Methods for recovering and utilizing waste heat resources

Abstract

The present application discloses a method for recycling and utilizing waste heat resources, including the following steps: before starting the waste heat recovery system, initially setting the first operating parameter of the thermoelectric conversion module and the second operating parameter of the thermal energy storage module according to the expected heat output of the server's heat-generating components and the power demand of the circulation pump, and monitoring and recording the initial temperature and energy storage status of the thermal energy storage module; starting the waste heat recovery system, recording the flow value of the liquid flowing through the cold plate in real time, and obtaining the thermal resistance value of the cold plate and the flow resistance value of the liquid flowing through the cold plate; and drawing the thermal performance curve of the cold plate and the flow resistance curve of the cold plate. The present application solves the problem in the related art that a large amount of waste heat generated by the operation of the server is usually not effectively treated and is directly discharged into the environment, which not only causes a huge waste of energy, but also causes thermal pollution problems and has a negative impact on the surrounding ecological environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of energy-saving and heat dissipation of servers, and in particular to a method for recovering and utilizing waste heat resources. Background Art

[0002] In current server-intensive locations such as data centers and cloud computing centers, heat dissipation efficiency and energy utilization efficiency are directly related to operating costs and sustainable development capabilities.

[0003] With the rapid development of information technology, large-scale server deployment scenarios such as data centers and cloud computing centers are constantly emerging. The exponential growth in the number of servers, coupled with increasingly complex and demanding computing tasks, has led to a sharp increase in server heat generation. Liquid cooling systems, due to their efficient heat dissipation, have been widely used in server cooling. However, existing liquid cooling systems present numerous challenges that need to be addressed.

[0004] In terms of energy consumption, existing liquid cooling systems primarily rely on electricity to drive coolant circulation pumps, which circulate the coolant within the server, absorbing and removing heat. This process consumes a significant amount of electricity. According to authoritative statistics, in some large data centers, the energy consumption of liquid cooling systems accounts for a significant proportion of total energy consumption, which undoubtedly significantly increases data center operating costs.

[0005] In addition, the large amount of waste heat generated by server operation is usually not effectively treated and is directly discharged into the environment. This not only causes a huge waste of energy, but also causes thermal pollution problems and has a negative impact on the surrounding ecological environment. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present application provides a method for recycling and utilizing waste heat resources to at least solve the problem in the related art that a large amount of waste heat generated by server operation is usually not effectively treated and is directly discharged into the environment, which not only causes a huge waste of energy, but also causes thermal pollution problems and has a negative impact on the surrounding ecological environment.

[0007] The present application provides a method for recovering and utilizing waste heat resources, including, before starting the waste heat recovery system, initially setting the first working parameter of the thermoelectric conversion module and the second working parameter of the thermal energy storage module according to the expected heat generation of the heat-generating components of the server and the power requirement of the circulation pump, and monitoring and recording the initial temperature and energy storage status of the thermal energy storage module; starting the waste heat recovery system, recording the flow value of the liquid flowing through the cold plate in real time, and obtaining the thermal resistance value of the cold plate and the flow resistance value of the cold plate; based on the thermal resistance value and the flow resistance value, and with the flow value of the liquid flowing through the cold plate as the horizontal coordinate and the thermal resistance value and the flow resistance value as the vertical coordinate, drawing the thermal performance curve of the cold plate and the flow resistance curve of the cold plate; if the measured shell temperature value that the cold plate can support is lower than the maximum shell temperature value required by the design of the heat-generating components, it indicates that the waste heat recovery system is operating normally, so that the waste heat resources can be fully recovered and utilized to meet the heat dissipation requirements of the server.

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment, during the operation of the waste heat recovery system, the shell temperature and power consumption of the heat-generating components and the liquid temperature at the inlet of the cold plate are recorded in real time; the thermal resistance of the cold plate is calculated according to the first formula R=Tc-TL / Q, where R represents the thermal resistance of the cold plate, in units of °C / W; Tc represents the shell temperature of the heat-generating components, in units of °C; TL represents the liquid temperature at the inlet of the cold plate, in units of °C; and Q represents the power consumption of the heat-generating components, in units of W.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, during the operation of the waste heat recovery system, the inlet pressure value of the cold plate, the outlet pressure value of the cold plate, the shell temperature and power consumption value of the heat-generating components, the liquid temperature at the inlet of the cold plate, and the flow value of the liquid flowing through the cold plate are recorded in real time; the flow resistance value flowing through the cold plate is calculated according to the second formula ΔP=P1-P2, where ΔP represents the flow resistance value flowing through the cold plate, in KPa; P1 represents the inlet pressure value of the cold plate, in KPa; and P2 represents the outlet pressure value of the cold plate, in KPa.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, the first operating parameter includes at least an operating voltage and an operating current.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the second operating parameter includes at least energy storage capacity.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the method for recovering and utilizing waste heat resources also includes an assembly method of a waste heat recovery system. The assembly method of the waste heat recovery system includes setting a thermoelectric conversion module on the coolant circulation pipeline of the liquid cooling device of the server, and connecting the thermoelectric conversion module to a circulation pump to convert the heat generated by the heating components into electrical energy of the circulation pump to drive the circulation of the coolant; setting a thermal energy storage module on the coolant circulation pipeline to store excess heat generated by the heating components.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the assembly method of the waste heat recovery system further includes connecting the thermoelectric conversion module to the thermal energy storage module so that when the thermal energy in the coolant circulation pipeline is insufficient, the thermal energy storage module provides thermal energy to the thermoelectric conversion module.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the assembly method of the waste heat recovery system also includes connecting the outlet of the cold plate with the input circulation trunk of the cabinet, and connecting the inlet of the cold plate with the output circulation trunk of the cabinet; connecting the input circulation trunk with the first inlet of the cold distribution module, and connecting the output circulation trunk with the first outlet of the cold distribution module.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the assembling method of the waste heat recovery system further includes connecting the second outlet of the cooling distribution module to the inlet of a closed cooling tower located outside the machine room, and connecting the second inlet of the cooling distribution module to the outlet of the closed cooling tower.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the assembling method of the waste heat recovery system further includes disposing a circulation pump on a pipeline between the first outlet of the cooling capacity distribution module and the output circulation trunk line.

[0017] The waste heat resource recovery and utilization method of the present application includes, before starting the waste heat recovery system, initially setting the first working parameter of the thermoelectric conversion module and the second working parameter of the thermal energy storage module according to the expected heat generation of the heat-generating components of the server and the power requirement of the circulation pump, and monitoring and recording the initial temperature and energy storage status of the thermal energy storage module; starting the waste heat recovery system, recording the flow value of the liquid flowing through the cold plate in real time, and obtaining the thermal resistance value of the cold plate and the flow resistance value of the cold plate; based on the thermal resistance value and the flow resistance value, and with the flow value of the liquid flowing through the cold plate as the horizontal coordinate and the thermal resistance value and the flow resistance value as the vertical coordinate, drawing the thermal performance curve of the cold plate and the flow resistance curve of the cold plate; if the measured shell temperature value that the cold plate can support is lower than the maximum shell temperature value required by the design of the heat-generating components, it indicates that the waste heat recovery system is operating normally, so that the waste heat resources can be fully recovered and utilized to meet the heat dissipation needs of the server.

[0018] The waste heat resource recovery and utilization method of the present application adaptively performs initial settings on the first working parameters of the thermoelectric conversion module and the second working parameters of the thermal energy storage module according to the expected heat generation of the heat-generating components and the power requirements of the circulation pump, so that the waste heat recovery system can effectively recover and utilize the heat generated by the heat-generating components. Of course, the utilization here refers to converting part of the thermal energy into electrical energy that can drive the circulation pump, without the need for an external power system, which is beneficial to the energy saving of the server. In addition, by drawing the thermal performance curve and the flow resistance curve of the cold plate, the measured shell temperature value of the heat-generating component can be compared with the maximum shell temperature value required by the design of the heat-generating component to determine the normal operation reliability of the waste heat recovery system, so that the waste heat resources can be fully recovered and utilized, thereby meeting the heat dissipation requirements of the server, and using the heat generated by itself to convert into electrical energy to provide power for the circulation flow of the coolant in the circulation pump. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a thermal performance curve and a flow resistance curve of a cold plate provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0021] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the layout of a waste heat recovery system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0022] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the internal structure of the cooling capacity distribution module of the waste heat recovery system;

[0023] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the internal structure of the cooling distribution module from another perspective.

[0024] The above drawings include the following reference numerals:

[0025] 1. Server; 2. Circulation pump;

[0026] 3. Cabinet; 301. Input circulation trunk line; 302. Output circulation trunk line;

[0027] 4. Cooling capacity distribution module; 401. Automatic exhaust valve; 402. Primary side stop valve; 403. Plate heat exchanger; 404. Primary side filter; 405. Liquid level sensor; 406. Secondary side filter; 407. Drain valve; 408. Primary side electric ball valve; 409. Controller; 410. Ambient temperature and humidity sensor; 420. Frequency converter; 430. Make-up water pump; 440. Make-up water bag; 450. Secondary water pump; 460. Constant pressure tank; 470. Secondary side flow sensor; 480. Primary side flow sensor; 490. Secondary water pump ball valve;

[0028] 5. Closed cooling tower; 501. Fan; 6. Wall. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The following will be combined with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of this application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of them. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0030] It should be noted that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "transverse," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "back," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," "circumferential," and the like, indicating positions or relationships, are based on the positions or relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are intended solely for ease of description and simplification of the present application. They are not intended to indicate or imply that the devices or components referred to must have, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the present application. The terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be interpreted broadly, and may include, for example, fixed, removable, or integral connections; mechanical or electrical connections; direct or indirect connections through an intermediary; and internal communication between two components. The terms "parallel," "perpendicular," and "equal" encompass the described conditions and conditions similar to the described conditions, provided that the range of the similar conditions is within an acceptable range of deviation, as determined by a person of ordinary skill in the art taking into account the measurement in question and the errors associated with the measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, "parallel" includes both absolute parallelism and approximate parallelism, where the acceptable deviation range for approximate parallelism may be, for example, within 5°; "perpendicular" includes both absolute perpendicularity and approximate perpendicularity, where the acceptable deviation range for approximate perpendicularity may also be, for example, within 5°. "Equal" includes both absolute equality and approximate equality, where the acceptable deviation range for approximate equality may be, for example, that the difference between the two is less than or equal to 5% of either. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0031] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the present application is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific implementation methods.

[0032] The embodiments of the present application provide a method for recovering and utilizing waste heat resources. Combined with the working principle of the method for recovering and utilizing waste heat resources, the device is described in detail (the technical terms involved must be explained).

[0033] like Figures 1 to 4As shown, the method for recovering and utilizing waste heat resources includes, before starting the waste heat recovery system, initially setting the first working parameter of the thermoelectric conversion module and the second working parameter of the thermal energy storage module according to the expected heating value of the heat-generating components of the server 1 and the power requirement of the circulation pump 2, and monitoring and recording the initial temperature and energy storage state of the thermal energy storage module; starting the waste heat recovery system, recording the flow value of the liquid flowing through the cold plate in real time, and obtaining the thermal resistance value of the cold plate and the flow resistance value of the cold plate; based on the thermal resistance value and the flow resistance value, and with the flow value of the liquid flowing through the cold plate as the horizontal coordinate and the thermal resistance value and the flow resistance value as the vertical coordinate, drawing the thermal performance curve of the cold plate and the flow resistance curve of the cold plate; if the measured shell temperature value that the cold plate can support is lower than the maximum shell temperature value required by the design of the heat-generating components, it indicates that the waste heat recovery system is operating normally, so that the waste heat resources can be fully recovered and utilized to meet the heat dissipation requirements of the server 1.

[0034] The waste heat resource recovery and utilization method of the present application adaptively performs initial settings on the first working parameters of the thermoelectric conversion module and the second working parameters of the thermal energy storage module according to the expected heat generation of the heat-generating components and the power requirements of the circulation pump 2, so that the waste heat recovery system can effectively recover and utilize the heat generated by the heat-generating components. Of course, the utilization here refers to converting part of the heat energy into electrical energy that can drive the circulation pump 2 to operate, without the need for an external power system, which is beneficial to the energy saving of the server. In addition, by drawing the thermal performance curve and the flow resistance curve of the cold plate, the measured shell temperature value of the heat-generating component can be compared with the maximum shell temperature value required by the design of the heat-generating component to determine the normal operation reliability of the waste heat recovery system, so that the waste heat resources can be fully recovered and utilized, thereby meeting the heat dissipation requirements of the server 1, and using the heat generated by itself to convert into electrical energy to provide power for the circulation flow of the coolant by the circulation pump 2.

[0035] It should be noted that in the present application, during the operation of the waste heat recovery system, the shell temperature and power consumption of the heating components and the liquid temperature at the inlet of the cold plate are recorded in real time; the thermal resistance of the cold plate is calculated according to the first formula R=Tc-TL / Q, wherein R represents the thermal resistance of the cold plate, in ℃ / W; Tc represents the shell temperature of the heating component, in ℃; TL represents the liquid temperature at the inlet of the cold plate, in ℃; Q represents the power consumption of the heating component, in W.

[0036] Furthermore, during the operation of the waste heat recovery system, the inlet pressure value of the cold plate, the outlet pressure value of the cold plate, the shell temperature value and power consumption value of the heat-generating components, the liquid temperature at the inlet of the cold plate, and the flow value of the liquid flowing through the cold plate are recorded in real time; the flow resistance value flowing through the cold plate is calculated according to the second formula ΔP=P1-P2, wherein ΔP represents the flow resistance value flowing through the cold plate, in KPa; P1 represents the inlet pressure value of the cold plate, in KPa; and P2 represents the outlet pressure value of the cold plate, in KPa.

[0037] It should be noted that in this application, based on the thermal resistance value and the flow resistance value, the flow rate value of the liquid flowing through the cold plate is used as the horizontal axis, and the thermal resistance value and the flow resistance value are used as the vertical axis to draw the thermal performance curve of the cold plate and the flow resistance curve of the cold plate. Figure 1 .

[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, for a GPU with a rated power consumption of 1000W, the maximum shell temperature required by the design is 90°C. Under a certain flow rate, the measured liquid temperature at the cold plate inlet is 40°C, and the cold plate thermal resistance is 0.03°C / W. The temperature rise is Q×R=1000W×0.03°C / W=30°C. The shell temperature of this chip is 40+30=70 degrees, which meets the server's heat dissipation requirements.

[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, the first operating parameter includes at least an operating voltage and an operating current.

[0040] In an exemplary embodiment, the second operating parameter includes at least energy storage capacity.

[0041] Through the above implementation methods, the waste heat recovery driven liquid cooling system technology of this application can effectively solve the problems existing in existing liquid cooling servers in terms of safety, high-density heat dissipation, energy saving, convenience, etc., and provide an innovative solution for the development of server heat dissipation technology.

[0042] like Figure 2 As shown, the method for recovering and utilizing waste heat resources also includes an assembly method of a waste heat recovery system. The assembly method of the waste heat recovery system includes setting a thermoelectric conversion module on the coolant circulation pipeline of the liquid cooling device of the server 1, and connecting the thermoelectric conversion module to the circulation pump 2 to convert the heat generated by the heating components into electrical energy of the circulation pump 2 to drive the circulation of the coolant; setting a thermal energy storage module on the coolant circulation pipeline to store excess heat generated by the heating components.

[0043] Furthermore, in an embodiment not shown in the figures of the present application, the assembly method of the waste heat recovery system also includes connecting the thermoelectric conversion module to the thermal energy storage module so that when the thermal energy in the coolant circulation pipeline is insufficient, the thermal energy storage module provides thermal energy to the thermoelectric conversion module.

[0044] like Figure 2 As shown, the assembly method of the waste heat recovery system also includes connecting the outlet of the cold plate with the input circulation trunk 301 of the cabinet 3, and connecting the inlet of the cold plate with the output circulation trunk 302 of the cabinet 3; connecting the input circulation trunk 301 with the first inlet of the cooling distribution module 4, and connecting the output circulation trunk 302 with the first outlet of the cooling distribution module 4.

[0045] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the assembly method of the waste heat recovery system also includes connecting the second outlet of the cooling distribution module 4 to the inlet of the closed cooling tower 5 located outside the machine room, and connecting the second inlet of the cooling distribution module 4 to the outlet of the closed cooling tower 5.

[0046] like Figure 2 As shown, the closed cooling tower 5 further includes a fan 501. After part of the heat of the heat-generating components is brought into the closed cooling tower 5, the heat generated by the heat-generating components can be converted into power for the rotation of the fan 501.

[0047] like Figure 2 As shown, the assembling method of the waste heat recovery system further includes setting the circulation pump 2 on the pipeline between the first outlet of the cooling capacity distribution module 4 and the output circulation trunk 302.

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown, during server operation, heat generated by internal heat-generating components is transferred through the cold plate to the cooling liquid in the closed loop. The cooling liquid, carrying the heat, flows to the cooling distribution module 4. Within the module, the cooling liquid exchanges heat with the closed cooling tower 5 outside the computer room wall 6. This method effectively dissipates heat and recycles the cooling liquid.

[0049] Furthermore, the energy conversion and circulation drive process is demonstrated: the main heat-generating components in the server, such as the CPU, GPU, and memory, exchange heat with the liquid in the cold plate during operation, and the liquid absorbs heat and flows out of the server. These heat-carrying liquids flow through the flow control system in the cooling distribution module 4, and then transfer the heat to the primary side cooling water through the plate heat exchanger. The primary side cooling water enters the cold source equipment, and under the action of the cooling water pump, the heat generated by the server is converted into power to drive the coolant circulation. This process uses the heat generated during the operation of the server as kinetic energy to drive the coolant to circulate in a pumpless hot and cold cycle, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the circulation pump in the traditional liquid cooling system.

[0050] like Figure 3 and Figure 4Figure 4 shows the internal components of the cooling distribution unit 4. The cooling distribution unit 4 (CDU) is a key component of the entire system. Its most important component is the plate heat exchanger for liquid-liquid heat exchange, which performs the core task of heat exchange. The secondary-side pump, used to circulate the process refrigerant, provides power for its flow. Furthermore, it is equipped with various devices required for regulation, pressure regulation, water replenishment, and exhaust in the process refrigerant system (i.e., the secondary side), including electric ball valves, pressure-regulating tanks, water replenishment tanks / bags, and automatic exhaust valves. The cooling water system (i.e., the primary side) is also equipped with corresponding devices, as well as sensors for monitoring parameters such as temperature, pressure, flow, and leakage, as well as related electrical control components.

[0051] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the cooling capacity distribution module 4 includes an automatic exhaust valve 401, a primary side stop valve 402, a plate heat exchanger 403, a primary side filter 404, a liquid level sensor 405, a secondary side filter 406, a drain valve 407, a primary side electric ball valve 408, a controller 409, an ambient temperature and humidity sensor 410, a frequency converter 420, a water supply pump 430, a water supply bag 440, a secondary water pump 450, a constant pressure tank 460, a secondary side flow sensor 470, a primary side flow sensor 480, and a secondary water pump ball valve 490.

[0052] It should be noted that in this application, the internal flow channel of the cold plate: For the cold plate design of low-power devices, relatively simple solutions such as machined flow channels and metal tube embedded tubes can be directly adopted. For the cold plate of high-power devices (generally with a power greater than 100W), a skiving process is usually adopted. The tooth thickness of the skiving process is generally controlled between 0.1-1.0mm, and the tooth gap is set according to the filtration accuracy, generally 2-10 times the filtration accuracy. Taking the secondary side filtration accuracy of 50μm as an example, the tooth gap is usually set between 0.1-0.5mm. Such a design can effectively prevent impurities from clogging the flow channel while ensuring heat dissipation efficiency, ensuring the smooth flow of coolant.

[0053] It should be noted that, in this application, the flow rate within the cold plate must be controlled within a range of less than 1.5 m / s to ensure stable and efficient coolant flow within the cold plate's internal channels and pipes while avoiding excessive resistance and pressure loss. This flow rate ensures that the coolant fully absorbs heat while maintaining stable system operation.

[0054] It should be noted that in this application, the rated flow rate is: on the basis of meeting the chip heat dissipation requirements, the smaller the flow rate, the lower the system energy consumption and operating costs. Based on extensive laboratory test data, the rated flow rate of a single cold plate assembly is 0.7L / min. This flow rate value can achieve optimal system energy consumption while ensuring good chip heat dissipation.

[0055] It should be noted that in this application, the cold plate thermal resistance is an important indicator for measuring the heat dissipation performance of the cold plate. It is defined as the ratio of the difference between the chip surface temperature and the secondary side liquid supply temperature to the chip power consumption. In practical applications, it is only necessary to meet the chip heat dissipation requirements. Laboratory test data shows that the thermal resistance of the cold plate assembly is 0.033℃ / W at a flow rate of 0.7L / min. This thermal resistance value indicates that the cold plate can effectively transfer the heat generated by the chip, ensuring that the chip operates at an appropriate temperature.

[0056] The waste heat recovery system provided in the present application includes: a thermal energy storage device for storing and releasing waste heat generated during server operation; a thermoelectric conversion module connected to the high-efficiency thermal energy storage device for converting heat emitted by the server into electrical energy to drive coolant circulation; a cold plate module connected to the thermoelectric conversion module, comprising a cold plate and a heat-conducting medium for indirectly transferring heat generated by the heat-generating device to the cooling liquid; a coolant circulation path connecting the cold plate module and a cold distribution unit to achieve heat dispersion and closed circulation of the coolant; a plate heat exchanger within the cold distribution unit connected to the coolant circulation path for liquid-liquid heat exchange between the secondary-side process refrigerant and the primary-side cooling water; a primary-side cooling water circulation system including a primary-side pump, a cooling tower, and related piping connected to the thermoelectric conversion module and the plate heat exchanger within the cold distribution unit to provide working conditions for the thermoelectric conversion module; the high-efficiency thermal energy storage device drives the coolant circulation in the coolant circulation path through the thermoelectric conversion module, thereby significantly reducing the operating energy consumption of the liquid-cooled server and improving the recovery rate and utilization rate of waste heat. This technical solution, based on the second law of thermodynamics, utilizes the thermoelectric effect to convert server waste heat into electricity. This electricity then drives the circulation of coolant, effectively recovering and reusing the heat. This has the potential to significantly reduce data center power consumption, improve energy efficiency, and reduce environmental thermal pollution. Application scenarios are primarily concentrated in server-intensive locations such as large data centers and cloud computing centers. This solution can help these locations achieve greener and more economical operating models.

[0057] In an exemplary embodiment, the cold plate module in the liquid cooling system of the waste heat recovery system includes a cold plate with a specific internal flow channel design. The flow channel adopts a skived tooth process, and the tooth thickness and tooth gap are optimized to ensure a thermal resistance of 0.033°C / W at a low flow rate (0.7L / min). The cold plate design adopts an advanced skived tooth process. Through precise control of tooth thickness and tooth gap, efficient heat exchange at a low flow rate is achieved, reducing thermal resistance and improving cooling efficiency. The implementation effect is manifested in maintaining good heat dissipation performance even at low flow rates, reducing the use of coolant, and lowering system operating costs. The application scenario is in high-power servers, such as high-performance computing servers and graphics workstations. These servers generate a lot of heat during operation. This solution can effectively control the server temperature and ensure stable operation of the equipment.

[0058] In an exemplary embodiment, in the cold plate module, the flow rate of the coolant inside the cold plate is controlled to no more than 1.5 m / s to reduce pressure loss and ensure stable operation of the system. Flow rate control is achieved through a precise flow regulating device, ensuring that the flow rate of the coolant inside the cold plate meets the heat dissipation requirements without causing excessive pressure loss. The implementation effect is to improve the stability of the system, reduce the energy consumption of the coolant circulation, and extend the service life of the system. The application scenario is in data centers that require long-term stable operation. Flow rate control can effectively prevent system failures due to excessive pressure and ensure the continuous and reliable operation of the data center.

[0059] In an exemplary embodiment, the cold plate module has a rated flow rate to maintain the system's heat dissipation efficiency. The rated flow rate refers to the optimal flow rate value designed for the system while meeting the heat dissipation requirements. By setting a reasonable rated flow rate, the system can be ensured to operate in an optimal state, improve heat dissipation efficiency, and reduce energy consumption. The implementation effect is manifested in more efficient system operation and better heat dissipation. The application scenario is that in various servers, whether standard servers or high-power servers, by setting the appropriate rated flow rate, the optimal heat dissipation effect can be achieved, improving the server's operating efficiency and stability.

[0060] In an exemplary embodiment, the cold plate of the cold plate module is made of metal material, such as copper or aluminum, to improve the heat conduction efficiency. The selection of metal materials is based on their excellent thermal conductivity, especially copper and aluminum, which have high thermal conductivity and can quickly transfer the heat of the heating device to the coolant, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency. The implementation effect is manifested in improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the system, reducing thermal resistance, allowing the server to operate at a lower temperature, and improving the performance and life of the equipment. The application scenario is that in various servers that require efficient heat dissipation, by selecting metal materials with high thermal conductivity, the heat dissipation effect can be significantly improved, the operating temperature of the server can be reduced, and the stability and reliability of the equipment can be improved.

[0061] In an exemplary embodiment, in the system's primary cooling water circulation system, the secondary pump works in conjunction with the primary pump, rationally allocating power and flow to ensure smooth coolant flow and reduce energy consumption. The pumps' coordinated operation is achieved through precise flow and power matching, ensuring smooth coolant flow in the system while reducing energy consumption. The resulting effect is smoother system operation and lower energy consumption. The application scenario is in the cooling system of a data center. By rationally allocating pump power and flow, efficient coolant circulation can be achieved, reducing system operating costs and improving energy efficiency.

[0062] In an exemplary embodiment, the system supports an online plug-in maintenance design, where the server is connected to the cooling system via a quick connector, facilitating the installation and removal of equipment, simplifying the operation and maintenance process. The online plug-in maintenance design is implemented via quick connectors, allowing the server to be installed and removed without shutting down the cooling system, simplifying the operation and maintenance process and improving operation and maintenance efficiency. The implementation effect is manifested in more convenient operations for operation and maintenance personnel and lower maintenance costs. The application scenario is in data centers where servers need to be frequently replaced. Through the online plug-in maintenance design, the time for server replacement can be greatly shortened, improving the operational efficiency of the data center.

[0063] In an exemplary embodiment, the system can operate stably in a low-temperature environment, support server overclocking, and improve data processing speed and efficiency. The low-temperature operation of the system is achieved through advanced cooling technology, which can maintain stable operation of the server even in a low-temperature environment. Support for server overclocking is achieved by improving heat dissipation efficiency and lowering operating temperature, allowing the server to operate at a higher frequency, improving data processing speed and efficiency. The implementation effect is manifested in stronger server performance and higher data processing capabilities. The application scenario is in places where high-performance computing is required, such as scientific research institutions, financial companies, etc. By supporting server overclocking, the high requirements of these places for data processing speed and efficiency can be met.

[0064] In an exemplary embodiment, the system includes a secondary-side cooling water temperature monitoring and control device to ensure the cooling efficiency of the cold plate. The secondary-side cooling water temperature monitoring and control device is implemented using a precise temperature sensor and a control device. It can monitor the temperature of the cooling water in real time and adjust it as needed to ensure the cooling efficiency of the cold plate. The implementation effect is manifested in more stable system operation and better cooling effect. The application scenario is in places where precise control of cooling water temperature is required, such as precision instrument manufacturing workshops, biological laboratories, etc. By monitoring and controlling the cooling water temperature, it can ensure that the equipment operates at an appropriate temperature, thereby improving the performance and life of the equipment.

[0065] In an exemplary embodiment, the coolant circulation method uses the heat generated by the operation of the server as power to drive the circulation of the coolant and reduce the energy consumption of the cooling system. The innovation of the coolant circulation method is that it uses the heat generated by the operation of the server as power, rather than relying on electric drive, to achieve true green energy saving. The implementation effect is manifested in a significant reduction in the energy consumption of the cooling system and a greatly improved energy utilization efficiency. The application scenario is in places that pursue green and low-carbon development, such as environmental protection organizations, green data centers, etc. By using the heat generated by the server to drive the coolant circulation, the green operation of the cooling system can be achieved and the impact on the environment can be reduced.

[0066] Beneficial effects and technical advantages of this application:

[0067] Traditional waste heat recovery methods mostly use air as the heat dissipation medium. By sending low-temperature air into the interior of the server, it exchanges heat with the heat-generating electronic components, thereby removing the heat. However, this method has problems such as low heat dissipation efficiency and high energy consumption. The present invention adopts a new heat dissipation concept and uses liquid as the heat dissipation medium. Compared with air cooling, liquid has a higher specific heat capacity and convection heat transfer coefficient. Only medium-temperature liquid is needed to meet the heat dissipation needs of components, which significantly improves the heat dissipation efficiency and is more energy-efficient.

[0068] Furthermore, the waste heat resource recovery and utilization method provided by the present application has more efficient heat dissipation. Specifically, liquid has a natural advantage in heat dissipation. From the perspective of specific heat capacity, the volume specific heat capacity of liquid is 1000-3500 times that of air, which means that when absorbing the same amount of heat, the temperature rise of liquid is much smaller than that of air, and it can absorb a large amount of heat without significantly increasing its own temperature. In terms of convective heat transfer coefficient, the convective heat transfer coefficient of liquid is 10-40 times that of air. Under the same spatial conditions, the cooling capacity of liquid cooling is much higher than that of air cooling. In actual applications, the original heat dissipation kit of the CPU is replaced with a liquid cooling cold plate kit. Through the forced convection of the process refrigerant in the cold plate, the heat in the equipment can be quickly taken away, greatly improving the heat dissipation efficiency.

[0069] Furthermore, the waste heat resource recovery and utilization method provided in this application offers high cooling precision. Specifically, the cold plate assembly can penetrate directly into the server interior, achieving more precise component-level cooling. By precisely controlling the coolant flow, flow rate, and temperature within the cold plate, the CPU core temperature can be stably controlled at around 65°C. This precise cooling method creates a more stable and suitable operating temperature environment for components, effectively improving their operational reliability and reducing the probability of failures caused by temperature fluctuations.

[0070] Furthermore, the waste heat recovery and utilization method provided in this application supports high-power deployments. Specifically, the cold plate liquid cooling technology, with its superior heat dissipation efficiency, can meet the deployment requirements of single-cabinet power up to 60kW. In high-density server deployments, this technology effectively solves heat dissipation challenges while reducing cabinet footprint and lowering data center construction and operating costs.

[0071] Furthermore, the waste heat resource recovery and utilization method provided by this application is easy to maintain. Specifically, the system design fully considers the convenience of maintenance. The server and the cabinet are connected using quick connectors. When the server is put on or taken off the shelf, the cooling system can be plugged in and out online without affecting the normal operation of other servers. In addition, the original server form and maintenance method are retained, which is in line with the customer's usage habits to the greatest extent possible and reduces the learning cost and operation difficulty of operation and maintenance personnel.

[0072] Furthermore, the waste heat resource recovery and utilization method provided in this application supports overclocking. Specifically, because this system can effectively reduce the operating temperature of the server, it provides favorable conditions for server overclocking. In a stable low-temperature environment, the server can be appropriately overclocked, tapping into the server's computing potential, improving data processing speed and efficiency, and meeting the growing demand for high-performance computing.

[0073] Furthermore, the waste heat recovery and utilization method provided in this application is more energy-efficient. Specifically, the entire cooling system uses medium- and high-temperature water as the cooling medium, abandoning the traditional heat dissipation method that relies on low-temperature water or air. This design allows the cooling system to fully utilize natural cooling sources, reducing the cooling system's own energy consumption. Actual testing has shown that the cold plate liquid cooling CLF can be reduced to below 0.1, significantly reducing energy consumption by over 20% compared to traditional air-cooled computer rooms.

[0074] Furthermore, the waste heat resource recovery and utilization method provided in this application supports waste heat recovery. Specifically, the return water temperature on the primary side of the system is about 38°C - 45°C. Although it is low-grade waste heat, considering the large scale of the data center, the waste heat generated is considerable, stable and continuous. The waste heat recovery method can be flexibly selected according to different waste heat utilization scenarios. For example, waste heat can be used for office and living heating, swimming pool heating, facility agricultural greenhouse heating, etc., to achieve local consumption of waste heat resources and improve the comprehensive utilization rate of energy.

[0075] The above is a detailed introduction to the method for recycling and utilizing waste heat resources provided by the present application. This article uses specific examples to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present application. The description of the above embodiments is only used to help understand the method of the present application and its core idea. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this technical field, without departing from the principles of the present application, several improvements and modifications can be made to the present application, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the scope of protection of the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. A method for recovering and utilizing waste heat resources, characterized in that: include: Before the waste heat recovery system is started, the first operating parameter of the thermoelectric conversion module and the second operating parameter of the thermal energy storage module are respectively initially set according to the expected heat generation of the heat generating components of the server (1) and the power requirement of the circulation pump (2), and the initial temperature and energy storage state of the thermal energy storage module are monitored and recorded; Starting the waste heat recovery system, recording the flow value of the liquid flowing through the cold plate in real time, and obtaining the thermal resistance value of the cold plate and the flow resistance value of the liquid flowing through the cold plate; Based on the thermal resistance value and the flow resistance value, with the flow value of the liquid flowing through the cold plate as the abscissa and the thermal resistance value and the flow resistance value as the ordinate, plotting a thermal performance curve of the cold plate and a flow resistance curve of the cold plate; If the shell temperature value supported by the cold plate is lower than the maximum shell temperature value required by the design of the heat-generating component, it indicates that the waste heat recovery system operates normally, so that the waste heat resources are fully recovered and utilized to meet the heat dissipation requirements of the server (1); During the operation of the waste heat recovery system, the shell temperature and power consumption of the heat-generating components and the liquid temperature at the inlet of the cold plate are recorded in real time; The thermal resistance of the cold plate is calculated according to the first formula R=Tc-TL / Q, where R represents the thermal resistance of the cold plate in °C / W; Tc represents the shell temperature of the heat-generating component in °C; TL represents the liquid temperature at the inlet of the cold plate in °C; and Q represents the power consumption of the heat-generating component in W. During the operation of the waste heat recovery system, the inlet pressure value of the cold plate, the outlet pressure value of the cold plate, the shell temperature value and power consumption value of the heat-generating component, the liquid temperature at the inlet of the cold plate, and the flow value of the liquid flowing through the cold plate are recorded in real time; The flow resistance through the cold plate is calculated according to the second formula ΔP=P1-P2, where ΔP represents the flow resistance through the cold plate in KPa; P1 represents the inlet pressure of the cold plate in KPa; and P2 represents the outlet pressure of the cold plate in KPa.

2. The method for recovering and utilizing waste heat resources according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first operating parameter includes at least an operating voltage and an operating current.

3. The method for recovering and utilizing waste heat resources according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second operating parameter includes at least energy storage capacity.

4. The method for recovering and utilizing waste heat resources according to claim 3, characterized in that: The waste heat resource recovery and utilization method also includes a waste heat recovery system assembly method, and the waste heat recovery system assembly method includes: The thermoelectric conversion module is arranged on a cooling liquid circulation pipeline of a liquid cooling device of the server (1), and the thermoelectric conversion module is connected to the circulation pump (2) to convert the heat generated by the heating element into electrical energy of the circulation pump (2) to drive the circulation of the cooling liquid; The thermal energy storage module is arranged on the coolant circulation pipeline to store excess heat generated by the heat-generating components.

5. The method for recovering and utilizing waste heat resources according to claim 4, characterized in that: The assembling method of the waste heat recovery system further includes: The thermoelectric conversion module is connected to the thermal energy storage module so that when the thermal energy on the coolant circulation pipeline is insufficient, the thermal energy storage module provides thermal energy to the thermoelectric conversion module.

6. The method for recovering and utilizing waste heat resources according to claim 4, characterized in that: The assembling method of the waste heat recovery system further includes: The outlet of the cold plate is connected to the input circulation trunk line (301) of the cabinet (3), and the inlet of the cold plate is connected to the output circulation trunk line (302) of the cabinet (3); The input circulation trunk line (301) is connected to the first inlet of the cold distribution module (4), and the output circulation trunk line (302) is connected to the first outlet of the cold distribution module (4).

7. The method for recovering and utilizing waste heat resources according to claim 6, characterized in that: The assembling method of the waste heat recovery system further includes: The second outlet of the cooling distribution module (4) is connected to the inlet of a closed cooling tower (5) located outside the machine room, and the second inlet of the cooling distribution module (4) is connected to the outlet of the closed cooling tower (5).

8. The method for recovering and utilizing waste heat resources according to claim 6, characterized in that: The assembling method of the waste heat recovery system further includes: The circulation pump (2) is arranged on a pipeline between the first outlet of the cooling capacity distribution module (4) and the output circulation trunk line (302).

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