the rack mounted processing components to the dry cooling unit (110), and an auxiliary liquid supply circuit (117) for replenishing the liquid flow back to the dry cooling unit (110); Each of the rack-mounted data processing components (120A-120N) comprises: at least one heat generating electronic processing element and at least one liquid cooling block, the at least one liquid cooling block being arranged to be in thermal contact with the at least one heat generating electronic processing element, and the at least one liquid cooling block being fluidly coupled to the first liquid distribution circuit (115); and an intelligent control valve (122A-122N), the intelligent control valve (122A-122N) being arranged to be fluidly coupled to the at least one liquid cooling block of the corresponding rack-mounted data processing component; Along the first liquid distribution circuit (115) there is provided: a temperature T of the supplied cooling liquid C A first temperature sensor (126) for measuring the temperature T of the heated liquid from the data processing component PA A second temperature sensor (118) for measuring the pressure P in the water storage tank (114A); W A pressure sensor (114B) for measuring the flow rate V of the supplied cooling liquid; and C a volume sensor (128) for performing measurements; providing a smart bypass control valve (140) fluidly coupled to the auxiliary liquid supply circuit (117) and the return liquid distribution circuit (125); The measured flow rate V of the supplied cooling liquid C Is it less than the specified minimum volume threshold V min Make a determination (202); Based on V C Is it less than V min to control (204) the intelligent bypass control valve (140); The measured temperature T of the supplied cooling liquid C Is it less than the specified minimum temperature threshold T min Making a determination (206, 302); and Based on T C Is it less than T min To control (208, 306) the intelligent bypass control valve (140).

2. The liquid cooling method (200, 300) according to claim 1, further comprising: The measured pressure P in the water storage tank W Is it less than the specified minimum pressure threshold P? min Make a determination (306); as well as Based on P W Is it less than P min To control (310) the intelligent bypass control valve (140).

3. The liquid cooling method (200, 300) according to claim 1, wherein: The smart bypass control valve (140) is configured to receive a control instruction and respond to the control instruction to open or close a liquid flow through the smart bypass control valve.

4. The liquid cooling method (200, 300) according to claim 1, wherein: The minimum volume threshold V min and the minimum temperature threshold T min It is calculated based on the performance characteristics of the component relative to the environmental conditions.

5. The liquid cooling method (200, 300) according to claim 1, wherein: In response to determining the measured flow rate V of the supplied cooling liquid C is less than the minimum volume threshold V min (202), controlling the smart bypass control valve to open (204) and allowing the auxiliary liquid supply circuit (117) to increase the liquid flow returning to the dry cooling unit.

6. The liquid cooling method (200, 300) according to claim 2, wherein: In response to determining the measured pressure P within the water storage tank W Less than the specified minimum pressure threshold P min (306), an alarm message is issued indicating that operator intervention / control is required (310).

7. The liquid cooling method (200, 300) according to claim 1, wherein: After the intelligent bypass control valve is controlled to open (204), the measured flow rate V of the supplied cooling liquid is continuously C Is it still less than the minimum volume threshold V min An inspection is performed (202).

8. The liquid cooling method (200, 300) according to claim 1, wherein: In determining the measured flow rate V of the supplied cooling liquid C Not less than the minimum volume threshold V min After that, the measured temperature T of the supplied cooling liquid is C Is it less than the specified minimum temperature threshold T min A determination is made (206).

9. The liquid cooling method (200, 300) according to claim 1, wherein: When determining the measured temperature T of the supplied cooling liquid C is less than the specified minimum temperature threshold T min After (206), an alarm message (208) is issued indicating that operator intervention / control is required.

10. The liquid cooling method (200, 300) according to claim 2, wherein: In response to determining the measured pressure P within the water storage tank W Not less than the specified minimum pressure threshold P min (306), and at the same time the flow rate V of the supplied cooling liquid is measured C is less than the minimum volume threshold V min (308), controlling the smart bypass control valve to open (312) and allowing the auxiliary liquid supply loop (117) to increase the liquid flow returning to the dry cooling unit.

11. A liquid cooling system (100) for a rack-mounted processing component (120A-120N), the liquid cooling system (100) comprising: a dry cooling unit (110) configured to supply cooling liquid to the rack-mounted processing components and to receive heated liquid from the rack-mounted processing components; a first liquid distribution circuit (115) for conveying the cooling liquid from the dry cooling unit to the rack-mounted processing components; a second liquid distribution circuit (125) for conveying the heated liquid from the rack-mounted processing assembly to the dry cooling unit; an auxiliary liquid supply circuit (117), the auxiliary liquid supply circuit (117) being used to replenish the liquid flow back to the dry cooling unit; Each of the rack-mounted data processing components (120A-120N) comprises: at least one heat generating electronic processing element and at least one liquid cooling block, the at least one liquid cooling block being arranged to be in thermal contact with the at least one heat generating electronic processing element, and the at least one liquid cooling block being fluidly coupled to the first liquid distribution circuit (115); and an intelligent control valve (122A-122N), the intelligent control valve (122A-122N) being arranged to be fluidly coupled to the at least one liquid cooling block of the corresponding rack-mounted data processing component; The temperature T of the supplied cooling liquid C A first temperature sensor (126) for measuring the temperature T of the heated liquid from the data processing component PA The second temperature sensor (118) is used to measure the pressure P in the water storage tank (114A). W A pressure sensor (114B) for measuring the flow rate V of the supplied cooling liquid C a volume sensor (128) for performing measurements; an intelligent bypass control valve (140) fluidly coupled to the auxiliary liquid supply circuit (117) and the return liquid distribution circuit (125); as well as An antifreeze module (150), wherein the antifreeze module (150) is configured to: The measured flow rate V of the supplied cooling liquid C Is it less than the specified minimum volume threshold V min Make a determination (202); Based on V C Is it less than V min to control (204) the intelligent bypass control valve (140); The measured temperature T of the supplied cooling liquid C Is it less than the specified minimum temperature threshold T min Making a determination (206, 302); and Based on T C Is it less than T min To control (208, 306) the intelligent bypass control valve (140).

12. The liquid cooling system (100) according to claim 11, wherein: The antifreeze module (150) is configured to: The measured pressure P in the water storage tank W Is it less than the specified minimum pressure threshold P? min Make a determination (306); as well as Based on P W Is it less than P min To control (310) the intelligent bypass control valve (140).

13. The liquid cooling system (100) according to claim 11, wherein: The smart bypass control valve (140) is configured to receive a control instruction from the antifreeze module (150) and respond to the control instruction from the antifreeze module (150) to open or close a liquid flow through the smart bypass control valve.

14. The liquid cooling system (100) according to claim 11, wherein: In response to determining the measured pressure P within the water storage tank W Not less than the specified minimum pressure threshold P min (306) and the measured flow rate V of the supplied cooling liquid C is less than the minimum volume threshold V min (308), controlling the smart bypass control valve to open (312) and allowing the auxiliary liquid supply loop (117) to increase the liquid flow returning to the dry cooling unit.

15. The liquid cooling system (100) according to claim 11, wherein: After controlling the intelligent bypass control valve to open (204), the antifreeze module (150) continues to measure the flow rate V of the supplied cooling liquid. C Is it still less than the minimum volume threshold V min An inspection is performed (202).

16. The liquid cooling system (100) according to claim 11, wherein: When determining the measured temperature T of the supplied cooling liquid C is less than the specified minimum temperature threshold T min (206) or the measured pressure P in the water storage tank W Less than the specified minimum pressure threshold P min After (306), an alarm message (208, 310) is issued indicating that operator intervention / control is required.

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