Cold plate structure, liquid cooling system and server

Abstract

The invention provides a cold plate structure, a liquid cooling system and a server, the cold plate structure comprises a cold plate body, and the cold plate body is internally provided with a heat exchange cavity for a cooling medium to flow; the heat exchange cavity extends in the cold plate body in the first direction, a first overflowing opening is formed in one end of the heat exchange cavity in the first direction, a second overflowing opening is formed in the middle of the heat exchange cavity in the first direction, and a third overflowing opening is formed in the other end of the heat exchange cavity in the first direction. The second overflowing opening is used for being communicated with the flow dividing pipe, and the third overflowing opening is used for being communicated with the flow collecting pipe. The first overflowing opening is connected with a first flow channel used for being communicated with the flow dividing pipe and a fourth flow channel used for being communicated with the flow collecting pipe. The first flow channel, the fourth flow channel and the second flow passing opening can be opened and closed. The flow form of the cooling medium is changed by switching the working state of the cold plate structure, and the server can adapt to the load fluctuation operation condition of the server, so that the technical problem that the core of a high-performance heating element is dry up, heat transfer is deteriorated or the surface has large temperature difference is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of cold plates, and in particular relates to a cold plate structure, a liquid cooling system and a server. Background Art

[0002] With the exponential growth in global computing power demand, data centers are moving towards higher density and higher performance. Against this backdrop, traditional cooling technologies are struggling to meet the growing demand. Two-phase cold plate cooling technology achieves efficient heat transfer through an evaporation-condensation phase change process. During the phase change, the evaporation of the liquid absorbs a significant amount of latent heat, significantly improving the heat transfer capacity per unit mass of fluid and effectively addressing the issue of high heat flux. Furthermore, two-phase cold plates require less fluid flow and offer higher inlet temperatures, significantly reducing system energy consumption. In terms of reliability, two-phase cold plate systems offer improved temperature control capabilities. The self-regulating nature of the phase change process enables the system to automatically adapt to changes in heat load and maintain temperature stability. Furthermore, two-phase cold plate systems are smaller and lighter, making them easier to deploy and maintain in high-density computing environments.

[0003] However, two-phase cold plate technology has the following problems when solving the heat dissipation of high-performance heat-generating components in servers, such as CPUs or GPUs: since the operating conditions of the server are fluctuating, but the flow pattern of the cooling medium in the cold plate is fixed, it can only meet the heat dissipation needs of a single server condition and cannot be adjusted according to the operating conditions of the server. As a result, when the server load fluctuates, the core of the high-performance heat-generating components may dry out, the heat transfer may deteriorate, or there may be large temperature differences on the surface. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the present invention provides a cold plate structure, a liquid cooling system and a server, which can solve the technical problems in the prior art that the flow form of the cooling medium in the cold plate is fixed and can only meet the heat dissipation needs of a single condition of the server, resulting in the core of the high-performance heating element drying up and deteriorating heat transfer or a large temperature difference on the surface when the server load fluctuates.

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a cold plate structure, which includes a cold plate body, wherein the cold plate body has a heat exchange cavity for cooling medium to flow; the heat exchange cavity extends in a first direction within the cold plate body, and has a first flow opening at one end in the first direction, a second flow opening in the middle of the first direction, and a third flow opening at the other end in the first direction; the second flow opening is used to communicate with a shunt pipe, and the third flow opening is used to communicate with a header; the first flow opening is connected to a first flow channel for communicating with the shunt pipe and a fourth flow channel for communicating with the header; the first flow channel, the fourth flow channel and the second flow opening can all be opened and closed;

[0006] The cold plate structure has a first working state and a second working state; wherein, in the first working state, the first flow channel is open, and the second flow port and the fourth flow channel are both closed; in the second working state, the first flow channel is closed, and the second flow port and the fourth flow channel are both open.

[0007] In some embodiments, the second flow opening is connected to a second flow channel to communicate with the shunt pipe through the second flow channel; wherein the second flow opening is opened and closed by the second flow channel.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first flow channel and the second flow channel are both configured to communicate with the same shunt pipe.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first flow channel and the second flow channel are both connected to the diverter pipe through the same inlet flow channel; wherein the inlet of the first flow channel, the inlet of the second flow channel, and the outlet of the inlet flow channel are connected through a first three-way valve; the first three-way valve has an a1 interface, an a2 interface, and an a3 interface, and the first three-way valve is connected to the outlet of the inlet flow channel through the a1 interface, and is connected to the inlet of the first flow channel through the a2 interface, and is connected to the inlet of the second flow channel through the a3 interface;

[0010] Among them, in the first working state, the first three-way valve controls the a1 interface to be open, the a2 interface to be closed, and the a3 interface to be open; in the second working state, the first three-way valve controls the a1 interface to be open, the a2 interface to be open, and the a3 interface to be closed.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first flow channel and the second flow channel are both configured to communicate with different shunt pipes.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first flow channel and the fourth flow channel are both connected to the first flow outlet via the same intermediate flow channel; wherein the outlet of the first flow channel, the inlet of the fourth flow channel, and the intermediate flow channel are connected via a second three-way valve; the second three-way valve has a b1 interface, a b2 interface, and a b3 interface, and the second three-way valve is connected to the outlet of the first flow channel via the b1 interface, to the intermediate flow channel via the b2 interface, and to the inlet of the fourth flow channel via the b3 interface;

[0013] Among them, in the first working state, the second three-way valve controls the b1 interface to be open, the b2 interface to be open, and the b3 interface to be closed; in the second working state, the second three-way valve controls the b1 interface to be closed, the b2 interface to be open, and the b3 interface to be open.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first direction is the length direction of the cold plate body; the first flow opening, the second flow opening, and the third flow opening are all arranged in the middle of the cold plate body in the width direction.

[0015] In some embodiments, the heat exchange chamber is provided with heat exchange channels extending along the first direction, the number of the heat exchange channels is two or more, and the heat exchange channels are sequentially spaced and arranged along the second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction; each of the heat exchange channels forms a heat exchange channel structure, and the heat exchange channel structure has a first end and a second end opposite to each other in the first direction; wherein,

[0016] In a projection along a third direction, a middle portion of the first end of the heat exchange flow channel structure is recessed toward the second end of the heat exchange flow channel structure to form a first recessed portion, and the first flow opening is located at the first recessed portion; a middle portion of the second end of the heat exchange flow channel structure is recessed toward the first end of the heat exchange flow channel structure to form a second recessed portion, and the third flow opening is located at the second recessed portion; the third direction is perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction;

[0017] And / or, the second flow opening extends along the second direction and is opposite to each of the heat exchange channels.

[0018] The present invention also provides a liquid cooling system, which includes any one of the above-mentioned cold plate structures.

[0019] In some embodiments, the liquid cooling system further includes a reflux flow path, one end of the reflux flow path is connected to the outlet of the collecting pipe, and the other end is connected to the inlet of the shunt pipe, the reflux flow path is used to return the cooling medium of the collecting pipe to the shunt pipe; wherein, the reflux flow path is sequentially connected in series along the reflux direction with a first liquid storage tank, a second liquid storage tank and a liquid pump, and the liquid pump is used to drive the cooling medium in the reflux flow path to flow; the first liquid storage tank has a first inlet and a first liquid outlet, and the first liquid storage tank is connected in series to the reflux flow path through the first inlet and the first liquid outlet, the second liquid storage tank has a second inlet and a second liquid outlet, and the second liquid storage tank is connected in series to the reflux flow path through the second inlet and the second liquid outlet; the cooling system further includes a first cooling structure, the first cooling structure is used to cool the cooling medium in the reflux flow path flowing to the first liquid storage tank;

[0020] Wherein, the bottom surface height of the first liquid storage tank is higher than the top surface height of the second liquid storage tank.

[0021] In some embodiments, the liquid cooling system also includes a fluid infusion flow path and a fluid infusion tank, the liquid outlet of the fluid infusion tank is connected to the reflux flow path between the first inlet and the outlet of the collecting pipe; the inlet of the fluid infusion flow path is connected to the air outlet of the first liquid storage tank, and the outlet of the fluid infusion flow path is connected to the inlet of the fluid infusion tank; a pump body is provided on the fluid infusion flow path, and the pump body is used to drive the flow of the cooling medium in the fluid infusion flow path; the cooling system also includes a second cooling structure, and the second cooling structure is used to cool the cooling medium in the fluid infusion flow path.

[0022] The present invention further provides a server, which includes any one of the above-mentioned cold plate structures; or includes any one of the above-mentioned liquid cooling systems.

[0023] The cold plate structure, liquid cooling system, and server provided by the present invention have the following beneficial effects:

[0024] 1. The present invention switches the working state of the cold plate structure to change the flow form of the cooling medium, which can adapt to the load fluctuation operating conditions of the server, thereby solving the technical problems of core drying, deterioration of heat transfer or large temperature differences on the surface of high-performance heating elements.

[0025] 2. On the one hand, the present invention sets two liquid storage tanks in series on the upstream side of the liquid pump, and on the other hand, a liquid replenishment flow path is set to suck the gaseous cooling medium in the first liquid storage tank. The combination of the two can effectively prevent the gaseous cooling medium from passing through the liquid pump, ensuring that the liquid pump is not corroded by cavitation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for the embodiments or the description of the prior art. The drawings described below are merely exemplary. Those skilled in the art can, without inventive effort, derive other implementation drawings based on the provided drawings.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a cold plate structure provided by one embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the connection between the cold plate structure, the diverter pipe and the liquid collecting pipe according to the first example of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the connection between the cold plate structure, the diverter pipe and the liquid collecting pipe according to the second example of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4 2. It is a structural diagram of the cold plate top cover of the cold plate body;

[0031] Figure 5 is a schematic structural diagram of the second connector;

[0032] Figure 6 It is the projection view of each component of the cold plate body in the third direction;

[0033] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram reflecting the flow of the cooling medium in the heat exchange cavity when the cold plate structure is in the first working state;

[0034] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram reflecting the flow of the cooling medium in the heat exchange cavity when the cold plate structure is in the second working state;

[0035] Figure 9 It is a structural schematic diagram of a liquid cooling system provided by one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] The accompanying drawings are:

[0037] 1. Inlet of the shunt pipe; 2. Outlet of the manifold; 3. shunt pipe; 4. manifold; 5. Inlet flow channel; 6. Outlet flow channel; 7. Cold plate body; 8. First three-way valve; 9. Second three-way valve; 10. First connector; 11. Third connector; 12. Second connector; 13. First flow channel; 14. Intermediate flow channel; 15. Fourth flow channel; 16. Second flow channel; 17. Third flow channel; 18. First interface; 19. Second interface; 20. First flow port; 21. Third flow port; 22. Second flow port; 23. Heat exchange channel; 24. Cold plate tank; 26. First heat exchanger; 27. Liquid replenishment tank; 28. Second heat exchanger; 29. Pump body; 30. First liquid storage tank; 31. Second liquid storage tank Liquid tank; 32. Liquid pump; 33. Switch valve; 34. Reflux flow path; 35. Liquid replenishment flow path; 70. Heat exchange chamber; 71. Cold plate top cover; 72. Cold plate bottom cover; 231. First end; 232. Second end; 261. First heat exchange channel a; 262. Second heat exchange channel a; 281. First heat exchange channel b; 282. Second heat exchange channel b; 271. Inlet of liquid replenishment tube; 272. Liquid outlet of liquid replenishment tube; 301. First inlet; 302. First liquid outlet; 303. Air outlet of first liquid storage tank; 311. Second inlet; 312. Second liquid outlet; 2311. First recessed portion; 2321. Second recessed portion; a. First direction; b. Second direction; c. Third direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The following will be combined with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is actually only illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present invention and its application or use. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0039] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the directions or positional relationships indicated by directional words such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, perpendicular, horizontal" and "top, bottom" are usually based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise specified, these directional words do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction or be constructed and operated in a specific direction. Therefore, they cannot be understood as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention; the directional words "inside and outside" refer to the inside and outside relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0040] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "above", "above", "on the upper surface of", "above", etc. may be used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature to other devices or features as shown in the figures. It should be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation described in the figures. For example, if the device in the drawings is inverted, the device described as "above other devices or structures" or "above other devices or structures" will be positioned as "below other devices or structures" or "below other devices or structures". Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below". The device can also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptions used here are interpreted accordingly.

[0041] In addition, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to limit components is only for the convenience of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0042] See also Figure 1-2As shown, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a cold plate structure is provided, which includes a cold plate body 7, and the cold plate body 7 has a heat exchange cavity 70 for the flow of cooling medium. The heat exchange cavity 70 extends along the first direction a in the cold plate body 7, and has a first flow opening 20 at one end in the first direction a, a second flow opening 22 in the middle in the first direction a, and a third flow opening 21 at the other end in the first direction a. The second flow opening 22 is used to communicate with the shunt pipe 3. The third flow opening 21 is used to communicate with the collecting pipe 4. The first flow opening 20 is connected to a first flow channel 13 for communicating with the shunt pipe 3 and a fourth flow channel 15 for communicating with the collecting pipe 4. The first flow channel 13, the fourth flow channel 15 and the second flow opening 22 can all be opened and closed. The cold plate structure has a first working state and a second working state. In the first operating state, the second flow port 22 is closed, the first flow channel 13 is open, and the fourth flow channel 15 is closed, so that the first flow port 20 serves as the cooling medium inlet and the third flow port 21 serves as the cooling medium outlet. In the second operating state, the second flow port 22 is open, the first flow channel 13 is closed, and the fourth flow channel 15 is open, so that the second flow port 22 serves as the cooling medium inlet and both the first flow port 20 and the third flow port 21 serve as cooling medium outlets.

[0043] In the above example, in the first operating state, since the first flow channel 13 is open, the cooling medium in the shunt tube 3 can flow from the first flow channel 13 into the first flow opening 20. Since the fourth flow channel 15 is closed, the cooling medium in the first flow opening 20 cannot flow out of the fourth flow channel 15. At this time, the first flow channel 13 and the fourth flow channel 15 cooperate to realize the function of the first flow opening 20 as the cooling medium inlet in the first operating state. In this first operating state, the second flow opening 22 is closed, preventing the cold zone medium in the shunt tube 3 from entering the second flow opening 22, thereby realizing the function of the second flow opening 22 being closed in the first operating state. In addition, in the second operating state, since the first flow channel 13 is closed, the cooling medium in the shunt pipe 3 cannot flow from the first flow channel 13 into the first flow port 20. Since the fourth flow channel 15 is open, the cooling medium in the first flow port 20 can flow out from the fourth flow channel 15 to the manifold 4. In this way, the first flow channel 13 and the fourth flow channel 15 cooperate to realize the function of the first flow port 20 as a cooling medium outlet in the second operating state. In the second operating state, since the second flow port 22 is open, the cooling medium in the shunt pipe 3 can flow from the second flow channel 16 into the second flow port 22, realizing the function of the second flow port 22 as a cooling medium inlet in the second operating state. In addition, since the third flow port 21 is connected to the manifold 4, the third flow port 21 can function as a cooling medium outlet in both the first and second operating states.

[0044] When the above-described cold plate structure is used on a server to dissipate heat from high-performance heat-generating components such as a CPU or GPU, the cold plate structure's operating state can be switched to adjust the flow of cooling medium, such as coolant, into and out of the cold plate body 7, depending on the server's operating load. When the server's load is low, the cold plate structure can be switched to the first operating state. In this state, the cold plate structure adopts a one-in, one-out flow pattern for the cooling medium, effectively removing heat and effectively controlling the temperature of the high-performance heat-generating components while ensuring temperature uniformity across the components and reducing system resistance. When the server's load is high, the one-in, one-out flow pattern may cause core dry-out and deteriorate heat transfer. In this case, the cold plate structure can be switched to the second operating state, changing the flow pattern to a one-in, two-out flow pattern. The cooling medium directly impacts high heat flux areas on the heat-generating components, effectively resolving the local hotspot problem that occurs when the load is high. When the server's load returns to a low level, the one-in, two-out flow pattern may cause a significant temperature difference between the center of the heat-generating components and the surrounding areas, resulting in greater flow resistance. In this case, the cold plate structure can be switched back to the first operating state, changing the flow pattern to a one-in, one-out flow pattern.

[0045] It can be seen that the present invention can adapt to the load fluctuation operating conditions of the server by switching the working state of the cold plate structure to change the flow form of the cooling medium, thereby solving the technical problems of core drying and deterioration of heat transfer of high-performance heating elements or large temperature differences on the surface.

[0046] In some embodiments, as Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the aforementioned second flow opening 22 is connected to the second flow channel 16, and the second flow opening 22 is connected to the shunt pipe 3 through the second flow channel 16. The second flow opening 22 is opened and closed by the second flow channel 16. In this example, by connecting the second flow channel 16 to the second flow opening 22, the connection between the second flow opening 22 and the shunt pipe 3 is facilitated.

[0047] In the first example, if Figure 2 As shown, the first flow channel 13 and the second flow channel 16 are both used to communicate with the same shunt pipe 3, which can save the number of shunt pipes 3 and reduce costs. Figure 3 As shown, the aforementioned first flow channel 13 and second flow channel 16 can both be used to communicate with different branch pipes 3, so that the flow pattern of the cooling medium can also be changed.

[0048] In the first example, Figure 1 and 2As shown, both the first flow channel 13 and the second flow channel 16 are connected to the diverter pipe 3 through the same inlet flow channel 5. The inlet of the first flow channel 13, the inlet of the second flow channel 16 and the outlet of the inlet flow channel 5 can be connected through the first three-way valve 8. The first three-way valve 8 has an a1 interface, an a2 interface and an a3 interface. The first three-way valve 8 is connected to the outlet of the inlet flow channel 5 through the a1 interface, and the first three-way valve 8 is connected to the inlet of the first flow channel 13 through the a2 interface, and the first three-way valve 8 is connected to the inlet of the second flow channel 16 through the a3 interface. In the first working state, the first three-way valve 8 controls the a1 interface to open, the a2 interface to close, and the a3 interface to open, so that the first flow channel 13 can be opened and the second flow channel 16 can be closed. In the second working state, the first three-way valve 8 controls the a1 interface to open, the a2 interface to open, and the a3 interface to close, so that the first flow channel 13 can be closed and the second flow channel 16 can be opened.

[0049] In the above example, by setting the first three-way valve 8, the function of opening the first flow channel 13 and closing the second flow channel 16 in the first working state can be realized, and the function of closing the first flow channel 13 and opening the second flow channel 16 in the second working state can be realized.

[0050] In some embodiments, the first flow channel 13 and the fourth flow channel 15 are both connected to the first flow port 20 via the same intermediate flow channel 14, thereby facilitating simultaneous connection of the first flow channel 13 and the fourth flow channel 15 to the first flow port 20. The outlet of the first flow channel 13, the inlet of the fourth flow channel 15, and the intermediate flow channel 14 are connected via a second three-way valve 9. The second three-way valve 9 has a b1 interface, a b2 interface, and a b3 interface. The second three-way valve 9 is connected to the outlet of the first flow channel 13 via the b1 interface, to the intermediate flow channel 14 via the b2 interface, and to the inlet of the fourth flow channel 15 via the b3 interface.

[0051] In the first working state, the second three-way valve 9 controls the b1 interface to be open, the b2 interface to be open, and the b3 interface to be closed, thereby opening the first flow channel 13 and closing the fourth flow channel 15. In the second working state, the second three-way valve 9 controls the b1 interface to be closed, the b2 interface to be open, and the b3 interface to be open, thereby opening the fourth flow channel 15 and closing the first flow channel 13.

[0052] In the above example, the first three-way valve 8 and the second three-way valve 9 cooperate to achieve the aforementioned function of closing the second flow port 22 in the first operating state, making the first flow port 20 the cooling medium inlet and the third flow port 21 the cooling medium outlet. Furthermore, the aforementioned function of making the second flow port 22 the cooling medium inlet and both the first flow port 20 and the third flow port 21 the cooling medium outlet can be achieved in the second operating state.

[0053] In some embodiments, as Figure 1 As shown, the intermediate flow channel 14 can be connected to the first flow port 20 through the first connector 10. Figure 5 As shown, the aforementioned second flow channel 16 can be connected to the second flow port 22 through the second connector 12. The second connector 12 has a first interface 18 and a second interface 19. The first interface 18 is used to communicate with the second flow channel 16, and the second interface 19 is used to communicate with the second flow port 22. The second interface 19 and the second flow port 22 are connected to each other and have the same size and shape. The second interface 19 is flared to evenly guide the cooling medium flowing from the first interface 18 into the second flow port 22.

[0054] In some embodiments, as Figure 1 As shown, the third flow port 21 is connected to the third flow channel 17 to communicate with the manifold through the third flow channel 17. The third flow channel 17 can be communicated with the third flow port 21 through the third connector 11.

[0055] It should be noted that the first connector 10 , the second connector 12 , and the third connector 11 may also be referred to as liquid-passing components.

[0056] In some embodiments, as Figure 1 As shown, the aforementioned third flow channel 17 and fourth flow channel 15 can both be connected to the liquid collecting pipe through the same outflow channel 6.

[0057] In some embodiments, as Figure 4 As shown, the aforementioned first direction a can be the length direction of the cold plate body 7. The aforementioned first flow opening 20, second flow opening 22 and third flow opening 21 are all arranged in the middle of the width direction of the cold plate body 7. In this way, the refrigerant flows evenly in the heat exchange cavity 70.

[0058] In some embodiments, as Figure 6 As shown, the heat exchange chamber 70 may be provided with a heat exchange channel 23 extending along the first direction a. The heat exchange channel 23 can increase the heat exchange area of the heat exchange chamber 70 and improve heat exchange between the cold plate body 7 and the external heat generating element. There may be two or more heat exchange channels 23, which are arranged in sequence and spaced apart along the second direction b. The second direction b is perpendicular to the first direction a. Each heat exchange channel 23 forms a heat exchange channel structure having a first end 231 and a second end 232 opposing each other in the first direction a.

[0059] In the projection along the third direction c, the middle portion of the first end 231 of the heat exchange channel structure is recessed toward the second end 232 of the heat exchange channel structure to form a first recessed portion 2311, and the first flow opening is located at the first recessed portion 2311. The middle portion of the second end 232 of the heat exchange channel structure is recessed toward the first end 231 of the heat exchange channel structure to form a second recessed portion 2321, and the third flow opening is located at the second recessed portion 2321. The third direction c is perpendicular to both the first direction a and the second direction b. The first direction a can be the length direction of the cold plate body 7, the second direction b can be the width direction of the cold plate body 7, and the third direction c can be the thickness direction of the cold plate body 7.

[0060] In the above example, by making the two ends of the heat exchange channel structure concave toward the middle, and in the projection of the third direction c, the first flow port is located at the first recessed portion 2311, and the second flow inlet is located at the second recessed portion 2321, which is beneficial to improving the diversion effect of each heat exchange channel 23 on the cooling medium in the heat exchange cavity 70, making the flow of the cooling medium in each heat exchange channel 23 more uniform, thereby improving the heat dissipation effect of the cold plate structure.

[0061] In some embodiments, as Figure 4 As shown, the aforementioned second flow port 22 extends along the second direction b, and the second flow port 22 is opposite to each heat exchange channel 23, so that the second flow port 22 is connected to each heat exchange channel 23, which is conducive to the cooling medium of the second flow port 22 flowing evenly into each heat exchange channel 23.

[0062] In some embodiments, the aforementioned cold plate body 7 includes a cold plate bottom cover 72 and a cold plate top cover 71, which are snap-fitted together to form the aforementioned heat exchange chamber 70. The aforementioned two adjacent heat exchange channels 23 are separated by a partition, which can be set on the cold plate top cover 71. The cold plate bottom cover 72 is provided with a cold plate slot 24 for the cold plate top cover 71 to be plugged into. Figure 4 2 is a schematic structural diagram of the cold plate top cover 71 , wherein the first flow opening 20 , the second flow opening 22 and the third flow opening 21 are all provided on the cold plate top cover 71 . Figure 7 and Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the structure of the cold plate bottom cover 72. Figure 7 and Figure 8 The arrow direction is the flow direction of the cooling medium in the cold plate body 7 under different operating conditions of the server. Figure 7 The one-in-one-out cooling medium flow pattern shown above can effectively remove heat while ensuring component temperature uniformity. Figure 8 The one-inlet-two-outlet coolant flow pattern shown in the figure allows the coolant to directly impact the high heat flux area, effectively solving the local hot spot problem caused by high load.

[0063] For ease of understanding, the heat exchange process of the cold plate structure in the first example above is described in detail below: Figure 1 As shown, the cooling medium enters the shunt pipe 3 from the inlet 1 of the shunt pipe. When the server is running at low load, the fourth flow channel 15 and the second flow channel 16 are closed by the first three-way valve 8 and the second three-way valve 9. The cooling medium passes through the first flow channel 13, the intermediate flow channel 14 and the first connector 10 in sequence from the inlet flow channel 5, and then flows into the heat exchange cavity 70 in the cold plate body 7 through the first flow port 20. The cooling medium flows as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown, after the heat exchange is completed, the cooling medium flows out of the cold plate body 7 through the third flow port 21, passes through the third connector 11 and the third flow channel 17, and flows into the outflow channel 6. When the server is running at high load, the first flow channel 13 is closed by the first three-way valve 8 and the second three-way valve 9, and the fourth flow channel 15 and the second flow channel 16 are opened. The cooling medium flows from the inflow channel 5 through the second flow channel 16 and the second connector 12, and flows into the heat exchange cavity 70 in the cold plate body 7 through the second flow port 22. The cooling medium flows as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown, after heat exchange is completed, the cooling medium flows out of the cold plate body 7 from the first flow port 20 and the third flow port 21 respectively. The cooling medium flowing out of the first flow port 20 flows into the outflow channel 6 through the first connector 10, the intermediate flow channel 14, and the fourth flow channel 15. The cooling medium flowing out of the third flow port 21 flows into the outflow channel 6 through the third connector 11 and the third flow channel 17. The cooling medium flowing into the outflow channel 6 enters the manifold 4 and flows out from the manifold outlet 2.

[0064] In some embodiments, the present invention further provides a liquid cooling system that may include any of the aforementioned cold plate structures. Because the liquid cooling system utilizes the aforementioned cold plate structure, when the cold plate structure is used on a server to dissipate heat from high-performance heat-generating components, such as a CPU or GPU, the present invention can adapt to server load fluctuations by switching the cold plate structure's operating state, thereby resolving the technical issues of core drying, poor heat transfer, or large temperature differences on the surface of high-performance heat-generating components.

[0065] In some embodiments, as Figure 9As shown, the aforementioned liquid cooling system also includes a return flow path 34, one end of which is connected to the outlet 2 of the manifold, and the other end is connected to the inlet 1 of the shunt pipe. The return flow path 34 is used to return the cooling medium from the manifold 4 to the shunt pipe 3. Specifically, the return flow path 34 is connected in series with a first liquid storage tank 30, a second liquid storage tank 31, and a liquid pump 32 in the return direction. The liquid pump 32 is used to drive the flow of the cooling medium in the return flow path 34. The first liquid storage tank 30 has a first inlet 301 and a first outlet 302. The first liquid storage tank 30 is connected in series to the return flow path 34 via the first inlet 301 and the first outlet 302. The second liquid storage tank 31 has a second inlet 311 and a second outlet 312. The second liquid storage tank 31 is connected in series to the return flow path 34 via the second inlet 311 and the second outlet 312. The cooling system further includes a first cooling structure for cooling the cooling medium flowing in the return flow path 34 toward the first liquid storage tank 30. The bottom surface of the first liquid storage tank 30 is higher than the top surface of the second liquid storage tank 31. The liquid pump 32 may be a fluorine pump.

[0066] In the liquid cooling system of the above example, Figure 9 The solid line in the figure represents the flow path of the liquid-phase cooling medium or the gas-liquid two-phase cooling medium. The cooling medium, such as the coolant, flowing out of the outlet 2 of the manifold may contain a small amount of gaseous coolant after being cooled by the first cooling structure. By providing two liquid storage tanks and making the bottom surface height of the first liquid storage tank 30 higher than the top surface height of the second liquid storage tank 31, the coolant in the second liquid storage tank 31 is all liquid due to buoyancy, ensuring that the coolant passing through the liquid pump 32, such as a fluorine pump, does not contain gaseous coolant. The cooled coolant flows into the liquid inlet of the shunt pipe 3 to continue cooling the cold plate.

[0067] It should be noted here that: in the above example, if there is only one liquid storage tank, some gaseous coolant may flow through the liquid pump 32, such as a fluorine pump, as the coolant flows. The gaseous coolant mixes with the liquid coolant to form bubbles. These bubbles quickly burst in the high-pressure area of the liquid pump 32, generating shock waves, causing damage to the blades and flow-through components of the liquid pump 32, affecting the life and performance of the liquid pump 32. After adding a liquid storage tank, due to buoyancy, the gaseous coolant basically remains in the first liquid storage tank 30 after passing through the first liquid storage tank 30, and the coolant flowing out of the second liquid storage tank 31 is all liquid. This is equivalent to the first liquid storage tank 30 playing a transitional role, ensuring that all coolant flowing out of the second liquid storage tank 31 is liquid coolant.

[0068] In order to realize the function of the aforementioned first cooling structure, in some embodiments, as Figure 9As shown, the aforementioned first cooling structure may include a first heat exchanger 26 having a first heat exchange channel a 261 and a second heat exchange channel a 262 that can exchange heat with each other. The first heat exchange channel a 261 is connected in series to the return flow path between the aforementioned first inlet 301 and the outlet 2 of the manifold. The second heat exchange channel a 262 is configured to communicate with the first cooling source flow path. When the coolant in the first cooling source flow path flows through the second heat exchange channel a 262, it can cool the cooling medium in the first heat exchange channel a 261.

[0069] In some embodiments, as Figure 9 As shown, the aforementioned liquid cooling system may also include a fluid replenishment flow path 35 and a fluid replenishment tank 27. The liquid outlet 272 of the fluid replenishment tank is connected to the reflux flow path 34 between the first inlet 301 and the outlet 2 of the collecting pipe. The inlet of the fluid replenishment flow path 35 is connected to the air outlet 303 of the first liquid storage tank, and the outlet of the fluid replenishment flow path 35 is connected to the inlet 271 of the fluid replenishment tank. A pump body 29 is provided on the fluid replenishment flow path 35, and the pump body 29 can be an air pump or the like. The pump body 29 is used to drive the flow of the cooling medium in the fluid replenishment flow path 35. The cooling system also includes a second cooling structure, which is used to cool the cooling medium in the fluid replenishment flow path 35.

[0070] In the liquid cooling system of the above example, Figure 9 The dotted line in the figure represents the gaseous cooling medium flow path. When the gaseous cooling medium in first liquid storage tank 30 is high, pump body 29 can be activated to pump the gaseous cooling medium in first liquid storage tank 30 into liquid replenishment flow path 35. The gaseous cooling medium is then cooled by the second cooling structure in liquid replenishment flow path 35 into liquid cooling medium, which then flows into liquid replenishment tank 27 to replenish the cooling medium in the liquid cooling system. This further protects liquid pump 32 from cavitation corrosion.

[0071] The present invention provides two series-connected liquid storage tanks upstream of the liquid pump 32. Furthermore, a liquid replenishment flow path 35 is provided to draw the gaseous cooling medium from the first liquid storage tank 30. These two components effectively prevent the gaseous cooling medium from passing through the liquid pump 32, protecting the liquid pump 32 from cavitation corrosion. The liquid pump 32 may be a fluorine pump, for example.

[0072] In some embodiments, a switch valve 33 such as a solenoid valve may be provided on the flow path of the liquid outlet 272 of the aforementioned fluid infusion tank to facilitate control of the opening and closing of the flow path of the liquid outlet of the fluid infusion tank 27 .

[0073] In some embodiments, a pressure sensor and / or a liquid level sensor are provided in the first liquid storage tank 30. The pressure sensor is used to detect the internal pressure of the first liquid storage tank 30, and the liquid level sensor is used to detect the liquid level in the first liquid storage tank 30. The liquid cooling system also includes a controller, which is used to activate the pump body 29 when the pressure in the first liquid storage tank 30 exceeds a first threshold value and / or the liquid level exceeds a second threshold value.

[0074] In order to realize the function of the aforementioned second cooling structure, in some embodiments, as Figure 9 As shown, the aforementioned second cooling structure may include a second heat exchanger 28, which has a first b heat exchange channel 281 and a second b heat exchange channel 282 that can exchange heat with each other. The first b heat exchange channel 281 is connected in series to the infusion flow path 35. The second b heat exchange channel 282 is used to communicate with the second cold source flow path. When the coolant in the second cold source flow path flows through the second b heat exchange channel 282, it can cool the cooling medium in the first b heat exchange channel 281. Among them, the aforementioned pump body 29 can be an air pump, which is located on the infusion flow path 35 between the first b heat exchange channel 281 and the first liquid storage tank 30.

[0075] The present invention also provides a server, which may include any of the aforementioned cold plate structures or liquid cooling systems. Because the server utilizes the aforementioned cold plate structure or liquid cooling system, the present invention can adapt to server load fluctuations by switching the operating state of the cold plate structure, thereby resolving the technical issues of core drying, poor heat transfer, or large surface temperature differences in high-performance heating elements.

[0076] The cold plate structure of the present invention is a two-phase cold plate structure that can change different flow patterns according to different operating loads. Specifically, the cold plate structure of the present invention controls the coolant inlet and outlet positions through valves, which can control the order in which the cooling medium, such as coolant, flows through different heat flow areas, thereby changing the flow pattern of the cooling medium in the cold plate body 7. In accordance with the operating conditions of the server, it can more effectively control the temperature of the heating element. At the same time, a series liquid reservoir and air pump circuit (i.e., the aforementioned liquid replenishment flow path 35) are added to the system to solve the cavitation problem that occurs when passing through the liquid pump 32.

[0077] It is easy for those skilled in the art to understand that, under the premise of no conflict, the advantageous technical features of the above-mentioned methods can be freely combined and superimposed.

[0078] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and variations without departing from the technical principles of the present invention, and such improvements and variations shall also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cold plate structure, characterized in that: The invention comprises a cold plate body (7), wherein the cold plate body (7) has a heat exchange cavity (70) for cooling medium to flow; the heat exchange cavity (70) extends in a first direction (a) in the cold plate body (7), and has a first flow opening (20) at one end in the first direction (a), a second flow opening (22) in the middle in the first direction (a), and a third flow opening (21) at the other end in the first direction (a); the second flow opening (22) is used to communicate with a shunt pipe (3), and the third flow opening (21) is used to communicate with a header (4); the first flow opening (20) is connected to a first flow channel (13) for communicating with the shunt pipe (3) and a fourth flow channel (15) for communicating with the header (4); the first flow channel (13), the fourth flow channel (15) and the second flow opening (22) can all be opened and closed; The cold plate structure has a first working state and a second working state; wherein, in the first working state, the first flow channel (13) is open, and the second flow port (22) and the fourth flow channel (15) are both closed; in the second working state, the first flow channel (13) is closed, and the second flow port (22) and the fourth flow channel (15) are both open.

2. The cold plate structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second flow port (22) is connected to a second flow channel (16) to communicate with the diverter pipe (3) through the second flow channel (16); wherein the second flow port (22) is opened and closed through the second flow channel (16).

3. The cold plate structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first flow channel (13) and the second flow channel (16) are both used to communicate with the same diverter pipe (3).

4. The cold plate structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first flow channel (13) and the second flow channel (16) are both connected to the diverter pipe (3) through the same inlet flow channel (5); wherein the inlet of the first flow channel (13), the inlet of the second flow channel (16) and the outlet of the inlet flow channel (5) are connected through a first three-way valve (8); the first three-way valve (8) has an a1 interface, an a2 interface and an a3 interface, and the first three-way valve (8) is connected to the outlet of the inlet flow channel (5) through the a1 interface, and is connected to the inlet of the first flow channel (13) through the a2 interface, and is connected to the inlet of the second flow channel (16) through the a3 interface; Wherein, in the first working state, the first three-way valve (8) controls the a1 interface to be opened, the a2 interface to be closed, and the a3 interface to be opened; in the second working state, the first three-way valve (8) controls the a1 interface to be opened, the a2 interface to be opened, and the a3 interface to be closed.

5. The cold plate structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first flow channel (13) and the second flow channel (16) are both used to communicate with different branch pipes (3).

6. The cold plate structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The first flow channel (13) and the fourth flow channel (15) are both connected to the first flow port (20) through the same intermediate flow channel (14); wherein the outlet of the first flow channel (13), the inlet of the fourth flow channel (15) and the intermediate flow channel (14) are connected through a second three-way valve (9); the second three-way valve (9) has a b1 interface, a b2 interface and a b3 interface, and the second three-way valve (9) is connected to the outlet of the first flow channel (13) through the b1 interface, connected to the intermediate flow channel (14) through the b2 interface, and connected to the inlet of the fourth flow channel (15) through the b3 interface; Wherein, in the first working state, the second three-way valve (9) controls the b1 interface to be open, the b2 interface to be open, and the b3 interface to be closed; in the second working state, the second three-way valve (9) controls the b1 interface to be closed, the b2 interface to be open, and the b3 interface to be open.

7. The cold plate structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The first direction (a) is the length direction of the cold plate body (7); the first flow opening (20), the second flow opening (22) and the third flow opening (21) are all arranged in the middle of the cold plate body (7) in the width direction.

8. The cold plate structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The heat exchange cavity (70) is provided with a heat exchange channel (23) extending along the first direction (a), the number of the heat exchange channels (23) is more than two, and the heat exchange channels (23) are sequentially spaced and arranged along the second direction (b), and the second direction (b) is perpendicular to the first direction (a); each of the heat exchange channels (23) forms a heat exchange channel structure, and the heat exchange channel structure has a first end (231) and a second end (232) opposite to each other in the first direction (a); wherein, In the projection along the third direction (c), the middle portion of the first end (231) of the heat exchange flow channel structure is recessed toward the second end (232) of the heat exchange flow channel structure to form a first recessed portion (2311), the first flow port (20) is located at the first recessed portion (2311), the middle portion of the second end (232) of the heat exchange flow channel structure is recessed toward the first end (231) of the heat exchange flow channel structure to form a second recessed portion (2321), and the third flow port (21) is located at the second recessed portion (2321); wherein the third direction (c) is perpendicular to both the first direction (a) and the second direction (b); And / or, the second flow opening (22) extends along the second direction (b) and is opposite to each of the heat exchange channels (23).

9. A liquid cooling system, characterized in that: The cold plate structure comprises the cold plate structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The liquid cooling system according to claim 9, characterized in that: The invention also includes a reflux flow path (34), one end of which is in communication with the outlet (2) of the manifold, and the other end of which is in communication with the inlet (1) of the shunt pipe, and the reflux flow path (34) is used to return the cooling medium of the manifold (4) to the shunt pipe (3); wherein the reflux flow path (34) is connected in series with a first liquid storage tank (30), a second liquid storage tank (31) and a liquid pump (32) in a reflux direction, and the liquid pump (32) is used to drive the cooling medium in the reflux flow path (34) to flow; the first liquid storage tank (30) has a first inlet (301) and a first The first liquid storage tank (30) is connected in series to the return flow path (34) via the first inlet (301) and the first liquid outlet (302); the second liquid storage tank (31) has a second inlet (311) and a second liquid outlet (312); the second liquid storage tank (31) is connected in series to the return flow path (34) via the second inlet (311) and the second liquid outlet (312); the cooling system further comprises a first cooling structure, the first cooling structure being used to cool the cooling medium in the return flow path (34) flowing to the first liquid storage tank (30); Wherein, the bottom surface height of the first liquid storage tank (30) is higher than the top surface height of the second liquid storage tank (31).

11. The liquid cooling system according to claim 10, characterized in that: The invention also includes a fluid replenishment flow path (35) and a fluid replenishment tank (27), wherein the liquid outlet (272) of the fluid replenishment tank is connected to the reflux flow path (34) between the first inlet (301) and the outlet (2) of the collecting pipe; the inlet of the fluid replenishment flow path (35) is connected to the air outlet (303) of the first liquid storage tank, and the outlet of the fluid replenishment flow path (35) is connected to the inlet (271) of the fluid replenishment tank; a pump body (29) is provided on the fluid replenishment flow path (35), and the pump body (29) is used to drive the cooling medium in the fluid replenishment flow path (35) to flow; the cooling system also includes a second cooling structure, and the second cooling structure is used to cool the cooling medium in the fluid replenishment flow path (35).

12. A server, characterized in that: A cold plate structure comprising any one of claims 1-8; or a liquid cooling system comprising any one of claims 9-11.

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