Cooling liquid distribution device

Abstract

The invention discloses a cooling liquid distribution device. The cooling liquid distribution device comprises a shell, a heat exchanger, a first input port, a first output port, at least one pumping assembly and a first power connector, the shell is provided with at least one opening. The heat exchanger and the at least one pumping assembly are arranged in the shell. The first input port and the first output port are connected with the heat exchanger. The at least one pumping assembly is partially exposed out of the housing through the at least one opening. The at least one pumping assembly is communicated with the first input port and the heat exchanger. The first power connector is arranged on the shell and used for receiving a direct-current power source. Therefore, the cooling liquid distribution device provided by the invention does not need to be additionally provided with an adapter to convert alternating current into direct current, so that internal components of the cooling liquid distribution device can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a cooling liquid distribution device, in particular to a cooling liquid distribution device operated by a direct current power supply. Background Art

[0002] Large database centers consisting of multiple servers generally use cooling distribution units (CDUs) to supply cooling liquid to each layer of servers in the server rack for cooling. The cooling liquid absorbs the heat generated by the server, and then transfers the heat-carrying cooling liquid to the external circulation pipeline through the CDU's delivery pipeline for heat dissipation. In other words, CDU is an indispensable component in the liquid cooling process of the database center. CDU can evenly distribute coolant or water to each rack in the system, and can regulate and control the flow of cooling liquid to maintain the temperature and flow rate required by the system (consisting of multiple server racks).

[0003] Existing coolant distribution devices are all powered by AC, but for server products produced using the Open Compute Project (OCP) cabinet standard specifications, each cabinet uses centralized power distribution, and transmits DC power to the server through a copper bus (Bus Bar) (i.e., DC power supply). The centralized power supply can save electricity and reduce the machine failure rate. In other words, the existing coolant distribution device cannot be adapted to the new type of rack design.

[0004] Therefore, how to overcome the above-mentioned defects through improvement of structural design has become one of the important issues to be solved in this field. Summary of the invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a cooling liquid distribution device which can directly receive a DC power supply in view of the deficiencies in the prior art.

[0006] In order to solve the above technical problems, one of the technical solutions adopted by the present invention is to provide a coolant distribution device, which includes a shell, a heat exchanger, a first input port, a first output port, at least one pump component and a first power connector. The shell has at least one opening. The heat exchanger and at least one pump component are arranged inside the shell. The first input port and the first output port are connected to the heat exchanger. At least one pump component is partially exposed to the shell through at least one opening. At least one pump component is interconnected with the first input port and the heat exchanger. The first power connector is arranged in the shell, and the first power connector is used to receive a DC power supply.

[0007] Preferably, at least one pump component and the first input port, and at least one pump component and the heat exchanger are connected to each other through a flow guide pipe.

[0008] Preferably, at least one pump component has at least one fluid connector, and at least one pump component is connected to the flow guide tube via the at least one fluid connector.

[0009] Preferably, at least one fluid connector is a quick connector.

[0010] Preferably, at least one pump assembly includes a second power connector and a power module, the second power connector is electrically connected to the power module, and the first power connector is electrically coupled to the second power connector.

[0011] Preferably, the coolant distribution device of the present invention further comprises at least one guide rail, the at least one guide rail is disposed on the housing, the at least one pump component has a slide bar, and the at least one pump component is disposed on the at least one guide rail via the slide bar.

[0012] Preferably, at least one pump component has a handle, and the handle is exposed outside the housing.

[0013] Preferably, the number of the at least one pumping assembly is two.

[0014] Preferably, the coolant distribution device of the present invention further comprises a controller disposed in the housing and coupled to the pump assembly, wherein the controller is used to transmit a control signal to at least one pump assembly to adjust the flow pressure value of at least one pump assembly.

[0015] Preferably, the controller has a handle.

[0016] Preferably, the cooling liquid distribution device of the present invention further comprises a liquid storage unit and a flow sensor, wherein the liquid storage unit and the flow sensor are disposed inside the housing and connected between the first input port and at least one pump component.

[0017] In order to solve the above technical problems, another technical solution adopted by the present invention is to provide a coolant distribution device, which includes a housing, a pump assembly, a heat exchanger and a controller. The housing has at least one opening. The pump assembly is arranged in the housing and includes a power module for receiving a DC power supply. The heat exchanger is arranged in the housing and coupled to the pump assembly. The controller is arranged in the housing and coupled to the power module and the pump assembly. The controller adjusts the working parameters of the pump assembly according to the state of a heat source.

[0018] Preferably, the state is the operating power or temperature of the heat source, and the operating parameter is the flow pressure value or the rotation speed value.

[0019] Preferably, the coolant distribution device of the present invention further comprises a detachable containing box, which is installed in the shell through at least one opening of the shell, and the pump assembly, controller or power module is disposed in the detachable containing box.

[0020] Preferably, the shell has a guiding structure, the detachable accommodating box has a matching piece corresponding to the guiding structure, and the detachable accommodating box is used to be assembled on the guiding structure through the matching piece.

[0021] One of the beneficial effects of the present invention is that the coolant distribution device provided by the present invention can be directly electrically connected to the copper busbar on the rack through the first power connector to receive the DC power provided by the power supply unit (PSU) of the system. Therefore, the coolant distribution device provided by the present invention does not need to be equipped with an additional adapter to convert AC power into DC power, which can reduce the components inside the coolant distribution device and reduce the manufacturing cost.

[0022] To further understand the features and technical contents of the present invention, please refer to the following detailed description and drawings of the present invention. However, the drawings provided are only for reference and description and are not intended to limit the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 It is a first schematic diagram of the coolant distribution device of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a second schematic diagram of the coolant distribution device of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 3 It is a schematic internal diagram of the coolant distribution device of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the controller of the present invention being extracted from the coolant distribution device.

[0027] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the pump assembly of the present invention being extracted from the coolant distribution device.

[0028] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a pump assembly of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The following is an explanation of the implementation of the "coolant distribution device" disclosed in the present invention through specific embodiments. Those skilled in the art can understand the advantages and effects of the present invention from the contents disclosed in this specification. The present invention can be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and the details in this specification can also be modified and changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the concept of the present invention. In addition, the drawings of the present invention are only simple schematic illustrations and are not depicted according to actual dimensions. It is stated in advance. The following implementations will further explain the relevant technical contents of the present invention in detail, but the disclosed contents are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] It should be understood that, although the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are mainly used to distinguish one element from another element. In addition, the term "or" used herein may include any one or more combinations of the associated listed items depending on the actual situation.

[0031] Example

[0032] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, Figure 1 and Figure 2 Schematic diagrams of a coolant distribution device at different viewing angles. The present invention provides a coolant distribution unit (CDU) D, which can be installed on a server cabinet (not shown). The coolant distribution device D includes a housing 1, a heat exchanger 3, a first input port 21, a first output port 22, at least one pump component 4, and a first power connector 5. The first input port 21 and the first output port 22 are disposed on the housing 1.

[0033] See also Figures 1 to 3 As shown, Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the interior of the coolant distribution device of the present invention. The housing 1 includes a first side cover 11 and a second side cover 12. The coolant distribution device D also includes a guide tube 23. The guide tube 23 is disposed inside the housing 1, and the first input port 21 and the first output port 22 are disposed on the first side cover 11 of the housing 1, and the guide tube 23 is connected to the first input port 21. The heat exchanger 3 and at least one pump assembly 4 are disposed inside the housing 1, and the first output port 22 is connected to the heat exchanger 3.

[0034] The cooling liquid distribution device D also includes a second input port 31 and a second output port 32, and the second input port 31 and the second output port 32 are arranged on the first side cover 11 of the housing 1. The second input port 31 and the second output port 32 are connected to the heat exchanger 3. There are two different fluids in the heat exchanger 3, one is the water source of the usual building, such as direct water supply from a water tower, or water supply from a building ice machine, and this fluid is usually called a primary side fluid (not shown in the figure), and the primary side fluid is input by the second input port 31 of the cooling liquid distribution device D and output by the second output port 32 of the cooling liquid distribution device D. The other is the target fluid for cooling, that is, the cooling liquid or the secondary side fluid. The secondary side fluid or the cooling liquid is input by the first input port 21 and output by the first output port 22. The secondary side fluid is used to absorb the heat generated by the equipment (for example, the server in the data center). The two fluids will be transported to different channels in the heat exchanger, and flow through these channels near the heat exchange surface to perform heat exchange. In this way, the cooling liquid distribution device D maintains the appropriate temperature of the equipment.

[0035] The flow guide 23 is connected between at least one pump assembly 4 and the first input port 21, and between at least one pump assembly 4 and the heat exchanger 3. In other words, at least one pump assembly 4 and the first input port 21 are interconnected, and at least one pump assembly 4 and the heat exchanger 3 are interconnected through the flow guide 23. Specifically, the coolant (i.e., the secondary side fluid, not shown in the figure) first enters the housing 1 from the first input port 21, and then enters at least one pump assembly 4 through the flow guide 23, absorbing the waste heat generated by the server, thereby reducing the overall temperature of the system and achieving a heat dissipation effect. Then, the coolant with heat is transmitted to the heat exchanger 3 by the flow guide 23, and heat is exchanged with the primary side fluid in the heat exchanger 3.

[0036] See also Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the pump assembly of the present invention being extracted from the coolant distribution device. At least one pump assembly 4 has at least one fluid connector 41, and at least one pump assembly 4 is connected to the flow guide tube 23 through at least one fluid connector 41. The present invention is not limited to the number of pump assemblies 4. For example, the coolant distribution device D of the present invention includes two pump assemblies 4. Figure 5 As shown, each of the two pump assemblies 4 has two fluid connectors 41, and the flow conduit 23 has four fluid connectors 231. The two pump assemblies 4 can be connected to the four fluid connectors 231 of the flow conduit 23 through the four fluid connectors 41, so as to be interconnected.

[0037] For example, the fluid connectors 41 of the two pump components 4 and the fluid connector 231 of the flow guide tube 23 are all quick disconnect blind mates (QDBM), the four fluid connectors 41 can be male connectors of the quick connector, and the four fluid connectors 231 can be female connectors. Since the quick disconnect blind mate has an O-ring design inside, no water leakage will occur when the male connector and the female connector are disconnected.

[0038] like Figure 5 As shown, the first power connector 5 is disposed on the housing 1, and is also disposed on the first side cover 11 of the housing 1 together with the first input port 21 and the plurality of output ports 22. The first power connector 5 is electrically connected to the heat exchanger 3, the two pump assemblies 4 and the controller 7 mentioned below. Compared with the existing coolant distribution device which is powered by alternating current voltage AC, the coolant distribution device D of the present invention is powered by direct current voltage DC. Therefore, the first power connector 5 is a DC terminal clip (DC clip), which can be used to receive a DC power supply. In detail, when the coolant distribution device D of the present invention is disposed on a server cabinet, it is electrically connected to the bus bar on the cabinet through the first power connector 5 to directly receive the DC power provided by the power supply unit (Power Supply Unit, PSU) of the server cabinet.

[0039] In addition, the pump assembly 4 further includes a second power connector 42 and a power module 43. The second power connector 42 is electrically connected to the power module 43, and the first power connector 5 is electrically coupled to the second power connector 42, so that the second power connector 42 can transmit the DC power from the first power connector 5 to the power module 43. In other words, the pump assembly 4 of the present invention receives the DC power of the system by electrically coupling the second power connector 42 to the first power connector 5. Furthermore, in addition to the pump assembly 4, the heat exchanger 3 of the coolant distribution device D and the controller 7 mentioned below are also powered by the external system (server cabinet) to operate.

[0040] See also Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the pump assembly of the present invention. The pump assembly 4 also has a handle 44. The second side cover 12 of the housing 1 has two openings 10. Parts of the two pump assemblies 4 are respectively disposed in the two openings 10, and the handle 44 is exposed to the housing 1. The housing 1 includes a guide structure 6, and the guide structure 6 is disposed inside the housing 1. The pump assembly 4 has a matching piece 45 corresponding to the guide structure 6. The pump assembly 4 is used to be assembled on the guide structure 6 of the housing 1 through the matching piece 45, and move relative to the housing 1.

[0041] The guide structure 6 and the matching member 45 can be matched in various combinations such as a groove matched with a convex part, a track matched with a roller, or a support bar matched with a hook member, etc., and the present invention is not limited thereto. In addition, the guide structure 6 can be disposed on the bottom plate or the side wall of the housing 1, and the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in the present invention, the guide structure 6 can be a guide rail, and the matching member 45 can be a slide bar mounted on the guide rail, and the pump assembly 4 is assembled on the guide rail of the housing 1 through the slide bar and moves along the guide rail.

[0042] Therefore, if Figure 5 As shown, the pump assembly 4 of the present invention is a pluggable assembly. Since the handle 44 of the pump assembly 4 is exposed outside the housing 1, and with the design of the guide structure 6 and the matching member 45, the user can hold the handle 44 and pull the pump assembly 4 out of the coolant distribution device D. Furthermore, when the user directly pulls out the pump assembly 4 for replacement or maintenance, the fluid connector 41 and the second power connector 42 of the pump assembly 4 can directly disconnect the fluid connector 231 and the first power connector 5, without complicated disassembly steps, and the coolant distribution device D does not need to be shut down, thereby saving manpower and time costs.

[0043] See also Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the controller of the present invention being extracted from the coolant distribution device, the coolant distribution device D further comprising a controller 7, a liquid storage unit 8 and a flow sensor 9. The controller 7 is disposed in the housing 1 and coupled to the pump assembly 4 and the flow sensor 9. The liquid storage unit 8 may be a water tank disposed inside the housing 1 and connected between the first input port 21 and the pump assembly 4. The liquid storage unit 8 stores the secondary fluid to ensure sufficient secondary fluid flow. The flow sensor 9 senses the secondary fluid flow. The controller 7 is used to output a corresponding control signal to the pump assembly 4 according to the state of a heat source, so as to adjust the working parameters of the pump assembly 4. For example, the heat source is, for example, an electronic component in a server, the state of the heat source is, for example, the power or temperature of a plurality of electronic components, and the working parameter is the flow pressure value or speed value of the pump assembly 4, or the flow rate of the coolant flowing through the flow sensor 9. More specifically, the controller 7 can determine how to adjust the flow pressure value or speed value of the pump assembly 4 and adjust the flow pressure value or speed value according to the power and temperature of the heat source.

[0044] In addition, the controller 7 and the pump assembly 4 are also pluggable components. In other words, a guide structure 6 (such as a guide rail) is provided in the housing 1 for the controller 7 to be installed thereon, and the second side cover 12 of the housing 1 has an opening corresponding to the controller 7, and the controller 7 has a handle 71 and a matching piece (such as a slide bar) corresponding to the guide structure. Therefore, when the controller 7 is set in the housing 1, the handle 71 will be exposed outside the housing 1. The user can hold the handle 71 and pull the controller 7 out of the coolant distribution device D. Furthermore, when the user wants to pull out the controller 7 for replacement or maintenance, the coolant distribution device D does not need to stop running, but at this time the pump assembly 4 will not detect the control signal from the controller 7, so the working parameters of the pump assembly 4 will be maintained at a default value.

[0045] See also Figure 4 and Figure 5 The coolant dispensing device D provided by the present invention has a pump assembly 4 and a controller 7 which are both pluggable components. That is, although the pump assembly 4 and the controller 7 have different internal structures, they have a common structural design in appearance. For example, the pump assembly 4 and the controller 7 are both detachable storage boxes S in appearance. The detachable storage box S is installed in the shell 1 from the opening 10 of the shell 1. The components of the pump assembly 4 (motor and power module) or the components of the controller 7 (such as the main board) can be arranged inside the detachable storage box S. The detachable storage box S has an extraction portion, and the extraction portion can be, for example, a handle 44, 71. Further, the handle 44, 71 can be a retractable handle or a fixed handle. Alternatively, the extraction portion can be designed as a groove or concave groove similar to the drawer of an office desk, which is convenient for the user to hold and apply force.

[0046] Advantageous Effects of Embodiments

[0047] The coolant distribution device D provided by the present invention can be directly electrically connected to the copper busbar on the rack through the first power connector 5 to receive the DC power provided by the power supply unit of the system. Therefore, the coolant distribution device provided by the present invention does not need to be equipped with an additional adapter to convert AC power into DC power, which can reduce the components inside the coolant distribution device and reduce the manufacturing cost.

[0048] Furthermore, the pump assembly 4 and the controller 7 of the coolant dispensing device D provided by the present invention are both pluggable components, and both have handles 44, 71 and a design of a matching piece 45 corresponding to the guide structure 6. Therefore, when the pump assembly 4 and the controller 7 are disposed in the housing 1, the handles 44, 71 are exposed outside the housing 1, and the user can hold the handles 44, 71 and pull the pump assembly 4 and the controller 7 out of the coolant dispensing device D without complicated disassembly steps, and the coolant dispensing device D does not need to be shut down, thereby saving manpower and time costs.

[0049] The contents disclosed above are only preferred feasible embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the protection scope of the claims of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent technical changes made using the contents of the present invention description and drawings are included in the protection scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A coolant distribution device, characterized in that: The coolant distribution device comprises: A housing having at least one opening; a heat exchanger, disposed inside the shell; a first input port; a first output port, wherein the first input port and the first output port are connected to the heat exchanger; at least one pump assembly disposed inside the housing, wherein a portion of the at least one pump assembly is exposed outside the housing through the at least one opening, and the at least one pump assembly is in communication with the first input port and the heat exchanger; and A first power connector is disposed on the housing, and the first power connector is used to receive a DC power supply.

2. The coolant distribution device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The at least one pump component and the first input port, and the at least one pump component and the heat exchanger are communicated with each other through a flow guide pipe.

3. The coolant distribution device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The at least one pump component has at least one fluid connector, and the at least one pump component is connected to the flow guide tube through the at least one fluid connector.

4. The coolant distribution device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The at least one fluid connector is a quick connector.

5. The coolant distribution device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The at least one pump component includes a second power connector and a power module, wherein the second power connector is electrically connected to the power module; wherein the first power connector is electrically coupled to the second power connector.

6. The coolant distribution device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cooling liquid distribution device further comprises at least one guide rail, wherein the at least one guide rail is arranged on the housing, and the at least one pump component has a slide bar, wherein the at least one pump component is arranged on the at least one guide rail through the slide bar.

7. The coolant distribution device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The at least one pump component has a handle, and the handle is exposed outside the housing.

8. The coolant distribution device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of the at least one pump component is two.

9. The coolant distribution device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The coolant distribution device further includes a controller disposed in the housing and coupled to the pump assembly. The controller is used to transmit a control signal to the at least one pump assembly to adjust the flow pressure value of the at least one pump assembly.

10. The coolant distribution device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The controller has a handle.

11. The coolant distribution device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cooling liquid distribution device further includes a liquid storage unit and a flow sensor. The liquid storage unit and the flow sensor are disposed inside the housing and connected between the first input port and the at least one pump component.

12. A cooling liquid distribution device, characterized in that: The coolant distribution device comprises: A housing having at least one opening; A pump assembly is disposed in the housing, wherein the pump assembly includes a power module for receiving a DC power supply; a heat exchanger disposed in the housing and coupled to the pump assembly; and a controller, disposed in the housing and coupled to the power module and the pump assembly, The controller adjusts the working parameters of the pump component according to the state of a heat source.

13. The coolant distribution device according to claim 12, characterized in that: The state is the operating power or temperature of the heat source, and the operating parameter is the flow pressure value or the rotation speed value.

14. The coolant distribution device according to claim 12, characterized in that: The coolant distribution device further includes a detachable containing box, which is installed in the shell through the at least one opening of the shell, and the pump assembly, the controller or the power module is disposed in the detachable containing box.

15. The coolant distribution device according to claim 14, characterized in that: The shell has a guiding structure, the detachable containing box has a matching piece corresponding to the guiding structure, and the detachable containing box is used to be assembled on the guiding structure through the matching piece.

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