Centralized cooling system and seawater cold source data center

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of data center cooling, and discloses a centralized cooling system and a seawater cold source data center. The centralized cooling system comprises a lifting module, a secondary side circulation unit and a refrigeration host unit. The lifting module, the secondary side circulation unit and the refrigeration main machine unit jointly conduct centralized heat exchange cooling on hot end equipment, and the cooling purpose of a multi-tail-end, multi-layer-crossing and long-distance operation scene is achieved. Particularly, low-temperature seawater is conveyed through the lifting module, a natural cold source is fully utilized, segmented heat conduction is conducted through the secondary side circulation unit and the refrigeration main machine unit, the heat exchange layout is optimized, the problem that the heat dissipation capacity is poor in the multi-tail-end, multi-layer-crossing, long-distance and other operation scenes of hot end equipment can be solved, and the cooling and heat exchange requirements of the hot end equipment are met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of data center cooling, and particularly to a centralized cooling system and a seawater-cooled data center. Background Art

[0002] Currently, data centers can be preferentially built in areas with cold climates and sufficient energy to obtain stable heat dissipation effects and working conditions. To strengthen the control of space and cost, large and medium-sized data centers generally adopt relatively centralized centralized cooling systems or semi-centralized cooling systems. If the centralized cooling system of an ocean data center uses a chilled water system commonly used in the land HVAC industry, there will be a risk of chilled water entering the internal IT computer rooms or electrical equipment rooms at the end, and then there will be a risk of water leakage. If the operation and maintenance personnel do not handle it in time, there will be a risk of downtime. Large and medium-sized ocean data centers adopt a Freon system with mechanical refrigeration, and it is difficult to achieve a scenario where a single mechanical refrigeration system spans multiple floors and connects dozens or hundreds of end air conditioners at the end. The heat dissipation capacity is poor, mainly because when the refrigeration driving component operates, problems such as the suction and exhaust of the driving component and the oil return of the classical system are difficult to support operation scenarios such as multiple ends, long distances, and spanning multiple floors. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present invention provides a centralized cooling system and a seawater-cooled data center to solve the problem that the cooling system of a data center in the related art is difficult to achieve operation scenarios such as multiple ends, long distances, and spanning multiple floors, and has poor heat dissipation capacity.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a centralized cooling system, including:

[0005] A lifting module for circulating and transporting seawater;

[0006] A secondary side circulation unit for circulating an intermediate medium. The secondary side circulation unit has a first heat exchange end and a second heat exchange end that are connected. The first heat exchange end is arranged for heat exchange with the seawater circulated by the lifting module;

[0007] And at least one refrigeration host unit. The refrigeration host unit has a first path and a second path that can be configured for heat exchange. The first path is connected and arranged at the second heat exchange end. The input side of the second path is suitable for being connected and arranged with the heat exchange output side of the heat source equipment, and the output side of the second path is suitable for being connected and arranged with the heat exchange input side of the heat source equipment.

[0008] Beneficial effects: The heat transfer and cooling of the hot-end equipment are centralized by the lifting module, the secondary-side circulation unit, and the refrigeration host unit, so as to achieve the cooling purpose in the scenarios of multiple terminals, across multiple floors, and long distances. Specifically, the low-temperature seawater is transported by the lifting module, and the secondary-side circulation unit and the refrigeration host unit jointly establish the thermal connection between the low-temperature seawater and the heat transfer refrigerant medium of the hot-end equipment. The low-temperature seawater exchanges heat with the first heat exchange end in the secondary-side circulation unit, the intermediate medium in the first path of the refrigeration host unit exchanges heat with the second heat exchange end, and the second path in the refrigeration host unit exchanges heat with the heat transfer refrigerant medium of the hot-end equipment. The refrigeration host unit collects the heat transferred by the refrigerant medium of the hot-end equipment, the intermediate medium flowing in the secondary-side circulation unit absorbs heat and exchanges heat to the seawater, and then the seawater is discharged. With this design, the natural cold source can be fully utilized, the heat conduction is segmented by the secondary-side circulation unit and the refrigeration host unit, and the heat exchange layout is optimized, which can solve the problem of poor heat dissipation capacity in the operation scenarios of multiple terminals, across multiple floors, and long distances of the hot-end equipment, and meet the cooling and heat exchange requirements of the hot-end equipment.

[0009] In an alternative embodiment, the secondary-side circulation unit includes a second heat exchanger, and the second heat exchanger has a fifth path and a sixth path configured with thermal coupling. The fifth path is arranged at the upstream end of the first path, and the sixth path is adapted to be communicatively connected to the heat exchange output side of the hot-end equipment.

[0010] Beneficial effects: By configuring the fifth path and the sixth path in the second heat exchanger, the intermediate medium circulated by the secondary-side circulation unit flows through the fifth path, and the refrigerant medium of the hot-end equipment flows through the sixth path, so that the intermediate medium and the refrigerant medium exchange heat first, and the heat-exchanged intermediate medium then flows to the first path, so that the refrigeration host unit exchanges heat between the intermediate medium in the first path and the refrigerant medium in the second path again. In this way, by using the second heat exchanger and the refrigeration host unit to exchange heat with the refrigerant medium of the hot-end equipment respectively, the heat of the refrigerant medium can be quickly absorbed, the cooling capacity of the system is improved, and at the same time, it is beneficial to reduce the temperature difference between the intermediate medium in the first path and the refrigerant medium in the second path, thereby reducing the heat exchange load of the refrigeration host unit and improving the working stability of the system.

[0011] In an alternative embodiment, the secondary-side circulation unit further includes a first control valve and a second control valve. The input side of the first control valve and the input side of the second control valve are arranged in parallel at the output side of the fifth path. The output side of the second control valve is communicated with the first path, and the output side of the first control valve and the output side of the first path are arranged in parallel in the inflow direction of the first heat exchange end.

[0012] Beneficial effects: The flow direction of the intermediate medium is regulated by the first control valve and the second control valve: a part of it flows out after heat exchange through the fifth path of the second heat exchanger and directly enters the first heat exchange end of the secondary side circulation unit, and another part enters the first path. The intermediate medium flowing out of the first path converges to the first heat exchange end of the secondary side circulation unit and exchanges heat with the low-temperature seawater flowing through the lifting module; by increasing the opening degree of the first control valve, part of the intermediate medium with too high temperature after heat exchange can directly flow to the first heat exchange end, avoiding the intermediate medium with too high temperature from entering the first path and reducing the heat exchange effect of the refrigeration host unit on the hot-end equipment; if there is still some heat exchange margin in the intermediate medium after heat exchange, by adjusting the opening degrees of the first control valve and the second control valve, part of the intermediate medium enters the first path to enable the refrigeration host unit to participate in the heat exchange, and another part of the intermediate medium directly converges to the first heat exchange end to ensure the heat exchange temperature control effect of the system and optimize the energy-saving mode; when the intermediate medium has a relatively low temperature after heat exchange and the second heat exchanger can already completely absorb the refrigerant medium flowing through the hot-end equipment to meet the temperature control requirements, the first control valve can be opened and the second control valve can be closed to make the refrigeration host unit not participate in the heat exchange process, and the heat exchange process is carried out by the secondary side circulation unit and the lifting module. In this way, it is beneficial to keep the system in a low-power state and optimize the energy-saving mode.

[0013] In an optional implementation manner, the secondary side circulation unit further includes at least one first heat exchanger and a secondary side circulation pump. The first heat exchanger is configured with a thermally coupled third path and a fourth path. The input side of the third path is communicatively connected to the output side of the lifting module. The third path is adapted to circulate seawater. The fourth path is communicatively connected to the first path. The fourth path is adapted to circulate the intermediate medium. The secondary side circulation pump is installed on the upstream side of the fourth path. The output side of the first control valve and the output side of the first path are arranged in parallel on the input side of the secondary side circulation pump.

[0014] Beneficial effects: The first heat exchanger is arranged at the first heat exchange end of the secondary side circulation unit, providing a spatial area for heat exchange between the seawater flowing through the lifting module and the intermediate medium circulated by the secondary side circulation unit. The secondary side circulation pump is used to drive the circulation of the intermediate medium to exchange heat with the low-temperature seawater, the refrigerant medium, and the refrigeration host unit respectively.

[0015] In an optional implementation manner, the refrigeration host unit, the second heat exchanger, the first valve, and the second valve together constitute a heat exchange structure, and the centralized cooling system is provided with at least one heat exchange structure.

[0016] Beneficial effects: By performing heat exchange on the refrigerant medium flowing through the hot-end device by the refrigeration host unit and the second heat exchanger in each heat exchange structure respectively, the temperature control effect is ensured; in the operation scenarios where the hot-end device spans multiple floors, multiple terminals, and long distances, there are many terminal air conditioners in the hot-end device, and multiple heat exchange structures are flexibly arranged to connect the terminal air conditioners to meet the temperature control requirements of the system.

[0017] In an optional embodiment, the heat exchange structure further includes a driving assembly, and the driving assembly includes a medium pump and a liquid storage tank. The medium pump is used to provide the circulating power of the refrigerant medium, and the liquid storage tank is used to collect and store the refrigerant medium; the output side of the sixth path and the output side of the second path are connected in parallel and arranged on the input side of the liquid storage tank, the output side of the liquid storage tank is connected to the input side of the medium pump, and the output side of the medium pump is adapted to be connected to the heat exchange input of the hot-end device.

[0018] Beneficial effects: The driving assembly is used to drive the refrigerant medium to flow between the hot-end device and the heat exchange structure for heat exchange. Specifically, the liquid storage tank is used to collect and store the refrigerant medium after releasing heat, and the medium pump drives the refrigerant medium to the heat exchange side, the secondary side circulation unit, and the refrigeration host unit of the hot-end device to implement the heat exchange cycle, and continuously transfer the heat generated by the hot-end device to the intermediate medium.

[0019] In an optional embodiment, the refrigeration host unit includes a condenser and an evaporator that are connected for heat exchange. The condenser and the evaporator are connected with an auxiliary path, and the auxiliary path is adapted to circulate an auxiliary heat exchange medium. The condenser is used to release the heat of the auxiliary heat exchange medium to the intermediate medium, and the evaporator is used to absorb the heat of the refrigerant medium output by the hot-end device by the auxiliary heat exchange medium; the first path is arranged on the condenser to enable heat exchange between the auxiliary heat exchange medium and the intermediate medium, and the second path is arranged on the evaporator to enable heat exchange between the auxiliary heat exchange medium and the refrigerant medium output from the heat exchange output side of the hot-end device.

[0020] Beneficial effects: By flowing the intermediate medium through the first path of the refrigeration host unit, the refrigerant medium through the second path, and the auxiliary heat exchange medium through the auxiliary path, the auxiliary heat exchange medium absorbs the heat of the refrigerant medium output by the hot-end device at the evaporator, and the auxiliary heat exchange medium releases heat to the intermediate medium at the condenser. The refrigeration host unit plays a role in rapid heat exchange, which is beneficial to improving the temperature control ability of the system for the hot-end device.

[0021] In an alternative embodiment, the refrigeration host unit further includes a driving member and an expansion valve. The driving member is used to provide the driving force for the circulation of the auxiliary heat exchange medium, and the expansion valve is used to throttle the auxiliary heat exchange medium. The evaporator, the driving member, the condenser, and the expansion valve are sequentially connected in series. The driving member is arranged in the direction from the evaporator to the condenser, and the expansion valve is arranged in the direction from the condenser to the evaporator.

[0022] Beneficial effects: The driving member drives the circulation of the auxiliary heat exchange medium, quickly circulates the auxiliary heat exchange medium that absorbs heat in the evaporator to the condenser, so that the intermediate medium flowing through the condenser absorbs the heat of the auxiliary heat exchange medium. The auxiliary heat exchange medium after the condenser releases heat is throttled by the expansion valve, so that the auxiliary heat exchange medium can be throttled to a low-temperature and low-pressure state and then circulated to the evaporator for heat exchange.

[0023] In an alternative embodiment, the secondary side circulation unit includes a constant pressure make-up and exhaust device. The constant pressure make-up and exhaust device has a make-up path and an exhaust path, and the make-up path and the exhaust path are respectively connected and arranged between the first heat exchange end and the second heat exchange end.

[0024] Beneficial effects: The constant pressure make-up and exhaust device compensates the intermediate medium flowing through the secondary side circulation unit. For working conditions such as expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes, make-up of system pipeline leakage, etc., the intermediate medium is supplemented through the make-up path, and the gas generated during the circulation of the intermediate medium is discharged in time through the exhaust path, promoting the pressure balance of the secondary side circulation unit, strengthening the stability of the circulation of the intermediate medium in the secondary side circulation unit, and ensuring the system's ability to perform heat exchange on the heat end equipment.

[0025] In an alternative embodiment, the lifting module includes a submersible pump, a control valve, a filter, and a check valve. The submersible pump is used to transport seawater to the first heat exchange end, the control valve is used to control the flow rate of seawater, the filter is used to filter seawater, and the check valve is used to prevent the reverse flow of seawater; the input side of the submersible pump is connected to the external seawater, the output side of the submersible pump is connected to the input side of the control valve, the filter is connected and arranged upstream of the input side of the submersible pump, and the check valve is connected and arranged between the submersible pump and the control valve.

[0026] Beneficial effects: The lifting module is arranged below the water level. The lifting module is responsible for providing power for the seawater, transporting the external low-temperature seawater to the first heat exchange end of the secondary side circulation unit to exchange heat with the intermediate medium flowing through the secondary side circulation unit. The seawater after heat exchange is then discharged into the sea; the seawater is filtered by a filter to allow the seawater meeting the filtration conditions to flow to the first heat exchange end. The flow rate and flow volume of the seawater transported by the lifting module are jointly adjusted by a submersible pump and a control valve to ensure the seawater supply of the system and meet the heat exchange requirements of the secondary side circulation unit. The check valve blocks the reverse flow of the seawater to prevent the seawater after heat exchange from flowing back, and avoid reducing or damaging the heat exchange and cooling effect on the intermediate medium.

[0027] In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of the lifting modules are provided, and the output sides of all the lifting modules are commonly connected in parallel to the first heat exchange end.

[0028] In a second aspect, the present invention further provides a seawater cold source data center, including the above-mentioned centralized cooling system and heat end equipment, and the centralized cooling system is arranged for heat exchange with the heat end equipment. Since the seawater cold source data center includes the centralized cooling system, it has the same effects as the centralized cooling system, which will not be elaborated herein. Description of the Drawings

[0029] In order to more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0030] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of the centralized cooling system provided by the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 It is a schematic structural diagram of the lifting module in the centralized cooling system provided by the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3 It is a schematic connection diagram of the secondary side circulation unit and the refrigeration host unit in the centralized cooling system provided by the present invention;

[0033] Figure 4 It is a partial schematic diagram of the refrigeration host unit in the centralized cooling system provided by the present invention;

[0034] Explanation of the reference numerals:

[0035] 1. Lifting module; 101. Filter; 102. Submersible pump; 103. Check valve; 104. Control valve;

[0036] 2. Secondary-side circulation unit; 201. First heat exchanger; 202. Secondary-side circulation pump; 203. Second heat exchanger; 204. First control valve; 205. Second control valve; 206. Constant pressure make-up and exhaust device

[0037] 3. Refrigeration host unit; 301. Condenser; 302. Evaporator; 303. Driving member; 304. Expansion valve; 305. Medium pump; 306. Liquid storage tank

[0038] 401. Service host air conditioner; 402. Power distribution room air conditioner

[0039] S01. First path; S02. Second path; S03. Third path; S04. Fourth path; S05. Fifth path; S06. Sixth path Detailed implementation manners

[0040] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Apparently, the described embodiments are some, but not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention

[0041] This application aims to address the problems that it is difficult for a data center to operate across multiple floors and that there are concerns about the risk of water leakage into the computer room when the data center adopts a chilled water system

[0042] The following combines Figures 1 to 4 , and describes the embodiments of the present invention

[0043] According to an embodiment of the present invention, on the one hand, a centralized cooling system is provided. As Figure 1 shown, the centralized cooling system includes a lifting module 1, a secondary-side circulation unit 2, and a refrigeration host unit 3. The lifting module 1 is used for circulating and transporting seawater. The secondary-side circulation unit 2 is used for circulating an intermediate medium. The secondary-side circulation unit 2 has a first heat exchange end and a second heat exchange end that are connected. The first heat exchange end is arranged for heat exchange with the seawater circulated by the lifting module 1. The refrigeration host unit 3 has a first path S01 and a second path S02 that can be configured for heat exchange. The first path S01 is connected and arranged at the second heat exchange end. The input side of the second path S02 is suitable for being connected and arranged with the heat exchange output side of the heat source equipment, and the output side of the second path S02 is suitable for being connected and arranged with the heat exchange input side of the heat source equipment

[0044] The centralized cooling system provided in this embodiment uses the lifting module 1, the secondary side circulation unit 2, and the refrigeration host unit 3 to conduct centralized heat exchange and cooling for the hot-end equipment, achieving the cooling purpose in scenarios of multi-terminal, multi-layer, and long-distance operation; specifically, the low-temperature seawater is transported by the lifting module 1, and the secondary side circulation unit 2 and the refrigeration host unit 3 jointly establish a thermal connection between the low-temperature seawater and the heat transfer refrigerant medium of the hot-end equipment. The low-temperature seawater exchanges heat with the first heat exchange end in the secondary side circulation unit 2, the intermediate medium in the first path S01 in the refrigeration host unit 3 exchanges heat with the second heat exchange end, and the second path S02 in the refrigeration host unit 3 exchanges heat with the heat transfer refrigerant medium of the hot-end equipment. The refrigeration host unit 3 collects the heat transferred by the refrigerant medium of the hot-end equipment, the intermediate medium flowing in the secondary side circulation unit 2 absorbs heat and exchanges heat to the seawater, and then the seawater is discharged; with this design, the natural cold source can be fully utilized, and through the segmented heat conduction of the secondary side circulation unit 2 and the refrigeration host unit 3, the heat exchange layout can be optimized, which can solve the problem of poor heat dissipation capacity in scenarios such as multi-terminal, multi-layer, and long-distance operation of the hot-end equipment, and meet the cooling and heat exchange requirements of the hot-end equipment.

[0045] In an alternative embodiment, as Figure 2 shown, the lifting module 1 includes a submersible pump 102, a control valve 104, a filter 101, and a check valve 103. The submersible pump 102 is used to transport seawater to the first heat exchange end, the control valve 104 is used to control the flow rate of seawater, the filter 101 is used to filter seawater, and the check valve 103 is used to prevent the reverse flow of seawater; the input side of the submersible pump 102 is connected to the external seawater, the output side of the submersible pump 102 is connected to the input side of the control valve 104, the filter 101 is connected upstream of the input side of the submersible pump 102, and the check valve 103 is connected between the submersible pump 102 and the control valve 104.

[0046] In the centralized cooling system provided in this embodiment, the lifting module 1 is arranged below the water surface level. The lifting module 1 is responsible for providing power for the seawater, transporting the external low-temperature seawater to the first heat exchange end of the secondary side circulation unit 2 for heat exchange with the intermediate medium flowing in the secondary side circulation unit 2, and the heat-exchanged seawater is then discharged into the sea; the seawater is filtered by the filter 101 to allow the seawater meeting the filtration conditions to flow to the first heat exchange end. The flow rate and flow of the seawater transported by the lifting module 1 are jointly adjusted by the submersible pump 102 and the control valve 104 to ensure the seawater supply of the system and meet the heat exchange requirements of the secondary side circulation unit 2. The reverse flow of seawater is blocked by the check valve 103 to prevent the reverse flow of the heat-exchanged seawater and avoid reducing or damaging the heat exchange and cooling effect on the intermediate medium.

[0047] In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of lifting modules 1 are provided. The output sides of all the lifting modules 1 are commonly connected in parallel to the first heat exchange end, such that all the low-temperature seawater is supplied towards the first heat exchange end. With this configuration, the plurality of lifting modules 1 operate in parallel, and the flow rate of each module is independently adjusted by the control valve member 104, achieving redundant backup and load balancing of the seawater supply and optimizing the low-temperature seawater supply mode.

[0048] In an alternative embodiment, as Figure 3 shown, the secondary-side circulation unit 2 further includes a first heat exchanger 201 and a secondary-side circulation pump 202. The first heat exchanger 201 is configured with a thermally coupled third path S03 and fourth path S04. The input side of the third path S03 is communicatively connected to the output side of the lifting module 1. The third path S03 is adapted to circulate seawater. The fourth path S04 is communicatively connected to the first path S01. The fourth path S04 is adapted to circulate an intermediate medium. The secondary-side circulation pump 202 is installed on the upstream side of the fourth path S04. The output side of the first control valve 204 is connected in parallel to the output side of the first path S01 and is located on the input side of the secondary-side circulation pump 202.

[0049] For the centralized cooling system provided in this embodiment, the first heat exchanger 201 is disposed at the first heat exchange end of the secondary-side circulation unit 2, providing a spatial area for heat exchange between the seawater flowing through the lifting module 1 and the intermediate medium circulating in the secondary-side circulation unit 2 through the first heat exchanger 201. The secondary-side circulation pump 202 drives the circulation of the intermediate medium to exchange heat with the low-temperature seawater, the refrigerant medium, and the refrigeration host unit 3 respectively.

[0050] In a specific embodiment, as Figure 1 shown, one or more first heat exchangers 201 are provided. The third paths S03 of all the first heat exchangers 201 are connected in parallel, and the fourth paths S04 of all the first heat exchangers 201 are connected in parallel, such that the low-temperature seawater flowing in the third path S03 exchanges heat with the intermediate medium flowing in the fourth path S04 respectively.

[0051] In an alternative embodiment, as Figure 3 shown, the secondary-side circulation unit 2 includes a second heat exchanger 203. The second heat exchanger 203 has a fifth path S05 and a sixth path S06 configured with thermal coupling. The fifth path S05 is disposed at the upstream end of the first path S01. The sixth path S06 is adapted to be communicatively connected to the heat exchange output side of the hot-end device.

[0052] The centralized cooling system provided in this embodiment configures a fifth path S05 and a sixth path S06 in the second heat exchanger 203. The fifth path S05 circulates the intermediate medium circulated by the secondary circulation unit 2, and the sixth path S06 circulates the refrigerant medium of the hot-end equipment, so that the intermediate medium and the refrigerant medium first perform heat exchange. The heat-exchanged intermediate medium then flows to the first path S01, so that the refrigeration host unit 3 performs heat exchange on the intermediate medium in the first path S01 and the refrigerant medium in the second path S02 again. In this way, by using the second heat exchanger 203 and the refrigeration host unit 3 to perform heat exchange on the refrigerant medium of the hot-end equipment respectively, the heat of the refrigerant medium can be quickly absorbed, the cooling capacity of the system can be improved, and at the same time, it is beneficial to reduce the temperature difference between the intermediate medium in the first path S01 and the refrigerant medium in the second path S02, thereby reducing the heat exchange load of the refrigeration host unit 3 and improving the working stability of the system.

[0053] In an alternative embodiment, as Figure 3 shown, the secondary circulation unit 2 further includes a first control valve 204 and a second control valve 205. The input sides of the first control valve 204 and the second control valve 205 are arranged in parallel on the output side of the fifth path S05. The output side of the second control valve 205 is connected to the first path S01. The output side of the first control valve 204 and the output side of the first path S01 are arranged in parallel in the inflow direction of the first heat exchange end.

[0054] The centralized cooling system provided in this embodiment regulates the flow direction of the intermediate medium through the first control valve 204 and the second control valve 205: a part directly enters the first heat exchange end of the secondary circulation unit after flowing out of the fifth path S05 of the second heat exchanger 203 through heat exchange, and the other part enters the first path S01. The intermediate medium flowing out of the first path S01 converges to the first heat exchange end of the secondary circulation unit 2 and performs heat exchange with the low-temperature seawater flowing through the lifting module 1. By increasing the opening degree of the first control valve 204, part of the intermediate medium with too high temperature after heat exchange can be directly directed to the first heat exchange end to avoid the intermediate medium with too high temperature from entering the first path S01 and reducing the heat exchange effect of the refrigeration host unit 3 on the hot-end equipment. If there is still some heat exchange margin in the intermediate medium after heat exchange, by adjusting the opening degrees of the first control valve 204 and the second control valve 205, part of the intermediate medium enters the first path S01 to enable the refrigeration host unit 3 to participate in heat exchange, and the other part of the intermediate medium directly converges to the first heat exchange end to ensure the heat exchange temperature control effect of the system and optimize the energy-saving mode. When the intermediate medium has a lower temperature after heat exchange and the refrigerant medium flowing through the hot-end equipment can be completely absorbed by the second heat exchanger 203 to meet the temperature control requirements, the first control valve 204 can be opened and the second control valve 205 can be closed to enable the refrigeration host unit 3 not to participate in the heat exchange process, and the heat exchange process is carried out by the secondary circulation unit 2 and the lifting module 1. In this way, it is beneficial to make the system in a low-power state and optimize the energy-saving mode.

[0055] In a specific embodiment, the intermediate medium flowing through the secondary side circulation unit 2 can be selected from clean and scale - resistant media such as ethylene glycol solution and deionized water (pure water).

[0056] In an alternative embodiment, as Figure 1 shown, the refrigeration host unit 3, the second heat exchanger 203, the first valve, and the second valve together constitute a heat exchange structure, and the centralized cooling system is provided with at least one heat exchange structure.

[0057] For the centralized cooling system provided in this embodiment, the refrigeration host unit 3 and the second heat exchanger 203 in each heat exchange structure respectively perform heat exchange on the refrigerant medium flowing through the hot - end equipment to ensure the temperature control effect; in the operation scenario where the hot - end equipment spans multiple floors, multiple terminals, and long distances, the hot - end equipment has many terminal air conditioners, and multiple heat exchange structures are flexibly arranged and connected to the terminal air conditioners to meet the temperature control requirements of the system.

[0058] In an alternative embodiment, as Figure 3 shown, the heat exchange structure further includes a driving assembly. The driving assembly includes a medium pump 305 and a liquid storage tank 306. The medium pump 305 is used to provide the circulating power of the refrigerant medium, and the liquid storage tank 306 is used to collect and store the refrigerant medium; the output side of the sixth path S06 and the output side of the second path S02 are connected in parallel and arranged on the input side of the liquid storage tank 306. The output side of the liquid storage tank 306 is connected to the input side of the medium pump 305, and the output side of the medium pump 305 is adapted to be connected to the heat exchange input of the hot - end equipment.

[0059] For the centralized cooling system provided in this embodiment, the driving assembly is used to drive the refrigerant medium to flow between the hot - end equipment and the heat exchange structure for heat exchange. Specifically, the liquid storage tank 306 collects and stores the refrigerant medium after releasing heat, and the medium pump 305 drives the refrigerant medium to the heat exchange side of the hot - end equipment, the secondary side circulation unit 2, and the refrigeration host unit 3 to implement the heat exchange cycle, and continuously transfers the heat generated by the hot - end equipment to the intermediate medium.

[0060] In an alternative embodiment, as Figure 3 shown, the refrigeration host unit 3 includes a condenser 301 and an evaporator 302 that are connected and configured for heat exchange. The condenser 301 and the evaporator 302 are connected with an auxiliary path, and the auxiliary path is adapted to circulate an auxiliary heat exchange medium. The condenser 301 is used to release the heat of the auxiliary heat exchange medium to the intermediate medium, and the evaporator 302 is used to absorb the heat of the refrigerant medium output by the hot - end equipment by the auxiliary heat exchange medium; the first path S01 is arranged on the condenser 301 to enable heat exchange between the auxiliary heat exchange medium and the intermediate medium, and the second path S02 is arranged on the evaporator 302 to enable heat exchange between the auxiliary heat exchange medium and the refrigerant medium output from the heat exchange output side of the hot - end equipment.

[0061] In the centralized cooling system provided in this embodiment, an intermediate medium flows through the first path S01 of the refrigeration host unit 3, a refrigerant medium flows through the second path S02, and an auxiliary heat exchange medium flows through the auxiliary path. The auxiliary heat exchange medium absorbs the heat of the refrigerant medium output by the hot-end device at the evaporator 302, and the auxiliary heat exchange medium releases heat to the intermediate medium at the condenser 301. The refrigeration host unit 3 plays a role in rapid heat exchange, which is beneficial to improving the temperature control ability of the system for the hot-end device.

[0062] In an alternative embodiment, as Figure 3 shown, the refrigeration host unit 3 further includes a driving member 303 and an expansion valve 304. The driving member 303 is used to provide the flow power for the auxiliary heat exchange medium, and the expansion valve 304 is used to throttle the auxiliary heat exchange medium. The evaporator 302, the driving member 303, the condenser 301, and the expansion valve 304 are sequentially connected in series. The driving member 303 is arranged in the direction from the evaporator 302 to the condenser 301, and the expansion valve 304 is arranged in the direction from the condenser 301 to the evaporator 302.

[0063] In the centralized cooling system provided in this embodiment, the driving member 303 drives the flow of the auxiliary heat exchange medium, quickly circulates and transfers the auxiliary heat exchange medium that absorbs heat in the evaporator 302 to the condenser 301, so that the intermediate medium flowing through the condenser 301 absorbs the heat of the auxiliary heat exchange medium. The auxiliary heat exchange medium after the condenser 301 releases heat is throttled by the expansion valve 304, so that the auxiliary heat exchange medium can be throttled to a low-temperature and low-pressure state and then circulates to the evaporator 302 for heat exchange.

[0064] In a specific embodiment, the driving member 303 can be selected as an oil-free suspension compressor, such as a magnetic suspension compressor or an air suspension compressor, or a scroll compressor can also be selected, and its type can be flexibly configured to match the working mode of the system and optimize the energy-saving effect.

[0065] In an alternative embodiment, as Figure 3 shown, the secondary-side circulation unit 2 includes a constant-pressure liquid supplement and exhaust device 206. The constant-pressure liquid supplement and exhaust device 206 has a liquid supplement path (not shown in the figure) and an exhaust path (not shown in the figure). The liquid supplement path and the exhaust path are respectively connected and arranged between the first heat exchange end and the second heat exchange end. One or more constant-pressure liquid supplement and exhaust devices 206 are provided.

[0066] The centralized cooling system provided in this embodiment compensates the intermediate medium flowing in the secondary side circulation unit 2 through the constant pressure liquid supplement and exhaust device 206. For working conditions such as expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes, liquid supplement for system pipeline leakage, etc., the intermediate medium is supplemented through the liquid supplement path, and the gas generated during the circulation of the intermediate medium is discharged in a timely manner through the exhaust path, promoting the pressure balance of the secondary side circulation unit 2, strengthening the stability of the intermediate medium flow in the secondary side circulation unit 2, and ensuring the system's ability to perform heat exchange on the hot end equipment.

[0067] In a specific implementation manner, the liquid supplement path and the exhaust path are configured as a pipeline structure, and the pipeline structure is connected to the input side of the secondary side circulation pump.

[0068] The centralized cooling system provided in this embodiment is mainly divided into three operating conditions: mechanical refrigeration condition, mixed refrigeration condition, and fully natural cooling condition, so as to perform heat exchange and cooling on the hot end equipment.

[0069] Mechanical refrigeration condition: When the seawater temperature is high in summer, the second control valve 205 of the first path S01 in the condenser 301 in the secondary side circulation unit 2 is fully opened, and the first control valve 204 is fully closed. The driving member 303 provides the auxiliary heat exchange medium with high temperature and high pressure after heat absorption for the condenser 301. The auxiliary heat exchange medium enters the condenser 301 for condensation heat exchange. What comes out of the condenser 301 is the auxiliary heat exchange medium with high pressure and normal temperature. The auxiliary heat exchange medium with high pressure and normal temperature enters the expansion valve 304 and can be throttled into the auxiliary heat exchange medium with low pressure and low temperature. Then the auxiliary heat exchange medium exchanges heat with the refrigerant medium flowing through the hot end equipment in the evaporator 302. After heat exchange, the auxiliary heat exchange medium with low pressure re-enters the compressor to be compressed into the auxiliary heat exchange medium with high temperature and high pressure, and runs in such a cycle. The refrigerant medium flowing through the hot end equipment after heat exchange then enters the liquid storage tank 306 and is transported to the heat exchange side of the hot end equipment by the medium pump 305 to perform heat exchange with the air in the external computer room to achieve the purpose of heat exchange and cooling.

[0070] Hybrid refrigeration condition: When the seawater temperature is not so high in spring and autumn, the first control valve 204 and the second control valve 205 of the secondary side circulation unit 2 are both partially opened, so that part of the intermediate medium enters the condenser 301 of the refrigeration host unit 3. The intermediate medium in the paths where the first control valve 204 and the second control valve 205 are located is mixed and then driven to the first heat exchanger 201 by the secondary side circulation pump 202 to exchange heat with the low-temperature seawater, which can make the compressor of the refrigeration host unit 3 operate at a reduced frequency. Combined with the low temperature of the seawater, sufficient refrigeration capacity can be provided for the hot-end equipment. In this condition, part of the refrigerant medium flowing through the hot-end equipment enters the first heat exchanger 201 to directly exchange heat and cool down with the intermediate medium flowing through the secondary side circulation unit 2, and part enters the evaporator 302 of the refrigeration host unit 3 to exchange heat and cool down. Finally, they are aggregated and enter the liquid storage tank 306, and then are transported to the heat exchange side of the hot-end equipment through the medium pump 305 to exchange heat with the machine room air.

[0071] Fully natural cooling condition: When the seawater temperature is relatively low in winter, the second control valve 205 through which the intermediate medium flowing through the secondary side circulation unit 2 enters the condenser 301 is closed, and the first control valve 204 is opened, so that the driving part 303 stops operating. The refrigerant medium flowing through the hot-end equipment completely enters the second heat exchanger 203 to exchange heat with the intermediate medium of the secondary side circulation unit 2. The refrigerant medium flowing out of the second heat exchanger 203 enters the liquid storage tank 306, and finally is transported to the heat exchange side of the hot-end equipment through the medium pump 305 to exchange heat with the machine room air.

[0072] In a specific embodiment, the first heat exchanger 201 and the second heat exchanger 203 can be of various forms. For example, shell-and-tube heat exchangers, plate heat exchangers, etc. Among them, by using a plate heat exchanger and matching with a circulating medium that is not prone to fouling on the secondary side, the heat exchange efficiency can be improved and the heat exchange temperature difference can be reduced, which can bring a longer natural cooling time under the fully natural cooling condition.

[0073] According to an embodiment of the present invention, on the other hand, a seawater cold source data center is also provided, which includes the above-mentioned centralized cooling system and hot-end equipment, and the centralized cooling system is arranged for heat exchange with the hot-end equipment.

[0074] In some embodiments, as Figure 1 shown, the heat exchange side of the hot-end equipment is configured with a service host air conditioner 401 and a power distribution room air conditioner 402; the service host air conditioner 401 is arranged in the main computer room, and multiple service host air conditioners 401 can be configured in the main computer room. The power distribution room air conditioner 402 is arranged in the power distribution room, and multiple power distribution room air conditioners 402 can be configured in the power distribution room.

[0075] The seawater-cooled data center provided in this embodiment has a heat-end device that can be configured with a compressor and belongs to a dynamic heat pipe air-conditioning system. The conveying power of the refrigerant medium is provided by the medium pump 305. A single dynamic heat pipe air-conditioning system can be matched with multiple precision air conditioners on multiple floors. In this application, the heat-end devices in different rooms at different heights can share a set of refrigerant medium systems, and the cooling capacity distribution of different air conditioners at different heights in the cabin is more flexible, and the flow rate of the refrigerant medium can be adjusted according to the required cooling capacity.

[0076] In the seawater-cooled data center provided in this embodiment, the centralized cooling system can span multiple floors, more than 2 floors. Because the refrigerant medium circulation of the air conditioner at the end of the heat-end device does not require a compressor, only the medium agent pump is needed to overcome the pipeline resistance. The centralized cooling system can cover the heat dissipation and temperature reduction of all electrical heating spaces such as all distribution rooms and IT computer rooms in the data center.

[0077] In a specific implementation manner, the refrigerant medium can be a refrigerant with excellent heat exchange capacity, such as R22, R134a, R410a, etc., or supercritical carbon dioxide can also be selected.

[0078] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely examples for clear illustration and are not limitations on the implementation manners. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other different forms of changes or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is not necessary and impossible to list all the implementation manners here. And the obvious changes or modifications derived therefrom are still within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A centralized cooling system, characterized in that: include: A lifting module (1) for circulating and transporting seawater; A secondary side circulation unit (2) is used for circulating an intermediate medium, the secondary side circulation unit (2) having a first heat exchange end and a second heat exchange end which are connected to each other, the first heat exchange end being provided for heat exchange with seawater circulating through the lifting module (1); And at least one refrigeration main unit (3), the refrigeration main unit (3) having a first path (S01) and a second path (S02) capable of heat exchange configuration, the first path (S01) being connected and arranged at the second heat exchange end, the input side of the second path (S02) being suitable for being connected and arranged at the heat exchange output side of the hot end device, and the output side of the second path (S02) being suitable for being connected and arranged at the heat exchange input side of the hot end device.

2. The centralized cooling system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The secondary side circulation unit (2) comprises a second heat exchanger (203), the second heat exchanger (203) having a fifth path (S05) and a sixth path (S06) configured with a thermal coupling arrangement, the fifth path (S05) being arranged at the upstream end of the first path (S01), and the sixth path (S06) being suitable for being connected to the heat exchange output side of the hot end device.

3. The centralized cooling system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The secondary side circulation unit (2) further comprises a first control valve (204) and a second control valve (205), wherein an input side of the first control valve (204) and an input side of the second control valve (205) are arranged in parallel on an output side of the fifth path (S05), an output side of the second control valve (205) is connected to the first path (S01), and an output side of the first control valve (204) and an output side of the first path (S01) are arranged in parallel on an inflow direction of the first heat exchange end.

4. The centralized cooling system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The secondary side circulation unit (2) further comprises at least one first heat exchanger (201) and a secondary side circulation pump (202); the first heat exchanger (201) is provided with a third path (S03) and a fourth path (S04) which are thermally coupled; the input side of the third path (S03) is connected to the output side of the lifting module (1); the third path (S03) is suitable for circulating seawater; the fourth path (S04) is connected to the first path (S01); the fourth path (S04) is suitable for circulating an intermediate medium; the secondary side circulation pump (202) is installed on the upstream side of the fourth path (S04); the output side of the first control valve (204) is connected to the output side of the first path (S01) and is arranged in parallel on the input side of the secondary side circulation pump (202).

5. The centralized cooling system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The refrigeration main unit (3), the second heat exchanger (203), the first valve, and the second valve together form a heat exchange structure, and the centralized cooling system is provided with at least one heat exchange structure.

6. The centralized cooling system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The heat exchange structure also includes a driving component, which includes a medium pump (305) and a liquid storage tank (306). The medium pump (305) is used to provide cold medium circulation power, and the liquid storage tank (306) is used to collect and store cold medium; the output side of the sixth path (S06) and the output side of the second path (S02) are connected in parallel and arranged on the input side of the liquid storage tank (306), and the output side of the liquid storage tank (306) is connected to the input side of the medium pump (305), and the output side of the medium pump (305) is suitable for being connected to the heat exchange input of the hot end device.

7. The centralized cooling system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The refrigeration main unit (3) comprises a condenser (301) and an evaporator (302) connected to each other for heat exchange, an auxiliary path is arranged between the condenser (301) and the evaporator (302), and the auxiliary path is suitable for circulating an auxiliary heat exchange medium. The condenser (301) is used to release the heat of the auxiliary heat exchange medium to the intermediate medium, and the evaporator (302) is used to assist the heat exchange medium in absorbing the heat of the cold medium output by the hot end device; the first path (S01) is arranged on the condenser (301) so that the auxiliary heat exchange medium is arranged for heat exchange with the intermediate medium, and the second path (S02) is arranged on the evaporator (302) so that the auxiliary heat exchange medium is arranged for heat exchange with the cold medium output by the heat exchange output side of the hot end device.

8. The centralized cooling system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The refrigeration main unit (3) also includes a driving component (303) and an expansion valve (304), wherein the driving component (303) is used to provide auxiliary heat exchange medium circulation power, and the expansion valve (304) is used to throttle the auxiliary heat exchange medium. The evaporator (302), the driving component (303), the condenser (301) and the expansion valve (304) are arranged in series in sequence, wherein the driving component (303) is arranged in the direction of flow from the evaporator (302) to the condenser (301), and the expansion valve (304) is arranged in the direction of flow from the condenser (301) to the evaporator (302).

9. The centralized cooling system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The secondary side circulation unit (2) comprises a constant pressure liquid replenishment and exhaust device (206), the constant pressure liquid replenishment and exhaust device (206) having a liquid replenishment path and an exhaust path, the liquid replenishment path and the exhaust path being respectively connected and arranged between the first heat exchange end and the second heat exchange end; and / or The lifting module (1) comprises a submersible pump (102), a control valve component (104), a filter (101) and a check valve (103); the submersible pump (102) is used to transport seawater to the first heat exchange end; the control valve component (104) is used to adjust the flow rate of seawater; the filter (101) is used to filter seawater; and the check valve (103) is used to prevent backflow of seawater; the input side of the submersible pump (102) is in communication with external seawater; the output side of the submersible pump (102) is in communication with the input side of the control valve component (104); the filter (101) is in communication with the upstream direction of the input side of the submersible pump (102); and the check valve (103) is in communication with the submersible pump (102) and the control valve component (104); and / or A plurality of the lifting modules (1) are provided, and the output sides of all the lifting modules (1) are connected in parallel at the first heat exchange end.

10. A seawater cooling source data center, characterized in that: It comprises the centralized cooling system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and a hot end device, wherein the centralized cooling system and the hot end device are arranged for heat exchange.

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