A cooling device

Abstract

This invention discloses a cooling device, relating to the technical field of cooling devices. The cooling device includes a liquid cooling circulation system, a liquid supply circulation system, a heat exchange module, and a cooling circulation system. The liquid cooling circulation system includes a liquid chiller, a liquid supply ring network, and a liquid return ring network, both of which are connected to the liquid chiller. The liquid supply circulation system is connected to both the liquid supply and return ring networks. The heat exchange module is connected to both the liquid supply and return ring networks, and the liquid cooling medium continuously cools the liquid chiller after heat exchange in the heat exchange module. The cooling circulation system forms a heat exchange connection with the liquid cooling circulation system through the heat exchange module to cool the liquid cooling medium in the liquid cooling circulation system. This cooling device solves the problem that current cooling devices have a single mode and cannot achieve switching and free control of multi-mode circulation systems, thus failing to meet the testing requirements of liquid-cooled servers under different operating conditions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of cooling device technology, and in particular to a cooling device. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, liquid-cooled servers are gaining popularity among more and more companies due to their high-efficiency heat dissipation performance.

[0003] With the rapid development of liquid-cooled server products, the demand for cooling devices is increasing. Cooling devices have advantages in heat dissipation efficiency, stability, security, and space saving. However, current cooling devices are limited to a single mode and cannot achieve switching and free control of multi-mode circulation systems, thus failing to meet the testing requirements of liquid-cooled servers under different operating conditions. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a cooling device that solves the problem that current cooling devices have a single mode and cannot achieve switching and free control of multi-mode circulation systems, thus failing to meet the testing requirements of liquid-cooled servers under different operating conditions.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a cooling device, comprising:

[0006] The unit liquid cooling circulation system includes a liquid cooling unit, a liquid supply loop network and a liquid return loop network, wherein the liquid supply loop network and the liquid return loop network are both connected to the liquid cooling unit;

[0007] A liquid supply circulation system, connected to the liquid supply ring network and the liquid return ring network, is used to supply liquid cooling medium to the unit's liquid cooling circulation system;

[0008] The heat exchange module is connected to the liquid supply ring network and the liquid return ring network;

[0009] A cooling circulation system, wherein the cooling circulation system is connected to the unit's liquid cooling circulation system through the heat exchange module to cool the liquid cooling medium in the unit's liquid cooling circulation system;

[0010] In the first operating mode, the liquid supply circulation system is turned on and the cooling circulation system is turned off; in the second operating mode, the liquid supply circulation system is turned off and the cooling circulation system is turned on.

[0011] In some aspects, the cooling circulation system includes:

[0012] The cooling module is used to cool the liquid cooling medium.

[0013] A power module, connected to the cooling module and the heat exchange module, is used to provide power so that the liquid cooling medium circulates between the cooling module and the heat exchange module.

[0014] In other aspects, the cooling cycle system also includes a refrigeration module connected to the heat exchange module. The refrigeration module is used to cool the liquid cooling medium and to enable the liquid cooling medium to exchange heat with the liquid cooling medium in the unit's liquid cooling cycle system in the heat exchange module.

[0015] In other aspects, the cooling module is a closed cooling tower, the refrigeration module is an air-cooled chiller, and the cooling circulation system also includes a cooling tower water supply pipe, a cooling tower water return pipe, a first common pipe, a second common pipe, a chiller water supply pipe, and a chiller water return pipe.

[0016] The water supply inlet of the closed-circuit cooling tower is connected to one end of the cooling tower water supply pipe, and the other end of the cooling tower water supply pipe is connected to one end of the first common pipe. The other end of the first common pipe is connected to the water inlet of the power module and the water inlet of the heat exchange module through the first inlet pipe and the second inlet pipe, respectively. The water return inlet of the closed-circuit cooling tower is connected to one end of the cooling tower water return pipe, and the other end of the cooling tower water return pipe is connected to one end of the second common pipe. The other end of the second common pipe is connected to the water outlet of the heat exchange module through the second outlet pipe. The water outlet of the power module is connected to the second inlet pipe through the first outlet pipe. The two ends of the chiller water supply pipe are connected to the water supply inlet of the air-cooled chiller unit and the first common pipe, respectively. The two ends of the chiller water return pipe are connected to the water return inlet of the air-cooled chiller unit and the second common pipe, respectively.

[0017] The cooling tower return water pipe is equipped with a first valve, the cooling tower supply water pipe is equipped with a second valve, the chiller return water pipe is equipped with a fifth valve, the chiller supply water pipe is equipped with a sixth valve, the first inlet water pipe is equipped with a seventh valve, the second outlet water pipe is equipped with an eighth valve, the first outlet water pipe is equipped with a ninth valve, and the second inlet water pipe is equipped with a tenth valve.

[0018] In other aspects, the liquid supply circulation system includes a first refrigeration module, the first refrigeration module comprising:

[0019] Dry cooler;

[0020] A dry cooling water pump is located below the dry cooler to provide liquid supply power;

[0021] The control unit is communicatively connected to the dry cooler and the dry cool water pump, and is used to control the operation of the dry cooler and the dry cool water pump.

[0022] In other aspects, the liquid supply circulation system also includes a cooler water supply pipe and a cooler water return pipe, the two ends of which are respectively connected to the water supply port of the dry cooler and the liquid supply ring network, and the two ends of the cooler water return pipe are respectively connected to the water return port of the dry cooler and the liquid return ring network.

[0023] The cooler return water pipe is equipped with a third valve, and the cooler supply water pipe is equipped with a fourth valve.

[0024] In other aspects, the liquid cooling unit includes at least two first server racks and at least two second server racks;

[0025] The unit's liquid cooling circulation system also includes a base, on which the power module, the heat exchange module, at least two first server racks and at least two second server racks are arranged side by side.

[0026] In other aspects, any of the first server racks is connected to the liquid supply ring network and the liquid return ring network respectively via a first water supply pipe and a first water return pipe, any of the second server racks is connected to the liquid supply ring network via two second water supply pipes, and any of the second server racks is connected to the liquid return ring network via two second water return pipes;

[0027] Each of the first water supply pipe, each of the first water return pipes, each of the second water supply pipes, and each of the second water return pipes is equipped with a ball valve;

[0028] Each of the first return water pipes and each of the second return water pipes is equipped with a regulating valve.

[0029] In other aspects, each of the first server racks and each of the second server racks is equipped with a heat sink, and the unit liquid cooling circulation system further includes a chiller connected to all of the heat sinks, the chiller being used to provide a cooling source to all of the heat sinks;

[0030] Each of the first server racks and each of the second server racks is provided with a cold aisle and a hot aisle. The fan of the heat sink blows cold air into the cold aisle. The cold air in the cold aisle carries away the heat generated by the server in the corresponding first server rack or second server rack and then enters the hot aisle before returning to the air intake side of the heat sink.

[0031] In other aspects, the unit's liquid cooling circulation system also includes a support frame for mounting the liquid supply ring network and the liquid return ring network, such that the planes in which the liquid supply ring network and the liquid return ring network are located are coplanar and arranged in a vertical direction;

[0032] The support frame includes two vertical beams arranged in the vertical direction;

[0033] A first crossbeam is connected between the top ends of the two vertical beams. Each end of the first crossbeam is provided with a first fixing member. The first fixing member includes a first base plate, a first side plate, and a first connecting plate. The first connecting plate connects the first base plate and the first side plate. The first base plate is fixed to the first crossbeam. The first side plate is provided with at least two first fixing holes for fixed connection with the wall.

[0034] The support frame also includes two reinforcing ribs, which are used to connect the first crossbeam and the corresponding vertical beam to strengthen the connection between the first crossbeam and the corresponding vertical beam.

[0035] Two second horizontal beams are connected between the middle of the two vertical beams. The distance between the two second horizontal beams is greater than the vertical dimension of the return liquid ring network and less than the vertical dimension of the supply liquid ring network. One of the second horizontal beams is provided with at least two spaced first clamp fasteners, each of which is used to connect to the supply liquid ring network to fix the supply liquid ring network. The other second horizontal beam is provided with at least two spaced second clamp fasteners, each of which is used to connect to the return liquid ring network to fix the return liquid ring network.

[0036] The bottom ends of both vertical beams are fixed with a second fixing member. The second fixing member is plate-shaped and has at least two second fixing holes for fixing to the floor.

[0037] The support frame also includes two inclined support rods, the two ends of which are respectively connected to the corresponding second fixing member and the vertical beam. A third crossbeam is connected between the two inclined support rods. The inclined support rods are used to prevent the support frame from tilting forward, so as to ensure the stability of the liquid supply ring network and the liquid return ring network.

[0038] Compared to the aforementioned background technology, the cooling device provided in this embodiment of the invention includes a unit liquid cooling circulation system, a liquid supply circulation system, a heat exchange module, and a cooling circulation system. The unit liquid cooling circulation system includes a liquid chiller, a liquid supply ring network, and a liquid return ring network. Both the liquid supply ring network and the liquid return ring network are connected to the liquid chiller. The liquid cooling medium is distributed to the liquid chiller via the liquid supply ring network, and after heat exchange with the liquid chiller, it flows back to the liquid return ring network, thus forming a refrigeration cycle on the secondary side of the liquid cooling system. The liquid supply circulation system is connected to both the liquid supply ring network and the liquid return ring network, and is used to directly supply the liquid cooling medium to the unit liquid cooling circulation system without the need for secondary heat exchange in the intermediate heat exchange module. The heat exchange module is connected to both the liquid supply ring network and the liquid return ring network, and the liquid cooling medium continuously cools the liquid chiller after heat exchange in the heat exchange module. The cooling circulation system forms a heat exchange connection with the unit liquid cooling circulation system through the heat exchange module to cool the liquid cooling medium in the unit liquid cooling circulation system.

[0039] In this way, in the first operating mode, the liquid supply circulation system is on and the cooling circulation system is off; in the second operating mode, the liquid supply circulation system is off and the cooling circulation system is on. The first operating mode refers to the operating mode of the cooling device when the outdoor temperature is within a first preset temperature range, and the second operating mode refers to the operating mode of the cooling device when the outdoor temperature is within a second preset temperature range.

[0040] Specifically, when the outdoor temperature is within the first preset temperature range, the liquid cooling medium is directly supplied to the unit's liquid cooling circulation system through the liquid supply circulation system. Specifically, the liquid cooling medium supplied by the liquid supply circulation system enters the liquid-cooled unit through the liquid supply ring network, and after heat exchange with the liquid-cooled unit, it flows back to the liquid supply circulation system through the return ring network to form a refrigeration cycle. When the outdoor temperature is within the second preset temperature range, which is greater than the first preset temperature range, the liquid supply circulation system cannot meet the refrigeration demand of the liquid-cooled unit. In this case, the liquid supply circulation system is shut down, and the cooling circulation system is turned on. Since the cooling circulation system forms a heat exchange connection with the unit's liquid cooling circulation system through a heat exchange module, the liquid cooling medium supplied by the cooling circulation system and the liquid cooling medium in the unit's liquid cooling circulation system can exchange heat in the heat exchange module to cool the liquid cooling medium in the unit's liquid cooling circulation system and meet the refrigeration demand of the liquid-cooled unit.

[0041] The advantages of this cooling device mainly include: the invention employs at least two refrigeration cycle modes. Specifically, the liquid supply circulation system meets the cooling needs of the liquid-cooled unit when the outdoor temperature is within a first preset temperature range, and the cooling circulation system meets the cooling needs of the liquid-cooled unit when the outdoor temperature is within a second preset temperature range. By employing at least two refrigeration cycle modes and realizing the switching and free control of the multi-mode refrigeration cycle system, the testing requirements of the liquid-cooled unit under different operating conditions can be met. This solves the problem that the current cooling device has a single mode and cannot realize the switching and free control of the multi-mode circulation system, which leads to the inability to meet the testing requirements of the liquid-cooled server under different operating conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0042] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or related technologies, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0043] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the cooling device in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Top view of the cooling device shown;

[0045] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the piping layout of the power module, heat exchange module and ring network in the cooling device shown.

[0046] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the connection between the chiller and the liquid chiller unit in the cooling device shown.

[0047] Figure 5 for Figure 4 The front view of the interior of the cabinet in the liquid cooling unit shown;

[0048] Figure 6 for Figure 4 A top view of the interior of the cabinet in the liquid cooling unit shown;

[0049] Figure 7 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the middle support frame.

[0050] in:

[0051] 10-Unit liquid cooling circulation system;

[0052] 11-Liquid cooling unit, 111-First server rack, 1111-First water supply pipe, 1112-First water return pipe, 1113-Cold aisle, 1114-Hot aisle, 1115-Radiator, 1116-Distributor, 1117-Collector, 112-Second server rack, 1121-Second water supply pipe, 1122-Second water return pipe;

[0053] 12-Liquid supply ring network;

[0054] 13-Return liquid ring network;

[0055] 14-Base;

[0056] 15-Ball valve;

[0057] 16-Regulating valve;

[0058] 17-Butterfly valve;

[0059] 18-Chiller;

[0060] 19-Support frame, 191-Vertical beam, 192-First horizontal beam, 193-First fastener, 1931-First base plate, 1932-First side plate, 19321-First fixing hole, 1933-First connecting plate, 194-Reinforcing rib, 195-Second horizontal beam, 1951-First clamp fastener, 1952-Second clamp fastener, 196-Second fastener, 1961-Second fixing hole, 197-Diagonal support rod, 198-Third horizontal beam;

[0061] 20-Liquid supply circulation system, 21-First refrigeration module, 22-Refrigerator water supply pipe, 221-Fourth valve, 23-Refrigerator return water pipe, 231-Third valve;

[0062] 30 - Heat exchange module, 31 - Second inlet pipe, 311 - Tenth valve, 32 - Second outlet pipe, 321 - Eighth valve;

[0063] 40-Cooling circulation system, 41-Cooling module, 42-Power module, 421-First inlet pipe, 4211-Seventh valve, 422-First outlet pipe, 4221-Ninth valve, 43-Refrigeration module, 44-Cold tower water supply pipe, 441-Second valve, 45-Cold tower return pipe, 451-First valve, 46-First common pipe, 47-Second common pipe, 48-Chiller water supply pipe, 481-Sixth valve, 49-Chiller return pipe, 491-Fifth valve. Detailed Implementation

[0064] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0065] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0066] Please see Figure 1 The cooling device provided in this embodiment of the invention includes a unit liquid cooling circulation system 10, a liquid supply circulation system 20, a heat exchange module 30, and a cooling circulation system 40.

[0067] The unit's liquid cooling circulation system 10 includes a liquid cooling unit 11, a liquid supply ring network 12, and a liquid return ring network 13. Both the liquid supply ring network 12 and the liquid return ring network 13 are connected to the liquid cooling unit 11. The liquid cooling medium is distributed to the liquid cooling unit 11 through the liquid supply ring network 12 and flows back to the liquid return ring network 13 after heat exchange with the liquid cooling unit 11, thereby forming a refrigeration cycle on the secondary side of the liquid cooling system.

[0068] The liquid cooling unit 11 may include at least two types of liquid-cooled server racks, such as high-density liquid-cooled server racks and low-density liquid-cooled server racks.

[0069] The liquid supply circulation system 20 is connected to the liquid supply ring network 12 and the liquid return ring network 13. The liquid supply circulation system 20 is used to directly supply liquid cooling medium to the unit's liquid cooling circulation system 10, without the need for secondary heat exchange in the intermediate heat exchange module 30.

[0070] The heat exchange module 30 is connected to the liquid supply ring network 12 and the liquid return ring network 13. After heat exchange in the heat exchange module 30, the liquid cooling medium continuously cools the liquid chiller unit 11. The heat exchange module 30 can be a CDU (Cooling Distribution Unit) module. A CDU module is a thermal management device based on liquid cooling technology. Its core task is to transfer the heat generated in the liquid chiller unit 11 to the liquid cooling medium, and then dissipate the heat through the cooling cycle system. The CDU module can be a plate heat exchanger with an integrated hot water pump. The liquid cooling medium in the primary side loop (the primary side loop generally refers to the outdoor heat exchange loop) and the secondary side loop (the secondary side loop generally refers to the indoor heat exchange loop) can exchange heat in the plate heat exchanger, thereby using the liquid cooling medium in the primary side loop to remove the heat in the secondary side loop.

[0071] The cooling circulation system 40 forms a heat exchange connection with the unit liquid cooling circulation system 10 through the heat exchange module 30 to cool the liquid cooling medium in the unit liquid cooling circulation system 10.

[0072] Thus, in the first operating mode, the liquid supply circulation system 20 is turned on and the cooling circulation system 40 is turned off; in the second operating mode, the liquid supply circulation system 20 is turned off and the cooling circulation system 40 is turned on. The first operating mode refers to the operating mode of the cooling device when the outdoor temperature is within a first preset temperature range, and the second operating mode refers to the operating mode of the cooling device when the outdoor temperature is within a second preset temperature range.

[0073] Specifically, when the outdoor temperature is within the first preset temperature range, the liquid cooling medium is directly supplied to the liquid cooling circulation system 10 of the unit through the liquid supply circulation system 20. Specifically, the liquid cooling medium supplied by the liquid supply circulation system 20 enters the liquid-cooled unit 11 through the liquid supply ring network 12, and after heat exchange with the liquid-cooled unit 11, it flows back to the liquid supply circulation system 20 through the return ring network 13 to form a refrigeration cycle. When the outdoor temperature is within the second preset temperature range, which is greater than the first preset temperature range, the liquid supply circulation system 20 cannot meet the refrigeration requirements of the liquid-cooled unit 11. The liquid supply circulation system 20 is then shut down, and the cooling circulation system 40 is turned on. Since the cooling circulation system 40 forms a heat exchange connection with the liquid cooling circulation system 10 of the unit through the heat exchange module 30, the liquid cooling medium supplied by the cooling circulation system 40 and the liquid cooling medium in the liquid cooling circulation system 10 of the unit can exchange heat in the heat exchange module 30 to cool the liquid cooling medium in the liquid cooling circulation system 10 of the unit, thereby meeting the refrigeration requirements of the liquid-cooled unit 11.

[0074] It should be noted that the first preset temperature range can be no more than 28 degrees Celsius, and the second preset temperature range can be greater than 28 degrees Celsius.

[0075] In other words, when the outdoor temperature does not exceed 28 degrees Celsius, the liquid cooling medium is directly supplied to the liquid cooling circulation system 10 of the unit through the liquid supply circulation system 20, which can meet the cooling demand of the liquid-cooled unit 11. When the outdoor temperature is greater than 28 degrees Celsius, the liquid supply circulation system 20 cannot meet the cooling demand of the liquid-cooled unit 11. At this time, the liquid supply circulation system 20 is turned off and the cooling circulation system 40 is turned on. The liquid cooling medium supplied by the cooling circulation system 40 and the liquid cooling medium in the liquid cooling circulation system 10 of the unit exchange module 30 exchange heat to cool the liquid cooling medium in the liquid cooling circulation system 10 of the unit, thus meeting the cooling demand of the liquid-cooled unit 11.

[0076] Of course, depending on actual needs, the above-mentioned second preset temperature range can be further subdivided into two operating conditions: greater than 28 degrees Celsius and less than 38 degrees Celsius, and greater than 38 degrees Celsius.

[0077] The advantages of this cooling device mainly include: the invention employs at least two refrigeration cycle modes. Specifically, the liquid supply circulation system 20 meets the refrigeration requirements of the liquid-cooled unit 11 when the outdoor temperature is within a first preset temperature range, and the cooling circulation system 40 meets the refrigeration requirements of the liquid-cooled unit 11 when the outdoor temperature is within a second preset temperature range. By employing at least two refrigeration cycle modes and realizing the switching and free control of the multi-mode refrigeration cycle system, the testing requirements of the liquid-cooled unit 11 under different operating conditions can be met. This solves the problem that the current cooling device has a single mode and cannot realize the switching and free control of the multi-mode circulation system, which leads to the inability to meet the testing requirements of the liquid-cooled server under different operating conditions.

[0078] In some embodiments, the first and second operating modes described above can be switched automatically by a controller. The controller is connected to the liquid supply circulation system 20 and the cooling circulation system 40, and can control the opening and closing of the liquid supply circulation system 20 and the cooling circulation system 40. In addition, the controller is also connected to an outdoor temperature sensor. The outdoor temperature collected by the temperature sensor is received by the controller, which determines whether the current outdoor temperature is within a first preset temperature range. If so, the controller controls the liquid supply circulation system 20 to open and the cooling circulation system 40 to close, i.e., enters the first operating mode. If the controller determines that the current outdoor temperature is within a second preset temperature range, the controller closes the liquid supply circulation system 20 and opens the cooling circulation system 40, i.e., enters the second operating mode. This configuration allows the controller to determine the outdoor temperature and execute the first or second operating mode accordingly, simplifying manual operation.

[0079] Furthermore, the controller can also adjust the first preset temperature range and the second preset temperature range. The controller and the mobile device (e.g., a mobile phone) are connected for communication. The mobile device sends the updated first preset temperature range and the second preset temperature range to the controller, and the controller can then operate the first working mode and the second working mode.

[0080] In addition, when the controller determines the current operating mode to be executed, it can also send a signal to the mobile device (e.g., a mobile phone). For example, when the controller determines that the current operating mode to be executed is the first operating mode, the controller sends a confirmation signal to the mobile device to indicate whether the first operating mode should be executed, for example, by sending a message to the mobile device in the form of a pop-up. Only after the mobile device replies to the confirmation signal (e.g., by clicking the confirmation button in the pop-up), the controller will execute the first operating mode. If the mobile device does not reply to the confirmation signal within a preset time (e.g., within 30 minutes after the controller sends the confirmation signal), the controller should immediately re-determine the current operating mode to be executed and re-send the confirmation signal to the mobile device according to the current operating mode to be executed. When the controller sends the confirmation signal to the mobile device more than a preset number of times (e.g., 3 times), the controller will no longer continue to determine the current operating mode to be executed, nor will it send the confirmation signal to the mobile device, until the controller receives a wake-up signal (e.g., triggered by a physical button or a re-operation signal sent by the mobile device), at which point it will execute the function of determining the current operating mode to be executed again.

[0081] In some embodiments, the liquid supply circulation system 20 includes a first refrigeration module 21, which is specifically a liquid-cooled integrated dry cooler module, including a dry cooler, a dry cooler water pump, and a control unit. The dry cooler water pump is located below the dry cooler and provides power for the liquid supply. The control unit is communicatively connected to the dry cooler and the dry cooler water pump, and is used to control the operation of the dry cooler and the dry cooler water pump, such as controlling the frequency conversion of the dry cooler fan and the dry cooler water pump, as well as the start-up, shutdown, operation, and fault monitoring of the fan and the dry cooler water pump.

[0082] Specifically, in the liquid-cooled integrated dry cooler module, the space below the liquid-cooled integrated dry cooler integrates the dry cooling water pump and control unit, which is an integrated module. The connecting pipes and heat exchange coils of the dry cooler are made of stainless steel. The dry cooler is directly connected to the liquid supply ring network 12 and the liquid return ring network 13, without the need for secondary heat exchange in the intermediate heat exchange module 30.

[0083] As one of the external cold sources for the liquid-cooled unit 11, the dry cooler works by using a liquid cooling medium (usually cooling water or ethylene glycol solution) flowing inside the pipes while natural air flows outside to cool the liquid inside, thus lowering its temperature and achieving cooling. The liquid cooling medium exchanges heat with the outdoor cold air through the dry cooler to obtain cooling capacity. Then, a dry coolant pump sends the low-temperature liquid cooling medium into the surface cooler of the air conditioner to cool the indoor return air. Finally, a fan sends the treated air into the indoor liquid-cooled unit 11 for cooling and heat dissipation.

[0084] Please refer to the following: Figure 2The liquid supply circulation system 20 also includes a cooler water supply pipe 22 and a cooler water return pipe 23. The two ends of the cooler water supply pipe 22 are respectively connected to the water supply port of the dry cooler and the liquid supply ring network 12, and the two ends of the cooler water return pipe 23 are respectively connected to the water return port of the dry cooler and the liquid return ring network 13.

[0085] In this way, under the power of the dry cooling water pump, the liquid cooling medium in the dry cooler can be directly supplied to the liquid cooling unit 11 through the cooler water supply pipe 22 and the liquid supply ring network 12. After heat exchange in the liquid cooling unit 11, the liquid cooling medium returns to the dry cooler through the return liquid ring network 13 and the cooler return water pipe 23, thus forming the first mode of refrigeration cycle system.

[0086] To facilitate the control of the liquid supply circulation system 20, a third valve 231 is provided on the cooler return water pipe 23, and a fourth valve 221 is provided on the cooler supply water pipe 22. When it is necessary to open the liquid supply circulation system 20, only the third valve 231 and the fourth valve 221 need to be opened; when it is necessary to close the liquid supply circulation system 20, only the third valve 231 and the fourth valve 221 need to be closed.

[0087] In some embodiments, the cooling circulation system 40 includes a cooling module 41 and a power module 42, wherein the cooling module 41 is used to cool the liquid cooling medium; the power module 42 is connected to the cooling module 41 and the heat exchange module 30, and the power module 42 is used to provide power so that the liquid cooling medium circulates between the cooling module 41 and the heat exchange module 30.

[0088] It is understood that the cooling module 41 is only used to provide liquid cooling medium and does not have a power component. At this time, the cooling module 41 is linked with the power module 42, and the power module 42 provides circulation power for the liquid cooling medium in the cooling module 41.

[0089] The power module 42 integrates components such as a circulating water pump, a pressure tank, a water tank, and a control unit, achieving modularity and standardization while occupying a small space. The cooling module 41 is connected to the power module 42, which in turn is connected to the heat exchange module 30. The heat exchange module 30 is then connected to the liquid supply loop 12 and the liquid return loop 13. The heat exchange module 30 connects the primary and secondary loops to complete intermediate heat exchange, dissipating the heat generated in the liquid chiller unit 11 through the cooling module 41.

[0090] In some embodiments, the cooling module 41 is a closed-loop cooling tower. As one of the external cold sources of the liquid chiller unit 11, the closed-loop cooling tower works on the principle of heat exchange, reducing the temperature of the cooling water by exchanging heat with the air. Specifically, the hot water to be cooled flows into the tower from the outside, flows upward along the pipe, and enters the coil. At the same time, through the spray system, the cooling water (spray water) is evenly sprayed on the surface of the coil to form a water film. The fan guides the air to enter through the bottom of the tower, forming a countercurrent with the water film on the surface of the coil. In this way, the air temperature rises while the water temperature drops. The cooled water then flows out from the outlet and returns to the liquid chiller unit 11 that needs to be cooled. Some of the water absorbs heat during the evaporation process, further reducing the temperature of the liquid cooling medium inside the pipe.

[0091] In some embodiments, the cooling circulation system 40 further includes a refrigeration module 43, which is connected to the heat exchange module 30. The refrigeration module 43 is used to cool the liquid cooling medium and to provide the liquid cooling medium so that the liquid cooling medium can exchange heat with the liquid cooling medium in the unit liquid cooling circulation system 10 in the heat exchange module 30.

[0092] In this embodiment, the refrigeration module 43 is an air-cooled chiller unit. As one of the external cold sources of the liquid-cooled unit 11, the air-cooled chiller unit's working principle involves a refrigeration cycle and heat exchange process. Specifically, the refrigeration cycle of the air-cooled chiller unit consists of a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator. First, the refrigerant (i.e., the liquid cooling medium) is compressed into a high-temperature, high-pressure gas by the compressor and then enters the condenser. In the condenser, the refrigerant comes into contact with the outside air and, through the process of heat dissipation and condensation, cools the refrigerant and transforms it into a high-pressure liquid. Next, the high-pressure liquid enters the evaporator through the expansion valve. At this time, the pressure drops sharply, causing the refrigerant to evaporate and absorb heat, thereby achieving a cooling effect. Finally, the refrigerant is drawn back into the compressor, and the cycle repeats.

[0093] The following details the piping connections of the cooling circulation system 40:

[0094] The cooling circulation system 40 also includes a cooling tower water supply pipe 44, a cooling tower water return pipe 45, a first common pipe 46, a second common pipe 47, a chiller water supply pipe 48, and a chiller water return pipe 49.

[0095] The closed-circuit cooling tower's water supply inlet is connected to one end of the cooling tower water supply pipe 44, and the other end of the cooling tower water supply pipe 44 is connected to one end of the first common pipe 46. The other end of the first common pipe 46 is connected to the water inlet of the power module 42 and the water inlet of the heat exchange module 30 through the first inlet pipe 421 and the second inlet pipe 31, respectively. The closed-circuit cooling tower's return water inlet is connected to one end of the cooling tower return water pipe 45, and the other end of the cooling tower return water pipe 45 is connected to one end of the second common pipe 47. The other end of the second common pipe 47 is connected to the water outlet of the heat exchange module 30 through the second outlet pipe 32. The water outlet of the power module 42 is connected to the second inlet pipe 31 through the first outlet pipe 422. The two ends of the chiller water supply pipe 48 are connected to the water supply inlet of the air-cooled chiller unit and the first common pipe 46, respectively. The two ends of the chiller return water pipe 49 are connected to the return water inlet of the air-cooled chiller unit and the second common pipe 47, respectively.

[0096] Please refer to the following: Figure 3 and Figure 4 The cooling tower return water pipe 45 is equipped with a first valve 451, the cooling tower supply water pipe 44 is equipped with a second valve 441, the chiller return water pipe 49 is equipped with a fifth valve 491, the chiller supply water pipe 48 is equipped with a sixth valve 481, the first inlet water pipe 421 is equipped with a seventh valve 4211, the second outlet water pipe 32 is equipped with an eighth valve 321, the first outlet water pipe 422 is equipped with a ninth valve 4221, and the second inlet water pipe 31 is equipped with a tenth valve 311.

[0097] With this configuration, the present invention can employ three different cooling cycle modes according to different outdoor operating conditions. The specific control methods are as follows:

[0098] When the outdoor temperature does not exceed 28 degrees Celsius, the integrated dry cooler operates, while the closed-loop cooling tower and air-cooled chiller do not. Specifically, valves 231 and 221 are open, while valves 451, 441, 491, and 481 are closed. At this time, the heat exchange module 30 and power module 42 are also not operating. In this way, the liquid cooling medium in the dry cooler can be directly supplied to the liquid chiller unit 11 via the chiller supply water pipe 22 and the liquid supply loop network 12. After heat exchange in the liquid chiller unit 11, the liquid cooling medium returns to the dry cooler via the return loop network 13 and the chiller return water pipe 23, thus forming the first mode of refrigeration cycle system, carrying away the heat generated by the liquid chiller unit 11.

[0099] When the outdoor temperature is high (generally between 28°C and 38°C) and the dry cooler cannot meet the requirements, the closed-loop cooling tower circulation is activated. At this time, the dry cooler and the air-cooled chiller are shut down. Valves 231, 221, 491, and 481 are all closed, while valves 451 and 441 are opened. The system is connected to the power module 42 via the cooling tower supply pipe 44 and the cooling tower return pipe 45. At this time, valves 4211, 321, and 481 are activated. Valve 4221 is opened and the tenth valve 311 is closed. At this time, the liquid cooling medium in the tower enters the power module 42 through the first inlet pipe 421 after passing through the cooling tower water supply pipe 44 and the first common pipe 46. After passing through the water pump in the power module 42, it enters the second inlet pipe 31 through the first outlet pipe 422. Then, after exchanging heat with the liquid cooling medium in the unit liquid cooling circulation system 10 in the heat exchange module 30, it enters the second common pipe 47 and the cooling tower return water pipe 45 through the second outlet pipe 32, and finally enters the cooling tower for heat exchange, and so on.

[0100] When the outdoor temperature is too high (greater than 38 degrees Celsius), and the cooling tower and dry cooler cannot meet the required temperature for the experiment or the experiment requires low-temperature conditions, the dry cooler and cooling tower are shut down, and the air-cooled chiller unit is turned on. This air-cooled chiller unit is equipped with an integrated water pump. At this time, the first valve 451, the second valve 441, the third valve 231, and the fourth valve 221 are closed, and the fifth valve 491 and the sixth valve 481 are open. The chiller water supply pipe 48 of the air-cooled chiller unit is connected to the first common pipe 46. At this time, the seventh valve 4211 and the ninth valve 4221 are closed, and the eighth valve 321 and the tenth valve 311 are open. The liquid cooling medium enters the heat exchange module 30 through the first common pipe 46 and the second inlet pipe 31. After exchanging heat with the liquid cooling medium in the unit's liquid cooling circulation system 10 in the heat exchange module 30, it returns to the air-cooled chiller unit through the second outlet pipe 32, the second common pipe 47, and the chiller return water pipe 49, and so on.

[0101] In this way, three different refrigeration cycle modes can be adopted according to different outdoor operating conditions to meet the temperature requirements of the cooling device test or the low temperature conditions required for the test.

[0102] In some embodiments, the liquid cooling unit 11 includes at least two first server racks 111 and at least two second server racks 112, wherein the first server racks 111 are low-density server racks and the second server racks 112 are high-density server racks, thereby enabling simultaneous online testing of high- and low-density servers.

[0103] To facilitate modular and integrated design, the unit's liquid cooling circulation system 10 also includes a base 14, with a power module 42, a heat exchange module 30, at least two first server racks 111, and at least two second server racks 112 arranged side-by-side on the base 14. This arrangement achieves modularity and standardization while occupying a small footprint.

[0104] In some embodiments, any first server rack 111 is connected to the liquid supply ring network 12 and the liquid return ring network 13 via a first water supply pipe 1111 and a first water return pipe 1112, respectively; any second server rack 112 is connected to the liquid supply ring network 12 via two second water supply pipes 1121; and any second server rack 112 is connected to the liquid return ring network 13 via two second water return pipes 1122.

[0105] Please refer to the following: Figure 5 Regarding the internal structure of the server rack, in order to facilitate heat exchange between the servers inside the rack, a liquid distributor 1116 and a liquid collector 1117 are respectively installed on both sides of the server rack. The liquid distributor 1116 distributes the liquid cooling medium from the water supply pipe to each server. After heat exchange occurs in the server, the liquid cooling medium flows back to the corresponding return water pipe through the liquid collector 1117, thereby realizing the cooling cycle inside the rack.

[0106] Considering that high-density server racks have large heat dissipation and require high flow rates, while low-density server racks have small heat dissipation and require low flow rates, and that the flow rate of liquid cooling entering the rack cannot be too high, otherwise it will cause vibration, high-density server racks have dual-inlet and dual-outlet pipes, while low-density server racks have single-inlet and single-outlet pipes, in order to ensure the stability of the unit's liquid cooling circulation system 10.

[0107] To facilitate control of pipeline flow, each of the first water supply pipe 1111, each of the first water return pipe 1112, each of the second water supply pipe 1121, and each of the second water return pipe 1122 is equipped with a ball valve 15. Simultaneously, to facilitate precise control of the liquid cooling medium in the unit's liquid cooling circulation system 10, each of the first water return pipe 1112 and each of the second water return pipe 1122 is equipped with an intelligent regulating valve 16. The intelligent regulating valve 16 can adjust the set flow rate and balanced flow rate in the corresponding water return pipe, thereby dynamically adjusting the flow rate according to the different flow requirements of the corresponding server rack, ensuring the smooth operation of the server testing.

[0108] In addition, butterfly valves 17 can be installed on the supply ring network 12 and the return ring network 13. Specifically, butterfly valves 17 are installed on both sides of the connection position between any first water supply pipe 1111 and the supply ring network 12, butterfly valves 17 are installed on both sides of the connection position between any second water supply pipe 1121 and the supply ring network 12, butterfly valves 17 are installed on both sides of the connection position between any first return pipe 1112 and the return ring network 13, and butterfly valves 17 are installed on both sides of the connection position between any second return pipe 1122 and the return ring network 13. This facilitates the control of shutting off the corresponding water supply pipe or return pipe.

[0109] In some embodiments, the cooling device further includes a detection module, a recording module, and a control module. The detection module is used to detect the temperature data inside the corresponding rack. The recording module is communicatively connected to the detection module and the control module. The recording module is used to record the flow rate and pressure data in each water supply pipe and return pipe outside the corresponding rack when the server inside the rack is in a stable working state, and transmits the data to the control module.

[0110] In this way, by recording the flow and pressure data of the water supply and return pipes outside the rack when the servers inside the rack are in a stable working state, the control module adjusts the opening of the intelligent regulating valve 16 on the water supply and return pipes outside the rack according to the data recorded by the recording module, so as to make reasonable and accurate distribution of liquid cooling medium flow to each rack. This allows for dynamic distribution of flow according to the flow requirements of the servers in different racks, thereby eliminating heat dissipation risks.

[0111] The cooling device with the above configuration supports precise flow adjustment of server racks and simultaneous online testing of high-density and low-density servers. By precisely controlling the flow, it can test liquid-cooled servers and meet the testing and dynamic optimization requirements of liquid-cooled servers.

[0112] Please refer to the following: Figure 4 and Figure 6 Each of the first server rack 111 and each of the second server rack 112 is equipped with a radiator 1115 (specifically a chilled water rack radiator). The unit liquid cooling circulation system 10 also includes a chiller 18, which is connected to all the radiators 1115 and is used to provide a cooling source to all the radiators 1115.

[0113] Furthermore, each of the first server rack 111 and each of the second server rack 112 is equipped with a cold aisle 1113 and a hot aisle 1114. The fan of the heat sink 1115 blows cold air into the cold aisle 1113. The cold air in the cold aisle 1113 carries away the heat generated by the server in the corresponding first server rack 111 or second server rack 112 and then enters the hot aisle 1114 and returns to the air intake side of the heat sink 1115.

[0114] Please refer to the following: Figure 7 The unit's liquid cooling circulation system 10 also includes a support frame 19, which is used to install the liquid supply ring network 12 and the liquid return ring network 13, so that the planes on which the liquid supply ring network 12 and the liquid return ring network 13 are located are coplanar and arranged in the vertical direction.

[0115] Specifically, the support frame 19 includes two vertical beams 191 arranged in a vertical direction, and a first horizontal beam 192 is connected between the top ends of the two vertical beams 191. Both ends of the first horizontal beam 192 are provided with first fixing members 193. The first fixing member 193 includes a first base plate 1931, a first side plate 1932 and a first connecting plate 1933. The first connecting plate 1933 connects the first base plate 1931 and the first side plate 1932. The first base plate 1931 is fixed to the first horizontal beam 192. The first side plate 1932 is provided with at least two first fixing holes 19321 for fixed connection with the wall.

[0116] To facilitate strengthening the connection between the first horizontal beam 192 and the corresponding vertical beam 191, the support frame 19 also includes two reinforcing ribs 194. The reinforcing ribs 194 are used to connect the first horizontal beam 192 and the corresponding vertical beam 191 to strengthen the connection between the first horizontal beam 192 and the corresponding vertical beam 191.

[0117] To facilitate the fixing of the ring network, two second horizontal beams 195 are connected between the middle of the two vertical beams 191. The distance between the two second horizontal beams 195 is greater than the vertical dimension of the return ring network 13 and less than the vertical dimension of the supply ring network 12. One of the second horizontal beams 195 is provided with at least two spaced first clamp fasteners 1951, each first clamp fastener 1951 is used to connect to the supply ring network 12 to fix the supply ring network 12. The other second horizontal beam 195 is provided with at least two spaced second clamp fasteners 1952, each second clamp fastener 1952 is used to connect to the return ring network 13 to fix the return ring network 13.

[0118] This setup provides support for the pipe assembly, reduces deformation during pipe operation, and maintains the stability of the pipe assembly's movement.

[0119] Furthermore, the bottom ends of both vertical beams 191 are fixed with second fasteners 196. The second fasteners 196 are plate-shaped and have at least two second fixing holes 1961 for fixing to the floor.

[0120] In addition, the support frame 19 also includes two inclined support rods 197. The two ends of the inclined support rods 197 are connected to the corresponding second fixing member 196 and the vertical beam 191, respectively. A third cross beam 198 is connected between the two inclined support rods 197. The inclined support rods 197 are used to prevent the support frame 19 from tilting forward, so as to ensure the stability of the liquid supply ring network 12, the liquid return ring network 13 and each connecting pipeline.

[0121] The aforementioned support frame 19 adopts a vertical arrangement of the secondary side supply and return water mains, which not only saves space but also ensures the stability of the supply ring network 12, the return ring network 13, and all connecting pipelines.

[0122] In summary, the cooling device used in this invention can support multi-variable and multi-parameter testing environments, meet the testing and dynamic optimization requirements of liquid-cooled servers, and verify the heat dissipation performance of servers under different cold sources and conduct simultaneous online variable flow tests on high- and low-density server racks. This solves the problem that current cooling devices are limited in mode and cannot meet the testing requirements of liquid-cooled servers under different operating conditions.

[0123] It should be noted that in this specification, relational terms such as first and second are used only to distinguish one entity from several other entities, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities.

[0124] The cooling device provided by the present invention has been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present invention. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the solution and core ideas of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several improvements and modifications to the present invention without departing from the principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cooling device, characterized in that, include: The unit liquid cooling circulation system includes a liquid cooling unit, a liquid supply loop network and a liquid return loop network, wherein the liquid supply loop network and the liquid return loop network are both connected to the liquid cooling unit; A liquid supply circulation system, connected to the liquid supply ring network and the liquid return ring network, is used to supply liquid cooling medium to the unit's liquid cooling circulation system; The heat exchange module is connected to the liquid supply ring network and the liquid return ring network; A cooling circulation system, wherein the cooling circulation system is connected to the unit's liquid cooling circulation system through the heat exchange module to cool the liquid cooling medium in the unit's liquid cooling circulation system; In the first operating mode, the liquid supply circulation system is turned on and the cooling circulation system is turned off; in the second operating mode, the liquid supply circulation system is turned off and the cooling circulation system is turned on. The unit's liquid cooling circulation system also includes a support frame, which is used to install the liquid supply ring network and the liquid return ring network, so that the planes on which the liquid supply ring network and the liquid return ring network are located are coplanar and arranged in the vertical direction; The support frame includes two vertical beams arranged in the vertical direction; A first crossbeam is connected between the top ends of the two vertical beams. Each end of the first crossbeam is provided with a first fixing member. The first fixing member includes a first base plate, a first side plate, and a first connecting plate. The first connecting plate connects the first base plate and the first side plate. The first base plate is fixed to the first crossbeam. The first side plate is provided with at least two first fixing holes for fixed connection with the wall. The support frame also includes two reinforcing ribs, which are used to connect the first crossbeam and the corresponding vertical beam to strengthen the connection between the first crossbeam and the corresponding vertical beam. Two second horizontal beams are connected between the middle of the two vertical beams. The distance between the two second horizontal beams is greater than the vertical dimension of the return liquid ring network and less than the vertical dimension of the supply liquid ring network. One of the second horizontal beams is provided with at least two spaced first clamp fasteners, each of which is used to connect to the supply liquid ring network to fix the supply liquid ring network. The other second horizontal beam is provided with at least two spaced second clamp fasteners, each of which is used to connect to the return liquid ring network to fix the return liquid ring network. The bottom ends of both vertical beams are fixed with a second fixing member. The second fixing member is plate-shaped and has at least two second fixing holes for fixing to the floor. The support frame also includes two inclined support rods, the two ends of which are respectively connected to the corresponding second fixing member and the vertical beam. A third crossbeam is connected between the two inclined support rods. The inclined support rods are used to prevent the support frame from tilting forward, so as to ensure the stability of the liquid supply ring network and the liquid return ring network.

2. The cooling device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cooling circulation system includes: The cooling module is used to cool the liquid cooling medium. A power module, connected to the cooling module and the heat exchange module, is used to provide power so that the liquid cooling medium circulates between the cooling module and the heat exchange module.

3. The cooling device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The cooling cycle system also includes a refrigeration module, which is connected to the heat exchange module. The refrigeration module is used to cool the liquid cooling medium and to enable the liquid cooling medium to exchange heat with the liquid cooling medium in the unit's liquid cooling cycle system in the heat exchange module.

4. The cooling device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The cooling module is a closed cooling tower, the refrigeration module is an air-cooled chiller, and the cooling circulation system also includes a cooling tower water supply pipe, a cooling tower water return pipe, a first common pipe, a second common pipe, a chiller water supply pipe, and a chiller water return pipe. The water supply inlet of the closed-circuit cooling tower is connected to one end of the cooling tower water supply pipe, and the other end of the cooling tower water supply pipe is connected to one end of the first common pipe. The other end of the first common pipe is connected to the water inlet of the power module and the water inlet of the heat exchange module through the first inlet pipe and the second inlet pipe, respectively. The water return inlet of the closed-circuit cooling tower is connected to one end of the cooling tower water return pipe, and the other end of the cooling tower water return pipe is connected to one end of the second common pipe. The other end of the second common pipe is connected to the water outlet of the heat exchange module through the second outlet pipe. The water outlet of the power module is connected to the second inlet pipe through the first outlet pipe. The two ends of the chiller water supply pipe are connected to the water supply inlet of the air-cooled chiller unit and the first common pipe, respectively. The two ends of the chiller water return pipe are connected to the water return inlet of the air-cooled chiller unit and the second common pipe, respectively. The cooling tower return water pipe is equipped with a first valve, the cooling tower supply water pipe is equipped with a second valve, the chiller return water pipe is equipped with a fifth valve, the chiller supply water pipe is equipped with a sixth valve, the first inlet water pipe is equipped with a seventh valve, the second outlet water pipe is equipped with an eighth valve, the first outlet water pipe is equipped with a ninth valve, and the second inlet water pipe is equipped with a tenth valve.

5. The cooling device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid supply circulation system includes: Dry cooler; A dry cooling water pump is located below the dry cooler to provide liquid supply power; The control unit is communicatively connected to the dry cooler and the dry cool water pump, and is used to control the operation of the dry cooler and the dry cool water pump.

6. The cooling device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The liquid supply circulation system also includes a cooler water supply pipe and a cooler water return pipe. The two ends of the cooler water supply pipe are respectively connected to the water supply port of the dry cooler and the liquid supply ring network. The two ends of the cooler water return pipe are respectively connected to the water return port of the dry cooler and the liquid return ring network. The cooler return water pipe is equipped with a third valve, and the cooler supply water pipe is equipped with a fourth valve.

7. The cooling device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The liquid cooling unit includes at least two first server racks and at least two second server racks; The unit's liquid cooling circulation system also includes a base, on which the power module, the heat exchange module, at least two first server racks and at least two second server racks are arranged side by side.

8. The cooling device as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, Each of the first server racks is connected to the liquid supply ring network and the liquid return ring network via a first water supply pipe and a first water return pipe, respectively; each of the second server racks is connected to the liquid supply ring network via two second water supply pipes; and each of the second server racks is connected to the liquid return ring network via two second water return pipes. Each of the first water supply pipes, each of the first water return pipes, each of the second water supply pipes, and each of the second water return pipes is equipped with a ball valve; Each of the first return water pipes and each of the second return water pipes is equipped with a regulating valve.

9. The cooling device as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, Each of the first server racks and each of the second server racks is equipped with a heat sink. The unit's liquid cooling circulation system also includes a chiller, which is connected to all of the heat sinks and is used to provide a cooling source to all of the heat sinks. Each of the first server racks and each of the second server racks is provided with a cold aisle and a hot aisle. The fan of the heat sink blows cold air into the cold aisle. The cold air in the cold aisle carries away the heat generated by the server in the corresponding first server rack or second server rack and then enters the hot aisle before returning to the air intake side of the heat sink.

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