Liquid immersion cooling device

Abstract

A liquid immersion cooling device for cooling a heating element provided on a substrate, the liquid immersion cooling device being provided with: a case group having a box-type inclined case that extends downward toward one side in the horizontal direction and is capable of accommodating the heating element, the case group being formed by arranging the inclined cases in the vertical direction; a supply-side header that extends in the vertical direction on the other side of the housing group in the horizontal direction and is capable of introducing a first refrigerant into each of the inclined housings; a discharge-side header that extends in the vertical direction on one side of the housing group in the horizontal direction, and into which a first refrigerant is introduced from each of the inclined housings; a refrigerant pressure-feeding unit for pressure-feeding the first refrigerant from the discharge-side header to the supply-side header; and a heat exchange unit that cools the first refrigerant by exchanging heat between a second refrigerant supplied from the outside and the first refrigerant.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a liquid immersion cooling device.

[0002] This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-117547 filed in Japan on July 22, 2022, and the contents are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses a cooling system for cooling an electronic device having a heat generating element. The cooling system has a cooling tank containing a refrigerant. The electronic device is immersed in the refrigerant in the cooling tank. A plurality of electronic devices are arranged vertically in the cooling tank. The refrigerant in the cooling tank is circulated in such a manner that, after cooling the heat generating element, it is cooled outside the cooling tank and is supplied to the cooling tank again.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2016 / 075838 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] However, in the cooling system described in Patent Document 1, since a plurality of electronic devices are arranged vertically in one cooling tank, the cooling system becomes large-scale. Therefore, from the perspective of miniaturization of the cooling system, improving the arrangement efficiency becomes a problem. At the same time, from the perspective of energy saving and refrigerant saving, improving the cooling efficiency also becomes a problem.

[0008] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a liquid immersion cooling device capable of improving the configuration efficiency and the cooling efficiency.

[0009] Means for solving problems

[0010] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the liquid immersion cooling device disclosed in the present invention cools the heat generating element arranged on the substrate, and the above-mentioned liquid immersion cooling device comprises: a shell group, which has an inclined shell which is box-shaped and extends downward as it approaches one side in the horizontal direction and can accommodate the above-mentioned heat generating element, and the above-mentioned shell group is formed by arranging these inclined shells in the up-down direction; a supply-side header, which extends in the up-down direction on the other side in the horizontal direction of the above-mentioned shell group and can introduce a first refrigerant into each of the above-mentioned inclined shells respectively; a discharge-side header, which extends in the up-down direction on one side in the horizontal direction of the above-mentioned shell group and introduces the above-mentioned first refrigerant from each of the above-mentioned inclined shells respectively; a refrigerant pressure delivery part, which presses the above-mentioned first refrigerant from the above-mentioned discharge-side header to the above-mentioned supply-side header; and a heat exchange part, which cools the above-mentioned first refrigerant by exchanging heat between a second refrigerant supplied from the outside and the above-mentioned first refrigerant.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the liquid immersion cooling device disclosed herein, the configuration efficiency and the cooling efficiency can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram showing a schematic structure of the entire liquid immersion cooling device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram showing a schematic structure of the interior of the tilt housing according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 3 This is an enlarged view showing the structure of the vicinity of the end portion of the inclined casing close to the supply-side header according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram showing a schematic structure inside a server casing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 5 2 is a schematic diagram showing a guide rail provided in a tilt housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram showing a schematic structure inside a server casing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Below, refer to Figures 1 to 6 The liquid immersion cooling device 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0020] like Figure 1 As shown, the liquid immersion cooling device 10 is used to cool electronic equipment for high-speed computing. In this embodiment, the liquid immersion cooling device 10 is used for a server 1 installed in a data center. A plurality of servers 1 are provided.

[0021] like Figure 2 As shown, the server 1 includes components such as a printed circuit board, CPU and GPU chips provided on the printed circuit board, etc. The CPU and GPU are components that perform high-speed computing and therefore have high loads and generate heat to a higher temperature than other parts of the server 1.

[0022] A heat exchanger 4 using water as a refrigerant is provided in the data center. Examples of the heat exchanger 4 include a dry cooler and a refrigerator. The liquid immersion cooling device 10 of this embodiment is provided separately from the heat exchanger 4 and is used to cool components such as CPUs and GPUs that generate heat to high temperatures.

[0023] Hereinafter, the printed circuit board of the server 1 is simply referred to as a “board 2 ”, and components such as a CPU and a GPU that generate heat to a particularly high temperature in the board 2 are referred to as “heat generating elements 3 ”.

[0024] The substrate 2 is formed in a rectangular plate shape. A heating element 3 is provided on the surface of the substrate 2 .

[0025] (Structure of liquid immersion cooling device)

[0026] Next, the structure of the liquid immersion cooling device 10 will be described.

[0027] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the liquid immersion cooling device 10 includes: a rack 20, a shell group 30, a sealing part 11, a server shell 40, a nozzle 12, a backflow prevention door 50, a supply side header 60, a supply side connecting pipeline 13, a valve 14, a discharge side header 70, a backflow prevention cover 80, a refrigerant pressure delivery part 15, a first connecting pipe 16, a second connecting pipe 17 and a heat exchange part 90.

[0028] (frame)

[0029] The rack 20 is a cubic storage rack that accommodates the housing group 30 therein. The rack 20 includes a rack body 21 , an entrance door 22 , an exit door 23 , pillars 24 , and beams 25 .

[0030] The frame body 21 has an upper wall 21a in a rectangular plate shape extending in the horizontal direction, a lower wall 21b formed in the same shape as the upper wall and located directly below the upper wall, and a pair of side walls 21c connecting the side edges of the upper wall 21a and the lower wall 21b and facing each other in the horizontal direction. The frame body 21 is formed in a cylindrical shape with openings on both sides in the horizontal direction orthogonal to the facing direction of the pair of side walls 21c.

[0031] Hereinafter, the opening direction of the frame body 21 in the horizontal direction is referred to as the "front-rear direction Da", and the direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction Da in the horizontal direction is referred to as the "width direction Dw". In addition, one side in the front-rear direction Da is referred to as the "horizontal direction one side D1", and the other side in the front-rear direction Da is referred to as the "horizontal direction other side D2".

[0032] In addition, hereinafter, among the openings of the frame body 21 , the opening on the other horizontal side D2 is referred to as an “inlet-side opening 21 d ”, and the opening on the one horizontal side D1 is referred to as an “outlet-side opening 21 e ”.

[0033] An entrance door 22 is provided at the entrance-side opening 21 d , and an exit door 23 is provided at the exit-side opening 21 e .

[0034] The entrance door 22 is provided at the other side D2 in the horizontal direction of the frame 20. The entrance door 22 is a rectangular plate-shaped member extending in the vertical direction for opening and closing the space in the frame 20. The entrance door 22 closes all parts of the entrance side opening 21d except the lower end. The entrance door 22 is provided so as to be able to rotate, for example, 80 degrees to 110 degrees around an end edge 21f extending in the vertical direction on the side of the entrance side opening 21d of the outer surface of the side wall 21c from the state of closing the entrance side opening 21d. In the present embodiment, the entrance door 22 can rotate 90 degrees around the end edge 21f on the side of the entrance side opening 21d as the center.

[0035] The exit door 23 is provided on one side D1 in the horizontal direction of the rack 20. The exit door 23 is a rectangular plate-shaped member extending in the vertical direction for opening and closing the space in the rack 20. The exit door 23 closes all parts of the exit-side opening 21e except the lower end. The exit door 23 is provided so as to be able to rotate, for example, 80 to 110 degrees around an end edge 21g extending in the vertical direction on the side of the entrance-side opening 21d of the outer surface of the side wall 21c from the state of closing the exit-side opening 21e. In the present embodiment, the exit door 23 can rotate 90 degrees around the end edge 21g on the side of the exit-side opening 21e.

[0036] In a space defined by the rack body 21 , the entrance door 22 , and the exit door 23 , a support column 24 extending upward from a lower wall 21 b of the rack body 21 is provided.

[0037] Four pillars 24 are provided in a quadrilateral lattice shape when viewed from the top and bottom. All four pillars 24 are fixed to the inner surface of the side wall 21c of the frame body 21. In addition, two of the four pillars 24 are arranged near the inlet side opening 21d, and the remaining two pillars 24 are arranged near the outlet side opening 21e.

[0038] Hereinafter, the two pillars 24 near the inlet-side opening 21 d are referred to as “first pillars 24 a ”, and the two pillars 24 near the outlet-side opening 21 e are referred to as “second pillars 24 b ”.

[0039] The two first support columns 24a face each other in the width direction Dw. Similarly, the two second support columns 24b also face each other in the width direction Dw.

[0040] The two first pillars 24 a and the two second pillars 24 b are connected by beams 25 extending in the width direction Dw, respectively.

[0041] The beam 25 is a rod-shaped member having a rectangular cross section when viewed from the width direction Dw. Hereinafter, the beam 25 connecting the two first pillars 24a is referred to as "first beam 25a", and the beam 25 connecting the two second pillars 24b is referred to as "second beam 25b".

[0042] The first beam 25a and the second beam 25b are provided in a plurality at equal intervals in the vertical direction. The first beam 25a and the second beam 25b are provided in the same number and are provided at the same position in the vertical direction. However, the first beam 25a is formed to be thicker than the second beam 25b in the vertical direction. In addition, in the first beam 25a and the second beam 25b provided at the same position in the vertical direction, the upper surface 25c of the first beam 25a is located above the upper surface 25d of the second beam 25b.

[0043] (Shell Group)

[0044] The housing group 30 is housed in the above-mentioned frame 20. The housing group 30 includes inclined housings 31 forming a box shape extending in the horizontal direction, and is a collection of these inclined housings 31 arranged in the vertical direction.

[0045] (Tilt housing)

[0046] The inclined housing 31 accommodates the substrate 2 of the server 1. That is, the heating element 3 provided on the substrate 2 can be accommodated in the inclined housing 31. The inclined housing 31 is arranged on the first beam 25a and the second beam 25b in the same position in the vertical direction. As described above, in the first beam 25a and the second beam 25b provided in the same position in the vertical direction, the upper surface 25c of the first beam 25a is located above the upper surface 25d of the second beam 25b, so the inclined housing 31 is inclined so as to extend downward as it approaches the horizontal side D1.

[0047] The first refrigerant R1 can be stored in the inclined housing 31. The first refrigerant R1 is an insulating refrigerant. The first refrigerant R1 cools the heating element 3 in a liquid state. Examples of the first refrigerant R1 include fluorocarbon-based liquids.

[0048] Next, the shape of the inclined housing 31 will be described in more detail.

[0049] The tilt housing 31 includes a housing body 32 , a flange 33 , a supply-side manifold 34 , and a rail 35 .

[0050] The housing body 32 is a component constituting the main part of the tilt housing 31 for accommodating the substrate 2, and is formed into a box shape in the shape of a rectangular plate extending in the horizontal direction. The housing body 32 is open in the front-rear direction Da (see Figure 3 , Figure 4 ).

[0051] Hereinafter, among the openings of the case body 32 , the opening on the other horizontal side D2 is referred to as a “first opening 32 a ”, and the opening on the one horizontal side D1 is referred to as a “second opening 32 b ”.

[0052] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the flange 33 is provided over the entire circumference of the end portion on the first opening 32a side of the housing body 32. The flange 33 is provided so as to protrude vertically from the outer surface of the housing body 32.

[0053] The supply side manifold 34 is provided at the end of the shell body 32 on the first opening 32a side. The supply side manifold 34 extends in the width direction Dw and distributes the first refrigerant R1 introduced from the supply side header 60 described later into the shell body 32 uniformly in the width direction Dw.

[0054] The supply-side manifold 34 includes a manifold body 36 , a cover portion 37 , and an introduction portion 38 .

[0055] The manifold body 36 is a box-shaped container extending in the width direction Dw. The manifold body 36 is fitted into the first opening 32a. The manifold body 36 has a rectangular cross-section when viewed from the width direction Dw, and opens toward the other side D2 in the horizontal direction.

[0056] The cover 37 closes the opening of the manifold body 36 from the other horizontal side D2. The cover 37 is formed in a rectangular plate shape extending in the width direction Dw. The outer periphery of the cover 37 overlaps with the flange 33. The cover 37 is fixed to the flange 33 by bolts, for example.

[0057] The introduction portion 38 is provided at an end portion on the opposite side of the manifold body 36 via the cover portion 37 in the front-rear direction Da. The introduction portion 38 is a cylindrical member that introduces the first refrigerant R1 from the supply-side header 60 to the supply-side manifold 34. The introduction portion 38 is connected to the manifold body 36. A plurality of introduction portions 38 (three in the present embodiment) are provided at equal intervals and separated in the width direction Dw.

[0058] like Figure 2 , Figure 5 As shown, the rails 35 are respectively provided on a pair of side walls 32c facing each other in the width direction Dw of the housing body 32. The rails 35 protrude inward in the width direction Dw from a plate 39 fixed to the inner surface of the side wall 32c by overlapping, and extend along the front-rear direction Da. The rails 35 are square rod-shaped components having a rectangular cross-section when viewed from the front-rear direction Da.

[0059] (Seal part)

[0060] like Figure 3 , Figure 4As shown, the sealing portion 11 is provided at the end of the horizontal side D1 and the other side D2 of each inclined shell 31. The sealing portion 11 suppresses the leakage of the first refrigerant R1. In more detail, the sealing portion 11 is provided between the manifold body 36 and the first opening 32a of the inclined shell 31 and between the cover 37 and the flange 33 of the inclined shell 31 at the end of the supply side manifold 34 side of the inclined shell 31. In addition, at the end of the inclined shell 31 on the side opposite to the supply side manifold 34, the sealing portion 11 is provided between the outer surface of the inclined shell 31 and the inlet 73 of the discharge side header 70 described later.

[0061] (Server housing)

[0062] The server housing 40 is provided in each housing. The server housing 40 is in the shape of a box that accommodates the substrate 2 of the server 1. Figure 6 As shown, the server housing 40 is formed in a rectangular plate shape extending in the horizontal direction.

[0063] An inlet hole 41a for introducing the first refrigerant R1 into the server housing 40 is formed on the front wall 41 on the other side D2 in the horizontal direction of the server housing 40. A plurality of inlet holes 41a are formed on the entire front wall 41. In addition, a discharge hole 42a for discharging the first refrigerant R1 from the server housing 40 to the outside is formed on the rear wall 42 on the one side D1 in the horizontal direction of the server housing 40. A plurality of discharge holes 42a are formed on the entire rear wall 42.

[0064] A guide 44 is provided on a pair of side walls 43 of the server housing 40 that face each other in the width direction Dw. The guide 44 is a component that positions the server housing 40 and guides the movement of the server housing 40 in the front-to-back direction Da when the server housing 40 is inserted into and removed from the tilt housing 31. The guide 44 protrudes outward in the width direction Dw from the outer surface of the side wall 43 and extends along the front-to-back direction Da. The guide 44 is a component that is formed in the shape of a square rod with a rectangular cross section when viewed from the front-to-back direction Da. Two guides 44 are provided separately on each side wall in the up-down direction to clamp the rail 35 of the tilt housing 31 from the up-down direction. Therefore, when the server housing 40 is inserted into and removed from the tilt housing 31, the server housing 40 moves linearly in the front-to-back direction Da along the rail 35.

[0065] (nozzle)

[0066] like Figure 1 , 2As shown, the nozzle 12 is provided in each inclined housing 31 and is mounted on the outer surface of the bottom of the supply side manifold 34 on the side opposite to the cover portion 37. The nozzle 12 is connected to the supply side manifold 34 and radially injects the first refrigerant R1 supplied from the supply side header 60 toward the server housing 40. The nozzle 12 is formed in a tapered shape with a diameter increasing as it approaches the one side D1 in the horizontal direction.

[0067] (Backflow prevention door)

[0068] The backflow prevention door 50 is provided in each inclined housing 31 to prevent the first refrigerant R1 in the inclined housing 31 from flowing back toward the other side D2 in the horizontal direction. The backflow prevention door 50 includes a hinge 51 and a backflow prevention door body 52 .

[0069] like Figure 4 As shown, the hinge 51 is arranged in the inclined housing 31 and is mounted on the upper wall 32d. The hinge 51 is a hinge with a spring. The anti-backflow door body 52 extends downward from the hinge 51 and extends in the width direction Dw. The anti-backflow door body 52 maintains a vertical posture relative to the horizontal plane by the elastic force received from the spring of the hinge 51.

[0070] The backflow prevention door 50 closes the flow path of the first refrigerant R1, and opens the flow path of the first refrigerant R1 when an external force of a predetermined magnitude or greater is applied to the direction of one side D1 in the horizontal direction. In the present embodiment, when the server housing 40 is not arranged in the inclined housing 31, the backflow prevention door body 52 in the inclined housing 31 is maintained in a vertical position with respect to the horizontal plane by the elastic force of the hinge 51. Therefore, the flow path of the first refrigerant R1 in the inclined housing 31 is closed by the backflow prevention door body 52. ​​In contrast, when the server housing 40 is arranged in the inclined housing 31, the backflow prevention door body 52 is pushed by the server housing 40 and receives an external force in the direction of one side D1 in the horizontal direction. Due to the external force, the backflow prevention door body 52 rotates around the hinge 51, and opens the flow path of the first refrigerant R1.

[0071] (Supply side header)

[0072] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the supply side header 60 is provided on the inner surface of the inlet door 22. The supply side header 60 extends in the vertical direction on the other side D2 of the shell group 30 in the horizontal direction, and can introduce the first refrigerant R1 into each inclined shell 31. The supply side header 60 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction. A plurality of supply side connecting pipelines 13 are provided.

[0073] (Supply side connecting pipeline)

[0074] The supply-side connecting line 13 connects the supply-side header 60 and each inclined shell 31 in a communicating state. A plurality of supply-side connecting lines 13 (three in this embodiment) are provided for each inclined shell 31, and are respectively connected to the introduction portion 38 of the corresponding inclined shell 31. The supply-side connecting line 13 is provided with a valve 14 capable of opening and closing the supply-side connecting line 13.

[0075] (valve)

[0076] A valve 14 is provided for each tilt housing 31. In the present embodiment, three supply-side connection lines 13 connected to the corresponding tilt housing 31 can be opened and closed simultaneously at their roots by one valve 14. The supply-side connection line 13 is a flexible tube that can be deformed in accordance with the rotation of the inlet door 22.

[0077] (Discharge side header)

[0078] The discharge header 70 is housed in the frame body 21 and extends vertically on one horizontal side D1 of the shell group 30. The first refrigerant R1 is introduced into the discharge header 70 from each inclined shell 31. The discharge header 70 includes a discharge header body 71 and a storage portion 72.

[0079] The discharge side header body 71 is adjacent to one side D1 of the shell group 30 in the horizontal direction. The discharge side header body 71 is a box-shaped container with a rectangular plate-like outer shape extending in the up-down direction. In the present embodiment, both ends of the discharge side header body 71 in the width direction Dw are fixed to the inner surface of the side wall 21c of the frame body 21. In the discharge side header body 71, inlet ports 73 are respectively provided at positions corresponding to the inclined shells 31. The first refrigerant R1 introduced from the inclined shell 31 flows into the inlet ports 73. In the present embodiment, the second opening portion 32b of the corresponding inclined shell 31 is inserted into each inlet port 73. In addition, the above-mentioned sealing portion 11 is provided between the inlet port 73 and the inclined shell 31.

[0080] The storage portion 72 is provided at the lower end of the inclined housing 31. The storage portion 72 stores the refrigerant introduced into the discharge side header body 71. The dimension of the storage portion 72 in the front-rear direction Da is larger than the dimension of the inclined housing 31 in the front-rear direction Da. The storage portion 72 is placed on the lower wall 21b of the frame body 21.

[0081] (Backflow prevention cover)

[0082] The backflow prevention cover 80 is provided at a position corresponding to each inlet 73 in the discharge side header 70. The backflow prevention cover 80 prevents the first refrigerant R1 from flowing back from the discharge side header 70 into the inclined shell 31. The backflow prevention cover 80 extends along the width direction Dw and covers the inlet 73 from the upper side and the one side D1 in the horizontal direction at intervals. Figure 4 As shown, the backflow prevention cover 80 has an upper wall 81 and a rear wall 82 .

[0083] The upper wall 81 is provided on the inner surface of the discharge side header 70 on the side where the inlet 73 is formed. The upper wall 81 is attached to the corresponding inlet 73 from above by welding, for example, and extends in the front-rear direction Da. The upper wall 81 is linearly inclined so as to be gradually located downward as it approaches the rear.

[0084] The rear wall 82 is provided at the rear end of the upper wall 81 and extends vertically downward from the rear end of the upper wall 81. The rear wall 82 is formed to cover the entire second opening 32b at a position spaced rearward from the second opening 32b of the tilt housing 31. The rear wall 82 is formed integrally with the upper wall 81.

[0085] (Refrigerant pressure delivery unit)

[0086] like Figure 1 As shown, the refrigerant pressure-transporting unit 15 is housed in the frame 20 and is disposed below the shell group 30. The refrigerant pressure-transporting unit 15 is connected to the lower portion of the discharge-side header 70 through the first connecting pipe 16, and is connected to the lower portion of the supply-side header 60 through the second connecting pipe 17. The first connecting pipe 16 connects the discharge-side header 70 with the refrigerant pressure-transporting unit 15, and the second connecting pipe 17 connects the supply-side header 60 with the refrigerant pressure-transporting unit 15. The refrigerant pressure-transporting unit 15 pressure-transports the first refrigerant R1 from the lower portion of the discharge-side header 70 to the lower portion of the supply-side header 60. The refrigerant pressure-transporting unit 15 of this embodiment is a pump.

[0087] (Heat exchange unit)

[0088] The heat exchanger 90 is provided below the housing group 30. In the present embodiment, the heat exchanger 90 is provided in the reservoir 72 of the discharge-side header 70. The heat exchanger 90 exchanges heat between the second refrigerant R2 supplied from the outside and the first refrigerant R1 to cool the first refrigerant R1.

[0089] The heat exchange part 90 of this embodiment is a plurality of heat transfer tubes 91 that penetrate the storage part 72 in the width direction Dw. The heat transfer tubes 91 are connected to the heat exchanger 4 provided outside. The second refrigerant R2 of the heat exchanger 4 flows inside the heat transfer tubes 91. The plurality of heat transfer tubes 91 extend parallel to each other and are arranged at equal intervals. In this embodiment, the second refrigerant R2 in the heat transfer tubes 91 becomes a counterflow in at least a part of the region in the storage part 72, flowing in the direction opposite to the flow direction of the first refrigerant R1.

[0090] (Circulation of the First Refrigerant)

[0091] Next, the circulation of the first refrigerant R1 in the liquid immersion cooler 10 will be described.

[0092] First, when the refrigerant pressure delivery unit 15 is operated, the first refrigerant R1 is supplied from the supply side header 60 to each inclined shell 31. At this time, the first refrigerant R1 is ejected into the inclined shell 31 through a plurality of nozzles 12. The first refrigerant R1 flows in each shell along the front-rear direction Da as a jet. The first refrigerant R1 in the shell flows into the server shell 40 and passes through the heat generating element 3, exchanging heat with the heat generating element 3. As a result, the heat generating element 3 is cooled. On the other hand, the first refrigerant R1 is heated by receiving heat from the heat generating element 3. Then, the first refrigerant R1 is discharged from the server shell 40 and introduced into the discharge side header 70 from each inclined shell 31. The first refrigerant R1 flows from the top to the bottom in the discharge side header 70 due to the pressure and dead weight of the refrigerant pressure delivery unit 15. Then, the first refrigerant R1 is temporarily stored in the storage portion 72 of the discharge side header 70.

[0093] On the other hand, in the heat transfer tube 91, the second refrigerant R2 flows in the width direction Dw. The first refrigerant R1 exchanges heat with the second refrigerant R2 while flowing in the discharge side header 70. As a result, the first refrigerant R1 is cooled and the second refrigerant R2 is heated. After the second refrigerant R2 exchanges heat with the first refrigerant R1, it is sent to the external heat exchanger 4. The second refrigerant R2 is cooled by the heat exchanger 4 and supplied to each heat transfer tube 91 again.

[0094] After being cooled by heat exchange with the second refrigerant R2, the first refrigerant R1 is pressure-sent to the supply-side header 60 again by the refrigerant pressure-sending unit 15. Then, as described above, the first refrigerant R1 is supplied again to the inclined shell 31. In this way, the first refrigerant R1 circulates in the liquid immersion cooling device 10.

[0095] (Effect)

[0096] According to the liquid immersion cooling device 10 of the present embodiment, the following effects are achieved.

[0097] In this embodiment, the liquid immersion cooling device 10 includes: a shell group 30, which is composed of inclined shells 31 capable of accommodating the heat generating element 3 arranged in the vertical direction; a supply side header 60, which extends in the vertical direction at the other horizontal side D2 of the shell group 30 and can introduce the first refrigerant R1 to each inclined shell 31; and a discharge side header 70, which extends in the vertical direction at the horizontal side D1 of the shell group 30 and is introduced into the first refrigerant R1 from each inclined shell 31. The inclined shell 31 extends downward as it approaches the horizontal side D1.

[0098] The housing group 30 is composed of a plurality of inclined housings 31 arranged in a vertical direction. This can prevent the plurality of inclined housings 31 from being arranged in a disorderly manner and expanding in the horizontal direction, thereby improving the arrangement efficiency.

[0099] In addition, since each inclined shell 31 extends downward as it approaches the horizontal direction, the first refrigerant R1 can flow smoothly in the horizontal direction inside the inclined shell 31. Thus, the liquid immersion cooling device 10 can quickly guide the first refrigerant R1 after absorbing heat from the heat generating element 3 to the discharge side header 70, thereby improving the cooling efficiency.

[0100] In this embodiment, the liquid immersion cooling device 10 further includes: a plurality of supply-side connecting pipelines 13 connecting the supply-side header 60 and each inclined shell 31 in a communicating state; and a valve 14 provided in each inclined shell 31 to open and close the supply-side connecting pipeline 13.

[0101] Thus, the supply of the first refrigerant R1 to the inclined shell 31 connected to the supply-side connecting line 13 can be easily stopped by operating the valve 14 to close the supply-side connecting line 13. Therefore, any inclined shell 31 can be easily removed. Therefore, each inclined shell 31 can be easily removed for maintenance.

[0102] In this embodiment, the liquid immersion cooling device 10 also has a backflow prevention door 50, which is arranged in each inclined shell 31, closes the flow path of the first refrigerant R1, and opens the flow path of the first refrigerant R1 when an external force greater than a predetermined magnitude is applied in the direction of one side D1 in the horizontal direction.

[0103] Thus, in the inclined housing 31 , the flow of the first refrigerant R1 toward the one side D1 in the horizontal direction is not hindered, and the first refrigerant R1 can be prevented from flowing back toward the other side D2 in the horizontal direction.

[0104] In the present embodiment, the discharge side header 70 is provided with inlet ports 73 for the first refrigerant R1 introduced from the inclined shell 31 to flow in at positions corresponding to the inclined shells 31. The liquid immersion cooling device 10 further includes a backflow prevention cover 80, which is provided at positions corresponding to the inlet ports 73 in the discharge side header 70 and covers the inlet ports 73 from the upper side and one side D1 in the horizontal direction at intervals.

[0105] This does not prevent the first refrigerant R1 from being discharged from the inclined housing 31 toward the discharge header 70 , and prevents the first refrigerant R1 from flowing back into the inclined housing 31 while flowing downward in the discharge header 70 .

[0106] In this way, by providing the backflow prevention door 50 or the backflow prevention cover 80 in the liquid immersion cooling device 10, the backflow of the first refrigerant R1 can be prevented, so that the first refrigerant R1 flows more smoothly in the inclined shell 31. As a result, the liquid immersion cooling device 10 can guide the first refrigerant R1 after absorbing heat from the heat generating element 3 to the discharge side header 70 more quickly, so that the cooling efficiency can be further improved.

[0107] In addition, as in the present embodiment, by providing the above-mentioned valve 14, the backflow prevention door 50, and the backflow prevention cover 80 in the liquid immersion cooling device 10, it is possible to stop the flow of the first refrigerant R1 into each inclined shell 31 without stopping the entire flow of the first refrigerant R1 in the liquid immersion cooling device 10. As a result, the server 1 accommodated in the inclined shell 31 can be taken out individually, and the server 1 can be maintained individually.

[0108] In the present embodiment, the liquid immersion cooling device 10 further includes a rack 20 that accommodates the housing group 30. The rack 20 has an entrance door 22 on the other horizontal side D2 that can open and close the space inside the rack 20. The supply-side header 60 is provided at the entrance door 22.

[0109] When the entrance door 22 is opened, the supply-side header 60 also moves together with the entrance door 22. Therefore, it is easy to take out the tilt housing 31. Thus, it is easier to take out the server 1 for each tilt housing 31 for maintenance.

[0110] In the present embodiment, the heat exchange unit 90 is provided below the housing group 30 .

[0111] Thus, the first refrigerant R1 can be cooled by the heat exchanger 4 when the first refrigerant R1 does not fill the supply-side header 60 and the discharge-side header 70 , so the usage amount of the first refrigerant R1 can be reduced.

[0112] In the present embodiment, the liquid immersion cooling device 10 further includes a nozzle 12 which is provided in each inclined shell 31 and sprays the first refrigerant R1 supplied from the supply-side header 60 .

[0113] Thus, the liquid immersion cooling device 10 can make the first refrigerant R1 in the inclined shell 31 flow smoothly by tilting the inclined shell 31, and can generate convection in the first refrigerant R1 in the inclined shell 31 by spraying the nozzle 12. Thus, the heat exchange efficiency between the heating element 3 and the first refrigerant R1 is improved, so the cooling efficiency can be further improved.

[0114] In the present embodiment, the liquid immersion cooling device 10 further includes a sealing portion 11 provided at the ends of the one horizontal side D1 and the other horizontal side D2 of each inclined shell 31 to suppress leakage of the first refrigerant R1 .

[0115] Thus, when the first refrigerant R1 is introduced into the inclined housing 31 and when the first refrigerant R1 is discharged from the inclined housing 31 , leakage of the first refrigerant R1 is suppressed, so that the usage amount of the first refrigerant R1 can be reduced.

[0116] (Other embodiments)

[0117] As mentioned above, although the embodiment of this disclosure is described in detail with reference to drawings, the specific structure is not limited to this embodiment, and design changes etc. which do not deviate from the gist of this disclosure are also included.

[0118] In addition, in the above embodiment, the heat exchange unit 90 is provided in the storage unit 72 of the discharge side header 70, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The heat exchange unit 90 may also be provided directly below the shell group 30, and the first connecting pipe 16 and the second connecting pipe 17 connecting the supply side header 60 and the discharge side header 70 perform heat exchange between the first refrigerant R1 and the second refrigerant R2.

[0119] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the heat exchange part 90 is a plurality of heat transfer tubes 91 that penetrate the storage part 72 in the width direction Dw, but is not limited thereto. The heat exchange part 90 may also be, for example, a heat transfer tube 91 that extends in the vertical direction in the discharge side header 70. In this case, the backflow prevention door 50 and the backflow prevention cover 80 may not be provided. In the case where the backflow prevention door 50 and the backflow prevention cover 80 are not provided, the first refrigerant R1 is directly blown from the inclined shell 31 to the heat transfer tube 91, so that the heat exchange efficiency between the first refrigerant R1 and the second refrigerant R2 is sometimes improved.

[0120] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the second refrigerant R2 in the heat transfer tube 91 forms a convection flow in the direction opposite to the flow direction of the first refrigerant R1 in at least a part of the region in the storage portion 72, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The second refrigerant R2 in the heat transfer tube 91 may flow in the same direction as the first refrigerant R1 in the storage portion 72, or the flow of the second refrigerant R2 in the heat transfer tube 91 may be set without considering the flow of the first refrigerant R1.

[0121] <Note>

[0122] The liquid immersion cooling device 10 described in each embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0123] (1) A first type of liquid immersion cooling device 10 cools a heat generating element 3 provided on a substrate 2, and the liquid immersion cooling device 10 comprises: a shell group 30, comprising an inclined shell 31 which is box-shaped and extends downward as it approaches one side D1 in the horizontal direction and is capable of accommodating the heat generating element 3, the shell group 30 being formed by arranging these inclined shells 31 in the vertical direction; a supply side header 60 which extends in the vertical direction on the other side D2 in the horizontal direction of the shell group 30 and is capable of introducing a first refrigerant R1 into each of the inclined shells 31; a discharge side header 70 which extends in the vertical direction on one side D1 in the horizontal direction of the shell group 30 and is capable of introducing the first refrigerant R1 into each of the inclined shells 31; a refrigerant pressure delivery section 15 which pressure delivers the first refrigerant R1 from the discharge side header 70 to the supply side header 60; and a heat exchange section 90 which cools the first refrigerant R1 by exchanging heat between a second refrigerant R2 supplied from the outside and the first refrigerant R1.

[0124] The housing group 30 is composed of a plurality of inclined housings 31 arranged in a vertical direction. In addition, since each inclined housing 31 extends downward as it approaches the horizontal direction, the first refrigerant R1 can smoothly flow in the inclined housing 31 in the horizontal direction.

[0125] (2) The second mode of the liquid immersion cooling device 10 may further include, based on the liquid immersion cooling device 10 of (1), a plurality of supply side connection lines 13, which connect the supply side header 60 and each of the inclined shells 31 in a connected state; and a valve 14, which is provided in each of the inclined shells 31 and can open and close the supply side connection line 13.

[0126] Thus, the supply of the first refrigerant R1 to the inclined housing 31 connected to the supply-side connecting line 13 can be easily stopped by operating the valve 14 to close the supply-side connecting line 13. Therefore, any inclined housing 31 can be easily removed.

[0127] (3) The third type of liquid immersion cooling device 10 may further include a backflow prevention door 50 based on the liquid immersion cooling device 10 of (1) or (2). The backflow prevention door 50 is arranged in each of the above-mentioned inclined shells 31, closes the flow path of the above-mentioned first refrigerant R1 and opens the flow path of the above-mentioned first refrigerant R1 when an external force of a predetermined magnitude or more is applied in the direction of one side D1 in the horizontal direction.

[0128] Thus, in the inclined housing 31 , the flow of the first refrigerant R1 toward the one side D1 in the horizontal direction is not hindered, and the first refrigerant R1 can be prevented from flowing back toward the other side D2 in the horizontal direction.

[0129] (4) A fourth embodiment of the liquid immersion cooling device 10 is based on any one of the liquid immersion cooling devices 10 in (1) to (3), and further comprises: in the discharge side header 70, inlet ports 73 for the first refrigerant R1 introduced from the inclined shell 31 are provided at positions corresponding to the inclined shells 31, and the liquid immersion cooling device 10 further comprises a backflow prevention cover 80, and the backflow prevention cover 80 is provided at positions corresponding to the inlet ports 73 in the discharge side header 70, and covers the inlet ports 73 at intervals from the upper side and one side D1 in the horizontal direction.

[0130] This does not prevent the first refrigerant R1 from being discharged from the inclined housing 31 toward the discharge header 70 , and prevents the first refrigerant R1 from flowing back into the inclined housing 31 while flowing downward in the discharge header 70 .

[0131] (5) The fifth embodiment of the liquid immersion cooling device 10 may be, based on any one of the liquid immersion cooling devices 10 in (1) to (4), further comprising a rack 20 for accommodating the shell group 30, wherein the rack 20 has an entrance door 22 on the other side D2 in the horizontal direction that can open and close the space inside the rack 20, and the supply side header 60 is provided at the entrance door 22.

[0132] When the inlet door 22 is opened, the supply-side header 60 also moves together with the inlet door 22. Therefore, the tilt housing 31 can be easily taken out.

[0133] (6) The liquid immersion cooling device 10 according to a sixth aspect is any one of the liquid immersion cooling devices 10 described above (1) to (5), wherein the heat exchange unit 90 may be provided below the housing group 30 .

[0134] Thus, the first refrigerant R1 can be cooled by the heat exchanger 4 when the first refrigerant R1 does not fill the supply-side header 60 and the discharge-side header 70 .

[0135] (7) The seventh form of the liquid immersion cooling device 10 may further include a nozzle 12 based on the liquid immersion cooling device 10 described in any one of (1) to (6), wherein the nozzle 12 is provided in each of the inclined shells 31 and sprays the first refrigerant R1 supplied from the supply side header 60.

[0136] Thus, the liquid immersion cooling device 10 can smooth the flow of the first refrigerant R1 in the inclined housing 31 by the inclination of the inclined housing 31 , and generate convection in the first refrigerant R1 in the inclined housing 31 by the spraying of the nozzle 12 .

[0137] (8) The liquid immersion cooling device 10 of the eighth scheme may be, based on any one of the liquid immersion cooling devices 10 from (1) to (7), further comprising a sealing portion 11, wherein the sealing portion 11 is provided at the end portions of one horizontal side D1 and the other horizontal side D2 of each of the inclined shells 31 to suppress leakage of the first refrigerant R1.

[0138] Thus, when the first refrigerant R1 is introduced into the inclined housing 31 and when the first refrigerant R1 is discharged from the inclined housing 31 , leakage of the first refrigerant R1 is suppressed.

[0139] [Industrial Applicability]

[0140] According to the liquid immersion cooling device disclosed herein, the configuration efficiency and the cooling efficiency can be improved.

[0141] Description of Reference Numerals

[0142] 1…Server; 2…Baseboard; 3…Heat generating element; 4…Heat exchanger; 10…Liquid immersion cooling device; 11…Sealing portion; 12…Nozzle; 13…Supply-side connecting pipeline; 14…Valve; 15…Refrigerant pressure delivery portion; 16…First connecting pipe; 17…Second connecting pipe; 20…Rack; 21…Rack body; 21a…Upper wall; 21b…Lower wall; 21c…Side wall; 21d…Inlet-side opening; 21e…Outlet-side opening 21f…end edge; 21g…end edge; Da…front-rear direction; Dw…width direction; D1…one side in horizontal direction; D2…the other side in horizontal direction; 22…entrance door; 23…exit door; 24…pillar; 24a…first pillar; 24b…second pillar; 25…beam; 25a…first beam; 25b…second beam; 25c…upper surface; 25d…upper surface; 30…housing group; 31…inclined housing; 32…housing 32a…first opening; 32b…second opening; 32c…side wall; 32d…upper wall; 33…flange; 34…supply side manifold; 35…rail; 36…manifold body; 37…cover; 38…introduction part; 39…plate; 40…server housing; 41…front wall; 42…rear wall; 42a…discharge hole; 43…side wall; 44…guide; 50…backflow prevention door; 51…hinge; 52…anti- Backflow door body; 60…supply side header; 70…discharge side header; 71…discharge side header body; 72…storage section; 73…inflow port; 80…backflow prevention cover; 81…upper wall; 82…rear wall; 90…heat exchange section; 91…heat transfer tube; R1…first refrigerant; R2…second refrigerant; A…angle of inclination; Da…front-rear direction; D1…one side in the horizontal direction; D2…the other side in the horizontal direction; Dw…width direction.

Claims

1. A liquid immersion cooling device for cooling a heating element disposed on a substrate, the liquid immersion cooling device comprising: A housing group having a box-shaped inclined housing extending downward as it approaches one side in the horizontal direction and capable of accommodating the heating element, wherein the housing group is formed by arranging these inclined housings in the vertical direction; A supply side header extending in the up-down direction on the other side of the shell group in the horizontal direction, capable of introducing the first refrigerant into each of the inclined shells; a discharge side header extending in the up-down direction on one side of the shell group in the horizontal direction, and into which the first refrigerant is introduced from each of the inclined shells; a refrigerant pressure-feeding unit configured to pressure-feed the first refrigerant from the discharge-side header to the supply-side header; and The heat exchange unit exchanges heat between a second refrigerant supplied from the outside and the first refrigerant to cool the first refrigerant.

2. The liquid immersion cooling device according to claim 1, wherein: The liquid immersion cooling device also has: A plurality of supply-side connecting pipelines, connecting the supply-side header and each of the inclined shells in a communicating state; and A valve is provided on each of the tilted housings and is capable of opening and closing the supply-side connecting pipeline.

3. The liquid immersion cooling device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The liquid immersion cooling device further includes a backflow prevention door, which is provided in each of the inclined shells and closes the flow path of the first refrigerant and opens the flow path of the first refrigerant when an external force of a predetermined magnitude or greater is applied to one side in the horizontal direction.

4. The liquid immersion cooling device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The discharge side header is provided with inlet ports for the first refrigerant introduced from the inclined shells at positions corresponding to the inclined shells. The liquid immersion cooling device further includes a backflow prevention cover, which is provided at a position corresponding to each of the inlets in the discharge side header and covers the inlets from an upper side and one side in a horizontal direction at a distance therefrom.

5. The liquid immersion cooling device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The liquid immersion cooling device further comprises a frame for accommodating the shell group. The rack has an entrance door on the other side in the horizontal direction that can open and close the space inside the rack. The supply side header is disposed at the inlet door.

6. The liquid immersion cooling device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The heat exchange portion is provided below the housing group.

7. The liquid immersion cooling device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The liquid immersion cooling device further includes a nozzle provided in each of the inclined shells and configured to spray the first refrigerant supplied from the supply-side header.

8. The liquid immersion cooling device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The liquid immersion cooling device further includes a sealing portion provided at ends on one side in the horizontal direction and the other side in the horizontal direction of each of the inclined shells to suppress leakage of the first refrigerant.

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