Flow-through folded film accumulator for liquid cooling system

Abstract

The invention relates to a flow-through folded film accumulator for a liquid cooling system. A flow-through folded membrane accumulator includes a hollow cylindrical housing and a folded flexible membrane disposed in an interior volume of the housing. The membrane defines an internal liquid passage extending through the membrane along the longitudinal axis, and liquid coolant flows through the internal liquid passage from the inlet of the accumulator to the outlet of the accumulator. The membrane is sealed to the housing such that a gas-tight cavity filled with gas is formed between the housing and the membrane. The cavity radially surrounds the inner liquid channel, wherein the membrane separates the cavity from the inner liquid channel. The volume of the cavity and the volume of the channel vary in response to deformation of the membrane and based on the pressure of the liquid coolant. The membrane may include a plurality of folds extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and circumferentially distributed about the axis.

Description

[0001] introduction

[0002] Information processing devices such as computers, network devices, etc. generate heat when in use. A cooling system can be used to remove heat from components of the information processing device to keep these components within the desired operating temperature. For example, liquid cooling technology can use a liquid coolant flow to remove heat from the system. In this liquid cooling technology, a cold plate is thermally connected to the components that need to be cooled, and a liquid coolant flow can be used to transfer heat from the components to the liquid coolant. In a system utilizing liquid cooling technology, the liquid coolant flow is transported via a liquid cooling infrastructure (such as pumps, coolant lines, fluid connectors, heat exchangers, etc.). Such an infrastructure can form a liquid cooling loop that can serve multiple information processing devices (such as one or more entire racks or cabinets of information processing devices).

[0003] Part of the liquid cooling infrastructure is the accumulator. An accumulator is a device similar to a hydraulic spring that helps regulate the pressure within the liquid cooling circuit, absorbing transient pressure peaks or drops (such as may be caused by thermal expansion / contraction, new device insertion, etc.). The accumulator includes a chamber filled with liquid and connected to the liquid cooling circuit, wherein the liquid chamber is bounded by a movable barrier (e.g., a piston, a bladder, a diaphragm) so that the volume within the chamber can change based on the movement of the barrier. The liquid in the chamber pushes against the movable barrier, and the movable barrier is biased to push back the liquid. An equilibrium is reached in which the pressure in the liquid chamber balances the opposing biasing force acting on the movable barrier. The biasing force can be generated by pressure on the opposite side of the barrier (e.g., from compressed air) and / or by a mechanical biasing mechanism (e.g., the barrier's anti-deformation elasticity). Thus, for example, if the total volume of the liquid in the liquid cooling circuit expands due to thermal expansion, the liquid chamber can expand to accommodate the excess volume by compressing or otherwise moving the movable barrier. In contrast, without an accumulator, the expansion of the liquid volume could create enough pressure to burst a pipe or fitting due to the incompressibility of the liquid.

[0004] One type of accumulator is a bladder accumulator, in which the movable barrier is a flexible bladder filled with gas and sealed. The bladder is disposed in a chamber and a liquid surrounds the bladder. In these accumulators, the biasing force is generated by the pressure of the gas inside the bladder pushing the bladder outward. Another type of accumulator is a diaphragm (or membrane) accumulator, in which the movable barrier is a flexible diaphragm (membrane) that separates a larger container into two chambers, one being a liquid chamber and the other filled with gas. The operation of a diaphragm accumulator is similar to that of a bladder accumulator. Another type of accumulator is a piston accumulator, in which the movable barrier is a piston. The liquid is disposed on one side of the piston and the other side of the piston is biased by a spring, a weight, or by compressed gas, causing the piston to press against the liquid. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Alone or with Figure 1 The present disclosure can be understood from the following detailed description. These drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more examples of the present teachings and together with the description explain certain principles and operations. In the drawings:

[0006] Figure 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an example of a flow-through folded membrane accumulator.

[0007] Figure 2 is a perspective view of another example of a flow-through folded membrane accumulator having an inlet coupling and an outlet coupling disposed on the same end.

[0008] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Exploded perspective view of the accumulator.

[0009] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Partial exploded perspective view of the accumulator.

[0010] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 Another exploded perspective view of the accumulator.

[0011] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 Another partially exploded perspective view of the accumulator.

[0012] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 The accumulator along Figure 2 The cross section is taken along the indicated plane 7-7.

[0013] Fig. 8A yes Figure 2 The accumulator is under static (neutral) pressure along Figure 2 The cross section is taken along plane 8-8 as indicated.

[0014] Figure 8B yes Figure 2 The accumulator is under high pressure. Figure 2 The cross section is taken along plane 8-8 as indicated.

[0015] Fig. 9 yes Figure 2 The flow of the accumulator is diverted along the Figure 2 The cross section is taken along plane 7-7 as indicated.

[0016] Fig.10 yes Figure 7 An enlarged portion of the cross section.

[0017] Fig.11 is a perspective view of another example of a flow-through folded membrane accumulator having an inlet coupler and an outlet coupler disposed on opposite ends.

[0018] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 Exploded perspective view of the accumulator.

[0019] Fig.13 yes Fig.11 Partial exploded perspective view of the accumulator.

[0020] Fig.14 yes Fig.11 Another partially exploded perspective view of the accumulator.

[0021] Fig.15 yes Fig.11 The accumulator along Fig.11 The cross section is taken along the indicated plane 15-15.

[0022] Fig.16 yes Fig.11 The accumulator along Fig.11 A cross section is taken along plane 16 - 16 as indicated.

[0023] Fig.17 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an example information handling system having a liquid cooling loop with a flow-through folded membrane accumulator.

[0024] Fig.18 is a block diagram schematically illustrating another example information handling system having a liquid cooling loop with a flow-through folded membrane accumulator.

[0025] Fig.19is a block diagram schematically illustrating another example information handling system having a liquid cooling loop with two flow-through folded membrane accumulators connected in series.

[0026] Fig. 20 is a block diagram schematically illustrating another example information handling system having a liquid cooling loop with two parallel flow-through folded membrane accumulators. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] In an accumulator used in a liquid cooling system, the liquid chamber of the accumulator is typically not part of the flow path of the fluid flowing through the liquid cooling circuit. That is, although the liquid chamber is fluidly connected to the liquid cooling circuit, the liquid chamber is typically arranged on one side of the main liquid flow path so that the liquid flowing through the circuit mostly bypasses the liquid chamber. As the pressure in the system fluctuates, some small amounts of liquid may occasionally enter or leave the liquid chamber, but overall, the liquid in the chamber remains mostly undisturbed and is not recirculated. As a result, the liquid in the chamber of the accumulator may become stagnant. Chemicals in the stagnant liquid may degrade and / or precipitate from the solution so that the chemical properties of the liquid in the accumulator no longer meet the requirements required to maintain corrosion inhibition and biological growth inhibition. As a result, the stagnant liquid may begin to produce biological or other contaminants, which may then spread to the rest of the liquid cooling circuit. Contaminants can also cause corrosion and blockage in the fluid flow path.

[0028] A technical solution to the above problem includes a flow-through accumulator having a liquid channel configured to be coupled to a liquid flow path of a liquid cooling system so that at least a portion of the liquid continuously flows through the liquid channel of the accumulator as the liquid flows along the liquid flow path. Thus, the liquid in the accumulator continuously recirculates and does not become stagnant.

[0029] In some examples, the accumulator includes a flexible membrane formed into a tubular shape, the flexible membrane having an inlet opening and an outlet opening, wherein an internal channel extends between the inlet opening and the outlet opening along a longitudinal axis. The internal channel forms a liquid channel of the accumulator, wherein the liquid is received at the inlet opening, flows through the channel along an axial direction, and leaves via the outlet opening. The membrane includes a plurality of folds extending parallel to the axis and distributed circumferentially around the axis, wherein the folds alternate in their folding directions (inward and outward) to form a series of folds that define and define the internal liquid channel. Each individual fold can be shaped like an elongated trough (trough) (from the perspective of the outside of the membrane) or an elongated ridge (from the perspective of the inside of the liquid channel) similar to a cross section extending along the longitudinal axis and having a generally V-shaped or U-shaped shape. For example, the membrane can have a star-shaped cross section. The accumulator also includes a hollow cylindrical shell. The flexible membrane is positioned inside the shell and sealed to the shell so that an airtight cavity is defined in the space between the shell and the membrane, wherein the cavity radially surrounds the flexible membrane. The cavity is filled with a gas (e.g., air, nitrogen, or any other gas), and for convenience the cavity may be referred to as the air cavity. The membrane separates the air cavity from the internal liquid channel, and because the membrane is flexible and its folded portions may deform, the respective volumes of the internal liquid channel and the air cavity may vary in an inversely proportional relationship to one another. Thus, the folded portions of the membrane may deform as pressure in the liquid channel fluctuates so as to absorb and offset these pressure variations, in a manner similar to how bladders or diaphragms in other accumulators absorb and offset pressure variations.

[0030] The above-described configuration of the accumulator (in which the flexible membrane defines an internal liquid passage extending between an inlet and an outlet, and in which the housing and the flexible membrane define an air cavity radially surrounding the internal liquid passage in a concentric nested configuration) allows liquid of the cooling circuit to flow continuously through the accumulator while also allowing the membrane and the air cavity to respond to pressure changes therein.

[0031] Turning now to the drawings, various apparatus, systems, and methods according to aspects of the present disclosure will be described.

[0032] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the accumulator 100. It should be understood that Figure 1 The particular shapes, sizes, or other structural details are not intended to be accurate or to scale, and embodiments of the accumulator 10 may have a different number and arrangement of the components illustrated and may also include other parts not illustrated. Figure 1 In the figure, the liquid flow path is indicated by the dashed arrows.

[0033] The accumulator 100 is a flow-through folded membrane accumulator. Figure 1As shown, the accumulator 100 includes a housing 130, a folded flexible membrane 150, an inlet portion 110, and an outlet portion 120. Each of these will be described in more detail below.

[0034] The inlet portion 110 includes an inlet coupler (not shown) configured to fluidly couple the accumulator 10 to a liquid cooling circuit. For example, the inlet coupler may be a quick disconnect (QD) fluid coupler, a hose barb coupler, a threaded coupler, or any other form of liquid coupler. The inlet portion 110 may also include other conduits or structures that direct liquid received at the inlet coupler to the passage 153 (described below). The inlet portion 110 may also include a first cap that seals a first end of the accumulator 110, the inlet coupler being coupled to the first cap.

[0035] The outlet portion 120 includes an outlet coupler (not shown) configured to fluidically couple the accumulator 10 to a liquid cooling circuit. For example, the outlet coupler may be a quick disconnect (QD) fluid coupler, a hose barb coupler, a threaded coupler, or any other form of liquid coupler. The outlet portion 120 may also include other conduits or structures that direct the liquid discharged from the passage 153 to the outlet coupler. In some examples, the outlet portion 120 may also include a second cover that seals the second end of the accumulator 110 opposite to the first end. In some examples, the outlet coupler is coupled to the second cover (directly or indirectly via a hose or other structure). In other examples, the outlet coupler is coupled to the first cover (i.e., both the inlet coupler and the outlet coupler are coupled to the same cover). In an example where both the inlet coupler and the outlet coupler are coupled to the first cover, the outlet portion 120 may include conduits that extend through the accumulator in a direction opposite to the direction in which the liquid flows through the passage 153. That is, in such an example, the liquid initially flows in a first direction from the inlet connector at the first end of the accumulator 110 through the channel 153, and then after leaving the channel 153 at the second end of the accumulator 115, the fluid turns and flows back in a second direction to the outlet connector at the first end via the conduit of the outlet portion 120.

[0036] The folded flexible membrane 150 comprises a material that is flexible and impermeable to water and air. For example, the folded flexible membrane 150 may comprise (natural or synthetic) rubber (e.g., EPDM rubber), silicon, or a flexible plastic. The membrane 150 is formed into a tubular shape having an inlet opening 154 (coupled to the inlet portion 110) and an outlet opening 155 (coupled to the outlet portion 120), wherein an internal liquid channel 153 extends between the inlet opening and the outlet opening along a longitudinal axis. Figure 1Schematically indicated, inner liquid channel 153 is radially surrounded and defined by flexible membrane 150. Liquid from inlet portion 110 may enter inlet opening 154, flow through channel 153 in an axial direction, and exit channel 153 to outlet portion 120 via outlet opening 155, as indicated by dashed arrows.

[0037] In some examples, the membrane 150 includes a plurality of folds extending parallel to the axis and distributed circumferentially around the axis, wherein the folds alternate in direction to form a series of folds that bound and define the internal liquid channel 153. The exact shape of the folded membrane 150 in a static state (e.g., when the liquid channel 153 is at a neutral pressure) can vary from one accumulator 100 to the next, but generally includes folds distributed circumferentially around the central axis. In some examples, in a static state, each individual fold can be shaped like an elongated trough (from the perspective of the outside of the membrane) or an elongated ridge (from the perspective of the inside of the liquid channel) extending along the longitudinal axis and having a generally V-shaped or U-shaped cross-section. For example, in some embodiments, when in a static state, the membrane 150 can have a star-shaped cross-section. The folds are flexible and can therefore deform and change their shape depending on the pressure of the liquid in the internal liquid channel 153. When the pressure in the liquid passage 153 increases, the folded portion is pushed outward and deformed so that its folded portion begins to straighten (unfold). On the other hand, when the pressure in the liquid passage 153 decreases, the air pressure in the air cavity 131 pushes the folded portion back to its resting state shape.

[0038] Due to the deformation of the folded portion, the shape of the membrane 150 under high pressure will be different from the shape of the membrane 150 in the static state. The final shape of the membrane 150 at the highest rated pressure of the accumulator 100 will depend on the size of the housing 130 and the material used for the membrane 150, including properties related to the extent to which the membrane can be bent without the risk of rupture. In some examples, when the pressure in the liquid channel 153 reaches a high pressure threshold (e.g., the maximum rated pressure of the accumulator 100), the folded portion will be almost completely unfolded, so that the cross-sectional profile of the membrane 150 becomes close to a circle (in some cases, some jagged or uneven may remain at the location of the folded portion). A nearly circular profile can be achieved when the membrane 150 material is flexible and robust enough to avoid rupture or cracking throughout the range of motion and deformation involved. In other examples, in order to avoid rupture or cracking, the maximum rated pressure of the accumulator 100 can be set to a level below the above-mentioned high pressure threshold, so that when the maximum rated pressure is reached, the folded portion of the membrane 150 is not completely stretched and the cross-sectional profile of the membrane 150 is not circular. The exact shape achieved at the maximum pressure will vary from one accumulator 100 to the next based on the materials used, the size of the accumulator, and the maximum pressure set. Regardless of what the maximum pressure is set to or what shape the membrane 150 is when at the maximum pressure, in each example, the membrane 150 is flexible enough to change shape back and forth between the rest state shape and the maximum pressure state shape as the pressure in the fluid passage 153 fluctuates.

[0039] The accumulator also includes a hollow cylindrical housing 130. The housing 130 includes a rigid and strong material such as PVC, plastic, copper, stainless steel, brass, aluminum, or a material suitable for forming a pressure that can withstand the pressure of the liquid cooling circuit (e.g., in some examples, approximately 0 to 250 PSI (0 to 1.72 x 10 6 Any other material used for pipes or fluid conduits. Figure 1As shown, the flexible membrane 150 is positioned inside the housing 130 and sealed to the housing so that an airtight cavity 131 is defined in the space between the housing 130 and the membrane 150, wherein the cavity 131 radially surrounds the flexible membrane 150. Therefore, the cavity 131 also radially surrounds the internal liquid channel 153, wherein the folded flexible membrane 150 separates the cavity 131 from the channel 153. The cavity 131 is filled with a gas (e.g., air, nitrogen, or any other gas). For convenience, the cavity 131 can be referred to as an air cavity 131, but this does not limit which gas the cavity 131 can contain. The membrane 150 divides the air cavity 131 from the internal liquid channel 153, and since the membrane 150 is flexible and its folded portion can be deformed, the corresponding volumes of the internal liquid channel 153 and the air cavity 131 can change in an inversely proportional relationship to each other. Therefore, the folded portion of the membrane 150 can deform with the pressure fluctuations in the liquid channel 153 so as to absorb and offset these pressure changes.

[0040] Now turn to Figures 4 to 10 , another example of a flow-through folded membrane accumulator 200 will be described. The accumulator 200 is an example configuration of the accumulator 100. Therefore, some components of the accumulator 200 correspond to components of the accumulator 100 described above (i.e., are the same as, similar to, and / or are example configurations thereof). Components of the accumulator 200 and components of the accumulator 100 that correspond to each other are given reference numerals having the same last two digits, such as 150 and 250. The above description of the components of the accumulator 100 is applicable to the corresponding components of the accumulator 200 (unless otherwise indicated or logically contradictory), so the repeated description of some aspects already described above is omitted below.

[0041] Figures 2 to 10 The accumulator 200 is shown in various views and various states, and aspects of the accumulator 200 can be seen in a number of figures. The following description will refer to the figures when the figures are relevant to the described aspects, and not in strict numerical order.

[0042] like Figure 2 As shown, the accumulator 200 includes an outer shell 240, a first end cover 215, an inlet coupler 211, an outlet coupler 221, and a second end cover assembly 260. Figure 3 As shown, the accumulator 200 further includes an inner shell 230 and a folded flexible membrane 250. Figures 3 to 8BAs shown, inner housing 230 is positioned within interior volume 242 of outer housing 240, and membrane 250 is disposed within interior volume 232 of inner housing 230. In other words, outer housing 240, inner housing 230, and membrane 250 are concentrically nested, with their respective central longitudinal axes 249, 239, and 259 aligned. End caps 215 and 260 are coupled to opposite ends of outer housing 240, and seal outer housing 240 from the external environment in a watertight manner, except for openings in inlet coupler 211 and outlet coupler 221, which allow fluid communication into and out of the otherwise sealed interior of outer housing 240. Inner housing 230 is one configuration of housing 130 described above. Folded flexible membrane 250 is one configuration of folded flexible membrane 150 described above.

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown, in the illustrated example, both the inlet coupler 211 and the outlet coupler 221 are coupled to the same end cap, namely the first end cap 215. Therefore, the liquid flowing through the accumulator 200 first flows in a first direction (e.g., Figure 7 In one example, the inlet connector 211 and the outlet connector 221 include QD fluid connectors. In other examples, any other type of fluid connector may be used.

[0044] like Figure 4 As shown, the first end cap 215 includes an inlet conduit 212 formed on / in an interior face 225 of the end cap 215, wherein the inlet conduit 212 is fluidly coupled to the inlet coupler 211. Figure 4 As shown, the inlet conduit 212 protrudes from the inner face 225. Figure 7 As shown, the inlet conduit 212 engages the end face 244 of the outer housing 240, which allows the inlet conduit 212 to be fluidly coupled to the inlet opening 213 in the end face 244 (see also Figure 5 and Figure 6 244 of the end surface). Accordingly, Figure 7 As indicated by the dashed arrows in FIG. 2 , the liquid input to the accumulator 200 flows from the inlet coupler 211 via the inlet coupler 212 and the inlet opening 213 into the outer housing 240. As will be described in more detail below, the input liquid then flows from the inlet opening 213 and then flows through the liquid passage 253. The inlet coupler 211, the inlet conduit 212, and the inlet opening 213 thus together constitute an example configuration of the above-mentioned input portion 110.

[0045] like Figure 7As shown, after the liquid coolant flows through and leaves the liquid passage 253, the liquid changes flow direction at the second end cover assembly 260 (which will be described in more detail below) and flows back to the first end cover 215 via an outlet conduit 243 formed by the space between the inner shell 230 and the outer shell 240. The liquid then enters the chamber 224 via an outlet 223 formed through an end face 244 of the outer shell. The chamber 224 is defined by the first end cover 215 and the end face 244 and is located between the first end cover and the end face. The inlet conduit 212 protrudes through the chamber 224, but the volume 226 inside the inlet conduit 212 is separated from the interior of the chamber 224 by the inlet conduit 212 and by the engagement of the inlet conduit 212 with the end face 244. As shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, the outlet 222 is formed in the inner face 225 of the end cap 215, and the outlet 222 is connected to the chamber 224 and the outlet coupler 221. Therefore, the liquid entering the chamber 224 via the outlet 223 flows into the outlet coupler 221 via the outlet 222, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 The liquid is then output from the accumulator 200 via the outlet coupler 221. The outlet coupler 221, outlet 222, chamber 224, outlet 223, outlet conduit 243, and portions of the second end cap assembly 260 (described in more detail below) together constitute an example configuration of the outlet portion 120 described above.

[0046] In some examples (not shown), some of the structures described above as part of the housing 240 and / or the first end cap 215 may be provided as part of a different portion of the accumulator 200. For example, the housing 240 may be divided into two separate portions, such as a first portion including the inlet 213 and the outlet 223 and a second portion including the remainder of the housing 240. When assembled, these portions may be coupled together, for example, via threads, adhesives, or other fasteners to form an assembly similar in shape and function to the housing 240. In some examples, the portion of the housing 240 including the inlet 213 and the outlet 223 may instead be incorporated into the end cap 215.

[0047] As described above, the accumulator 200 includes a folded flexible membrane 250 defining a fluid passage 253. More specifically, the folded flexible membrane 250 has a tubular shape with an inlet opening 254, an outlet opening 255, and an internal fluid passage 251 extending along a longitudinal axis 259 between the inlet opening 254 and the outlet opening 255. Figures 2 to 8B As shown, the internal liquid passage 253 is radially surrounded and defined by the flexible membrane 250. Figure 7 As shown by the dashed arrows in FIG. 2 , liquid from the inlet 213 of the housing 240 enters the inlet opening 254 , flows through the channel 253 in the axial direction, and leaves the channel 253 via the outlet opening 255 .

[0048] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 8 , the membrane 250 includes a plurality of folds 256 extending parallel to and circumferentially distributed around the axis 259. The folds 256 are alternated in their folds to form a series of folded portions 252 that define and define the internal liquid passage 253. In particular, as shown in FIG. Fig. 8A As shown, the fold 256 includes a first fold 256a and a second fold 256b. The first fold 256a is positioned radially farther outward and has an inward folding direction, i.e., a segment adjacent to the fold 256a extends from the fold 256a in an inward direction (approximately toward the axis 259). In contrast, the second fold 256b is positioned radially inward and has an outward folding direction, i.e., a segment adjacent to the fold 256b extends from the fold 256b in an outward direction (approximately away from the axis 259). The outer folds 256a and the inner folds 256b alternate with each other around the circumference of the membrane 250. As shown in FIG. Fig. 8A As indicated by the dashed lines in FIG. 2 , each folded portion 252 includes a portion of the film 250 extending between two first folded portions 256a, wherein the folded portion 252 includes a second folded portion 256b located between the two first folded portions 256a. The folded portions 252 each have a substantially V-shaped or U-shaped cross-section (see FIG. 2 ). Fig. 8A ). Thus, from the perspective of the outside of the membrane, each individual folded portion 252 is shaped like an elongated valley (see Figure 5 ), wherein the second fold 256b of the folded portion 252 (the fold closer to the axis 259) is the bottom of the trough. From the perspective of the interior of the liquid channel 253, each individual folded portion 252 is shaped like an elongated ridge that protrudes radially inward toward the axis 259 and extends along the axis 259 (see Figure 7 ), wherein the second fold 256b of the folded portion 252 (closer to the axis 259) is the crest (top) 257 of the ridge. Figure 7 and Fig. 8A The diagram shows a quiescent state in which the pressure in the liquid chamber 253 is neutral (eg, at ambient pressure). Fig. 8AAs can be seen in the figure, in the static state, each individual folded portion 252 is shaped like an elongated trough (from the perspective of the outside of the membrane) or an elongated ridge (from the perspective of the inside of the liquid channel) extending along the longitudinal axis and having a cross-section that is roughly V-shaped or U-shaped (so that the cross-sectional profile is similar to a four-petal star). In other examples, more than four folded portions 252 can be provided so that the cross-sectional profile is a star shape with more endpoints. Depending on the needs of a particular embodiment, the petals or endpoints of the star shape can be wider or narrower than shown (for example, the material selected for the membrane 250 can determine how violently the membrane can be folded without breaking, so in some cases wider petals / endpoints can be used to allow for a smaller folding angle). The folded portion 252 is flexible and can therefore deform and change its shape according to the pressure of the liquid in the internal liquid channel 253. When the pressure in the liquid channel 253 increases, the folded portion is pushed outward and deformed, so that the folded portion 256 begins to straighten (unfold). On the other hand, when the pressure in the liquid passage 253 decreases, the air pressure in the air cavity 231 pushes the folded portion 252 back toward its rest state shape.

[0049] Due to the deformation of the folded portion, the shape of the membrane 250 under high pressure will be different from the shape of the membrane 250 at rest. The final shape of the membrane 250 at the highest rated pressure of the accumulator 200 will depend on the size of the housing 230 and the material used for the membrane 250, including properties related to the degree to which the membrane can bend without risk of rupture. Figure 8B As shown, in some examples, when the pressure in the liquid channel 153 reaches a high pressure threshold (e.g., the maximum rated pressure of the accumulator 200), the fold 256 will be almost completely unfolded, so that the cross-sectional profile of the membrane 250 becomes close to a circle (some jaggedness or bumps may remain at the location of the fold 256). A nearly circular profile can be achieved when the membrane 250 material is flexible and robust enough to avoid rupture or cracking throughout the range of motion and deformation involved. In other examples, in order to avoid rupture or cracking, the maximum rated pressure of the accumulator 200 can be set to a level below the above-mentioned high pressure threshold, so that when the maximum rated pressure is reached, the fold of the membrane 250 is not completely straightened and the cross-sectional profile of the membrane 250 is not circular. Based on the materials used, the size of the accumulator, and the maximum pressure set, the exact shape reached at the maximum pressure will vary from one accumulator 200 to the next. Regardless of what the maximum pressure is set to or what shape the membrane 250 is when at the maximum pressure, in each example, the membrane 250 is flexible enough to change shape back and forth between the rest state shape and the maximum pressure state shape as the pressure in the fluid channel 253 fluctuates.

[0050] like Figure 3 and Figure 5As shown, the membrane 250 also includes an integrated sealing gasket 251, which is positioned at opposite ends of the membrane 250 and integrally coupled to the rest of the membrane 250. Specifically, the gasket 251a is disposed around the inlet opening 254 and the gasket 251b is disposed around the outlet opening 255. Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, in the assembled state, most of the membrane 250 is located in the internal volume 232 inside the inner shell 230, but the gasket 251 protrudes from the internal volume 232 and abuts the outside of the end surface 233 of the inner shell 230. Specifically, the gasket 251a abuts the end surface 233a, and the gasket 251b abuts the end surface 233b. Figure 7 As shown, the gasket 251a also abuts against the inner side of the end surface 244 of the outer shell 240, so that the gasket 251a is clamped between the end surface 244 and the end surface 233a. Figure 7 As shown, the gasket 251b also abuts against a ledge 269 in the end cap assembly 260 (see also Figure 6 ) so that the gasket 251b is clamped between the boss 269 and the end face 233b.

[0051] As described above, the gasket 251 and its engagement with other structures create airtight and liquid-tight seals that seal the space radially outside the membrane 250 and radially inside the inner shell 230, thereby forming an airtight cavity 231. The airtight cavity 231 is filled with a gas, such as air, nitrogen, or any other desired gas, and thus the airtight cavity may be referred to herein as an air cavity 231. The air cavity 231 radially surrounds the liquid channel 253, wherein the membrane 250 (specifically, its folded portion 252) separates the air cavity 231 from the liquid channel 253. Because the membrane 250 is flexible, the air cavity 231 can be compressed or expanded by deformation of the membrane 250 (e.g., the folded portion 222 can change size and / or shape to allow such compression or expansion), and such a change in the volume of the air cavity 231 corresponds to an opposite change in the volume of the liquid channel 253. The volumes of the air cavity 231 and the liquid channel 253 can reach equilibrium based on the respective pressures in the air cavity 231 and the liquid channel 253. Thus, the air cavity 231 can absorb pressure fluctuations in the liquid circuit to which the liquid passage 253 is coupled by expanding or compressing in response to those changes, much like how the bladder in a bladder-type accumulator expands and contracts in response to pressure changes. However, unlike a bladder-type accumulator in which liquid surrounds an air bladder, in the accumulator 200 the air cavity 231 surrounds the liquid in the liquid passage 253. Furthermore, unlike other accumulators in which the liquid chamber is not part of the flow path of the fluid through the liquid circuit and thus may become stagnant, in the accumulator 200 the liquid passage 253 can be coupled to the fluid flow path and liquid can flow continuously through the liquid passage 253 during use.

[0052] As mentioned above and Figure 7 As shown, after the liquid leaves the liquid passage 253 through the outlet opening 255, the liquid enters the end cap assembly 260 and is diverted by the end cap assembly. Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the end cap assembly 260 includes a cap portion 261, a flow redirecting portion 265, and a gasket 262 disposed therebetween. Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the cover portion 261 is coupled to the flow redirecting portion 265 with the gasket 262 disposed therebetween (see also Fig.10 ). In addition, Figure 5 and Fig. 9 As shown, the flow redirection portion 265 has the shape of a hollow cylinder, and the annular boss 269 is disposed in the interior thereof. Fig.10 As shown, the flow redirection portion 265 is positioned within the outer shell 240 and the outer surface of the flow redirection portion 265 abuts the inner surface of the outer shell 240. Fig.10 As shown, cover portion 261 is attached to outer housing 240, with the end of outer housing 240 received within the rim of cover portion 261. For example, threads, adhesives, mechanical fasteners, welding, or any other fastening technique may be used to attach cover portion 261 to outer housing 240.

[0053] like Fig. 9 As shown, the cylindrical wall of the flow redirection portion 265 includes a proximal cylindrical wall portion 263 extending from one side of the boss 269 and a distal cylindrical wall portion 264 extending from the other side of the boss 269. Fig.10 As shown, the proximal cylindrical wall portion 263 is positioned between and abuts the inner housing 230 and the outer housing 240. In addition, the shelf 269 abuts the gasket 251b of the membrane 250. The cover portion 261 abuts the flow redirection portion 265 and pushes the flow redirection portion 265 against the membrane 250, thereby clamping the gasket 251b between the end face 233b and the shelf 269. The cylindrical wall portion 263 of the flow redirection portion 265 includes a plurality of inner conduits 268, which include holes extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the accumulator 200, as shown in FIG. Fig. 9 As shown, the conduit 268 is arranged circumferentially around the portion 265, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 The distal cylindrical wall portion 264 includes openings 266 arranged circumferentially around the portion 265, as shown. Figure 5 As shown, these openings 266 connect the internal volume of portion 265 to conduit 268. Boss 269 has openings 268. Figure 7 and Fig. 9As shown, opening 268 is fluidly coupled to outlet opening 255 of membrane 250. Thus, as shown in FIG. Fig.10 As shown by the dashed arrows in FIG. 2 , when the liquid leaves the liquid passage 253 through the outlet opening 255 (moving generally toward the cover 261), the liquid enters the flow redirecting portion 265 through the opening 267, passes through the opening 266 into the conduit 268, and flows along the conduit 268 away from the cover 261. Figure 7 As shown, conduit 268 is coupled to outlet conduit 243 so that after the liquid exits conduit 268, the liquid continues to flow along outlet conduit 243 toward first end cap 215 and ultimately exits accumulator 200 via volume 224 and outlet coupler 221 as previously described.

[0054] Now turn to Figures 11 to 16 , another example of a flow-through folded membrane accumulator 300 will be described. The accumulator 300 is an example configuration of the accumulator 100. Therefore, some components of the accumulator 300 correspond to components of the accumulator 100 described above (i.e., are the same as, similar to, and / or are example configurations thereof). Components of the accumulator 300 and components of the accumulator 100 that correspond to each other are given reference numerals having the same last two digits, such as 150 and 350. The above description of the components of the accumulator 100 is applicable to the corresponding components of the accumulator 300 (unless otherwise indicated or logically contradictory), so the repeated description of some aspects already described above is omitted below.

[0055] Figures 11 to 16 The accumulator 300 is shown in various views and various states, and aspects of the accumulator 300 can be seen in a number of figures. The following description will refer to the figures when the figures are relevant to the described aspects, and not in strict numerical order.

[0056] The accumulator 300 differs from the above-described accumulator 200 primarily in that the accumulator 300 has an inlet coupler 311 and an outlet coupler 321 coupled to opposite sides of the accumulator 300, rather than to the same side thereof as was the case with the accumulator 200. Therefore, the outlet conduit and other structures described above for redirecting the outlet liquid back to the inlet side may be omitted in the accumulator 200.

[0057] like Fig.11 As shown, the accumulator 300 includes a housing 330, a first end cap 380, an inlet coupler 311, an outlet coupler 321, and a second end cap 385. The housing 330 may be similar to the inner housing 230 described above. Fig.12 As shown, the accumulator 300 also includes a folded flexible membrane 350. The folded flexible membrane 350 can be similar to the membrane 250 described above. Figures 12 to 16As shown, membrane 350 is disposed within interior volume 332 of housing 330. End caps 380 and 385 are coupled to opposite ends of housing 330 (e.g., via threads, adhesive, or any other fastening technique), and these end caps seal housing 330 from the external environment in a watertight manner, except for openings in inlet coupler 311 and outlet coupler 321. Inner housing 330 is one configuration of housing 130 described above. Folded flexible membrane 350 is one configuration of folded flexible membrane 150 described above.

[0058] like Fig.11 As shown, in the illustrated example, the inlet coupler 311 and the outlet coupler 321 are coupled to opposite end caps, namely, the first end cap 380 and the second end cap 385, respectively. In the illustrated example, the outlet coupler 321 is coupled to the end cap 385 via a flexible tube 386, but in other examples, the outlet coupler 321 can be directly coupled to the end cap 385. In one example, the inlet coupler 311 and the outlet coupler 321 include QD fluid couplers. In other examples, any other type of fluid coupler can be used.

[0059] like Fig.12 As shown, the folded flexible membrane 350 has a tubular shape with an inlet opening 354, an outlet opening 355 (see Fig.14 ), and an internal liquid passage 351 extending along a longitudinal axis 359 between an inlet opening 354 and an outlet opening 355. Figures 12 to 16 As shown, the internal liquid passage 353 is radially surrounded and defined by the flexible membrane 350. Fig.15 As shown by the dashed arrows in , liquid from the inlet connector 311 of the housing 340 enters the inlet opening 354, flows through the channel 353 in the axial direction, leaves the channel 353 via the outlet opening 355, flows through the flexible tube 386 (if present), and then flows out of the outlet connector 321.

[0060] like Fig.12 and Fig.16 As shown, the membrane 350 includes a plurality of folds 356 extending parallel to and circumferentially distributed about an axis 359. The folds 359 alternate in direction to form a series of folds 352 that bound and define an internal liquid passage 353, wherein folds 356a fold in one direction and folds 356b fold in the opposite direction (only some of the folds 356 are labeled). These folds 352 are similar to the folds 252 described above. Fig.15 and Fig.16 The diagram shows a quiescent state in which the pressure in the liquid chamber 353 is neutral (eg, at ambient pressure). Fig.16As can be seen in the figure, in the static state, each individual folded portion 352 can be shaped like an elongated trough (from the perspective of the outside of the membrane) or an elongated ridge (from the perspective of the inside of the liquid channel) extending along the longitudinal axis and having a generally V-shaped or U-shaped cross-section (so that the cross-sectional profile resembles a four-petal star). In other examples, more than four folded portions 352 can be provided so that the cross-sectional profile is a star shape with more endpoints. Depending on the needs of a particular embodiment, the petals or endpoints of the star shape can be wider or narrower than shown (for example, the material selected for the membrane 350 can determine how violently it can be folded without breaking, so in some cases wider petals / endpoints can be used to allow for a smaller folding angle). The folded portion 352 is flexible and can therefore deform and change its shape according to the pressure of the liquid in the internal liquid channel 353. When the pressure in the liquid channel 353 increases, the folded portion is pushed outward and deformed, so that the folded portion 356 begins to straighten (unfold). On the other hand, when the pressure in the liquid passage 353 decreases, the air pressure in the air cavity 331 pushes the folded portion 352 back toward its rest state shape.

[0061] Due to the deformation of the folded portion, the shape of the membrane 350 under high pressure will be different from the shape of the membrane 350 when it is at rest. The final shape of the membrane 350 at the highest rated pressure of the accumulator 300 will depend on the size of the housing 330 and the material used for the membrane 350, including properties related to the degree to which the membrane can bend without risk of rupture. In some examples, when the pressure in the liquid channel 353 reaches a high pressure threshold (e.g., the maximum rated pressure of the accumulator 300), the fold 356 will almost completely unfold, so that the cross-sectional profile of the membrane 350 becomes close to a circle (some jaggedness or bumps may remain at the location of the fold) (e.g., see Figure 8B The shape of the illustrated membrane 250). A nearly circular profile can be achieved when the membrane 350 material is flexible and robust enough to avoid rupture or cracking throughout the range of motion and deformation involved. In other examples, to avoid rupture or cracking, the maximum rated pressure of the accumulator 300 can be set to a level below the above-mentioned high pressure threshold, so that when the maximum rated pressure is reached, the folded portion of the membrane 350 is not completely straightened and the cross-sectional profile of the membrane 350 is not circular. Based on the materials used, the size of the accumulator, and the maximum pressure set, the exact shape achieved at the maximum pressure will vary from one accumulator 300 to the next. Regardless of what the maximum pressure is set to or what shape the membrane 350 is when it is at maximum pressure, in each example, the membrane 350 is flexible enough to change shape back and forth between the static state shape and the maximum pressure state shape as the pressure in the liquid channel 353 fluctuates.

[0062] like Figures 12 to 15As shown, the membrane 350 also includes an integrated sealing gasket 351, which is coupled to opposite ends of the membrane 350. Specifically, the gasket 351a is disposed around the inlet opening 354 and the gasket 351b is disposed around the outlet opening 355. Fig.13 and Fig.14 As shown, in the assembled state, most of the membrane 350 is located in the internal volume 332 inside the housing 330, but the gasket 351 protrudes from the internal volume 332 and abuts the outside of the end surface 333 of the inner housing 330. Specifically, the gasket 351a abuts the end surface 333a, and the gasket 351b abuts the end surface 333b. Fig.15 As shown, the gasket 351a also abuts against the inner side of the end cap 380, so that the gasket 351a is clamped between the end cap 380 and the end face 333a. Fig.15 As shown, the gasket 351b also abuts the boss end cap 385, so that the gasket 351b is clamped between the end cap 385 and the end surface 333b.

[0063] The above-mentioned gasket 351 and its interaction with other structures produce airtight and liquid-tight seals, which seal the space radially outside the membrane 350 and radially inside the housing 330, thus forming an airtight cavity 331. The airtight cavity 331 is filled with a gas, such as air, nitrogen or any other desired gas, so the airtight cavity can be referred to as an air cavity 331 in this article. The air cavity 331 radially surrounds the liquid channel 353, wherein the membrane 350 (specifically, its folded portion 352) separates the air cavity 331 from the liquid channel 353. Because the membrane 350 is flexible, the air cavity 331 can be compressed or expanded by deformation of the membrane 350 (for example, the folded portion 322 can change size and / or shape to allow such compression or expansion), and this change in the volume of the air cavity 331 corresponds to an opposite change in the volume of the liquid channel 353. The volumes of the air cavity 331 and the liquid channel 353 can reach equilibrium based on the corresponding pressures in the air cavity 331 and the liquid channel 353. Thus, the air cavity 331 can absorb pressure fluctuations in the liquid circuit to which the liquid passage 353 is coupled by expanding or compressing in response to those changes, much like how the bladder in a bladder-type accumulator expands and contracts in response to pressure changes. However, unlike a bladder-type accumulator in which liquid surrounds an air bladder, in the accumulator 300 the air cavity 331 surrounds the liquid in the liquid passage 353. Furthermore, unlike other accumulators in which the liquid chamber is not part of the flow path of the fluid through the liquid circuit and thus may become stagnant, in the accumulator 300 the liquid passage 353 can be coupled to the fluid flow path and liquid can flow continuously through the liquid passage 353 during use.

[0064] Now turn to Figures 17 to 20, describes an example system that may utilize the accumulator described above.

[0065] like Fig.17 As shown, the system 70 includes an information processing system 73, which includes one or more information processing devices 75. The information processing device 75 may include, for example, a computer (e.g., a server), a network device (e.g., a switch), or any other information processing device. In some examples, the information processing system 73 includes a plurality of such information processing devices 75 arranged in a rack, a cabinet, a system housing, or other supporting structure.

[0066] The system 70 also includes a liquid cooling system 71. The liquid cooling system 71 is arranged to provide liquid coolant to the information processing device 75 via pipes, manifolds 74 and 76, accessories and / or other liquid cooling infrastructure forming a liquid cooling loop to remove heat from the information processing device. The liquid coolant can be water or any other desired liquid coolant. The liquid cooling system 71 can include a coolant distribution unit (CDU) 72 having a pump to drive the liquid coolant to circulate in a loop from the CDU 72 to the information processing system 73 and then back to the CDU 72 again, as shown in FIG. Fig.17. The CDU 72 supplies cooled liquid to the information processing device 75 via a supply-side conduit 77 and, in some cases, via a supply manifold 74. The supply-side conduit 77 includes one or more pipes, tubes, or other conduits that form one or more liquid flow paths from the CDU 72 to the device 75. In an example where the liquid cooling system 71 uses direct liquid cooling, the supply manifold 74 can distribute the coolant among a plurality of information processing devices 75, where the coolant absorbs heat via a (invisible) cold plate that is thermally coupled to the information processing device. In other examples, the supply manifold 74 is omitted. For example, the liquid cooling system 71 can be a hybrid air / liquid cooling system in which air is used to directly cool some or all of the components of the system 73, and then the liquid coolant of the system 71 is used to extract heat from the air via an air-liquid heat exchanger local to the system 75, in which case, in addition to or instead of being directly supplied to each individual information processing device, the liquid coolant can be supplied to the heat exchanger. After absorbing heat from the information handling system 73 (whether directly or via an intermediary such as a heat exchanger), the heated coolant is returned to the CDU 72, for example, via a return manifold 76 or other conduit. The CDU 72 may include a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger that can transfer heat from the heated coolant of the system 71 to a separate facility liquid cooling loop. The facility cooling loop may, for example, have a facility supply line 78 for supplying facility coolant to the CDU 72, and a facility return line 79 for receiving heated coolant from the CDU 72. In some examples, the coolant loop of the system 71 is a closed loop, and the coolant in the system 71 does not mix with the facility coolant.

[0067] In addition to the above infrastructure, the liquid cooling system 71 includes one or more of the above accumulators 100, which may include the accumulator 200 or the accumulator 300. Fig.17 , one accumulator 100 is connected to the supply side conduit 77 of the liquid cooling circuit. In other examples, the accumulator 100 may be connected to some other portion of the liquid cooling circuit, such as to a return side conduit that returns heated liquid to the CDU 72. The inlet coupler 111 of the accumulator 100 is coupled to a first portion 77a of the supply side conduit 77, while the outlet coupler 121 is coupled to a second portion 77b of the supply side conduit 77 that is downstream of portion 77a. Thus, liquid that flows from the CDU through the supply side conduit 77 to the system 75 passes through the accumulator 100. As described above, the accumulator 100 is a flow-through accumulator, so as the liquid is recirculated through the liquid cooling circuit, the liquid continuously flows through the internal liquid passage 153 of the accumulator 100. In some examples, the accumulator 100 or the conduit 77a and / or the conduit 77b may be equipped with a check valve to ensure that flow moves through the accumulator and the entire system in only one direction.

[0068] exist Fig.17 In the example of FIG. 1 , the accumulator 100 is arranged in series with the portion 77a and the portion 77b, and no other alternative route is provided for the liquid to bypass the accumulator 100. Therefore, the liquid flowing through the supply side pipe 77 all passes through the accumulator 100. However, this is not necessarily the case. For example, Fig.18 A system 70' is illustrated, which is the same as system 70, except that portions 77a and 77b of the supply side conduit 77 are fluidly connected together by another portion 77c of the supply side conduit 77, in addition to being connected together via the accumulator 100. In other words, portion 77c and the accumulator 100 are arranged in parallel between portions 77a and 77b. Thus, in this example, some of the liquid flowing through the supply side conduit 77 will flow through portion 77c and bypass the accumulator 100. However, as illustrated, a portion of the flow will also be diverted and flow through the accumulator 100. Although only a portion of the liquid coolant flows through the accumulator, the flow is continuous and flows completely through the internal liquid passage 153, so the flow is sufficient to avoid stagnation of the liquid in the accumulator 100.

[0069] In some examples, the accumulator 100 or conduits 77a, 77b, and / or 77c may be equipped with a check valve. By placing a check valve on one or both openings of the accumulator 100 or a series of accumulators 100, when their openings are connected in parallel to the system (e.g. Fig.18 or Fig.19 ), the check valve ensures that fluid enters the accumulator at one end and leaves at the other end, thereby preventing the fluid from returning to exit through the same opening from which it entered (such as during a momentary pressure spike) and preventing stagnant flow from occurring within the accumulator 100.

[0070] In some examples, conduit portion 77c may include a supply-side conduit feature that creates a pressure drop, such as a restricted flow orifice or valve (e.g., an adjustable metering valve or flow control valve, whether manually or electronically controlled). Such features may be provided to regulate the volume of flow through various portions of the circuit (e.g., to regulate the flow diverted by accumulator 110), to help control the overall pressure drop imposed by accumulator 100 on the entire system, or some other function. When such a pressure drop feature is present, by arranging accumulator 100 in parallel with the pressure drop feature, the overall flow of conduit 77 may be improved and the pressure drop from the feature may be mitigated. If a check valve is paired with the flow restriction in 77c, this may also help prevent the creation of local recirculation flow.

[0071] In other examples, multiple accumulators 100 may be used. For example, Fig.19System 70" is illustrated, which is identical to system 70, except that two accumulators 100 are coupled to supply-side conduit 77. In this example, the accumulators 100 are arranged in series with each other. That is, the outlet coupler 121 of accumulator 100_1 is coupled (via conduit portion 77d) to the inlet coupler 111 of accumulator 100_2. Thus, fluid flows through both accumulators 110 in series. Although not illustrated, in some examples, conduit 77 may also include one or more parallel bypass paths that may couple multiple portions of conduit 77 together to form alternative fluid flow paths, similar to the example in FIG. Fig.18 In some examples, the accumulator 100 or conduits 77a, 77d, and / or 77e may be equipped with a check valve.

[0072] As another example, Fig. 20 A system 70'' is illustrated, which is identical to system 70, except that two accumulators 100 are coupled to a supply-side conduit 77. In this example, the accumulators 100 are arranged in parallel with one another. That is, the inlet couplers 111 of the accumulators 100_1 and 100_2 are both coupled (directly or indirectly) to the same conduit portion 77a, and similarly, the outlet couplers 121 are both coupled (directly or indirectly) to the same conduit portion 77f, such that the accumulators 100_1 and 100_2 form two alternative parallel paths for liquid flowing through the supply-side conduit 77. Thus, liquid flows through both accumulators 110 simultaneously and in parallel. Although not illustrated , but in some examples, the conduit 77 may also include one or more bypass paths that can connect multiple portions of the conduit 77 together to form an alternative fluid flow path. For example, a bypass can connect portion 77a directly to portion 77f, thus forming a third parallel path from portion 77a to portion 77f. In some examples, the accumulator 100 or conduits 77a and / or 77f may be equipped with a check valve. The check valve ensures that fluid enters the accumulator 100 at one end and exits from the other end, thereby preventing the fluid (such as during a transient pressure spike) from returning to exit from the same opening from which it entered, and preventing stagnant flow from occurring within the accumulator 100.

[0073] In the above description, various types of electronic circuits are described. As used herein, "electronic" is intended to be broadly understood to include all types of circuits that utilize electricity, including digital and analog circuits, direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) circuits, and circuits for converting electricity into another form of energy, as well as circuits for performing other functions using electricity. In other words, as used herein, there is no distinction between "electronic" circuits and "electrical" circuits.

[0074] It should be understood that both the general description and the detailed description provide examples that are illustrative in nature and are intended to provide an understanding of the present disclosure without limiting the scope of the present disclosure. Various mechanical, compositional, structural, electronic and operational changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present specification and claims. In some instances, well-known circuits, structures and techniques are not shown or described in detail to avoid blurring these examples. In two or more drawings, the same number represents the same or similar element.

[0075] In addition, unless the context indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well. In addition, the terms "comprise", "include", "includes", etc. indicate the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, parts, and / or groups. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the parts described as connected may be directly electrically or mechanically connected, or may be indirectly connected via one or more intermediate parts. Unless the context of the specification indicates otherwise, mathematical and geometric terms do not have to be used according to their strict definitions, as one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that, for example, substantially similar elements that function in a substantially similar manner can easily fall within the scope of a descriptive term, even if the term also has a strict definition.

[0076] And / or: Occasionally, the phrase "and / or" is used herein in conjunction with a list of enumerated items. This phrase is meant to include any combination of the items in the list, from a single item to all items, and any permutations in between. Thus, for example, "A, B, and / or C" means one of "{A}, {B}, {C}, {A, B}, {A, C}, {C, B}, and {A, C, B}".

[0077] Elements and related aspects described in detail with reference to one example may be included in other examples where they are not specifically shown or described when feasible. For example, if an element is described in detail with reference to one example and is not described with reference to a second example, the element may still be claimed to be included in the second example.

[0078] In addition, unless otherwise stated herein or the context implies otherwise, when approximate terms such as "substantially," "approximately," "about," "around," "roughly," and the like are used, this should be understood to mean that mathematical precision is not required, but rather refers to a range of variation that includes but is not strictly limited to the stated values, characteristics, or relationships. In particular, in addition to any ranges (if any) explicitly stated herein, the range of variation implied by the use of such approximate terms includes at least any insignificant variations and those variations that are typical for items of the type in question due to manufacturing tolerances or other tolerances in the relevant art. In any case, unless otherwise indicated, the range of variation may at least include values ​​within the range of ±1% of the stated value, characteristic, or relationship.

[0079] In view of the disclosure of this article, further modifications and alternative examples will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the apparatus and method may include additional components or steps omitted from the diagram and description for operational clarity. Accordingly, this description is only interpreted as illustrative and is to teach those skilled in the art the general manner of performing this teaching. It should be understood that the various examples shown and described herein will be considered exemplary. Elements and materials, and the arrangement of these elements and materials may be used to replace those shown and described herein, components and processes may be reversed, and certain features of this teaching may be utilized independently, all of which will be apparent to those skilled in the art after benefiting from the description herein. Without departing from the scope of this teaching and the appended claims, the elements described herein may be changed.

[0080] It is to be understood that the specific examples set forth herein are non-limiting and that modifications in structure, dimensions, materials, and methods may be made without departing from the scope of the present teachings.

[0081] Other examples from this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered exemplary only, with the following claims to be given their fullest breadth, including equivalents under applicable law.

Claims

1. A flow-through accumulator for a liquid cooling system, the flow-through accumulator comprising: a housing having an interior volume; an inlet portion coupled to the housing; an outlet portion coupled to the housing; a folded flexible membrane disposed in the interior volume of the housing, wherein the membrane defines an internal liquid passage extending through the membrane along a longitudinal axis of the membrane, wherein the accumulator is configured to receive liquid coolant via the inlet portion, flow the liquid coolant from the inlet portion through the internal liquid passage to the outlet portion, and output the liquid coolant flow from the accumulator via the outlet portion; wherein the membrane is sealed to the housing such that a gas-filled airtight cavity is formed between the housing and the membrane, the cavity radially surrounding the internal liquid passage, wherein the membrane separates the cavity from the internal liquid passage.

2. The flow-through accumulator according to claim 1, in, The membrane comprises a plurality of folds extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and distributed circumferentially around the axis.

3. The flow-through accumulator according to claim 2, in, The folds alternate in respective folding directions and form a plurality of folded portions.

4. The flow-through accumulator according to claim 1, in, The membrane includes integrated gaskets disposed at opposite ends of the membrane, and Wherein, the integrated gasket is positioned outside the housing and abuts against a corresponding end surface of the housing to form a seal between the membrane and the housing.

5. The flow-through accumulator according to claim 1, in, The volume of the cavity and the volume of the internal liquid passage vary in an inversely proportional relationship to each other in response to deformation of the membrane and based on pressure in a liquid cooling circuit to which the accumulator is coupled.

6. The flow-through accumulator according to claim 1, comprising: a first end cap coupled to the housing, wherein a first integrated gasket of the integrated gasket is clamped between the first end cap and a first end surface of an end surface of the housing; and A second end cap is coupled to the housing, wherein a second integrated gasket of the integrated gasket is clamped between the second end cap and a second end surface of the end surface of the housing.

7. The flow-through accumulator according to claim 6, include: wherein the inlet portion comprises an inlet coupler coupled to the first end cap; and Wherein, the outlet portion includes an outlet coupler coupled to the first end cover.

8. The flow-through accumulator according to claim 7, comprising: an outer shell, wherein the housing is disposed within an interior volume of the outer shell; wherein an outlet conduit is formed in a space between the housing and the outer housing; wherein the liquid coolant flows through the outlet conduit to the outlet coupler after leaving the internal liquid passage, The liquid coolant flows in a first direction when flowing through the internal liquid, and flows in a second direction when flowing through the outlet conduit, the second direction being opposite to the first direction.

9. The flow-through accumulator according to claim 8, in, The second end cap includes a flow redirecting portion coupled to the shell and redirecting liquid coolant exiting the internal liquid passage into the outlet conduit, wherein a portion of the flow redirecting portion extends between the shell and the outer shell.

10. The flow-through accumulator according to claim 9, in, The second end cap includes a cap portion coupled to the flow redirecting portion and to an outer surface of the outer shell.

11. The flow-through accumulator according to claim 9, in, The flow redirecting portion clamps one of the integrated gaskets against one of the end faces of the housing.

12. The flow-through accumulator according to claim 8, in, The first end cap includes an inlet conduit coupling the inlet coupler to an inlet of the outer housing, wherein the inlet conduit is configured to separate liquid coolant flowing from the inlet coupler to the outer housing from liquid coolant flowing from the outlet conduit to the outlet coupler.

13. The flow-through accumulator according to claim 7, in, The inlet coupler and the outlet coupler are quick disconnect fluid couplers.

14. The flow-through accumulator according to claim 6, in, The inlet portion includes an inlet coupler coupled to the first end cap; and Wherein, the outlet portion includes an outlet coupler coupled to the second end cover.

15. The flow-through accumulator according to claim 14, comprising: A flexible tube is connected to the outlet coupler coupled to the second end cap.

16. An information processing system, comprising: one or more information processing devices; a liquid cooling system configured to circulate a liquid coolant through a coolant loop thermally coupled to the information processing device; and The accumulator of claim 1, said accumulator being fluidly coupled to a coolant circuit such that at least a portion of said liquid coolant circulating through said coolant circuit flows through the internal liquid chamber.

17. The information processing system according to claim 16, in, The coolant circuit includes a supply-side pipe configured to supply the liquid coolant to the information processing device; and Wherein, the accumulator is fluidly coupled to the supply-side pipeline.

18. The information processing system according to claim 16, A second instance of the accumulator of claim 1 is included coupled in series with the accumulator.

19. The information processing system according to claim 16, A second instance of the accumulator of claim 1 is included coupled in parallel with the accumulator.

20. A method comprising: receiving an input liquid coolant at an inlet portion of the flow-through accumulator; causing the liquid coolant to flow from the inlet portion to an internal liquid passage of the accumulator, the internal liquid passage being defined by a folded flexible membrane of the accumulator and extending through the membrane along a longitudinal axis of the membrane, wherein the membrane is disposed within an interior volume of a housing; allowing the liquid coolant to flow from the internal liquid passage to an outlet portion of the accumulator; The membrane separates the inner liquid chamber from the cavity, wherein the cavity radially surrounds the inner liquid chamber, by deforming the membrane to change the volume of the inner liquid chamber and the volume of a gas-tight cavity formed between the membrane and the housing.

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