Data center heterogenous low-grade waste heat utilization system and control method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses a data center heterogenous low-grade waste heat utilization system, and relates to the technical field of heat source waste heat utilization, and the data center heterogenous low-grade waste heat utilization system comprises a water source heat pump which is connected with at least one first heat exchanger; the absorption refrigerator is connected with at least one second heat exchanger, and the second heat exchanger is used for absorbing waste heat of an existing low-grade heat source and providing a driving heat source for the absorption refrigerator; the water source heat pump is connected with the absorption refrigerator; a heat source generated by the water source heat pump can drive the absorption refrigerator to refrigerate; according to the system, waste heat generated by the fuel cell and the data center can be efficiently recycled and converted into available energy such as heating, refrigeration and hot water, and the energy utilization efficiency is remarkably improved. The system realizes seasonal adjustment, reduces the operation cost, reduces the energy consumption, reduces the carbon footprint and has higher economic benefit and environmental benefit by accurately controlling the operation of each device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of heat source waste heat utilization, and in particular to a data center heterogeneous low-grade waste heat utilization system and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Fuel cells are a highly efficient and environmentally friendly new energy power supply device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy through electrochemical reactions. Using fuel cells to power data center equipment is a key approach to building green data centers. Fuel cell-powered data centers generate two types of low-grade waste heat: fuel cell waste heat and data center waste heat. Fuel cell efficiency is generally between 45% and 50%. While generating electricity, they also release a significant amount of heat. Cooling water removes this heat, and the heated cooling water becomes a usable fuel cell waste heat resource. Similarly, data center equipment generates heat during operation. To prevent overheating, cooling measures are often used to keep the equipment cool. Using cooling water is a common approach, and the heated cooling water also becomes a usable data center waste heat resource. Through waste heat recovery technology, this waste heat can be converted into useful energy for various purposes, including heating, cooling, and power generation. Data center waste heat recovery technology not only improves energy efficiency but also offers significant economic and environmental benefits. By recovering and utilizing waste heat, data centers can reduce operating costs, energy consumption, and carbon footprint. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the above problems in the prior art, the present invention is proposed.

[0004] Therefore, the problem to be solved by the present invention is how to utilize the waste heat of fuel cells and data centers.

[0005] In order to solve the above technical problems, in the first aspect, the present invention provides the following technical solutions: a data center heterogeneous low-grade waste heat utilization system, comprising a water source heat pump connected to at least one first heat exchanger, the first heat exchanger being used to absorb the waste heat of the existing low-grade heat source and provide a driving heat source for the water source heat pump; an absorption chiller connected to at least one second heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger being used to absorb the waste heat of the existing low-grade heat source and provide a driving heat source for the absorption chiller; the water source heat pump is connected to the absorption chiller, and the heat source generated by the water source heat pump can drive the absorption chiller to refrigerate; the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are respectively connected in parallel with the original heat dissipation systems of different heat sources.

[0006] As a preferred solution of the heterogeneous low-grade waste heat utilization system for a data center described in the present invention, the inlet and outlet of the high-temperature water side of the first heat exchanger are respectively connected to the outlet and return water of the low-grade heat source cooling water; the inlet and outlet of the low-temperature water side of the first heat exchanger are respectively connected to the outlet and inlet of the evaporator in the water source heat pump.

[0007] As a preferred solution of the heterogeneous low-grade waste heat utilization system for a data center described in the present invention, the inlet and outlet of the high-temperature water side of the second heat exchanger are respectively connected to the outlet and return water of the low-grade heat source cooling water; the inlet and outlet of the low-temperature water side of the second heat exchanger are respectively connected to the low-temperature hot water tank and the high-temperature hot water tank; the water inlet and outlet of the absorption chiller generator are respectively connected to the high-temperature hot water tank and the low-temperature hot water tank.

[0008] As a preferred solution of the heterogeneous low-grade waste heat utilization system for a data center described in the present invention, the water inlet and outlet of the condenser in the water source heat pump are connected to the low-temperature hot water tank and the high-temperature hot water tank respectively.

[0009] As a preferred solution of the heterogeneous low-grade waste heat utilization system for a data center described in the present invention, the water inlet and water outlet of the evaporator in the absorption chiller are respectively connected to the first water outlet and the first water inlet of the cold water tank, and the second water outlet and the second water inlet of the cold water tank are respectively connected to the first water inlet and the first water outlet of the air-conditioning terminal; the second water outlet and the second water inlet of the air-conditioning terminal are also respectively connected to the inlet of the low-temperature hot water tank and the water outlet of the high-temperature hot water tank.

[0010] As a preferred solution of the data center heterogeneous low-grade waste heat utilization system of the present invention, it also includes a hot water supply terminal, and the water inlet of the hot water supply terminal is connected to the water outlet of the high-temperature hot water tank.

[0011] As a preferred solution of the heterogeneous low-grade waste heat utilization system for the data center described in the present invention, it also includes a water ring air conditioner, and the water inlet of the evaporator in the water ring air conditioner is respectively connected to the first water outlet of the air conditioner terminal and the second water inlet of the cold water tank; the water outlet of the evaporator in the water ring air conditioner is respectively connected to the first water inlet of the air conditioner terminal and the second water outlet of the cold water tank.

[0012] As a preferred solution of the heterogeneous low-grade waste heat utilization system for the data center described in the present invention, the water outlet of the condenser in the water ring air conditioner is respectively connected to the water inlet of the cooling tower and the water outlet of the condenser in the absorption refrigerator; the water inlet of the condenser in the water ring air conditioner is respectively connected to the water outlet of the cooling tower and the water inlet of the condenser in the absorption refrigerator.

[0013] As a preferred solution of the heterogeneous low-grade waste heat utilization system for the data center described in the present invention, wherein: a first valve is provided on the pipe between the water outlet of the high-temperature hot water tank and the water inlet of the absorption refrigeration machine generator; a second valve is provided on the pipe between the second water outlet of the air-conditioning terminal and the water inlet of the low-temperature hot water tank; a third valve is provided at the second water inlet of the air-conditioning terminal; a fourth valve and a fifth valve are provided at the second water outlet and the second water inlet of the cold water tank respectively; a sixth valve and a seventh valve are provided at the water outlet and the water inlet of the evaporator in the water ring air-conditioning respectively.

[0014] In a second aspect, the present invention also provides a control method for a data center heterogeneous low-grade waste heat utilization system, which is applicable to the above-mentioned data center heterogeneous low-grade waste heat utilization system.

[0015] The present invention has the beneficial effect of efficiently recovering waste heat generated by fuel cells and data centers and converting it into usable energy, such as heating, cooling, and hot water, significantly improving energy efficiency. By precisely controlling the operation of each device, the system achieves seasonal adjustments, reduces operating costs, energy consumption, and carbon footprint, resulting in high economic and environmental benefits. The system is safe and reliable, ensuring stable operation of the fuel cells and data centers through emergency cooling devices in the event of a failure in the waste heat recovery system, and has broad application prospects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the data center's heterogeneous low-grade waste heat utilization system.

[0018] In the figure: 1. Water source heat pump; 2. First heat exchanger; 3. Absorption chiller; 4. Second heat exchanger; 5. Low-temperature hot water tank; 6. High-temperature hot water tank; 7. Cold water tank; 8. Water ring air conditioner; 9. Cooling tower; 10. Air conditioning terminal; 11. Hot water supply terminal; V1, first valve; V2, second valve; V3, third valve; V4, fourth valve; V5, fifth valve; V6, sixth valve; V7, seventh valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] In order to make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and easy to understand, the specific embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] In the following description, many specific details are set forth to facilitate a full understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Those skilled in the art may make similar generalizations without violating the connotation of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0021] Secondly, the term "one embodiment" or "embodiment" herein refers to a specific feature, structure, or characteristic that may be included in at least one implementation of the present invention. The phrase "in one embodiment" appearing in various places throughout this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it individually or selectively refer to an embodiment that is mutually exclusive of other embodiments.

[0022] Reference Figure 1 This is the first embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment provides a data center heterogeneous low-grade waste heat utilization system, which includes equipment in a computer room, outdoor equipment, and equipment in a building.

[0023] Specifically, the equipment in the machine room includes a water source heat pump 1 , a first heat exchanger 2 , an absorption chiller 3 , a second heat exchanger 4 , a low-temperature hot water tank 5 , a high-temperature hot water tank 6 and a cold water tank 7 .

[0024] The outdoor equipment includes a cooling tower 9; the equipment inside the building includes a water ring air conditioner 8, an air conditioning terminal 10 and a hot water supply terminal 11.

[0025] Specifically, in this embodiment, the low-grade heat source connected in parallel with first heat exchanger 2 is a data center. First heat exchanger 2 is a water-to-water plate heat exchanger, with its high-temperature water inlet and outlet connected to the data center's cooling water outlet (50°C) and return (40°C) outlet, respectively. Its low-temperature water inlet and outlet are connected to the evaporator's outlet and inlet, respectively, in water-source heat pump 1. First heat exchanger 2 collects waste heat from the data center to provide a low-temperature heat source for water-source heat pump 1.

[0026] The primary function of water-source heat pump 1 is to absorb waste heat from the data center to generate hot water (70°C). This hot water serves as a heat source to drive absorption chiller 3. The water inlet and outlet of the condenser in water-source heat pump 1 are connected to low-temperature hot water tank 5 and high-temperature hot water tank 6, respectively.

[0027] The function of the second heat exchanger 4 is to collect waste heat from the fuel cell and provide a driving heat source for the absorption chiller 3. The inlet and outlet on the high-temperature water side of the second heat exchanger 4 are connected to the outlet and return of the low-grade heat source cooling water, respectively. The inlet and outlet on the low-temperature water side of the second heat exchanger 4 are connected to the low-temperature hot water tank 5 and the high-temperature hot water tank 6, respectively. The water inlet and outlet of the generator of the absorption chiller 3 are connected to the high-temperature hot water tank 6 and the low-temperature hot water tank 5, respectively.

[0028] The absorption chiller 3 produces cold water for air conditioning and cooling surrounding buildings. Its heat sources come from two sources: high-temperature cooling water (75°C) from the fuel cell and high-temperature hot water (70°C) generated by the water-source heat pump 1. The water inlet and outlet of the evaporator in the absorption chiller 3 are connected to the first water outlet and first water inlet of the cold water tank 7, respectively. The second water outlet and second water inlet of the cold water tank 7 are connected to the first water inlet and first water outlet of the air conditioning terminal 10, respectively. The second water outlet and second water inlet of the air conditioning terminal 10 are also connected to the inlet of the low-temperature hot water tank 5 and the outlet of the high-temperature hot water tank 6, respectively.

[0029] The function of the high temperature hot water tank 6 is to collect the high temperature cooling water (75°C) of the fuel cell and the high temperature hot water (70°C) provided by the water source heat pump 1. In summer, it provides high temperature heat source water with stable temperature for the absorption chiller.

[0030] The function of the low-temperature hot water tank 5 is to collect the low-temperature heat source water (60°C) flowing out of the absorption chiller 3. The low-temperature heat source water flows from the low-temperature hot water tank 5 to the water source heat pump 1 and the second heat exchanger 4 respectively, and then enters the high-temperature hot water tank 6 after heat exchange and temperature increase again.

[0031] The function of the cold water tank 7 is to collect and temporarily store the air-conditioned cold water (11° C.) produced by the absorption chiller 3 and provide the air-conditioned cold water with stable temperature to the air-conditioning terminal 10 of the building.

[0032] The cooling tower 9 is used to provide cooling water for the absorption chiller 3 and the water ring air conditioner 8. The water outlet of the condenser in the water ring air conditioner 8 is connected to the water inlet of the cooling tower 9 and the water outlet of the condenser in the absorption chiller 3 respectively; the water inlet of the condenser in the water ring air conditioner 8 is connected to the water outlet of the cooling tower 9 and the water inlet of the condenser in the absorption chiller 3 respectively.

[0033] The water-ring air conditioner 8 also produces cold water for air conditioning, cooling surrounding buildings. It serves as a supplementary cold source for the absorption chiller 3. The cooling capacity of the absorption chiller 3 is limited by the waste heat temperature and flow rate. When the cooling demand of surrounding buildings exceeds the maximum cooling capacity of the absorption chiller 3, the water-ring air conditioner 8 can be activated to fill the cooling capacity gap. The water inlet of the evaporator in the water-ring air conditioner 8 is connected to the first water outlet of the air conditioner terminal 10 and the second water inlet of the cold water tank 7, respectively; the water outlet of the evaporator in the water-ring air conditioner 8 is connected to the first water inlet of the air conditioner terminal 10 and the second water outlet of the cold water tank 7, respectively.

[0034] The air conditioning terminal 10 uses a fan coil unit. During summer cooling, cold water (11°C) is passed through the pipe. During winter heating, hot water (70°C) is passed through the pipe.

[0035] According to actual needs, the hot water supply terminal 11 can be a shower head in a shower room, a faucet in a restroom or a hot water pipe in a kitchen, etc. The water inlet of the hot water supply terminal 11 is connected to the water outlet of the high-temperature hot water tank 6.

[0036] In addition, a first valve V1 is installed on the pipe between the water outlet of the high-temperature hot water tank 6 and the water inlet of the generator of the absorption chiller 3; a second valve V2 is installed on the pipe between the second water outlet of the air conditioning terminal 10 and the water inlet of the low-temperature hot water tank 5; a third valve V3 is installed at the second water inlet of the air conditioning terminal 10; a fourth valve V4 and a fifth valve V5 are installed at the second water outlet and second water inlet of the cold water tank 7, respectively; and a sixth valve V6 and a seventh valve V7 are installed at the water outlet and water inlet of the evaporator in the water ring air conditioner 8, respectively. All of the above valves are on-off valves.

[0037] This embodiment also provides a control method for a data center heterogeneous low-grade waste heat utilization system. This method is applicable to the aforementioned data center heterogeneous low-grade waste heat utilization system. The system operates in the heating season, the air conditioning season, and the spring and autumn seasons. The control methods for operating in different seasons are as follows:

[0038] (1) Heating season.

[0039] During the heating season, the system's water ring air conditioner 8 and absorption chiller 3 stop running, and the water source heat pump 1 starts. At this time, the first valve V1, the fourth valve V4, the fifth valve V5, the sixth valve V6, and the seventh valve V7 are closed, and the second valve V2 and the third valve V3 are open.

[0040] The high-temperature hot water tank 6 provides heat source water (70°C) to the air conditioning terminal 10 for heating. After heating, the hot water is cooled to 60°C and returned to the low-temperature hot water tank 5. The hot water in the high-temperature hot water tank 6 comes from two sources: one from the second heat exchanger 4 and the other from the water source heat pump 1.

[0041] After the water flows out of the low-temperature hot water tank 5, it splits into two paths. One path enters the second heat exchanger 4, exchanges heat with the fuel cell cooling water (75°C), and after being heated (70°C), enters the high-temperature hot water tank 6. The other path enters the condenser of the water source heat pump 1, is heated (70°C), and enters the high-temperature hot water tank 6.

[0042] During the heating season, hot water also enters the hot water supply terminal 11 from the high-temperature hot water tank 6, and tap water is replenished by the tap water supply pipe to enter the high-temperature hot water tank 6. The volume of the high-temperature hot water tank 6 is made as large as possible to reduce the impact of the replenished tap water on the water temperature.

[0043] (2) Air conditioning season.

[0044] During the air conditioning season, the system's water-source heat pump 1 and absorption chiller 3 are turned on, and water-loop air conditioner 8 determines whether to turn on based on the building's cooling demand. When the building's cooling demand exceeds the maximum cooling capacity of absorption chiller 3, water-loop air conditioner 8 is turned on. At this point, valves V1, V4, V5, V6, and V7 are open, while valves V2 and V3 are closed.

[0045] When the building's cooling demand falls below the maximum cooling capacity of the absorption chiller 3, the water-loop air conditioner 8 is shut down. At this point, the first valve V1, the fourth valve V4, and the fifth valve V5 are open, while the second valve V2, the third valve V3, the sixth valve V6, and the seventh valve V7 are closed. The high-temperature hot water tank 6 provides driving heat source water (70°C) for the absorption chiller 3. This hot water cools down (to 60°C) and returns to the low-temperature hot water tank 5. The high-temperature hot water tank 6 receives hot water from two sources: the second heat exchanger 4 and the water-source heat pump 1. After flowing out of the low-temperature hot water tank 5, the water splits into two paths. One path enters the second heat exchanger 4, where it exchanges heat with the fuel cell cooling water (75°C). After being heated (to 70°C), it enters the high-temperature hot water tank 6. The other path enters the condenser of the water-source heat pump 1, where it is heated (to 70°C) and enters the high-temperature hot water tank 6. The air-conditioned cold water (11°C) from the absorption chiller 3 enters the cold water tank 7 for buffering and temporary storage. The air-conditioned cold water then enters the air conditioning terminal 10 to cool the building. The air-conditioned cold water (16°C) returned from the air conditioning terminal 10 enters the cold water tank 7 again, and then flows back to the absorption chiller 3 from the cold water tank 7 to be cooled again (11°C). During the air conditioning season, hot water also flows from the high-temperature hot water tank 6 to the hot water supply terminal 11, and tap water is replenished from the tap water supply pipe and enters the high-temperature hot water tank 6.

[0046] (3) Spring and autumn.

[0047] During spring and autumn, there's no need for heating or cooling the building; only hot water is needed. For economic reasons, the absorption chiller 3, water-source heat pump 1, and water-loop air conditioner 8 are all shut down. The first valve V1, second valve V2, third valve V3, fourth valve V4, fifth valve V5, sixth valve V6, and seventh valve V7 are all closed. The original cooling systems for the fuel cells and data center are activated. During spring and autumn, hot water flows from the high-temperature hot water tank 6 into the hot water supply terminal 11. Tap water is then replenished from the mains water supply pipe and enters the high-temperature hot water tank 6. The second heat exchanger 4 continues to heat some of the hot water to maintain the water level and temperature in the high-temperature hot water tank 6.

[0048] It should be noted that the inlet and outlet water temperatures mentioned above are the temperatures under one typical operating condition, which does not mean that the system can only operate at this temperature. The temperature can change with the input and output conditions.

[0049] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that the technical solutions of the present invention may be modified or replaced by equivalents without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, which should all be included in the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A data center heterogeneous low-grade waste heat utilization system, characterized by: include, A water source heat pump (1) is connected to at least one first heat exchanger (2), wherein the first heat exchanger (2) is used to absorb waste heat from an existing low-grade heat source and provide a driving heat source for the water source heat pump (1); An absorption refrigerator (3) is connected to at least one second heat exchanger (4), wherein the second heat exchanger (4) is used to absorb waste heat from an existing low-grade heat source and provide a driving heat source for the absorption refrigerator (3); The water source heat pump (1) is connected to the absorption refrigerator (3), and the heat source generated by the water source heat pump (1) can drive the absorption refrigerator (3) to cool; The first heat exchanger (2) and the second heat exchanger (4) are respectively connected in parallel to original heat dissipation systems of different heat sources.

2. The data center heterogeneous low-grade waste heat utilization system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inlet and outlet on the high-temperature water side of the first heat exchanger (2) are respectively connected to the water outlet and water return port of the low-grade heat source cooling water; the inlet and outlet on the low-temperature water side of the first heat exchanger (2) are respectively connected to the water outlet and water inlet of the evaporator in the water source heat pump (1).

3. The data center heterogeneous low-grade waste heat utilization system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The inlet and outlet of the high-temperature water side of the second heat exchanger (4) are respectively connected to the water outlet and return water outlet of the low-grade heat source cooling water; the inlet and outlet of the low-temperature water side of the second heat exchanger (4) are respectively connected to the low-temperature hot water tank (5) and the high-temperature hot water tank (6); the water inlet and outlet of the generator of the absorption refrigeration machine (3) are respectively connected to the high-temperature hot water tank (6) and the low-temperature hot water tank (5).

4. The data center heterogeneous low-grade waste heat utilization system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The water inlet and the water outlet of the condenser in the water source heat pump (1) are connected to the low-temperature hot water tank (5) and the high-temperature hot water tank (6) respectively.

5. The data center heterogeneous low-grade waste heat utilization system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The water inlet and the water outlet of the evaporator in the absorption refrigeration machine (3) are respectively connected to the first water outlet and the first water inlet of the cold water tank (7); the second water outlet and the second water inlet of the cold water tank (7) are respectively connected to the first water inlet and the first water outlet of the air conditioning terminal (10); the second water outlet and the second water inlet of the air conditioning terminal (10) are also respectively connected to the inlet of the low-temperature hot water tank (5) and the water outlet of the high-temperature hot water tank (6).

6. The data center heterogeneous low-grade waste heat utilization system according to claim 5, characterized in that: It also includes a hot water supply terminal (11), the water inlet of the hot water supply terminal (11) is connected to the water outlet of the high-temperature hot water tank (6).

7. The data center heterogeneous low-grade waste heat utilization system according to claim 6, characterized in that: It also includes a water ring air conditioner (8), wherein the water inlet of the evaporator in the water ring air conditioner (8) is respectively connected to the first water outlet of the air conditioner terminal (10) and the second water inlet of the cold water tank (7); the water outlet of the evaporator in the water ring air conditioner (8) is respectively connected to the first water inlet of the air conditioner terminal (10) and the second water outlet of the cold water tank (7).

8. The data center heterogeneous low-grade waste heat utilization system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The water outlet of the condenser in the water ring air conditioner (8) is respectively connected to the water inlet of the cooling tower (9) and the water outlet of the condenser in the absorption refrigeration machine (3); the water inlet of the condenser in the water ring air conditioner (8) is respectively connected to the water outlet of the cooling tower (9) and the water inlet of the condenser in the absorption refrigeration machine (3).

9. The data center heterogeneous low-grade waste heat utilization system according to claim 8, characterized in that: A first valve (V1) is provided on the pipeline between the water outlet of the high-temperature hot water tank (6) and the water inlet of the generator of the absorption refrigeration machine (3); a second valve (V2) is provided on the pipeline between the second water outlet of the air-conditioning terminal (10) and the water inlet of the low-temperature hot water tank (5); a third valve (V3) is provided at the second water inlet of the air-conditioning terminal (10); a fourth valve (V4) and a fifth valve (V5) are provided at the second water outlet and the second water inlet of the cold water tank (7), respectively; and a sixth valve (V6) and a seventh valve (V7) are provided at the water outlet and the water inlet of the evaporator in the water ring air-conditioning (8), respectively.

10. A control method for a data center heterogeneous low-grade waste heat utilization system, characterized by: The invention is applicable to the heterogeneous low-grade waste heat utilization system for a data center as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images