Liquid cooling system

Abstract

Embodiments of this disclosure provide a liquid cooling system, comprising: a supply pipe and a return pipe, the supply pipe being adapted to connect to the inlet end of a cabinet, and the return pipe being adapted to connect to the outlet end of the cabinet; a heat exchanger including a first port and a second port, configured to cool coolant received via the first port and output cooled coolant flowing to the supply pipe via the second port; a first negative pressure chamber disposed between the return pipe and the first port of the heat exchanger for receiving coolant returning from the outlet end of the cabinet via the return pipe, wherein the first negative pressure chamber is provided with a first negative pressure control line, the first negative pressure control line being adapted to adjust the pressure in the first negative pressure chamber to a first pressure level lower than atmospheric pressure under the drive of a negative pressure regulating device; and a circulation pump disposed between the first negative pressure chamber and the first port of the heat exchanger, configured to pump coolant in the first negative pressure chamber to the first port of the heat exchanger.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of equipment cooling, and more particularly, to a liquid cooling system. BACKGROUND

[0002] The cold plate liquid cooling solution is widely used for cooling of cabinets in data centers. Leakage of the cooling liquid is the biggest risk in the cold plate liquid cooling solution. The conventional cold plate system operates in a medium-high pressure environment, with an internal pressure of about 2 to 3.5 bars. The higher the internal pressure, the higher the risk of leakage of the cooling liquid. In order to reduce the risk of leakage of the cooling liquid, the supply pressure of the cooling liquid to the cooling capacity distribution unit (CDU) needs to be controlled, all connection processes need to be strictly controlled, and leakage detection ropes need to be arranged inside the machine room and the server, which makes the production and operation and maintenance costs of the liquid cooling system high.

[0003] The cold plate module of a graphics processing unit (GPU) is usually designed to be complex, has a large number of connections, and has a high risk of leakage, so the cost of the cold plate module of the GPU and the quick connector is much higher than that of the cold plate module of a central processing unit (CPU). In addition, as the power density of the GPU increases, the demand for network transmission speed also increases significantly, so in the future, in addition to the GPU, cold plate liquid cooling may also be needed for some network cards, memories and other devices to solve the heat dissipation problem of the system, which will further increase the design complexity of the cold plate module for the GPU and increase the risk of leakage of the cold plate module.

[0004] In order to solve the problem of leakage, the design of the cold plate module inside the server needs to consider a higher pressure bearing capacity, so the thickness of the outer wall of the cold plate module, the welding process used in the cold plate module and the connection process all have strict requirements and control, which will lead to complex design and production process, low yield and high production cost of the cold plate module. In addition, in the conventional cold plate liquid cooling system, quick connectors also need to be used between the server and the distribution header, which is costly. In addition, a large number of cabinet-level connection valves, butterfly valves, etc. are also needed on the outside infrastructure side of the server in order to control the fault domain of the liquid cooling system at the cabinet level, which further increases the cost. In addition, in order to prevent leakage, a hierarchical leakage detection system, such as node-level, chassis-level, liquid cooling loop-level leakage detection ropes, etc., is usually arranged in the liquid cooling system, which also increases the design complexity and installation cost of the liquid cooling system.

[0005] Therefore, how to avoid leakage of the cooling liquid in a cost-effective manner and improve the reliability of the liquid cooling system is crucial for the cold plate liquid cooling solution. SUMMARY

[0006] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a liquid cooling system is provided, comprising: a liquid supply pipe and a liquid return pipe, the liquid supply pipe being adapted to be connected to an inlet end of a cabinet, and the liquid return pipe being adapted to be connected to an outlet end of the cabinet; a heat exchanger comprising a first port and a second port, and being configured to cool down cooling liquid received via the first port and output the cooled down cooling liquid flowing to the liquid supply pipe via the second port; a first negative pressure cavity being arranged between the liquid return pipe and the first port of the heat exchanger to receive cooling liquid returned from the outlet end of the cabinet via the liquid return pipe, wherein a first negative pressure control pipeline is arranged on the first negative pressure cavity, the first negative pressure control pipeline being adapted to adjust the pressure in the first negative pressure cavity to a first pressure level lower than the atmospheric pressure under the driving of a negative pressure adjusting device; and a circulating pump being arranged between the first negative pressure cavity and the first port of the heat exchanger, and being configured to pump the cooling liquid in the first negative pressure cavity to the first port of the heat exchanger.

[0007] It should be understood that the content described in this section is not intended to limit the key features or important features of the embodiments of the present disclosure, nor is it used to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will become apparent through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] The above and other features, advantages, and various aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent with reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements, and wherein:

[0009] Figures 1 to 5 A structural schematic diagram of a liquid cooling system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0010] REFERENCE SIGNS:

[0011] 100 liquid cooling system;

[0012] 101 liquid supply pipe;

[0013] 102 liquid return pipe;

[0014] 11 first negative pressure cavity;

[0015] 110 first liquid level;

[0016] 111 first negative pressure control pipeline;

[0017] 12 second negative pressure cavity;

[0018] 120 second liquid level;

[0019] 121 second negative pressure control pipeline;

[0020] 130 common negative pressure control pipeline;

[0021] 20 circulating pump;

[0022] 30 heat exchanger;

[0023] 31 first port;

[0024] 32 second port;

[0025] 33 third port;

[0026] 34 fourth port;

[0027] 40 filter;

[0028] 50 cabinet;

[0029] 51 liquid inlet end;

[0030] 52 liquid outlet end;

[0031] 601 first bypass line;

[0032] 602 second bypass line;

[0033] 603 discharge line;

[0034] 611 first valve;

[0035] 612 second valve;

[0036] 613 third valve;

[0037] 614 fourth valve;

[0038] 615 fifth valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings. While preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the drawings, it is understood that the present disclosure can be embodied in various forms and should not be limited by the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0040] The term "comprising," used in the detailed description, along with variations such as "comprise" and "comprises," means a open-ended term that includes the recited elements but also any other elements. The term "or" as used in the detailed description means "and / or." The term "based on" means "based, at least in part, on." The terms "one example embodiment" and "an embodiment" mean "at least one example embodiment." The term "another embodiment" means "at least one additional embodiment." The terms "first," "second," and the like can refer to different or the same objects.

[0041] The conventional cold plate liquid cooling solution can only try to reduce the frequency of leakage of the cooling liquid, reduce the impact size and range caused by the leakage, but cannot fundamentally avoid the risk of leakage. In addition, the design and production process of the conventional cold plate liquid cooling system is complex, the yield is low, and the production cost is high. Therefore, how to avoid the leakage of the cooling liquid in a cost-effective manner and improve the reliability of the liquid cooling system is crucial for the cold plate liquid cooling solution. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a liquid cooling system, which is provided with a negative pressure cavity with a certain vacuum degree. By providing the negative pressure cavity, a pressure difference can be formed between different cavities, so that the cooling liquid circulates between the two cavities, thereby taking away the heat. When a small crack occurs in the liquid cooling system, the liquid cooling system will not leak under the action of the negative pressure inside the system, but will suck the external air into the system, so that the air circulates with the cooling liquid in the form of bubbles to a certain cavity, and then is discharged from the liquid cooling system. The principle of the present disclosure will be described below in conjunction with Figures 1 to 5

[0042] Figure 1 A structural schematic diagram of a liquid cooling system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. As shown in the figure, the liquid cooling system 100 described herein generally includes a liquid supply pipe 101, a liquid return pipe 102, a heat exchanger 30, a first negative pressure cavity 11, and a circulating pump 20. Figure 1

[0043] As shown in the figure, the liquid supply pipe 101 is adapted to be connected to the liquid inlet end 51 of the cabinet 50 to provide the cabinet 50 with low-temperature cooling liquid. The cooling liquid will be heated after absorbing heat in the cabinet 50. The liquid return pipe 102 is adapted to be connected to the liquid outlet end 52 of the cabinet 50 to receive the heated cooling liquid. Through the cooling liquid, the heat generated by the electronic equipment in the cabinet 50 can be taken away. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the cooling liquid can be water or any other available type, and embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit this. Figure 1

[0044] As shown in the figure, the heat exchanger 30 includes a first port 31 and a second port 32. The first port 31 is used to receive the heated cooling liquid returned from the cabinet 50. The heat exchanger 30 can cool the cooling liquid received via the first port 31. The cooled cooling liquid can be output via the second port 32 and flow to the liquid supply pipe 101 through the corresponding pipe or other components, to be provided to the cabinet 50 in the direction indicated by the arrow. Figure 1

[0045] ​​​​In some embodiments, the heat exchanger 30 is a plate heat exchanger, which further includes a third port 33 and a fourth port 34. The third port 33 is used to receive another coolant from an external cold source (e.g., a cooling tower) in the direction indicated by the arrow, for cooling the coolant received in the heat exchanger 30 via the first port 31. For ease of distinction, the coolant received via the third port 33 may also be referred to herein as the second coolant, and the coolant received via the first port 31 may also be referred to herein as the first coolant. The second coolant can exchange heat with the first coolant in the heat exchanger 30 to cool the first coolant. The second coolant will heat up after exchanging heat with the first coolant. The heated second coolant can return to the external cold source via the fourth port 34 in the direction indicated by the arrow for heat exchange again. In this way, heat exchange between the first and second coolants can be cyclically achieved.

[0046] It should be understood that, in addition to plate heat exchangers, heat exchanger 30 may be any other suitable type, and the scope of this disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, a first negative pressure chamber 11 is disposed between the return pipe 102 and the first port 31 of the heat exchanger 30. The first negative pressure chamber 11 can receive heated coolant returning from the outlet 52 of the cabinet 50 via the return pipe 102. The received coolant can be temporarily stored in the first negative pressure chamber 11 and transported to the heat exchanger 30 by the circulation pump 20. A first negative pressure control line 111 is provided on the first negative pressure chamber 11, which can regulate the pressure within the first negative pressure chamber 11 to a first pressure level below atmospheric pressure, having a certain level of vacuum, driven by a negative pressure regulating device such as a vacuum pump. As an example, the first pressure level can be below 50 kPa. It should be understood that the first pressure level can have any suitable value below atmospheric pressure, and the scope of this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, the coolant in the first negative pressure chamber 11 has a first liquid level 110. Below the first liquid level 110 is the coolant, and above the first liquid level 110 is a gas space. During stable operation of the liquid cooling system 100, the first liquid level 110 can be substantially stable or can fluctuate within a certain range. Driven by the negative pressure regulating device, some of the gas in the gas space can be drawn out of the gas space through the first negative pressure control pipeline 111, thereby creating a certain degree of vacuum in the gas space, forming a negative pressure environment, and causing the pressure inside the first negative pressure chamber 11 to be lower than atmospheric pressure.

[0049] It should be understood that, in addition to the vacuum pump, the negative pressure regulating device may, for example, include any known or future available regulating device for forming a negative pressure environment in the first negative pressure cavity 11 via the first negative pressure control pipeline 111.

[0050] As shown in Figure 1 , the circulating pump 20 is arranged between the first negative pressure cavity 11 and the first port 31 of the heat exchanger 30. The circulating pump 20 can pump the coolant in the first negative pressure cavity 11 to the first port 31 of the heat exchanger 30. Under the action of the head of the circulating pump 20, the pressure in the pipeline and the corresponding components after the circulating pump 20 will increase. For example, the internal pressure of the local pipeline after the circulating pump 20 can reach more than 1 atmosphere, i.e. more than 100 kPa, i.e. the internal pressure of this section of pipeline is positive pressure. Since the pipeline is provided with a high flow resistance component such as the heat exchanger 30, although the pressure after the circulating pump 20 is positive pressure (> 100 kPa), due to the pressure loss caused by the flow resistance of the high flow resistance component and the pressure loss of the pipeline system, the pressure on the pipeline gradually decreases along the direction of the flow of the coolant, and finally will decrease to less than 1 atmosphere (< 100 kPa), at this time the local negative pressure state is restored.

[0051] It should be understood that the circulating pump 20 can be any known or future available pump for driving the coolant, and the embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit this.

[0052] In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 1 , the liquid cooling system 100 further includes a filter 40 connected to the second port 32 of the heat exchanger 30. The coolant flowing out of the heat exchanger 30 via the second port 32 can be filtered by the filter 40 to remove impurities in the coolant, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the coolant.

[0053] By controlling the vacuum degree (may also be referred to as negative pressure control) of the first negative pressure cavity 11, controlling the pump head of the circulating pump 20, and controlling the flow rate of each component in the pipeline, designing and adjusting the flow resistance parameters, part of the important conveying pipeline, the distribution water tank, the cabinet level valve, the cabinet 50, etc. can be controlled to be in a local negative pressure environment to avoid liquid leakage of these components and improve the reliability of the liquid cooling system 100. The part of the pipeline after the circulating pump 20, such as the heat exchanger 30 and the filter 40, is in a local positive pressure environment. Since these components are far away from the cabinet 50, if leakage occurs, the redundancy and online operation scheme can be used to solve the problem. In addition, since the internal pressure of the liquid cooling system 100 in the local negative pressure is much lower than that of the conventional positive pressure liquid cooling system, whether the pipeline is in a local positive pressure or a local negative pressure, it is almost within 1 atmosphere, at least close to 1 atmosphere, while the internal pressure of the positive pressure liquid cooling system is generally 2 atmospheres, and the pressure after the pump can be as high as 3 atmospheres. Therefore, the internal pressure of the liquid cooling system 100 of the embodiment of the present disclosure is significantly reduced.

[0054] Figure 2 A structural schematic diagram of a liquid cooling system 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 2 The structure of the liquid cooling system 100 shown is similar to Figure 1 The structure of the liquid cooling system 100 shown is similar to that shown in FIG. 1, and the difference is only that the arrangement position of the filter 40 is different. In the following, only the difference between the two will be described in detail, and for the same parts, no further description will be given.

[0055] In one embodiment, as Figure 2 The filter 40 is connected to the first port 31 of the heat exchanger 30. The filter 40 can filter the cooling liquid pumped from the circulating pump 20 to remove impurities in the cooling liquid. The filtered cooling liquid can be provided to the heat exchanger 30 via the first port 31.

[0056] Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the filter 40 can be connected to both the first port 31 and the second port 32 of the heat exchanger 30. It should be understood that the filter 40 can be provided at any other appropriate position in the pipeline, and all these implementations fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0057] In some embodiments, in order to further improve the reliability of the liquid cooling system 100, the liquid cooling system 100 can further include a redundant circulating pump connected in parallel with the circulating pump 20. In the case of failure of the circulating pump 20, the redundant circulating pump can ensure the reliable operation of the liquid cooling system 100. In some embodiments, the liquid cooling system 100 can further include a first redundant negative pressure cavity connected in parallel with the first negative pressure cavity 11. In the case of failure of the first negative pressure cavity 11, the first redundant negative pressure cavity can ensure the reliable operation of the liquid cooling system 100.

[0058] Figure 3 A structural schematic diagram of a liquid cooling system 100 is shown according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 The structure of the liquid cooling system 100 shown is similar to that of the liquid cooling system 100 shown in FIG. 1, with the difference being that Figure 1 The structure of the liquid cooling system 100 shown is similar to that of the liquid cooling system 100 shown in FIG. 1, with the difference being that Figure 3 The liquid cooling system 100 shown further comprises a second negative pressure cavity 12. In the following, only the difference between the two will be described in detail, and no further elaboration will be made for the same parts.

[0059] In one embodiment, as shown, the second negative pressure cavity 12 is arranged between the second port 32 of the heat exchanger 30 and the liquid supply pipe 101 to receive the cooled cooling liquid flowing out of the second port 32 of the heat exchanger 30. For example, the cooling liquid flowing out of the second port 32 of the heat exchanger 30 can be delivered to the second negative pressure cavity 12 after being filtered by the filter 40. The second negative pressure cavity 12 can temporarily store the received cooling liquid. The second negative pressure cavity 12 is provided with a second negative pressure control pipe 121, which is capable of adjusting the pressure in the second negative pressure cavity 12 to a second pressure level lower than the atmospheric pressure and higher than the first pressure level under the drive of a negative pressure adjusting device such as a vacuum pump, so as to have a lower vacuum degree than the first negative pressure cavity 11. As an example, the second pressure level can be below 75 kiloPascal (kPa). It should be understood that the second pressure level can have any appropriate value lower than the atmospheric pressure and higher than the first pressure level, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this regard. Figure 3 As shown, the cooling liquid in the second negative pressure cavity 12 has a second liquid level 120. Below the second liquid level 120 is the cooling liquid, and above the second liquid level 120 is a gas space. During stable operation of the liquid cooling system 100, the second liquid level 120 can be substantially stable or can float within a certain range. Under the drive of the negative pressure adjusting device, part of the gas in the gas space in the second negative pressure cavity 12 can be sucked out of the gas space via the second negative pressure control pipe 121, so as to have a certain vacuum degree in the gas space, forming a negative pressure environment, so that the pressure in the second negative pressure cavity 12 is lower than the atmospheric pressure and greater than the pressure in the first negative pressure cavity 11. The vacuum degree of the second negative pressure cavity 12 is less than that of the first negative pressure cavity 11.

[0060] Figure 3 As shown, the cooling liquid in the second negative pressure cavity 12 has a second liquid level 120. Below the second liquid level 120 is the cooling liquid, and above the second liquid level 120 is a gas space. During stable operation of the liquid cooling system 100, the second liquid level 120 can be substantially stable or can float within a certain range. Under the drive of the negative pressure adjusting device, part of the gas in the gas space in the second negative pressure cavity 12 can be sucked out of the gas space via the second negative pressure control pipe 121, so as to have a certain vacuum degree in the gas space, forming a negative pressure environment, so that the pressure in the second negative pressure cavity 12 is lower than the atmospheric pressure and greater than the pressure in the first negative pressure cavity 11. The vacuum degree of the second negative pressure cavity 12 is less than that of the first negative pressure cavity 11.

[0061] ​The pressure in the second negative pressure cavity 12 and the pressure in the first negative pressure cavity 11 are both less than 1 atmosphere, in a negative pressure environment. The pressure in the second negative pressure cavity 12 is greater than the pressure in the first negative pressure cavity 11, with a pressure difference between the two. Under the action of this pressure difference, the cooling liquid has a tendency to flow from the second negative pressure cavity 12 to the first negative pressure cavity 11. Under the action of the head of the circulating pump 20, the cooling liquid in the first negative pressure cavity 11 will overcome the pressure difference between the two negative pressure cavities and the flow resistance of the portion of the pipeline after the circulating pump 20, and will draw the cooling liquid from the first negative pressure cavity 11 into the second negative pressure cavity 12. The cooling liquid is continuously circulated under the action of the pressure difference between the two negative pressure cavities formed by differential control and the head of the circulating pump 20.

[0062] During the circulation of the cooling liquid, when the flow fluctuates, the liquid level of the two negative pressure cavities will change, and in severe cases, the cooling liquid in one of the negative pressure cavities can rapidly increase, causing pressure fluctuations in the liquid cooling system 100, and even causing the vacuum degree control of the negative pressure cavities to fail. To prevent the vacuum degree control of the first negative pressure cavity 11 and the second negative pressure cavity 12 from failing, a bypass pipeline can be provided between the first negative pressure cavity 11 and the second negative pressure cavity 12 to dynamically adjust the liquid level of the cooling liquid in the first negative pressure cavity 11 and the second negative pressure cavity 12.

[0063] In some embodiments, the liquid cooling system 100 further includes a second redundant negative pressure cavity connected in parallel with the second negative pressure cavity 12. In the event of a failure of the second negative pressure cavity 12, the second redundant negative pressure cavity can ensure reliable operation of the liquid cooling system 100.

[0064] Figure 4 A structural schematic diagram of a liquid cooling system 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 4 The structure of the liquid cooling system 100 shown is similar to Figure 3 The structure of the liquid cooling system 100 shown is similar to Figure 4 The liquid cooling system 100 shown further includes a liquid level dynamic adjustment portion. In the following, only the differences between the two will be described in detail, and for the same parts, no further description will be given.

[0065] In one embodiment, as Figure 4As shown, the liquid level height adjusting portion includes a first bypass pipeline 601 connected between the second negative pressure cavity 12 and the first negative pressure cavity 11. The first bypass pipeline 601 is provided with a first valve 611. The first valve 611 can be opened when the height of the second liquid level 120 in the second negative pressure cavity 12 is higher than a predetermined level, and closed when the height of the second liquid level 120 in the second negative pressure cavity 12 is lower than the predetermined level. According to actual needs, the first valve 611 can be opened or closed when the height of the second liquid level 120 in the second negative pressure cavity 12 is equal to the predetermined level. With such an arrangement, when the height of the second liquid level 120 in the second negative pressure cavity 12 abnormally rises, the cooling liquid can be quickly returned to the first negative pressure cavity 11 in the direction indicated by the arrow via the first bypass pipeline 601 by opening the first valve 611, so as to reduce the height of the second liquid level 120 in the second negative pressure cavity 12.

[0066] The first valve 611 can be any known or future available valve, and embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit thereto.

[0067] In one embodiment, as Figure 4 shown, the liquid level height adjusting portion includes a second bypass pipeline 602 connected between the outlet liquid side of the circulating pump 20 and the second negative pressure cavity 12. The second bypass pipeline 602 is provided with a second valve 612. The second valve 612 can be opened when the height of the first liquid level 110 in the first negative pressure cavity 11 is higher than a predetermined level, and closed when the height of the first liquid level 110 in the first negative pressure cavity 11 is lower than the predetermined level. According to actual needs, the second valve 612 can be opened or closed when the height of the first liquid level 110 in the first negative pressure cavity 11 is equal to the predetermined level. With such an arrangement, when the height of the first liquid level 110 in the first negative pressure cavity 11 abnormally rises, the cooling liquid can be quickly flowed to the second negative pressure cavity 12 in the direction indicated by the arrow via the second bypass pipeline 602 by opening the second valve 612, so as to reduce the height of the first liquid level 110 in the first negative pressure cavity 11.

[0068] The second valve 612 can be any known or future available valve, and embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit thereto.

[0069] In some embodiments, the liquid cooling system 100 can be connected to one or more cabinets 50 or electronic devices. In some cases, when a certain cabinet 50 or electronic device connected to the liquid cooling system 100 is disconnected from the liquid cooling system 100, due to the negative pressure environment in the liquid cooling system 100, the cooling liquid will be sucked back to the first negative pressure cavity 11, which can cause the first liquid level 110 to be too high. For this purpose, in some embodiments, as Figure 4As shown, a drain pipe 603 is provided after the circulating pump 20 for adjusting the liquid level. The drain pipe 603 is connected to the liquid outlet side of the circulating pump 20. The drain pipe 603 is provided with a third valve 613, which can be opened when the height of the first liquid level 110 in the first negative pressure cavity 11 is higher than a predetermined level, and closed when the height of the first liquid level 110 in the first negative pressure cavity 11 is lower than the predetermined level. According to actual needs, the third valve 613 can be opened or closed when the height of the first liquid level 110 in the first negative pressure cavity 11 is equal to the predetermined level. With this arrangement, when the height of the first liquid level 110 in the first negative pressure cavity 11 abnormally rises, the third valve 613 can be opened to quickly drain the cooling liquid in the direction indicated by the arrow via the drain pipe 603, so as to maintain the balance of the amount of cooling liquid in the liquid cooling system 100.

[0070] The third valve 613 can be any known or future available valve, and the embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit this.

[0071] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 The first negative pressure control pipe 111 and the second negative pressure control pipe 121 are respectively connected to separate negative pressure regulating devices, so as to separately regulate the vacuum degree and negative pressure in the first negative pressure cavity 11 and the second negative pressure cavity 12.

[0072] In some embodiments, the first negative pressure control pipe 111 and the second negative pressure control pipe 121 are connected to a common negative pressure regulating device. Figure 5 Such an embodiment is shown. Figure 5 The structure of the liquid cooling system 100 shown is similar to that of the liquid cooling system 100 shown in Figure 3 The difference is only that Figure 5 The first negative pressure control pipe 111 and the second negative pressure control pipe 121 in the liquid cooling system 100 shown are connected to a common negative pressure regulating device. In the following, only the difference between the two will be described in detail, and for the same parts, no further description will be given.

[0073] As shown in Figure 5As shown, the fourth valve 614 is arranged in the first negative pressure control pipeline 111, the fifth valve 615 is arranged in the second negative pressure control pipeline 121, and the first negative pressure control pipeline 111 and the second negative pressure control pipeline 121 are both connected to the common negative pressure control pipeline 130. The common negative pressure control pipeline 130 can adjust the pressure in the first negative pressure cavity 11 to the first pressure level and adjust the pressure in the second negative pressure cavity 12 to the second pressure level under the drive of the common negative pressure adjusting device. At least one of the opening degree and the opening time of the fourth valve 614 and the fifth valve 615 is adjustable. By controlling at least one of the opening degree and the opening time of the fourth valve 614 and the fifth valve 615, different levels of vacuum degree can be obtained in the first negative pressure cavity 11 and the second negative pressure cavity 12. With this arrangement, the vacuum degree control key device can be reduced or the redundancy of the device can be increased, and the product size can be reduced.

[0074] In some embodiments, the liquid cooling system 100 can be an integrated system in which components other than the cabinet 50 can be integrated. In other embodiments, the liquid cooling system 100 can be a distributed system in which components other than the cabinet 50 can be made as discrete engineered systems.

[0075] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, by implementing a negative pressure environment in the liquid cooling system 100, leakage of the cooling liquid can be avoided. In addition, in the case of disconnecting the cabinet 50 from the liquid cooling system 100, no leakage occurs and no quick connector needs to be provided, thereby reducing costs. In addition, when the cabinet 50 is disconnected from the liquid cooling system 100, after closing the ball valve near the cabinet 50, the cooling liquid in the cabinet 50 will return to the first negative pressure cavity 11, and no high-level interlocking self-sealing ball valve is needed, and a common ball valve can be used, thereby reducing costs. In addition, since the pressure in the liquid cooling system is low, low-specification pipeline materials, such as three-type polypropylene (PPR) pipe materials, can be used, thereby reducing costs.

[0076] Embodiments of the present disclosure are also embodied in the following examples.

[0077] Example 1. A liquid cooling system, comprising: a liquid supply pipe and a liquid return pipe, the liquid supply pipe being adapted to be connected to a liquid inlet end of a cabinet, the liquid return pipe being adapted to be connected to a liquid outlet end of the cabinet; a heat exchanger comprising a first port and a second port, and being configured to cool down cooling liquid received via the first port, and output the cooled down cooling liquid to the liquid supply pipe via the second port; a first negative pressure cavity being disposed between the liquid return pipe and the first port of the heat exchanger, to receive cooling liquid returned from the liquid outlet end of the cabinet via the liquid return pipe, wherein the first negative pressure cavity is provided with a first negative pressure control pipe adapted to be driven by a negative pressure adjusting device to adjust a pressure in the first negative pressure cavity to a first pressure level lower than an atmospheric pressure; and a circulation pump being disposed between the first negative pressure cavity and the first port of the heat exchanger, and being configured to pump the cooling liquid in the first negative pressure cavity to the first port of the heat exchanger.

[0078] Example 2. The liquid cooling system according to example 1, further comprising: a filter connected to at least one of the first port and the second port of the heat exchanger.

[0079] Example 3. The liquid cooling system according to example 1, further comprising at least one of a redundant circulation pump connected in parallel with the circulation pump, and a first redundant negative pressure cavity connected in parallel with the first negative pressure cavity.

[0080] Example 4. The liquid cooling system according to example 1, further comprising: a second negative pressure cavity being disposed between the second port of the heat exchanger and the liquid supply pipe, to receive the cooled down cooling liquid output from the second port of the heat exchanger, wherein the second negative pressure cavity is provided with a second negative pressure control pipe adapted to be driven by the negative pressure adjusting device to adjust a pressure in the second negative pressure cavity to a second pressure level lower than the atmospheric pressure and higher than the first pressure level.

[0081] Example 5. The liquid cooling system according to example 4, further comprising: a first bypass pipe connected between the second negative pressure cavity and the first negative pressure cavity, the first bypass pipe being provided with a first valve configured to be opened when a height of a liquid surface in the second negative pressure cavity is higher than a predetermined level, and to be closed when the height of the liquid surface in the second negative pressure cavity is lower than the predetermined level.

[0082] Example 6. The liquid cooling system according to example 4, further comprising: a second bypass line connected between the liquid outlet side of the circulation pump and the second negative pressure chamber, the second bypass line being provided with a second valve configured to open if the level of the liquid in the first negative pressure chamber is above a predetermined level and to close if the level of the liquid in the first negative pressure chamber is below the predetermined level.

[0083] Example 7. The liquid cooling system according to example 4, further comprising: a bleed-off line connected to the liquid outlet side of the circulation pump, the bleed-off line being provided with a third valve configured to open if the level of the liquid in the first negative pressure chamber is above a predetermined level and to close if the level of the liquid in the first negative pressure chamber is below the predetermined level.

[0084] Example 8. The liquid cooling system according to example 4, wherein the first negative pressure control line is provided with a fourth valve, the second negative pressure control line is provided with a fifth valve, and the first negative pressure control line and the second negative pressure control line are both connected to a common negative pressure control line adapted to adjust the pressure in the first negative pressure chamber to the first pressure level and to adjust the pressure in the second negative pressure chamber to the second pressure level under the drive of the negative pressure regulating device, wherein at least one of the opening degree and the opening time of the fourth valve and the fifth valve is adjustable.

[0085] Example 9. The liquid cooling system according to example 4, further comprising a second redundant negative pressure chamber connected in parallel with the second negative pressure chamber.

[0086] Example 10. The liquid cooling system according to any one of examples 1 to 9, wherein the liquid cooling system is an integrated system or a distributed system.

[0087] Example 11. The liquid cooling system according to any one of examples 1 to 9, wherein the negative pressure regulating device comprises a vacuum pump.

[0088] The foregoing description of various embodiments of the present disclosure has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the various embodiments of the present disclosure to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of various embodiments of the present disclosure be limited not with this detailed description, but rather determined with the claims. The terms used in this document were chosen to best explain the principles of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the practical application, or technical improvements over the technology found in the marketplace, or to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A liquid cooling system (100), comprising: a liquid supply pipe (101) and a liquid return pipe (102), the liquid supply pipe (101) being adapted to be connected to an inlet end (51) of a cabinet (50), the liquid return pipe (102) being adapted to be connected to an outlet end (52) of the cabinet (50) ; a heat exchanger (30) comprising a first port (31) and a second port (32) and being configured to cool down cooling liquid received via the first port (31) and output the cooled down cooling liquid to the liquid supply pipe (101) via the second port (32) ; a first negative pressure cavity (11) arranged between the liquid return pipe (102) and the first port (31) of the heat exchanger (30) to receive cooling liquid returned from the outlet end (52) of the cabinet (50) via the liquid return pipe (102), wherein the first negative pressure cavity (11) is provided with a first negative pressure control pipe (111) adapted to adjust a pressure in the first negative pressure cavity (11) to a first pressure level lower than an atmospheric pressure under driving of a negative pressure adjusting device; a second negative pressure cavity (12) arranged between the second port (32) of the heat exchanger (30) and the liquid supply pipe (101) to receive the cooled down cooling liquid output from the second port (32) of the heat exchanger (30), wherein the second negative pressure cavity (12) is provided with a second negative pressure control pipe (121) adapted to adjust a pressure in the second negative pressure cavity (12) to a second pressure level lower than the atmospheric pressure and higher than the first pressure level under driving of the negative pressure adjusting device; and a circulating pump (20) arranged between the first negative pressure cavity (11) and the first port (31) of the heat exchanger (30) and configured to pump the cooling liquid in the first negative pressure cavity (11) to the first port (31) of the heat exchanger (30). 2.The liquid cooling system (100) of claim 1, further comprising: a filter (40) connected to at least one of the first port (31) and the second port (32) of the heat exchanger (30). 3.The liquid cooling system (100) of claim 1, further comprising at least one of a redundant circulating pump connected in parallel with the circulating pump (20) and a first redundant negative pressure cavity connected in parallel with the first negative pressure cavity (11). 4.The liquid cooling system (100) of claim 1, further comprising: a first bypass pipe (601) connected between the second negative pressure cavity (12) and the first negative pressure cavity (11), the first bypass pipe (601) being provided with a first valve (611) configured to be opened when a height of a liquid surface in the second negative pressure cavity (12) is higher than a predetermined level and closed when the height of the liquid surface in the second negative pressure cavity (12) is lower than the predetermined level. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 5. The liquid cooling system (100) according to claim 1, further comprising: a second bypass line (602) connected between the liquid outlet side of the circulation pump (20) and the second negative pressure chamber (12), the second bypass line (602) being provided with a second valve (612) configured to open if the level of the liquid in the first negative pressure chamber (11) is above a predetermined level and to close if the level of the liquid in the first negative pressure chamber (11) is below a predetermined level.

6. The liquid cooling system (100) according to claim 1, further comprising: a bleed-off line (603) connected to the liquid outlet side of the circulation pump (20), the bleed-off line (603) being provided with a third valve (613) configured to open if the level of the liquid in the first negative pressure chamber (11) is above a predetermined level and to close if the level of the liquid in the first negative pressure chamber (11) is below a predetermined level.

7. The liquid cooling system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first negative pressure control line (111) is provided with a fourth valve (614), the second negative pressure control line (121) is provided with a fifth valve (615), and the first negative pressure control line (111) and the second negative pressure control line (121) are both connected to a common negative pressure control line (130) adapted to adjust the pressure in the first negative pressure chamber (11) to the first pressure level and to adjust the pressure in the second negative pressure chamber (12) to the second pressure level under the drive of the negative pressure regulating device, wherein at least one of the opening degree and the opening time of the fourth valve (614) and the fifth valve (615) is adjustable.

8. The liquid cooling system (100) according to claim 1, further comprising a second redundant negative pressure chamber connected in parallel with the second negative pressure chamber (12).

9. The liquid cooling system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the liquid cooling system (100) is an integrated system or a distributed system.

10. The liquid cooling system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the negative pressure regulating device comprises a vacuum pump.

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