Data center cooling system

Abstract

The invention provides a data center cooling system, which comprises a first circulating flow channel configured to enable a first medium cooled by an external cold source to circulate in the first circulating flow channel, and a second circulating flow channel configured to enable a second medium cooled by an external cold source to circulate in the second circulating flow channel; the second circulating flow channel is configured to enable the second medium heated by the heat of the data center to circulate in the second circulating flow channel; the heat exchange module is configured to enable the cooled first medium and the heated second medium to be subjected to heat exchange in the heat exchange module; and the third module is configured to enable the first flow channel section to be connected into the first circulating flow channel so as to perform cold accumulation on the cold accumulation structure when the temperature of the data center is lower than a first preset threshold value, and enable the first flow channel section to be connected into the second circulating flow channel so as to enable the cold accumulation structure to cool the second medium when the temperature of the data center is higher than the first preset threshold value. The cooling limit of the whole system can be improved within a short time through the cold storage module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of computer-aided systems, and in particular to a data center cooling system. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of new technologies and applications such as the Industrial Internet, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, big data, and 5G, the demand for computing power, data resource services, and storage has increased significantly, leading to a surge in the number of data centers. The high computing power of data centers results in high power consumption, and high power consumption requires high heat dissipation. Common air cooling technologies are no longer able to meet the high heat dissipation demands of the large number of servers and storage devices in data centers, making liquid cooling the dominant trend. Cooling Distribution Units (CDUs), or Cooling Distribution Units, are the "heart" of a data center's liquid cooling system. They efficiently and effectively transfer heat generated by components within servers and storage devices to heat dissipation units located away from the servers and storage devices through liquid flow. As a key component of the liquid cooling system, CDUs will benefit from the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence and high-performance computing (HPC), and the market is expected to continue to grow rapidly in the coming years.

[0003] Existing liquid cooling technology primarily removes approximately 70% to 90% of the heat generated by the servers by directly introducing liquid coolant into the heat-generating components. This coolant then passes through a heat exchanger within the cooling liquid distribution unit and is discharged outdoors through the primary chilled water system. However, common cabinet-type cooling liquid distribution units on the market are limited by factors such as cost, operating conditions, and heat exchange efficiency. The liquid cooling system's principles are imperfect, its structural design is irrational, and its cost is high, its reliability is poor, and its temperature control accuracy is low. This poses a potential threat to the lifespan and operational reliability of IT equipment, and urgently requires improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To solve the technical problems existing in the background technology, the present invention proposes a data center cooling system, comprising:

[0005] A first module having a first circulation channel therein, wherein the first module is configured to circulate a first medium cooled by an external cooling source in the first circulation channel;

[0006] a second module having a second circulation channel therein, the second module being configured to circulate a second medium heated by heat from the data center within the second circulation channel;

[0007] A heat exchange module, wherein the first circulation channel and the second circulation channel are partially located in the heat exchange module, and the heat exchange module is configured to allow heat exchange between the cooled first medium and the heated second medium;

[0008] A third module has a first flow channel section and a cold storage structure arranged along the length direction of the first flow channel section;

[0009] The control switching module is configured to connect the first flow channel section to the first circulation flow channel to store cold in the cold storage structure when the temperature of the data center is lower than a first preset threshold, and to connect the first flow channel section to the second circulation flow channel to enable the cold storage structure to cool the second medium when the temperature of the data center is higher than the first preset threshold.

[0010] Furthermore, the cold storage structure is made of phase change material, and the first medium and the second medium are homogeneous.

[0011] Furthermore, the first circulation flow channel includes a second flow channel section, the second circulation flow channel includes a third flow channel section, two ends of the first flow channel section are respectively connected to two ends of the second flow channel section, and two ends of the first flow channel section are respectively connected to two ends of the third flow channel section. The control switching module specifically includes a controller and a control valve assembly controlled by the controller. The control valve assembly specifically includes: a first control valve that controls the on-off of the second flow channel section, a second control valve that controls the on-off of the third flow channel section, a third control valve that controls the on-off between the first flow channel section and the second flow channel section, and a fourth control valve that controls the on-off between the first flow channel section and the third flow channel section.

[0012] Furthermore, when the control switching module is configured such that when the temperature of the data center is lower than a first preset threshold, the controller controls the first control valve and the fourth control valve to close, and the controller controls the second control valve and the third control valve to open, so that the first flow channel section is connected to the first circulation flow channel to store cold in the cold storage structure.

[0013] Furthermore, when the temperature of the data center is higher than a first preset threshold, the controller controls the first control valve and the fourth control valve to open, and the controller controls the second control valve and the third control valve to close, so that the first flow channel section is connected to the second circulation flow channel so that the cold storage structure cools the second medium.

[0014] Furthermore, the heat exchange module is specifically a plate heat exchanger, and in the flow direction of the second medium, part of the second circulation flow channel in the heat exchange module is located downstream of the third flow channel section.

[0015] Furthermore, it also includes:

[0016] The first submodule has a fourth flow channel section, and both ends of the fourth flow channel section are respectively connected to the first circulation flow channel so that the fourth flow channel section is connected in parallel with the portion of the first circulation flow channel in the heat exchange module. The control switching module is also configured to cause the first submodule to inject the first medium into the first circulation flow channel through the fourth flow channel section when the temperature of the data center is higher than the second preset threshold value to increase the flow rate of the first medium in the first circulation flow channel.

[0017] Furthermore, it also includes:

[0018] The second submodule has a fifth flow channel section, and both ends of the fifth flow channel section are respectively connected to the second circulation flow channel so that the fifth flow channel section is connected in parallel with the portion of the second circulation flow channel in the heat exchange module. The control switching module is also configured to cause the second submodule to inject the second medium into the second circulation flow channel through the fifth flow channel section when the temperature of the data center is higher than the second preset threshold value to increase the flow rate of the second medium in the second circulation flow channel.

[0019] Furthermore, the second preset threshold is lower than the first preset threshold.

[0020] Furthermore, it also includes:

[0021] The early warning module and the control switching module are further configured to issue an alarm when the temperature of the data center is higher than a third preset threshold, wherein the third preset threshold is higher than the first preset threshold.

[0022] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: when the data center is heating normally, the first flow channel section is controlled to be connected to the first circulation flow channel to store cold in the cold storage structure, and heat preservation is performed after the cold storage is completed; when the data center is overheated, that is, when it exceeds the first preset threshold, it means that the cooling speed of the entire system can no longer meet the requirements, and in the flow direction of the second medium, part of the second circulation flow channel in the heat exchange module is located downstream of the third flow channel section. At this time, the first flow channel section is connected to the second circulation flow channel so that the cold storage structure can cool down the second medium with too high temperature in advance, so that the cooling effect can meet the requirements. Through this effect similar to peak shaving and valley filling, a cooling effect that exceeds the capacity limit of the system itself is achieved in a short time. When the data center is heating normally, the first flow channel section is controlled to be reconnected to the first circulation flow channel to store cold in the cold storage structure, and this cycle is repeated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the partial structure of a data center cooling system according to the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the partial structure of a data center cooling system of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The present invention proposes a data center cooling system, referring to Figure 1-2 , comprising: a first module having a first circulation channel 1 therein, the first module being configured to allow a first medium cooled by an external cold source to circulate in the first circulation channel 1.

[0026] Specifically, the first module includes a first circulation pipeline having a first circulation channel 1 inside and a first pump body. The first pump body is installed on the first circulation pipeline to allow the first medium to circulate in the first circulation channel 1. Heat exchange can be performed between the first circulation pipeline portion and the external cold source to cool the first medium in the first circulation pipeline.

[0027] The second module has a second circulation channel 2 therein. The second module is configured to allow the second medium heated by the heat of the data center to circulate in the second circulation channel 2 .

[0028] Specifically, the second module includes a second circulation pipeline with a second circulation channel 2 inside, a second pump body and a third pump body. The second pump body is installed on the second circulation pipeline to allow the second medium to circulate in the second circulation channel 2. The third pump body is installed on the second circulation pipeline and is connected in parallel with the second pump body. When it is detected that the second pump body stops working, the third pump body will be controlled to start, and heat exchange can be carried out between the second circulation pipeline part and the data center to cool the second medium in the second circulation pipeline.

[0029] The heat exchange module, with both the first circulation channel 1 and the second circulation channel 2 partially located within the module, is configured to exchange heat between the cooled first medium and the heated second medium. Specifically, the module is a plate heat exchanger, a conventional plate heat exchanger. The specific method for heat exchange between the cooled first medium and the heated second medium within the plate heat exchanger is not detailed here. In the direction of flow of the second medium, the portion of the second circulation channel 2 within the module is located downstream of the third channel segment 21.

[0030] The third module has a first flow channel section 3 and a cold storage structure arranged along the length direction of the first flow channel section 3. Figure 2 The cold storage structure includes multiple cold storage structure units 405. The third module has a first flow channel section 3. The third module specifically includes a first end plate 401, a second end plate 402, multiple shell units 403, and multiple sealing gaskets 404. The first end plate 401 and the second end plate 402 clamp all the shell units 403 and all the sealing gaskets 404. The shell units 403 are tightly clamped and fixed between adjacent sealing gaskets 404. The sealing gaskets 404 are clamped and fixed between adjacent shell units 403. The shell units 403 each have an interlayer adapted to accommodate the cold storage structure units 405. The inlet of the first flow channel section 3 is opened on the first end plate 401, and the outlet is opened on the second end plate 402. Adjacent cold storage structure units 405 are arranged in parallel and staggered. The first flow channel section 3 is a reciprocating folding structure that is conducive to the external heat exchange of the cold storage structure. The cold storage structure is made of phase change material.

[0031] The control switching module is configured to connect the first flow channel section 3 to the first circulation flow channel 1 to store cold in the cold storage structure when the data center temperature is lower than a first preset threshold, and to connect the first flow channel section 3 to the second circulation flow channel 2 to allow the cold storage structure to cool the second medium when the data center temperature is higher than the first preset threshold. The first medium and the second medium are homogeneous.

[0032] When the data center is heating normally, the first flow channel section 3 is controlled to be connected to the first circulation flow channel 1 to store cold in the cold storage structure, and insulation is performed after the cold storage is completed; when the data center is overheated, that is, when it exceeds the first preset threshold, it means that the cooling speed of the entire system can no longer meet the requirements, and in the flow direction of the second medium, part of the second circulation flow channel 2 in the heat exchange module is located downstream of the third flow channel section 21. At this time, the first flow channel section 3 is connected to the second circulation flow channel 2 to allow the cold storage structure to cool down the second medium with too high temperature in advance, so that the cooling effect can meet the requirements. Through this effect similar to peak shaving and valley filling, a cooling effect that exceeds the capacity limit of the system itself is achieved in a short time. When the data center is heating normally, the first flow channel section 3 is controlled to be reconnected to the first circulation flow channel 1 to store cold in the cold storage structure, and this cycle is repeated.

[0033] refer to Figure 1 Furthermore, the first circulation flow channel 1 includes a second flow channel section 11, the second circulation flow channel 2 includes a third flow channel section 21, the two ends of the first flow channel section 3 are respectively connected to the two ends of the second flow channel section 11, and the two ends of the first flow channel section 3 are respectively connected to the two ends of the third flow channel section 21. The control switching module specifically includes a controller and a control valve assembly controlled by the controller. The control valve assembly specifically includes: a first control valve 12 for controlling the on-off of the second flow channel section 11, a second control valve 22 for controlling the on-off of the third flow channel section 21, a third control valve 31 for controlling the on-off between the first flow channel section 3 and the second flow channel section 11, and a fourth control valve 32 for controlling the on-off between the first flow channel section 3 and the third flow channel section 21.

[0034] When the control switching module is configured so that when the temperature of the data center is lower than a first preset threshold, the controller controls the first control valve 12 and the fourth control valve 32 to close, and the controller controls the second control valve 22 and the third control valve 31 to open, so that the first flow channel section 3 is connected to the first circulation flow channel 1 to store cold in the cold storage structure.

[0035] Furthermore, when the temperature of the data center is higher than the first preset threshold, the controller controls the first control valve 12 and the fourth control valve 32 to open, and the controller controls the second control valve 22 and the third control valve 31 to close, so that the first flow channel section 3 is connected to the second circulation flow channel 2 so that the cold storage structure cools the second medium.

[0036] Furthermore, the system further includes: a first submodule having a fourth flow channel section 4 therein, with both ends of the fourth flow channel section 4 connected to the first circulation flow channel 1 so that the fourth flow channel section 4 is connected in parallel with the portion of the first circulation flow channel 1 within the heat exchange module; the control switching module is further configured to cause the first submodule to inject the first medium into the first circulation flow channel 1 through the fourth flow channel section 4 when the temperature of the data center exceeds a second preset threshold value, thereby increasing the flow rate of the first medium in the first circulation flow channel 1. It should be noted that the second preset threshold value is lower than the first preset threshold value. That is, when the data center is overheated and the temperature value is between the second preset threshold value and the first preset threshold value, the first medium can be injected into the first circulation flow channel 1 through the fourth flow channel section 4 to increase the flow of the first medium in the first circulation flow channel 1, thereby accelerating the heat exchange rate and meeting the current cooling demand.

[0037] Furthermore, it also includes: a second sub-module, which has a fifth flow channel section 5, and both ends of the fifth flow channel section 5 are respectively connected to the second circulation flow channel 2 so that the fifth flow channel section 5 is connected in parallel with the part of the second circulation flow channel 2 in the heat exchange module. The control switching module is also configured to enable the second sub-module to inject the second medium into the second circulation flow channel 2 through the fifth flow channel section 5 to increase the flow rate of the second medium in the second circulation flow channel 2 when the temperature of the data center is higher than the second preset threshold.

[0038] That is to say, when the data center is overheated and the temperature value is between the second preset threshold and the first preset threshold, the second medium can be injected into the second circulation channel 2 through the fifth flow channel section 5 to increase the flow of the second medium in the second circulation channel 2 and thus speed up the heat exchange speed, thereby meeting the current cooling demand.

[0039] Furthermore, it also includes: an early warning module, and the control switching module is also configured to issue an alarm when the temperature of the data center is higher than a third preset threshold, wherein the third preset threshold is higher than the first preset threshold. At this time, the temperature of the data center is already too high to the level that the current system cannot meet the cooling requirements even if the above-mentioned peak shaving and valley filling method is adopted. In order to avoid irreversible damage to the data center, manual operation is performed by means of an alarm, such as manual shutdown.

[0040] The above are only preferred specific embodiments of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any technician familiar with this technical field, within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention, who makes equivalent replacements or changes based on the technical solutions and inventive concepts of the present invention, should be covered by the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A data center cooling system, characterized in that: include: A first module having a first circulation channel (1) therein, wherein the first module is configured to allow a first medium cooled by an external cooling source to circulate in the first circulation channel (1); A second module having a second circulation channel (2) therein, the second module being configured to allow a second medium heated by heat from the data center to circulate within the second circulation channel (2); A heat exchange module, wherein the first circulation channel (1) and the second circulation channel (2) are both partially located within the heat exchange module, and the heat exchange module is configured to allow heat exchange between the cooled first medium and the heated second medium; A third module, comprising a first flow channel section (3) and a cold storage structure arranged along the length direction of the first flow channel section (3); The control switching module is configured to connect the first flow channel section (3) to the first circulation flow channel (1) to store cold in the cold storage structure when the temperature of the data center is lower than a first preset threshold, and to connect the first flow channel section (3) to the second circulation flow channel (2) to enable the cold storage structure to cool the second medium when the temperature of the data center is higher than the first preset threshold.

2. The data center cooling system according to claim 1, wherein: The cold storage structure is made of phase change material, and the first medium and the second medium are homogeneous.

3. The data center cooling system according to claim 1, wherein: The first circulation flow channel (1) includes a second flow channel section (11), the second circulation flow channel (2) includes a third flow channel section (21), two ends of the first flow channel section (3) are respectively connected to two ends of the second flow channel section (11), and two ends of the first flow channel section (3) are respectively connected to two ends of the third flow channel section (21). The control switching module specifically includes a controller and a control valve assembly controlled by the controller. The control valve assembly specifically includes: a first control valve (12) for controlling the on / off of the second flow channel section (11), a second control valve (22) for controlling the on / off of the third flow channel section (21), a third control valve (31) for controlling the on / off between the first flow channel section (3) and the second flow channel section (11), and a fourth control valve (32) for controlling the on / off between the first flow channel section (3) and the third flow channel section (21).

4. The data center cooling system according to claim 3, wherein: When the control switching module is configured such that when the temperature of the data center is lower than a first preset threshold, the controller controls the first control valve (12) and the fourth control valve (32) to close, and the controller controls the second control valve (22) and the third control valve (31) to open, so that the first flow channel section (3) is connected to the first circulation flow channel (1) to store cold in the cold storage structure.

5. The data center cooling system according to claim 3, wherein: When the temperature of the data center is higher than a first preset threshold, the controller controls the first control valve (12) and the fourth control valve (32) to open, and the controller controls the second control valve (22) and the third control valve (31) to close, so that the first flow channel section (3) is connected to the second circulation flow channel (2) so that the cold storage structure cools the second medium.

6. The data center cooling system according to claim 3, wherein: The heat exchange module is specifically a plate heat exchanger. In the flow direction of the second medium, part of the second circulation channel (2) in the heat exchange module is located downstream of the third channel section (21).

7. The data center cooling system according to claim 1, wherein: Also includes: The first submodule has a fourth flow channel section (4) therein, and both ends of the fourth flow channel section (4) are respectively connected to the first circulation flow channel (1) so that the fourth flow channel section (4) and a portion of the first circulation flow channel (1) in the heat exchange module are connected in parallel. The control switching module is further configured to cause the first submodule to inject a first medium into the first circulation flow channel (1) through the fourth flow channel section (4) when the temperature of the data center is higher than a second preset threshold value so as to increase the flow rate of the first medium in the first circulation flow channel (1).

8. The data center cooling system according to claim 7, wherein: Also includes: The second submodule has a fifth flow channel section (5) therein, and both ends of the fifth flow channel section (5) are respectively connected to the second circulation flow channel (2) so that the fifth flow channel section (5) is connected in parallel with a portion of the second circulation flow channel (2) in the heat exchange module. The control switching module is further configured to cause the second submodule to inject a second medium into the second circulation flow channel (2) through the fifth flow channel section (5) when the temperature of the data center is higher than a second preset threshold value so as to increase the flow rate of the second medium in the second circulation flow channel (2).

9. The data center cooling system according to claim 8, wherein: The second preset threshold is lower than the first preset threshold.

10. The data center cooling system according to claim 9, wherein: Also includes: The early warning module and the control switching module are further configured to issue an alarm when the temperature of the data center is higher than a third preset threshold, wherein the third preset threshold is higher than the first preset threshold.

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