Cooling capacity distribution unit, cooling liquid supplementing method and device and liquid cooling system

Abstract

The invention provides a cooling capacity distribution unit, a cooling liquid supplementing method and device and a liquid cooling system, and relates to the field of heat exchange. A cooling capacity distribution unit is applied to a liquid cooling system. The cooling capacity distribution unit comprises a first liquid pump, a second liquid pump, a first three-way valve, a second three-way valve, a third three-way valve and a fourth three-way valve; a liquid supplementing opening is formed in a pipeline among the first three-way valve, the second three-way valve and the third three-way valve; if the liquid cooling system is in the working mode, the first liquid pump and the second liquid pump are controlled to be main and standby mutually; and if the liquid cooling system is in the liquid supplementing mode, one of the first liquid pump and the second liquid pump is controlled to serve as a circulating pump, and the other one serves as a liquid supplementing pump. Through the cooling capacity distribution unit, the deployment efficiency of electronic equipment such as a server in the data center is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present specification relates to the field of heat exchange technology, and in particular to a cooling distribution unit, a cooling liquid replenishment method and device, and a liquid cooling system method and device. Background Art

[0002] With the improvement of computing power of electronic devices such as servers, the demand for heat dissipation of electronic devices is getting greater and greater. Traditional air cooling is difficult to meet the heat dissipation needs of electronic devices with high computing power. In order to seek higher heat dissipation efficiency, the application of liquid cooling in electronic devices is gradually expanding.

[0003] In the liquid cooling system, the heat exchange between the cold source and the heat dissipation object is realized through the CDU (Coolant Distribution Unit). During the operation of the CDU, the amount of cold liquid in the circulation pipeline decreases due to the volatilization of the cold liquid, and the cold liquid needs to be replenished after a period of time. In the currently used CDU, a liquid pump needs to be separately set up as a liquid replenishment pump connected to the liquid replenishment port, and the cold liquid is replenished from the liquid replenishment port to the circulation pipeline through the pulling of the liquid replenishment pump.

[0004] In scenarios such as data centers where electronic equipment is centrally deployed, independently setting up a liquid pump will increase the space occupied by the CDU, thereby reducing the deployment efficiency of the electronic equipment in the data center. Summary of the invention

[0005] In order to overcome the problems existing in the related art, the present specification provides a cooling distribution unit, a cooling liquid replenishment method, a device and a liquid cooling system.

[0006] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of this specification, a cooling capacity distribution unit is provided, which is applied to a liquid cooling system;

[0007] The cooling capacity distribution unit comprises a first liquid pump, a second liquid pump, a first three-way valve, a second three-way valve, a third three-way valve and a fourth three-way valve;

[0008] A first three-way valve is connected to the output end of the first liquid pump, the circulation output pipeline and the second three-way valve respectively;

[0009] A second three-way valve is connected to the output end of the second liquid pump, the circulation output pipeline and the first three-way valve respectively;

[0010] a fourth three-way valve, connected to the input end of the first liquid pump, the input end of the second liquid pump and the circulation input pipeline respectively;

[0011] The third three-way valve is connected to between the first three-way valve and the second three-way valve, between the input end of the first liquid pump and the fourth three-way valve, and between the input end of the second liquid pump and the fourth three-way valve;

[0012] Wherein, a liquid infusion port is provided on the pipeline between the first three-way valve, the second three-way valve and the third three-way valve;

[0013] If the liquid cooling system is in working mode, the first liquid pump, the circulation input pipeline and the circulation output pipeline are connected or the second liquid pump, the circulation input pipeline and the circulation output pipeline are connected by controlling the first three-way valve, the second three-way valve, the third three-way valve and the fourth three-way valve, so that the first liquid pump and the second liquid pump serve as a main standby for each other;

[0014] If the liquid cooling system is in the liquid replenishment mode, the circulation input pipeline, one of the first liquid pump and the second liquid pump, and the circulation output pipeline are connected by controlling the first three-way valve, the second three-way valve and the fourth three-way valve, and the liquid replenishment port, the other of the first liquid pump and the second liquid pump, and the circulation output pipeline are connected by controlling the third three-way valve, so that one of the first liquid pump and the second liquid pump serves as a circulation pump and the other serves as a liquid replenishment pump.

[0015] Optionally, the cooling distribution unit further includes a water tank;

[0016] The water tank is connected to the circulation input pipeline and the cold source respectively;

[0017] Wherein, an exhaust valve and a drain valve are arranged on the water tank.

[0018] Optionally, a pressure sensor and / or a temperature sensor is provided on the circulation output pipeline.

[0019] According to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present specification, a liquid cooling system is provided, comprising a heat dissipation object, a cold energy distribution unit as described in any one of the above items, and a cold source, wherein the cold energy distribution unit is connected to the cold source, and the cold energy distribution unit performs heat exchange with the heat dissipation object.

[0020] According to a third aspect of an embodiment of this specification, a cold liquid replenishment method is provided, which is applied to a liquid cooling system, comprising:

[0021] When the first liquid pump is used as a circulation pump, the liquid replenishment mode is started, the third three-way valve is controlled to connect the liquid replenishment port and the input end of the second liquid pump, the second three-way valve is controlled to connect the output end of the second liquid pump and the circulation output pipeline, the fourth three-way valve is controlled to connect the circulation input pipeline and the input end of the first liquid pump, the first three-way valve is controlled to connect the output end of the first liquid pump and the circulation output pipeline, and the second liquid pump is turned on to draw cold liquid from the liquid replenishment port; or,

[0022] When the second liquid pump is used as a circulation pump, the liquid replenishment mode is started, the third three-way valve is controlled to connect the liquid replenishment port and the input end of the first liquid pump, the first three-way valve is controlled to connect the output end of the first liquid pump and the circulation output pipeline, the fourth three-way valve is controlled to connect the circulation input pipeline and the input end of the second liquid pump, the second three-way valve is controlled to connect the output end of the second liquid pump and the circulation output pipeline, and the first liquid pump is turned on to draw cold liquid from the liquid replenishment port.

[0023] Optionally, before starting the fluid refilling mode, the following steps are also included:

[0024] Control the fourth three-way valve to connect the circulation input pipeline and the input end of the first liquid pump, control the first three-way valve to connect the output end of the first liquid pump and the circulation output pipeline, control the third three-way valve to connect the liquid replenishing port and the input end of the second liquid pump, control the second three-way valve to connect the output end of the second liquid pump and the liquid replenishing port, and start the first liquid pump as a circulation pump; or,

[0025] Control the fourth three-way valve to connect the circulation input pipeline and the input end of the second liquid pump, control the second three-way valve to connect the output end of the second liquid pump and the circulation output pipeline, control the third three-way valve to connect the liquid replenishing port and the input end of the first liquid pump, control the first three-way valve to connect the output end of the first liquid pump and the liquid replenishing port, and start the second liquid pump as a circulation pump.

[0026] Optionally, after starting the second liquid pump to pump cold liquid from the liquid insufflation port, or after starting the first liquid pump to pump cold liquid from the liquid insufflation port, the method further includes:

[0027] If it is detected that the liquid level in the water tank connected to the circulation input pipeline reaches the height of the drain valve set in the water tank, it switches to the working mode, uses the first liquid pump or the second liquid pump as a circulation pump, and adjusts the conductance of the first three-way valve, the second three-way valve, the third three-way valve and the fourth three-way valve.

[0028] Optionally, the starting of the fluid infusion mode includes:

[0029] If it is detected that the liquid level in the water tank connected to the circulation input pipeline is lower than the drain valve to a preset distance, the liquid replenishment mode is started; or,

[0030] If the refilling instruction is received, the refilling mode is started.

[0031] According to a fourth aspect of an embodiment of this specification, a cooling liquid replenishing device is provided, which is applied to a liquid cooling system, comprising:

[0032] The liquid replenishment unit is used to start the liquid replenishment mode when the first liquid pump is used as a circulation pump, control the third three-way valve to connect the liquid replenishment port and the input end of the second liquid pump, control the second three-way valve to connect the output end of the second liquid pump and the circulation output pipeline, control the fourth three-way valve to connect the circulation input pipeline and the input end of the first liquid pump, control the first three-way valve to connect the output end of the first liquid pump and the circulation output pipeline, and start the second liquid pump to draw cold liquid from the liquid replenishment port; or, when the second liquid pump is used as a circulation pump, start the liquid replenishment mode, control the third three-way valve to connect the liquid replenishment port and the input end of the first liquid pump, control the first three-way valve to connect the output end of the first liquid pump and the circulation output pipeline, control the fourth three-way valve to connect the circulation input pipeline and the input end of the second liquid pump, control the second three-way valve to connect the output end of the second liquid pump and the circulation output pipeline, and start the first liquid pump to draw cold liquid from the liquid replenishment port.

[0033] Optionally, the device further includes:

[0034] The circulation unit is used to control the fourth three-way valve to connect the circulation input pipeline and the input end of the first liquid pump, control the first three-way valve to connect the output end of the first liquid pump and the circulation output pipeline, control the third three-way valve to connect the liquid replenishment port and the input end of the second liquid pump, control the second three-way valve to connect the output end of the second liquid pump and the liquid replenishment port, and start the first liquid pump as a circulation pump before starting the liquid replenishment mode; or, before starting the liquid replenishment mode, control the fourth three-way valve to connect the circulation input pipeline and the input end of the second liquid pump, control the second three-way valve to connect the output end of the second liquid pump and the circulation output pipeline, control the third three-way valve to connect the liquid replenishment port and the input end of the first liquid pump, control the first three-way valve to connect the output end of the first liquid pump and the liquid replenishment port, and start the second liquid pump as a circulation pump.

[0035] Optionally, the circulation unit is also used to, after turning on the second liquid pump to draw cold liquid from the liquid replenishing port, if it is detected that the liquid level in the water tank connected to the circulation input pipeline reaches the height of the drain valve set in the water tank, switch to the working mode, use the first liquid pump or the second liquid pump as the circulation pump, and adjust the conductance of the first three-way valve, the second three-way valve, the third three-way valve and the fourth three-way valve; after turning on the first liquid pump to draw cold liquid from the liquid replenishing port, if it is detected that the liquid level in the water tank connected to the circulation input pipeline reaches the height of the drain valve set in the water tank, switch to the working mode, use the first liquid pump or the second liquid pump as the circulation pump, and adjust the conductance of the first three-way valve, the second three-way valve, the third three-way valve and the fourth three-way valve.

[0036] Optionally, the fluid replenishment unit is further used to start the fluid replenishment mode if it is detected that the liquid level in the water tank connected to the circulation input pipeline is lower than the drain valve to a preset distance; or, if a fluid replenishment instruction is received, start the fluid replenishment mode.

[0037] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this specification may have the following beneficial effects:

[0038] In the embodiment of the present specification, two liquid pumps are provided in the cold distribution unit. In the working mode, the two liquid pumps serve as the main and standby liquid pumps to each other, and the main liquid pump is turned on and the standby liquid pump is isolated by controlling the three-way valve. In the replenishment mode, one liquid pump is used as a circulation pump for heat dissipation, and the other liquid pump is used as a replenishment pump for replenishing the cold liquid in the pipeline, so that the cold distribution unit can realize circulation and replenishment through the main and standby liquid pumps and the conduction control of the pipeline, without the need to separately deploy replenishment pumps and corresponding pipelines, thereby reducing the space occupied by the cold distribution unit and improving the deployment efficiency of electronic equipment such as servers in the data center.

[0039] It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the present specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the specification and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the specification.

[0041] Figure 1 It is a structural diagram of a CDU involved in an implementation method of the present application;

[0042] Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of a CDU involved in an embodiment of the present application, wherein the CDU is in a working mode, the first liquid pump serves as a circulation pump, and the second liquid pump serves as a liquid replenishment pump;

[0043] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a CDU involved in an embodiment of the present application, wherein the CDU is in a working mode, the first liquid pump serves as a liquid replenishing pump, and the second liquid pump serves as a circulation pump;

[0044] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of a CDU involved in an embodiment of the present application, wherein the CDU is connected to a pipeline of a heat dissipation object;

[0045] Figure 5 is a flow chart of a cold liquid replenishing method involved in an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] Figure 6 In a cold liquid replenishment method according to an embodiment of the present application, the CDU is in working mode, and the first liquid pump is used as a circulation pump;

[0047] Figure 7 In a cold liquid replenishment method according to an embodiment of the present application, the CDU is in working mode and a second liquid pump is used as a circulation pump;

[0048] Figure 8 It is a structural schematic diagram of a cold liquid replenishing device involved in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Exemplary embodiments will be described in detail herein, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. When the following description refers to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The implementations described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all implementations consistent with this specification. Instead, they are merely examples of devices and methods consistent with some aspects of this specification as detailed in the appended claims.

[0050] The terms used in this specification are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit this specification. The singular forms "a", "the" and "the" used in this specification and the appended claims are also intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term "and / or" used herein refers to and includes any or all possible combinations of one or more associated listed items.

[0051] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used in this specification to describe various information, this information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish the same type of information from each other. For example, without departing from the scope of this specification, the first information may also be referred to as the second information, and similarly, the second information may also be referred to as the first information. Depending on the context, the word "if" as used herein may be interpreted as "at the time of" or "when" or "in response to determining".

[0052] The present application provides a cooling capacity distribution unit 100, such as Figure 1 As shown, it is applied to liquid cooling system;

[0053] The cooling capacity distribution unit 100 includes a first liquid pump P1, a second liquid pump P2, a first three-way valve 1, a second three-way valve 2, a third three-way valve 3 and a fourth three-way valve 4;

[0054] The first three-way valve 1 is connected to the output end P10 of the first liquid pump P1, the circulation output pipeline 5 and the second three-way valve 2 respectively;

[0055] The second three-way valve 2 is connected to the output end P20 of the second liquid pump P2, the circulation output pipeline 5 and the first three-way valve 1 respectively;

[0056] The fourth three-way valve 4 is connected to the input end P11 of the first liquid pump P1, the input end P12 of the second liquid pump P2 and the circulation input pipeline 6 respectively;

[0057] The third three-way valve 3 is connected between the first three-way valve 1 and the second three-way valve 2, between the input end P11 of the first liquid pump P1 and the fourth three-way valve 4, and between the input end P21 of the second liquid pump P2 and the fourth three-way valve 4;

[0058] Wherein, a liquid replenishing port 7 is provided on the pipeline between the first three-way valve 1, the second three-way valve 2 and the third three-way valve 3;

[0059] If the liquid cooling system is in working mode, the first liquid pump P1, the circulation input pipeline 6 and the circulation output pipeline 5 are connected or the second liquid pump P2, the circulation input pipeline 6 and the circulation output pipeline 5 are connected by controlling the first three-way valve 1, the second three-way valve 2, the third three-way valve 3 and the fourth three-way valve 4, so that the first liquid pump P1 and the second liquid pump P2 serve as a main standby for each other;

[0060] If the liquid cooling system is in the liquid replenishment mode, the circulation input pipeline 6, one of the first liquid pump P1 and the second liquid pump P2 and the circulation output pipeline 5 are connected by controlling the first three-way valve 1, the second three-way valve 2 and the fourth three-way valve 4, and the liquid replenishment port 7, the other of the first liquid pump P1 and the second liquid pump P2 and the circulation output pipeline 5 are connected by controlling the third three-way valve 3, so that one of the first liquid pump P1 and the second liquid pump P2 is used as a circulation pump and the other is used as a liquid replenishment pump.

[0061] The circulation input pipeline 6 refers to the pipeline on the cold source input side. The cold source can be realized by accommodating cold liquid in the water tank 8 in the CDU 100, or by accommodating cold liquid in a remote cooling tower, or by a combination of the above two or other structures, which is not limited. The circulation output pipeline 5 refers to the pipeline that flows to the heat dissipation object and flows back to the cold source side after passing through the heat dissipation object. The circulation output pipeline 5 can be first connected to the cold plate in the heat dissipation object, or to the cold plate heat exchange plate on the primary side, and then flow back to the pipeline of the water tank 8 or cooling tower and other structures.

[0062] The pipeline formed between the circulation input pipeline 6 and the circulation output pipeline 5 can be specifically divided into a first passage PL1 between the first three-way valve 1 and the circulation output pipeline 5, a second passage PL2 between the first three-way valve 1 and the second three-way valve 2, a third passage PL3 between the second three-way valve 2 and the circulation output pipeline 5, a fourth passage PL4 between the third three-way valve 3 and the input end P11 of the first liquid pump P1, a fifth passage PL5 between the third three-way valve 3 and the input end P21 of the second liquid pump P2, and a fifth passage PL6 between the fourth three-way valve 4 and the first liquid pump P1. P1, a sixth channel PL6 between the input end P11 of the second liquid pump P1, a seventh channel PL7 between the fourth three-way valve 4 and the input end P21 of the second liquid pump P2, an eighth channel PL8 between the first three-way valve 1 and the output end P10 of the first liquid pump P1, a ninth channel PL9 between the second three-way valve 2 and the output end P20 of the second liquid pump P2, a tenth channel PL10 between the third three-way valve 3 and the second channel PL2, and the liquid replenishing port 7 is set on the tenth channel PL10 or the second channel PL2, and can be set according to actual needs without limitation.

[0063] In order to make the first liquid pump P1 and the second liquid pump P2 serve as a backup for each other, it is necessary to be able to achieve the connection between the circulation input pipeline 6 and the circulation output pipeline 5 through the connection of pipelines and the control of the three-way valve. In other words, it is necessary to form at least one passage from the circulation input pipeline 6 to the circulation output pipeline 5, and to isolate the passage on the side where the liquid pump is not started to avoid the backflow of cold liquid in the pipeline.

[0064] A controller is provided in the CDU 100, and the user can control the conduction direction of the three-way valve and the opening and closing of the liquid pump through the controller, or the controller can also determine how to switch the three-way valve and open and close the liquid pump according to preset conditions.

[0065] When the controller receives a refill instruction from the user to CDU100, or CDU100 detects that the refill condition is met, CDU100 starts the refill mode. The refill mode may be started when the liquid cooling system just starts to run, or when the liquid cooling system switches from the working mode, CDU100 switches from the working mode to the refill mode. The specific situation can be set according to the actual needs to start the rules of the refill mode, and there is no restriction on this.

[0066] When the rehydration mode is activated, Figure 2As shown, CDU100 controls each three-way valve, conducts the circulation input pipeline 6, the sixth passage PL6, the eighth passage PL8, the first passage PL1 and the circulation output pipeline 5, starts the first liquid pump P1 as a circulation pump, maintains the cold liquid provided by the cold source to be input to the side where the heat dissipation object is located, and conducts the tenth passage PL10, the fifth passage PL5, the ninth passage PL9 and the third passage PL3, and starts the second liquid pump P2 as a liquid replenishment pump, so that the cold liquid in the liquid replenishment tank connected to the liquid replenishment port 7 can be pumped into the CDU100 by the second liquid pump P2, and converge into the circulation pipeline at the connection of the first passage PL1 and the third passage PL3, thereby realizing liquid replenishment.

[0067] When the rehydration mode is activated, Figure 3 As shown, CDU100 controls each three-way valve, conducts the circulation input pipeline 6, the seventh passage PL7, the ninth passage PL9, the third passage PL3 and the circulation output pipeline 5, starts the second liquid pump P2 as the circulation pump, maintains the cold liquid provided by the cold source to be input to the side where the heat dissipation object is located, and conducts the tenth passage PL10, the fourth passage PL4, the eighth passage PL8 and the first passage PL1, starts the first liquid pump P1 as the liquid replenishment pump, so that the cold liquid in the liquid replenishment tank connected to the liquid replenishment port 7 can be pumped into the CDU100 by the first liquid pump P1, and converges into the circulation pipeline at the connection between the first passage PL1 and the third passage PL3, thereby realizing liquid replenishment.

[0068] In the embodiment of the present specification, two liquid pumps are provided in the cold distribution unit. In the working mode, the two liquid pumps serve as the main and standby liquid pumps to each other, and the main liquid pump is turned on and the standby liquid pump is isolated by controlling the three-way valve. In the replenishment mode, one liquid pump is used as a circulation pump for heat dissipation, and the other liquid pump is used as a replenishment pump for replenishing the cold liquid in the pipeline, so that the cold distribution unit can realize circulation and replenishment through the main and standby liquid pumps and the conduction control of the pipeline, without the need to separately deploy replenishment pumps and corresponding pipelines, thereby reducing the space occupied by the cold distribution unit and improving the deployment efficiency of electronic equipment such as servers in the data center.

[0069] Optional, CDU100, such as Figure 1 As shown, a water tank 8 is also included;

[0070] The water tank 8 is connected to the circulation input pipeline 6 and the cold source respectively;

[0071] An exhaust valve 80 and a drain valve 81 are provided on the water tank 8 .

[0072] When the cold liquid circulates, the cold liquid can flow back to the water tank 8 connected to the circulation input pipeline 6. In this process, the gas generated in the pipeline will also be discharged into the water tank 8 along with the circulation of the cold liquid and retained in the upper part of the water tank 8. In order to discharge the gas, an exhaust valve 80 can be provided at the upper part of the water tank 8, and the exhaust valve 80 can be connected to a gas holding container, such as a gas box. Under certain circumstances, the user can open the exhaust valve 80 to discharge the gas accumulated in the water tank 8 into the gas holding container, thereby avoiding damage to the water tank 8 due to excessive pressure in the water tank 8.

[0073] In addition, when the liquid level of the water tank 8 rises to the height of the drain valve 81, it means that the liquid replenishment has met the requirements. If there is an operational error and the liquid replenishment mode is not stopped in time, the pressure in the water tank 8 will gradually increase, and excessive pressure will cause the water tank 8 to be damaged.

[0074] At this time, the user can control the drain valve 81 to discharge the cold liquid that exceeds the liquid level of the drain valve 81, thereby reducing the pressure in the water tank 8 and preventing the water tank 8 from being damaged due to excessive pressure.

[0075] When a detection device such as a pressure sensor 82 is provided in the water tank 8, the controller in the CDU 100 can obtain the pressure value in the water tank 8 from the pressure sensor 82, and control the opening and closing of the exhaust valve 80 and / or the drain valve 81 by setting a preset pressure value, so as to adjust the pressure in the water tank 8 and avoid damage thereto.

[0076] Optionally, the circulation output pipeline 5 is connected to the cold plate.

[0077] Depending on the heat dissipation object 200, the structure to which the circulation output pipeline 5 of the CDU 100 is connected will also be different.

[0078] In some cases, such as Figure 4 As shown, the cold liquid circulation provided by CDU100 is directly connected to the heat dissipation object 200 and connected to the connector (manifold) of the cold plate in the heat dissipation object 200. The cold plate can cover the heat-generating device or cover the fan, and the heat-generating device in the heat dissipation object 200 is cooled by the fan.

[0079] Optional, such as Figure 1 As shown, a pressure sensor 50 and / or a temperature sensor 51 is provided on the circulation output pipeline 5 .

[0080] A pressure sensor 50 and / or a temperature sensor 51 may be provided on the circulation output pipeline 5 to detect the pressure value and / or temperature value of the cold liquid in the circulation output pipeline 5. The pressure sensor 50 and the temperature sensor 51 may be connected to the controller, respectively. The controller may adjust the flow rate and the like in the circulation output pipeline 5 and the circulation input pipeline 6 by obtaining the pressure value and the temperature value and comparing them with the preset pressure value and the preset temperature value, thereby realizing the control of the circulation of the cold liquid.

[0081] Correspondingly, the present application also provides a liquid cooling system, such as Figure 1 As shown, it includes a heat dissipation object 200, a CDU 100 as described in any one of the above items, and a cold source, wherein the CDU 100 is connected to the cold source, and the CDU 100 performs heat exchange with the heat dissipation object 200.

[0082] Correspondingly, the present application also provides a method for replenishing cold liquid, such as Figure 5 As shown, it is applied to liquid cooling system, including:

[0083] S500. When the first liquid pump is used as a circulation pump, start the liquid replenishment mode, control the third three-way valve to connect the liquid replenishment port and the input end of the second liquid pump, control the second three-way valve to connect the output end of the second liquid pump and the circulation output pipeline, control the fourth three-way valve to connect the circulation input pipeline and the input end of the first liquid pump, control the first three-way valve to connect the output end of the first liquid pump and the circulation output pipeline, and start the second liquid pump to draw cold liquid from the liquid replenishment port.

[0084] S501. When the second liquid pump is used as a circulation pump, start the liquid replenishment mode, control the third three-way valve to connect the liquid replenishment port and the input end of the first liquid pump, control the first three-way valve to connect the output end of the first liquid pump and the circulation output pipeline, control the fourth three-way valve to connect the circulation input pipeline and the input end of the second liquid pump, control the second three-way valve to connect the output end of the second liquid pump and the circulation output pipeline, and start the first liquid pump to draw cold liquid from the liquid replenishment port.

[0085] In a liquid cooling system, Figure 1 As shown, the CDU 100 controls the liquid pump and the three-way valve to achieve liquid replenishment based on the user's control or the pressure value obtained from the pressure sensor.

[0086] like Figure 2As shown, CDU100 uses the first liquid pump P1 as a circulation pump and the second liquid pump P2 as a liquid replenishment pump, controls the third three-way valve 3 to connect the liquid replenishment port 7 and the input end P21 of the second liquid pump P2, controls the second three-way valve 2 to connect the output end P20 of the second liquid pump P2 and the circulation output pipeline 5, controls the fourth three-way valve 4 to connect the circulation input pipeline 6 and the input end P11 of the first liquid pump P1, controls the first three-way valve 1 to connect the output end P10 of the first liquid pump P1 and the circulation output pipeline 5, and starts the second liquid pump P2 to draw cold liquid from the liquid replenishment port 7.

[0087] like Figure 3 As shown, CDU100 uses the second liquid pump P2 as a circulation pump and the first liquid pump P1 as a liquid replenishment pump, controls the third three-way valve 3 to connect the liquid replenishment port 7 and the input end P11 of the first liquid pump P1, controls the first three-way valve 1 to connect the output end P10 of the first liquid pump P1 and the circulation output pipeline 5, controls the fourth three-way valve 4 to connect the circulation input pipeline 6 and the input end P21 of the second liquid pump P2, controls the second three-way valve 2 to connect the output end P20 of the second liquid pump P2 and the circulation output pipeline 5, and starts the first liquid pump P1 to draw cold liquid from the liquid replenishment port 7.

[0088] Among them, step S500 and step S501 are selected and executed according to the actual situation. For example, when the liquid cooling system is started, the first liquid pump P1 is selected as the circulation pump. Then, when the liquid is replenished, the second liquid pump P2 can be preferentially selected as the liquid replenishing pump, and the first liquid pump P1 is maintained as the circulation pump. Of course, it is also possible to switch at this time, that is, switch the first liquid pump P1 to the liquid replenishing pump, and start the second liquid pump P2 as the circulation pump. In the case of selecting the second liquid pump P2 as the circulation pump, a similar method can also be used for processing, which will not be repeated.

[0089] Optionally, before step S500 or step S501, starting the fluid infusion mode, the method further includes:

[0090] S502, control the fourth three-way valve to connect the circulation input pipeline and the input end of the first liquid pump, control the first three-way valve to connect the output end of the first liquid pump and the circulation output pipeline, control the third three-way valve to connect the liquid replenishing port and the input end of the second liquid pump, control the second three-way valve to connect the output end of the second liquid pump and the liquid replenishing port, and start the first liquid pump as a circulation pump.

[0091] S503, control the fourth three-way valve to connect the circulation input pipeline and the input end of the second liquid pump, control the second three-way valve to connect the output end of the second liquid pump and the circulation output pipeline, control the third three-way valve to connect the liquid replenishing port and the input end of the first liquid pump, control the first three-way valve to connect the output end of the first liquid pump and the liquid replenishing port, and start the second liquid pump as a circulation pump.

[0092] When the liquid cooling system is started, the CDU 100 can select a liquid pump as a circulation pump according to the user's instructions or pre-configuration and enter the working mode.

[0093] When the controller uses the first liquid pump P1 as a circulation pump, the flow direction of the cold liquid is as follows: Figure 6 shown.

[0094] When the controller uses the second liquid pump P2 as a circulation pump, the flow direction of the cold liquid is as follows: Figure 7 shown.

[0095] Optionally, after step S500, starting the second liquid pump to pump cold liquid from the liquid insufflation port, or after step S501, starting the first liquid pump to pump cold liquid from the liquid insufflation port, the method further includes:

[0096] S504. If it is detected that the liquid level in the water tank connected to the circulation input pipeline reaches the height of the drain valve set in the water tank, switch to the working mode, use the first liquid pump or the second liquid pump as a circulation pump, and adjust the conductance of the first three-way valve, the second three-way valve, the third three-way valve and the fourth three-way valve.

[0097] The controller can detect the liquid level in the water tank 8 through the liquid level sensor. Since the liquid cannot be replenished too much, too much will cause excessive pressure in the water tank 8. Therefore, when it is detected that the liquid level reaches the height of the drain valve 81, the controller chooses to end the liquid replenishment mode and switch to the working mode.

[0098] At this time, if Figure 6 As shown, the controller can control the fourth three-way valve 4 to connect the circulation input pipeline 6 and the input end P11 of the first liquid pump P1, control the first three-way valve 1 to connect the output end P10 of the first liquid pump P1 and the circulation output pipeline 5, control the third three-way valve 3 to connect the liquid replenishing port 7 and the input end P21 of the second liquid pump P2, control the second three-way valve 2 to connect the output end P20 of the second liquid pump P2 and the liquid replenishing port 7, and start the first liquid pump P1 as a circulation pump.

[0099] Or, if Figure 7 As shown, the controller can control the fourth three-way valve 4 to connect the circulation input pipeline 6 and the input end P21 of the second liquid pump P2, control the second three-way valve 2 to connect the output end P20 of the second liquid pump P2 and the circulation output pipeline 5, control the third three-way valve 3 to connect the liquid replenishing port 7 and the input end P11 of the first liquid pump P1, control the first three-way valve 1 to connect the output end P10 of the first liquid pump P1 and the liquid replenishing port 7, and start the second liquid pump P2 as a circulation pump

[0100] Optionally, the starting of the fluid infusion mode includes:

[0101] S505: If it is detected that the liquid level in the water tank connected to the circulation input pipeline is lower than the drain valve by a preset distance, the liquid replenishment mode is started.

[0102] S506: If the fluid replenishment instruction is received, the fluid replenishment mode is started.

[0103] The start of the liquid replenishment mode can be started according to different needs. After the controller detects that the liquid level in the water tank 8 is lower than the preset distance of the drain valve 81, it can confirm that the cold liquid in the current water tank 8 is insufficient and needs to be replenished, or the controller can start the liquid replenishment mode to replenish the cold liquid when receiving the liquid replenishment instruction issued by the user.

[0104] During the process of replenishing the liquid, the cold liquid in the water tank 8 is replenished, and the gas in the pipeline is discharged into the water tank 8, and the pressure value of the water tank 8 increases accordingly. In order to avoid the pressure increase from damaging the water tank 8, the controller needs to keep the exhaust valve 82 open to discharge the gas entering the water tank 8.

[0105] Correspondingly, the present application also provides a cold liquid replenishing device, such as Figure 8 As shown, it is applied to liquid cooling system, including:

[0106] The liquid replenishment unit is used to start the liquid replenishment mode when the first liquid pump is used as a circulation pump, control the third three-way valve to connect the liquid replenishment port and the input end of the second liquid pump, control the second three-way valve to connect the output end of the second liquid pump and the circulation output pipeline, control the fourth three-way valve to connect the circulation input pipeline and the input end of the first liquid pump, control the first three-way valve to connect the output end of the first liquid pump and the circulation output pipeline, and start the second liquid pump to draw cold liquid from the liquid replenishment port; or, when the second liquid pump is used as a circulation pump, start the liquid replenishment mode, control the third three-way valve to connect the liquid replenishment port and the input end of the first liquid pump, control the first three-way valve to connect the output end of the first liquid pump and the circulation output pipeline, control the fourth three-way valve to connect the circulation input pipeline and the input end of the second liquid pump, control the second three-way valve to connect the output end of the second liquid pump and the circulation output pipeline, and start the first liquid pump to draw cold liquid from the liquid replenishment port.

[0107] Optionally, the device further includes:

[0108] The circulation unit is used to control the fourth three-way valve to connect the circulation input pipeline and the input end of the first liquid pump, control the first three-way valve to connect the output end of the first liquid pump and the circulation output pipeline, control the third three-way valve to connect the liquid replenishment port and the input end of the second liquid pump, control the second three-way valve to connect the output end of the second liquid pump and the liquid replenishment port, and start the first liquid pump as a circulation pump before starting the liquid replenishment mode; or, before starting the liquid replenishment mode, control the fourth three-way valve to connect the circulation input pipeline and the input end of the second liquid pump, control the second three-way valve to connect the output end of the second liquid pump and the circulation output pipeline, control the third three-way valve to connect the liquid replenishment port and the input end of the first liquid pump, control the first three-way valve to connect the output end of the first liquid pump and the liquid replenishment port, and start the second liquid pump as a circulation pump.

[0109] Optionally, the circulation unit is also used to, after turning on the second liquid pump to draw cold liquid from the liquid replenishing port, if it is detected that the liquid level in the water tank connected to the circulation input pipeline reaches the height of the drain valve set in the water tank, switch to the working mode, use the first liquid pump or the second liquid pump as the circulation pump, and adjust the conductance of the first three-way valve, the second three-way valve, the third three-way valve and the fourth three-way valve; after turning on the first liquid pump to draw cold liquid from the liquid replenishing port, if it is detected that the liquid level in the water tank connected to the circulation input pipeline reaches the height of the drain valve set in the water tank, switch to the working mode, use the first liquid pump or the second liquid pump as the circulation pump, and adjust the conductance of the first three-way valve, the second three-way valve, the third three-way valve and the fourth three-way valve.

[0110] Optionally, the fluid replenishment unit is further used to start the fluid replenishment mode if it is detected that the liquid level in the water tank connected to the circulation input pipeline is lower than the drain valve to a preset distance; or, if a fluid replenishment instruction is received, start the fluid replenishment mode.

[0111] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this specification may have the following beneficial effects:

[0112] In the embodiment of the present specification, two liquid pumps are provided in the cold distribution unit. In the working mode, the two liquid pumps serve as the main and standby liquid pumps to each other, and the main liquid pump is turned on and the standby liquid pump is isolated by controlling the three-way valve. In the replenishment mode, one liquid pump is used as a circulation pump for heat dissipation, and the other liquid pump is used as a replenishment pump for replenishing the cold liquid in the pipeline, so that the cold distribution unit can realize circulation and replenishment through the main and standby liquid pumps and the conduction control of the pipeline, without the need to separately deploy replenishment pumps and corresponding pipelines, thereby reducing the space occupied by the cold distribution unit and improving the deployment efficiency of electronic equipment such as servers in the data center.

[0113] The implementation process of the functions and effects of each module in the above-mentioned device is specifically described in the implementation process of the corresponding steps in the above-mentioned method, which will not be repeated here.

[0114] For the device embodiment, since it basically corresponds to the method embodiment, the relevant parts can refer to the partial description of the method embodiment. The device embodiment described above is only schematic, wherein the modules described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components displayed as modules may or may not be physical modules, that is, they may be located in one place, or they may be distributed on multiple network modules. Some or all of the modules may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the scheme of this specification. A person of ordinary skill in the art can understand and implement it without paying creative labor.

[0115] The above is a description of a specific embodiment of the specification. Other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims. In some cases, the actions or steps recorded in the claims can be performed in an order different from that in the embodiments and still achieve the desired results. In addition, the processes depicted in the drawings do not necessarily require the specific order or continuous order shown to achieve the desired results. In some embodiments, multitasking and parallel processing are also possible or may be advantageous.

[0116] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate other embodiments of the specification after considering the specification and practicing the invention claimed herein. The specification is intended to cover any variations, uses or adaptations of the specification that follow the general principles of the specification and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art that are not claimed in the specification. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of the specification are indicated by the following claims.

[0117] It should be understood that the present description is not limited to the precise structures that have been described above and shown in the drawings, and that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope thereof. The scope of the present description is limited only by the appended claims.

[0118] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this specification and is not intended to limit this specification. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of this specification should be included in the scope of protection of this specification.

Claims

1. A cooling capacity distribution unit, characterized in that: Applied to liquid cooling system; The cooling capacity distribution unit comprises a first liquid pump, a second liquid pump, a first three-way valve, a second three-way valve, a third three-way valve and a fourth three-way valve; A first three-way valve is connected to the output end of the first liquid pump, the circulation output pipeline and the second three-way valve respectively; A second three-way valve is connected to the output end of the second liquid pump, the circulation output pipeline and the first three-way valve respectively; a fourth three-way valve, connected to the input end of the first liquid pump, the input end of the second liquid pump and the circulation input pipeline respectively; The third three-way valve is connected to between the first three-way valve and the second three-way valve, between the input end of the first liquid pump and the fourth three-way valve, and between the input end of the second liquid pump and the fourth three-way valve; Wherein, a liquid infusion port is provided on the pipeline between the first three-way valve, the second three-way valve and the third three-way valve; If the liquid cooling system is in working mode, the first liquid pump, the circulation input pipeline and the circulation output pipeline are connected or the second liquid pump, the circulation input pipeline and the circulation output pipeline are connected by controlling the first three-way valve, the second three-way valve, the third three-way valve and the fourth three-way valve, so that the first liquid pump and the second liquid pump serve as a main standby for each other; If the liquid cooling system is in the liquid replenishment mode, the circulation input pipeline, one of the first liquid pump and the second liquid pump, and the circulation output pipeline are connected by controlling the first three-way valve, the second three-way valve and the fourth three-way valve, and the liquid replenishment port, the other of the first liquid pump and the second liquid pump, and the circulation output pipeline are connected by controlling the third three-way valve, so that one of the first liquid pump and the second liquid pump serves as a circulation pump and the other serves as a liquid replenishment pump.

2. The cooling capacity distribution unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes water tank; The water tank is connected to the circulation input pipeline and the cold source respectively; Wherein, an exhaust valve and a drain valve are arranged on the water tank.

3. The cooling capacity distribution unit according to claim 2, characterized in that: The circulation output pipeline is provided with a pressure sensor and / or a temperature sensor.

4. A liquid cooling system, characterized in that: It comprises a heat dissipation object, a cold distribution unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, and a cold source, wherein the cold distribution unit is connected to the cold source, and the cold distribution unit performs heat exchange with the heat dissipation object.

5. A method for replenishing cold liquid, characterized in that: Applicable to liquid cooling systems, including: When the first liquid pump is used as a circulation pump, the liquid replenishment mode is started, the third three-way valve is controlled to connect the liquid replenishment port and the input end of the second liquid pump, the second three-way valve is controlled to connect the output end of the second liquid pump and the circulation output pipeline, the fourth three-way valve is controlled to connect the circulation input pipeline and the input end of the first liquid pump, the first three-way valve is controlled to connect the output end of the first liquid pump and the circulation output pipeline, and the second liquid pump is turned on to draw cold liquid from the liquid replenishment port; or, When the second liquid pump is used as a circulation pump, the liquid replenishment mode is started, the third three-way valve is controlled to connect the liquid replenishment port and the input end of the first liquid pump, the first three-way valve is controlled to connect the output end of the first liquid pump and the circulation output pipeline, the fourth three-way valve is controlled to connect the circulation input pipeline and the input end of the second liquid pump, the second three-way valve is controlled to connect the output end of the second liquid pump and the circulation output pipeline, and the first liquid pump is turned on to draw cold liquid from the liquid replenishment port.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that Before starting the rehydration mode, it also includes: Control the fourth three-way valve to connect the circulation input pipeline and the input end of the first liquid pump, control the first three-way valve to connect the output end of the first liquid pump and the circulation output pipeline, control the third three-way valve to connect the liquid replenishing port and the input end of the second liquid pump, control the second three-way valve to connect the output end of the second liquid pump and the liquid replenishing port, and start the first liquid pump as a circulation pump; or, Control the fourth three-way valve to connect the circulation input pipeline and the input end of the second liquid pump, control the second three-way valve to connect the output end of the second liquid pump and the circulation output pipeline, control the third three-way valve to connect the liquid replenishing port and the input end of the first liquid pump, control the first three-way valve to connect the output end of the first liquid pump and the liquid replenishing port, and start the second liquid pump as a circulation pump.

7. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that After the second liquid pump is turned on to pump cold liquid from the liquid inlet, or after the first liquid pump is turned on to pump cold liquid from the liquid inlet, the method further includes: If it is detected that the liquid level in the water tank connected to the circulation input pipeline reaches the height of the drain valve set in the water tank, it switches to the working mode, uses the first liquid pump or the second liquid pump as a circulation pump, and adjusts the conductance of the first three-way valve, the second three-way valve, the third three-way valve and the fourth three-way valve.

8. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The starting fluid replenishment mode comprises: If it is detected that the liquid level in the water tank connected to the circulation input pipeline is lower than the drain valve to a preset distance, the liquid replenishment mode is started; or, If the refilling instruction is received, the refilling mode is started.

9. A cold liquid replenishing device, characterized in that: Applicable to liquid cooling systems, including: The liquid replenishment unit is used to start the liquid replenishment mode when the first liquid pump is used as a circulation pump, control the third three-way valve to connect the liquid replenishment port and the input end of the second liquid pump, control the second three-way valve to connect the output end of the second liquid pump and the circulation output pipeline, control the fourth three-way valve to connect the circulation input pipeline and the input end of the first liquid pump, control the first three-way valve to connect the output end of the first liquid pump and the circulation output pipeline, and start the second liquid pump to draw cold liquid from the liquid replenishment port; or, when the second liquid pump is used as a circulation pump, start the liquid replenishment mode, control the third three-way valve to connect the liquid replenishment port and the input end of the first liquid pump, control the first three-way valve to connect the output end of the first liquid pump and the circulation output pipeline, control the fourth three-way valve to connect the circulation input pipeline and the input end of the second liquid pump, control the second three-way valve to connect the output end of the second liquid pump and the circulation output pipeline, and start the first liquid pump to draw cold liquid from the liquid replenishment port.

10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that Also includes: The circulation unit is used to control the fourth three-way valve to connect the circulation input pipeline and the input end of the first liquid pump, control the first three-way valve to connect the output end of the first liquid pump and the circulation output pipeline, control the third three-way valve to connect the liquid replenishment port and the input end of the second liquid pump, control the second three-way valve to connect the output end of the second liquid pump and the liquid replenishment port, and start the first liquid pump as a circulation pump before starting the liquid replenishment mode; or, before starting the liquid replenishment mode, control the fourth three-way valve to connect the circulation input pipeline and the input end of the second liquid pump, control the second three-way valve to connect the output end of the second liquid pump and the circulation output pipeline, control the third three-way valve to connect the liquid replenishment port and the input end of the first liquid pump, control the first three-way valve to connect the output end of the first liquid pump and the liquid replenishment port, and start the second liquid pump as a circulation pump.

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