Control method and device of liquid cooling system, control equipment, liquid cooling system and data center

Abstract

The invention provides a control method, device and control equipment of a liquid cooling system, the liquid cooling system and a data center, and relates to the field of liquid cooling heat dissipation. The liquid cooling system comprises a water pump and a valve which are connected in parallel, and the method comprises the steps that a PID adjusting method is adopted, the opening degree of the valve is adjusted so as to reduce the difference between the flow of a liquid cooling loop and the target flow, and the first real-time flow of the liquid cooling loop is monitored; when the first real-time flow is within the preset stable flow interval, sampling the opening degree of the valve within the first preset duration, and determining a first target opening degree according to the opening degree of the valve within the first preset duration; the PID adjusting method is stopped to adjust the opening degree of the valve, and the opening degree of the valve is adjusted to the first target opening degree; and gradually adjusting the opening degree of the valve by adopting a dichotomy until the flow of the liquid cooling loop reaches the target flow. The flow control precision of the liquid cooling loop can be improved, the valve action frequency is reduced, and the service life of the valve is prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of liquid cooling technology, and in particular to a control method, device, control equipment, liquid cooling system, and data center for a liquid cooling system. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data, data centers, as computing infrastructure, are constantly expanding in scale and increasing in computing density, placing higher demands on heat dissipation systems. Traditional air-cooling methods are no longer sufficient to meet the heat dissipation needs of high-density, high-power devices in data centers, resulting in problems such as low heat dissipation efficiency, high energy consumption, and high noise, which seriously restricts the development of data centers.

[0003] Liquid cooling technology, as a highly efficient and energy-saving heat dissipation method, has attracted widespread attention. Liquid cooling systems typically include valves in their circuits, allowing for flow rate regulation by adjusting the valve opening. However, the mechanical characteristics of valves result in slow response times and weak flow regulation performance at specific opening degrees, leading to low flow control accuracy and frequent valve operation, thus affecting valve lifespan. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a control method, device, control equipment, liquid cooling system, and data center for a liquid cooling system, in order to solve the problems of low flow control accuracy in liquid cooling circuits and frequent valve actuation, which affects valve lifespan.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a control method for a liquid cooling system, the liquid cooling system including a water pump and a valve connected in parallel in a liquid cooling circuit, wherein the flow direction of the cooling medium in the branch where the water pump is located is opposite to that in the branch where the valve is located; the control method for the liquid cooling system includes: The PID control method is used to adjust the valve opening to reduce the gap between the flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit and the target flow rate, and to monitor the first real-time flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit. When the first real-time flow rate is within a preset stable flow rate range, the valve opening is sampled within a first preset time period, and a first target opening is determined based on the valve opening within the first preset time period; the preset stable flow rate range includes the target flow rate. Stop using the PID control method to adjust the valve opening and adjust the valve opening to the first target opening. The valve opening is gradually adjusted using a binary method until the flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit reaches the target flow rate.

[0006] In one possible implementation, determining the first target opening degree based on the valve opening degree within a first preset time period includes: Determine the maximum and minimum values ​​of the valve opening within the first preset time period; Calculate the average of the maximum and minimum values, and use it as the first target opening.

[0007] In one possible implementation, a binary method is used to gradually adjust the valve opening until the flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit reaches the target flow rate, including: After a second preset time period, obtain the first current flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit; If the first current flow rate is equal to the target flow rate, then the valve opening is fixed at the first target opening. If the current flow is greater than the target flow, then the first target opening is taken as the new minimum value, and the process jumps to the step of calculating the average of the maximum and minimum values ​​as the first target opening, and repeats. If the current flow is less than the target flow, the first target opening is taken as the new maximum value, and the process jumps to the step of calculating the average of the maximum and minimum values ​​as the first target opening, and repeats.

[0008] In one possible implementation, a PID control method is used to regulate the valve opening, including: Obtain the second current flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit; Calculate the difference between the target flow and the second current flow; The difference is used for PID control to determine the second target opening degree of the valve; Adjust the valve opening to the second target opening and jump to the step of obtaining the second current flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit, which is executed cyclically.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the pump frequency remains constant while the valve opening is adjusted.

[0010] In one possible implementation, before using the PID control method to adjust the valve opening, the following steps are also included: Based on the target flow rate, adjust the pump frequency to reduce the gap between the flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit and the target flow rate; When the pump frequency is at its minimum frequency, obtain the third current flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit and determine whether the third current flow rate has reached the target flow rate; Accordingly, the PID control method is used to adjust the valve opening, including: If the current flow rate does not reach the target flow rate, the PID control method is used to adjust the valve opening.

[0011] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention provide a control device for a liquid cooling system. The liquid cooling system includes a water pump and a valve connected in parallel in a liquid cooling circuit, wherein the flow direction of the cooling medium in the branch where the water pump is located is opposite to that in the branch where the valve is located; the control device for the liquid cooling system includes: The PID control module is used to adjust the valve opening using the PID control method to reduce the gap between the flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit and the target flow rate, and to monitor the first real-time flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit. The sampling module is used to sample the valve opening within a first preset time period when the first real-time flow rate is within a preset stable flow rate range, and to determine the first target opening based on the valve opening within the first preset time period; the preset stable flow rate range includes the target flow rate. The valve opening adjustment module is used to stop the PID control method from adjusting the valve opening and adjust the valve opening to the first target opening. The binary adjustment module is used to gradually adjust the valve opening using a binary method until the flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit reaches the target flow rate.

[0012] Thirdly, embodiments of the present invention provide a control device, including a processor and a memory, wherein the memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor is used to call and run the computer program stored in the memory to execute the control method of the liquid cooling system as described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0013] Fourthly, embodiments of the present invention provide a liquid cooling system, including a water pump and valves connected in parallel in a liquid cooling circuit, and a control device as described in the third aspect; The cooling medium flows in the opposite direction to the cooling medium in the branch where the water pump is located and the branch where the valve is located; The water pumps and valves are controlled by the control equipment.

[0014] Fifthly, embodiments of the present invention provide a data center including the liquid cooling system described in the fourth aspect.

[0015] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the control method for the liquid cooling system as described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0016] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the control method for a liquid cooling system as described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0017] This invention provides a control method, apparatus, control device, liquid cooling system, and data center for a liquid cooling system. The method first employs a PID control method to adjust the valve opening, bringing the flow rate in the liquid cooling loop closer to the target flow rate and reducing the gap between the current flow rate and the target flow rate. When the PID control method has brought the flow rate in the liquid cooling loop within a preset stable flow range (i.e., when the flow rate in the liquid cooling loop is within a large stable range), to improve flow regulation accuracy and reduce the number of valve actuations, the PID control method for adjusting the valve opening can be stopped. Instead, after controlling the valve opening to a first target opening, a binary method is used to gradually adjust the valve opening, reducing the gap between the flow rate in the liquid cooling loop and the target flow rate with each adjustment until the flow rate in the liquid cooling loop reaches the target flow rate. Compared to methods that continuously use the PID control method to adjust the valve opening, this method significantly improves the flow control accuracy of the liquid cooling loop, enhances the heat dissipation effect on the heat load, reduces the number of valve actuations, and extends the valve's service life. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a liquid cooling system provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a liquid cooling system provided in another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the implementation of a control method for a liquid cooling system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a control device for a liquid cooling system provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a control device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0020] In the following description, specific details such as particular system architectures and techniques are set forth for illustrative purposes and not for limitation, in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the invention. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the invention can be implemented in other embodiments without these specific details. In other instances, detailed descriptions of well-known systems, apparatuses, circuits, and methods are omitted so as not to obscure the description of the invention with unnecessary detail.

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention clearer, specific embodiments will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0022] See Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a schematic of a liquid cooling system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The liquid cooling system includes a water pump 121 and a valve 122 connected in parallel within a liquid cooling circuit 10. The cooling medium flows in opposite directions in the branch containing the water pump 121 and the branch containing the valve 122. The cooling medium can be a coolant.

[0023] Pump 121 is the core device in the liquid cooling system, providing power for the flow of the liquid cooling medium in the liquid cooling circuit 10. Therefore, the flow direction of the liquid cooling medium in the branch where pump 121 is located is the same as the flow direction of the liquid cooling medium in the liquid cooling circuit 10. Pump 121 can be a circulating pump, specifically a variable frequency pump, whose frequency can vary. The frequency of pump 121 affects the flow rate in the liquid cooling circuit 10. All other things being equal, a higher frequency of pump 121 results in a higher flow rate, and a lower frequency results in a lower flow rate. Essentially, the frequency of pump 121 and the flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit 10 are positively correlated.

[0024] Liquid cooling systems can also be called liquid-cooled CDU (Coolant Distribution Unit) systems.

[0025] Valve 122 can be an electric valve with a variable opening. Since the flow direction of the cooling medium in the branch containing valve 122 is opposite to that in the branch containing pump 121, and thus opposite to that in the liquid cooling circuit 10, a larger opening of valve 122 results in a larger flow rate in its branch but a smaller flow rate in the liquid cooling circuit 10; conversely, a smaller opening of valve 122 results in a smaller flow rate in its branch but a larger flow rate in the liquid cooling circuit 10. Essentially, the opening of valve 122 and the flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit 10 are negatively correlated.

[0026] Liquid cooling systems may also include control equipment ( Figure 1 (not shown in the image) Both the water pump 121 and the valve 122 can be controlled by a control device.

[0027] The liquid cooling circuit 10 can be used to dissipate heat and cool down the thermal load. The thermal load may include at least one device in the data center that requires heat dissipation, such as computing devices, network devices, storage devices, and power supply devices. The computing devices may include at least one of central processing units, graphics processing units, tensor processing units, field-programmable gate arrays, and servers; the network devices may include at least one of switches and routers; the storage devices may include at least one of hard disks and storage controllers; and the power supply devices may include at least one of power distribution units, uninterruptible power supplies, and energy storage devices.

[0028] The aforementioned liquid cooling circuit 10 can be either a secondary circuit 12 or a primary circuit 11 of the liquid cooling system. That is, the secondary circuit 12 can have the aforementioned water pump 121 and valve 122 connected in parallel to regulate the flow rate of the secondary circuit 12, and / or the primary circuit 11 can have the aforementioned water pump 121 and valve 122 connected in parallel to regulate the flow rate of the primary circuit 11.

[0029] For example, Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a liquid cooling system with the aforementioned water pump 121 and valve 122 connected in parallel in the secondary circuit 12 is shown. (See also...) Figure 2 The liquid cooling system includes a water pump 121 and a valve 122 connected in parallel in the secondary side circuit 12. The cooling medium flows in opposite directions in the branch where the water pump 121 is located and the branch where the valve 122 is located.

[0030] Specifically, the liquid cooling system includes a secondary side circuit 12, which includes the aforementioned water pump 121 and valve 122. The cooling medium flows in opposite directions in the branch where the water pump 121 is located and the branch where the valve 122 is located.

[0031] Liquid cooling systems may also include control equipment ( Figure 2 (Not shown in the image) Both pump 121 and valve 122 are controlled by a control device.

[0032] See also some possible implementations. Figure 2 The secondary side loop 12 may also include a secondary side supply and return main loop pipe. The liquid cooling system may also include a primary side loop 11 and a heat exchanger 13, through which the cooling medium in the primary side loop 11 and the cooling medium in the secondary side loop 12 exchange heat. The heat exchanger 13 may be a plate heat exchanger or other types of heat exchangers, without specific limitations.

[0033] The inlet of water pump 121 is connected to the outlet of the secondary side supply and return liquid main loop pipe, the outlet of water pump 121 is connected to the secondary side inlet of heat exchanger 13, and the secondary side outlet of heat exchanger 13 is connected to the inlet of the secondary side supply and return liquid main loop pipe. The secondary side supply and return liquid main loop pipe is used to dissipate heat load.

[0034] Part of the cooling medium flowing out of the secondary side circuit 12 from the water pump 121 enters the heat exchanger 13 to exchange heat with the low-temperature cooling medium in the primary side circuit 11 and cool down. The remaining part enters the valve 122. The cooling medium flowing out of the heat exchanger 13 from the secondary side circuit 12 enters the secondary side supply and return liquid main ring pipe to cool down the heat load and remove the heat of the heat load. The heated cooling medium in the secondary side circuit 12 and the cooling medium flowing out of the valve 122 return to the water pump 121 and flow out after being pressurized by the water pump 121.

[0035] The primary side loop may include a regulating valve 111 and primary side inlet / outlet main loop pipes. The inlet of the regulating valve 111 is connected to the primary side outlet of the heat exchanger 13, the outlet of the regulating valve 111 is connected to the inlet of the primary side inlet / outlet main loop pipes, and the outlet of the primary side inlet / outlet main loop pipes is connected to the primary side inlet of the heat exchanger 13. The primary side inlet / outlet main loop pipes are used to connect to a cold source to reduce the temperature of the cooling medium in the primary side loop 11. The regulating valve 111 is used to regulate the flow rate of the cooling medium in the primary side loop 11, and the flow rate of the cooling medium in the primary side loop 11 can be adjusted by adjusting its opening degree.

[0036] The low-temperature cooling medium in the primary side loop 11 flowing out of the primary side inlet and outlet main loop pipe enters the heat exchanger 13 to exchange heat with the high-temperature cooling medium in the secondary side loop 12. The high-temperature cooling medium in the primary side loop 11 flowing out of the heat exchanger 13 enters the primary side inlet and outlet main loop pipe through the regulating valve 111. After being cooled by the cold source, it flows out of the primary side inlet and outlet main loop pipe.

[0037] In some possible implementations, the secondary side circuit 12 may include one, two or more water pumps 121, which can be determined according to actual needs. When the number of water pumps 121 is greater than or equal to two, the water pumps 121 are connected in parallel, and the cooling medium in each branch of the water pump 121 flows in the same direction.

[0038] In some possible implementations, the secondary side circuit 12 may also include a coolant replenishment device for replenishing or replacing coolant in the secondary side circuit 12, etc.

[0039] In some possible implementations, the secondary side loop 12 may also include a sensor, such as at least one of a flow sensor, a temperature sensor, and a pressure sensor, for detecting at least one of the parameters such as flow rate, temperature, and pressure in the secondary side loop 12.

[0040] It should be noted that the parallel connection of water pump 121 and valve 122 described above can also be located in the primary side circuit 11. When the primary side circuit 11 includes the parallel connection of water pump 121 and valve 122, the regulating valve 111 can be removed, and the flow rate in the primary side circuit can be adjusted through the parallel connection of water pump 121 and valve 122. Specific connection relationships and cooling medium flow direction can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 2 The relevant descriptions of the corresponding embodiments have been adapted and will not be repeated here.

[0041] Corresponding to the above-mentioned liquid cooling system, this application provides a control method for the liquid cooling system. As mentioned above, due to the mechanical characteristics of the valve, its response speed is slow and its flow regulation performance at a specific opening degree is weak. This results in a long lag between changes in valve opening degree and changes in flow rate in the loop, leading to low flow control accuracy in the loop and frequent valve operation, which affects the valve's service life.

[0042] To address this problem, embodiments of this application provide a control method for a liquid cooling system.

[0043] See Figure 3 This document illustrates a flowchart of the implementation of a control method for a liquid cooling system provided in an embodiment of the present invention. This control method can be applied to control devices within a liquid cooling system. The control device can be a controller, such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) or a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller).

[0044] As mentioned earlier, the liquid cooling system includes a water pump and valves connected in parallel within the liquid cooling circuit, with the cooling medium flowing in opposite directions in the branch containing the water pump and the branch containing the valves. Further details regarding the liquid cooling system can be found in the descriptions of the foregoing embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0045] The control method of the above liquid cooling system is described in detail below: In S301, a PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) control method is used to adjust the valve opening to reduce the gap between the flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit and the target flow rate, and to monitor the first real-time flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit.

[0046] In this embodiment, a PID control method is first used to adjust the valve opening. During this process, the real-time flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit continuously approaches the target flow rate, thereby reducing the gap between the liquid cooling circuit flow rate and the target flow rate. While adjusting the valve opening using the PID control method, the flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit is monitored in real time. To distinguish it from subsequent real-time flow rates or the current flow rate, the real-time flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit monitored during the valve opening adjustment process using the PID control method is referred to as the first real-time flow rate.

[0047] The target flow rate is a flow rate value determined based on the current heat dissipation requirements of the heat load; it is the flow rate that the liquid cooling circuit needs to achieve. For example, the target flow rate can be determined based on the heat load's rack utilization rate and / or load rate, etc.

[0048] In this embodiment, a flow sensor can be installed at any location in the liquid cooling circuit (excluding the branch where the valve is located and the branch where the water pump is located) to monitor the real-time flow rate in the liquid cooling circuit. For example, if the liquid cooling circuit is a secondary side circuit, the flow sensor can be installed at the outlet of the secondary side supply and return main loop pipe, or at the inlet of the secondary side supply and return main loop pipe, or at other locations, without specific limitations.

[0049] This application does not impose specific restrictions on the specific means of implementing the PID control method to adjust the valve opening to reduce the gap between the flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit and the target flow rate; any feasible means are acceptable.

[0050] In S302, when the first real-time flow rate is within the preset stable flow rate range, the valve opening degree within the first preset time period is sampled, and the first target opening degree is determined based on the valve opening degree within the first preset time period; the preset stable flow rate range includes the target flow rate.

[0051] The preset stable flow range can be a flow range centered on the target flow. Its upper limit can be the flow value obtained by adding the first preset flow to the target flow, and its lower limit can be the flow value obtained by subtracting the first preset flow from the target flow. The value of the first preset flow can be determined according to actual needs and is not specifically limited here.

[0052] When the first real-time flow rate is within the preset stable flow rate range, it can be considered that the flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit has entered a relatively large stable range near the target flow rate. At this time, the valve opening can be sampled to obtain the valve opening within the first preset time period.

[0053] It should be noted that during the sampling of the valve opening within the first preset time period, the PID control method is still used to adjust the valve opening. Therefore, during this process, the first real-time flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit may change, and the valve opening may also change.

[0054] The first preset duration can begin when the first real-time flow rate is detected to be within a preset stable flow range. At this time, the valve opening can be periodically detected. The valve opening within the first preset duration can include valve openings obtained from multiple periodic samplings, with the number of valve openings included being greater than or equal to 2. The first preset duration can be determined according to actual needs, for example, it can be the duration of 3 periods, 5 periods, or 10 periods, etc., without specific limitations.

[0055] Furthermore, the valve opening within the first preset time period is the valve opening sampled when the first real-time flow rate is consistently within the preset stable flow rate range. Therefore, valve opening sampling can begin when it is determined that the first real-time flow rate is relatively stable within the preset stable flow rate range. For example, valve opening sampling can begin when the duration for which the first real-time flow rate is within the preset stable flow rate range is greater than or equal to the third preset time period. That is, the start time of the first preset time period can be the time when the duration for which the first real-time flow rate is detected to be within the preset stable flow rate range is greater than or equal to the third preset time period.

[0056] After obtaining the valve opening degree within a first preset time period, a first target opening degree can be determined based on the obtained valve opening degree within the first preset time period. The first target opening degree is the opening degree to which the valve needs to be adjusted, that is, the valve opening needs to be adjusted to the first target opening degree. For example, the first target opening degree can be between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the valve opening degree within the first preset time period, or it can be the average value of the maximum and minimum values, or it can be the average value of the valve opening degree within the first preset time period, etc.

[0057] When the valve is adjusted to the first target opening degree, the flow rate in the liquid cooling circuit is still within the preset stable flow rate range.

[0058] In S303, the PID control method is stopped from adjusting the valve opening, and the valve opening is adjusted to the first target opening.

[0059] After determining the first target opening degree, the PID control method can be stopped to adjust the valve opening degree, and the valve opening degree can be adjusted to the first target opening degree. Subsequently, another method can be used to adjust the valve opening degree so that the flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit reaches the target flow rate.

[0060] Because the method of controlling valve opening using PID regulation to adjust the flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit to achieve the target flow rate requires frequent valve opening adjustments and has poor control accuracy, this embodiment of the application, after using PID regulation to adjust the valve opening to stabilize the first real-time flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit within a preset stable flow range and determining the first target opening, stops using PID regulation to adjust the valve opening. Subsequently, a method that avoids frequent valve opening adjustments and improves control accuracy is used to adjust the valve opening.

[0061] In S304, a binary method is used to gradually adjust the valve opening until the flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit reaches the target flow rate.

[0062] In this embodiment, after stopping the PID control method to adjust the valve opening and controlling the valve opening to the first target opening, the binary method is used to gradually adjust the valve opening, so that the flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit gradually approaches the target flow rate until the flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit reaches the target flow rate.

[0063] This application does not impose specific restrictions on the specific means of implementing the binary method to gradually adjust the valve opening until the flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit reaches the target flow rate. As long as the binary method is used and the flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit gradually approaches the target flow rate each time the valve opening is adjusted, until the target flow rate is reached, it is acceptable.

[0064] The target flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit can be understood as the liquid cooling circuit flow rate being equal to the target flow rate, or as the absolute value of the difference between the liquid cooling circuit flow rate and the target flow rate being less than or equal to the second preset flow rate. The second preset flow rate is greater than 0 and less than the first preset flow rate.

[0065] This application first employs a PID control method to adjust the valve opening, bringing the flow rate in the liquid cooling circuit closer to the target flow rate and reducing the gap between the current flow rate and the target flow rate. When the PID control method brings the flow rate in the liquid cooling circuit within a preset stable flow range (i.e., when the flow rate in the liquid cooling circuit is within a large stable range), to improve flow regulation accuracy and reduce the number of valve actuations, the PID control method for adjusting the valve opening can be stopped. Instead, after controlling the valve opening to the first target opening, a bisection method is used to gradually adjust the valve opening, reducing the gap between the flow rate in the liquid cooling circuit and the target flow rate with each adjustment until the flow rate in the liquid cooling circuit reaches the target flow rate. This application essentially provides a valve opening adjustment optimization method for a liquid cooling system based on PID calculation and the bisection method. Compared with the method of continuously using the PID control method to adjust the valve opening, this method can significantly improve the flow control accuracy of the liquid cooling circuit, enhance the heat dissipation effect on the heat load, reduce the number of valve actuations, and extend the valve's service life.

[0066] In some embodiments, in S302, determining the first target opening degree based on the valve opening degree within a first preset time period includes: Determine the maximum and minimum values ​​of the valve opening within the first preset time period; Calculate the average of the maximum and minimum values, and use it as the first target opening.

[0067] In this embodiment of the application, the maximum value and the minimum value of the opening of all valves within a first preset time period are first determined, and then the average value of the maximum value and the minimum value is taken as the first target opening.

[0068] In some embodiments, a binary method is used to gradually adjust the valve opening until the flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit reaches the target flow rate, including: After a second preset time period, obtain the first current flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit; If the first current flow rate is equal to the target flow rate, then the valve opening is fixed at the first target opening. If the current flow is greater than the target flow, then the first target opening is taken as the new minimum value, and the process jumps to the step of calculating the average of the maximum and minimum values ​​as the first target opening, and repeats. If the current flow is less than the target flow, the first target opening is taken as the new maximum value, and the process jumps to the step of calculating the average of the maximum and minimum values ​​as the first target opening, and repeats.

[0069] The start time of the second preset duration can be the moment when the valve opening is at the first target opening, or it can be the start time when the valve opening is adjusted to the first target opening. It can be set according to actual needs, and no specific restrictions are made here.

[0070] The second preset duration must ensure that the flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit reaches a stable state when the valve opening remains unchanged. Specifically, this can be understood as the flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit matching the valve opening. Since a certain amount of time is required for a change in valve opening to translate into a change in the flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit, the second preset duration should be greater than or equal to this duration. This ensures that after the second preset duration, the first current flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit is the actual flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit corresponding to the valve opening being the first target opening. For example, the specific value of the second preset duration can be determined according to actual needs; for instance, it could be 5 seconds or 6 seconds, etc.

[0071] In this embodiment of the application, the real-time flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit obtained after the second preset time period is referred to as the first current flow rate, so as to distinguish it from the aforementioned first real-time flow rate.

[0072] If the current flow rate is equal to the target flow rate, it means that the flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit has met the heat dissipation requirements of the heat load. At this time, the valve opening can be stopped and the valve opening can be kept at the current first target opening.

[0073] If the current flow rate is greater than the target flow rate, it indicates that the flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit is too high, which can easily lead to resource waste. In this case, it is necessary to control the flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit to be reduced, that is, to control the valve opening to be increased. Therefore, the current first target opening can be taken as the new minimum value, that is, the value of the minimum value is increased. In this way, the value of the first target opening obtained by recalculation in the next cycle will also be increased, thereby controlling the valve opening to be increased, and thus reducing the flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit.

[0074] If the current flow rate is less than the target flow rate, it means that the flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit is too small and cannot meet the heat dissipation requirements of the heat load. At this time, it is necessary to control the flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit to increase, that is, to control the valve opening to decrease. Therefore, the current first target opening can be taken as the new maximum value, that is, the value of the maximum value is reduced. In this way, the value of the first target opening obtained by recalculation in the next cycle will be smaller, thereby controlling the valve opening to decrease, and thus increasing the flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit.

[0075] Wherein, if the first current flow is equal to the target flow, it can be replaced with the absolute value of the difference between the first current flow and the target flow being less than or equal to the second preset flow. Correspondingly, if the first current flow is greater than the target flow, it can be replaced with the first current flow being greater than the target flow plus the second preset flow; if the first current flow is less than the target flow, it can be replaced with the first current flow being less than the target flow minus the second preset flow.

[0076] The embodiments of this application gradually adjust the valve opening using the above method, which can reduce the number of valve opening adjustments, enabling the flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit to reach the target flow rate required by the heat load as soon as possible, while significantly improving the flow control accuracy of the liquid cooling circuit.

[0077] In some embodiments, the above-mentioned PID control method for adjusting the valve opening includes: Obtain the second current flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit; Calculate the difference between the target flow and the second current flow; The difference is used for PID control to determine the second target opening degree of the valve; Adjust the valve opening to the second target opening and jump to the step of obtaining the second current flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit, which is executed cyclically.

[0078] In this embodiment, a PID control method is used. The real-time flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit obtained during the process of adjusting the valve opening is called the second current flow rate, so as to distinguish it from the aforementioned first real-time flow rate and first current flow rate.

[0079] In this embodiment of the application, the second target opening degree of the valve can be obtained by calculating the difference between the target flow rate and the second current flow rate, and by applying PID control to the difference.

[0080] The second target opening is determined based on the current flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit, i.e., the second current flow rate, and is the valve opening that enables the flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit to reach the target flow rate. As the valve opening is adjusted to the second target opening, the flow rate in the liquid cooling circuit will change accordingly. Based on the changed second current flow rate, a new second target opening can be determined. Therefore, the above process can be repeated to reduce the gap between the flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit and the target flow rate.

[0081] In some possible implementations, the above-mentioned PID control of the difference to determine the second target opening of the valve may include: The above difference is input into the first preset PID controller to obtain the second target opening degree of the valve output by the first preset PID controller.

[0082] The first preset PID controller is a PID controller with pre-determined parameters. Its input is the difference between the target flow rate and the second current flow rate, and its output is the second target opening degree of the valve.

[0083] In some embodiments, the pump frequency remains constant during the adjustment of the valve opening.

[0084] Since changes in the pump frequency and valve opening will both cause changes in the flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit, in order to avoid mutual interference between the pump and the valve, the pump frequency remains constant during the adjustment of the valve opening, i.e., the pump operates at a constant frequency.

[0085] In some embodiments, before adjusting the valve opening using the PID control method, the method further includes: Based on the target flow rate, adjust the pump frequency to reduce the gap between the flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit and the target flow rate; When the pump frequency is at its minimum frequency, obtain the third current flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit and determine whether the third current flow rate has reached the target flow rate; Accordingly, the PID control method is used to adjust the valve opening, including: If the current flow rate does not reach the target flow rate, the PID control method is used to adjust the valve opening.

[0086] In this embodiment of the application, to achieve the target flow rate in the liquid cooling circuit, the frequency of the water pump is first adjusted to reduce the gap between the liquid cooling circuit flow rate and the target flow rate. If, during the adjustment of the water pump, the flow rate in the liquid cooling circuit still does not reach the target flow rate even at the minimum frequency, it indicates that adjusting the water pump frequency alone cannot achieve the target flow rate. In this case, the flow rate in the liquid cooling circuit can be achieved by adjusting the valve opening.

[0087] The aforementioned minimum frequency is the minimum value within the frequency adjustment range of the water pump.

[0088] In this embodiment, the real-time flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit when the pump frequency is at its minimum frequency is referred to as the third current flow rate, so as to distinguish it from the aforementioned first real-time flow rate, first current flow rate and second current flow rate.

[0089] In some possible implementations, adjusting the pump frequency based on the target flow rate to reduce the gap between the flow rate in the liquid cooling circuit and the target flow rate may include: Obtain the fourth current flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit; Calculate the current difference between the target flow and the fourth current flow; PID control is applied to the current difference to determine the target frequency of the water pump; Adjust the water pump frequency to the target frequency, and then repeat the above-mentioned step of obtaining the fourth current flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit until the flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit reaches the target flow rate or the water pump frequency is the minimum frequency.

[0090] In this embodiment, the real-time flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit obtained during the adjustment of the water pump is used as the fourth current flow rate. The difference between the target flow rate and the fourth current flow rate is called the current difference.

[0091] In some possible implementations, the above-mentioned PID control of the current difference to determine the target frequency of the water pump may include: The current difference is input into the second preset PID controller to obtain the target frequency of the water pump output by the second preset PID controller.

[0092] The second preset PID controller is a PID controller with pre-determined parameters. Its input is the current difference between the target flow rate and the fourth current flow rate, and its output is the target frequency of the water pump.

[0093] It should be understood that the sequence number of each step in the above embodiments does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0094] Figure 4A schematic diagram of the control device for a liquid cooling system provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown. For ease of explanation, only the parts related to the embodiment of the present invention are shown, and are described in detail below: The liquid cooling system includes pumps and valves connected in parallel within the liquid cooling circuit, with the cooling medium flowing in opposite directions in the branches containing the pumps and valves; for example... Figure 4 As shown, the control device 30 of the liquid cooling system includes: a PID adjustment module 31, a sampling module 32, an opening adjustment module 33, and a binary adjustment module 34.

[0095] The PID control module 31 is used to adjust the valve opening using the PID control method to reduce the difference between the flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit and the target flow rate, and to monitor the first real-time flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit. The sampling module 32 is used to sample the valve opening within a first preset time period when the first real-time flow is within a preset stable flow range, and to determine the first target opening based on the valve opening within the first preset time period; the preset stable flow range includes the target flow. The valve opening adjustment module 33 is used to stop adjusting the valve opening using the PID control method and adjust the valve opening to the first target opening. The binary adjustment module 34 is used to gradually adjust the valve opening using a binary method until the flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit reaches the target flow rate.

[0096] In one possible implementation, the sampling module 32 determines the first target opening degree based on the valve opening degree within a first preset time period, including: Determine the maximum and minimum values ​​of the valve opening within the first preset time period; Calculate the average of the maximum and minimum values, and use it as the first target opening.

[0097] In one possible implementation, the bisection adjustment module 34 is specifically used for: After a second preset time period, obtain the first current flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit; If the first current flow rate is equal to the target flow rate, then the valve opening is fixed at the first target opening. If the current flow is greater than the target flow, then the first target opening is taken as the new minimum value, and the process jumps to the step of calculating the average of the maximum and minimum values ​​as the first target opening, and repeats. If the current flow is less than the target flow, the first target opening is taken as the new maximum value, and the process jumps to the step of calculating the average of the maximum and minimum values ​​as the first target opening, and repeats.

[0098] In one possible implementation, the PID control module 31 employs a PID control method to adjust the valve opening, including: Obtain the second current flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit; Calculate the difference between the target flow and the second current flow; The difference is used for PID control to determine the second target opening degree of the valve; Adjust the valve opening to the second target opening and jump to the step of obtaining the second current flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit, which is executed cyclically.

[0099] In one possible implementation, the pump frequency remains constant while the valve opening is adjusted.

[0100] In one possible implementation, the control device 30 of the liquid cooling system also includes a water pump regulating module; The water pump regulation module is used to: adjust the frequency of the water pump based on the target flow rate before adjusting the valve opening using the PID regulation method, so as to reduce the gap between the flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit and the target flow rate; when the water pump frequency is at the minimum frequency, obtain the third current flow rate of the liquid cooling circuit and determine whether the third current flow rate has reached the target flow rate. Accordingly, in the PID control module 31, the PID control method is used to adjust the valve opening, including: If the current flow rate does not reach the target flow rate, the PID control method is used to adjust the valve opening.

[0101] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the control device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 As shown, the control device 400 in this embodiment includes a processor 40 and a memory 41. The memory 41 stores a computer program 42, and the processor 40 calls and runs the computer program 42 stored in the memory 41 to execute the steps in the control method embodiments of the various liquid cooling systems described above. Alternatively, the processor 40 calls and runs the computer program 42 stored in the memory 41 to implement the functions of each module / unit in the various device embodiments described above.

[0102] For example, the computer program 42 may be divided into one or more modules / units, which are stored in the memory 41 and executed by the processor 40 to complete the present invention. The one or more modules / units may be a series of computer program instruction segments capable of performing a specific function, which describe the execution process of the computer program 42 in the control device 400.

[0103] The control device 400 may include, but is not limited to, a processor 40 and a memory 41. Those skilled in the art will understand that... Figure 5This is merely an example of the control device 400 and does not constitute a limitation on the control device 400. It may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or different components. For example, the control device may also include input / output devices, network access devices, buses, etc.

[0104] The processor 40 can be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0105] The memory 41 can be an internal storage unit of the control device 400, such as a hard disk or memory of the control device 400. The memory 41 can also be an external storage device of the control device 400, such as a plug-in hard disk, smart media card (SMC), secure digital (SD) card, flash card, etc., equipped on the control device 400. Furthermore, the memory 41 can include both internal storage units and external storage devices of the control device 400. The memory 41 is used to store the computer program and other programs and data required by the control device. The memory 41 can also be used to temporarily store data that has been output or will be output.

[0106] Corresponding to the control device described above, this embodiment of the invention also provides a liquid cooling system, including a water pump and valve connected in parallel in a liquid cooling circuit, and the control device described above; The cooling medium flows in the opposite direction to the cooling medium in the branch where the water pump is located and the branch where the valve is located; The water pumps and valves are controlled by the control equipment.

[0107] Corresponding to the liquid cooling system described above, this embodiment of the invention also provides a data center, including the liquid cooling system described above.

[0108] For detailed descriptions of the liquid cooling system and data center, please refer to the corresponding descriptions in the foregoing embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0109] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of any of the above-described control methods for a liquid cooling system.

[0110] This application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements any of the above-described control methods for a liquid cooling system.

[0111] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the above-described division of functional units and modules is merely an example. In practical applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional units and modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional units or modules to complete all or part of the functions described above. The functional units and modules in the embodiments can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit. Furthermore, the specific names of the functional units and modules are only for easy differentiation and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. The specific working process of the units and modules in the above system can be referred to the corresponding process in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0112] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts that are not described in detail or recorded in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0113] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementations should not be considered beyond the scope of this invention.

[0114] In the embodiments provided by this invention, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus / control devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus / control device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of modules or units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0115] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0116] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of the present invention can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0117] If the integrated module / unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, all or part of the processes in the above embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The computer program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and when executed by a processor, it can implement the steps of the control method embodiments of the various liquid cooling systems described above. The computer program includes computer program code, which can be in the form of source code, object code, executable files, or certain intermediate forms. The computer-readable medium can include: any entity or device capable of carrying the computer program code, a recording medium, a USB flash drive, a portable hard drive, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a computer memory, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), an electrical carrier signal, a telecommunication signal, and a software distribution medium, etc.

[0118] The above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, and should all be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A control method of a liquid cooling system, characterized by, The liquid cooling system comprises a water pump and a valve connected in parallel in a liquid cooling loop, a branch of the water pump and a branch of the valve are opposite in flow direction of the cooling medium; the method comprises: using a PID adjustment method to adjust the opening of the valve to reduce the difference between the flow of the liquid cooling loop and the target flow, and monitoring the first real-time flow of the liquid cooling loop; when the first real-time flow is in a preset stable flow interval, sampling the opening of the valve within a first preset time interval, and determining a first target opening according to the opening of the valve within the first preset time interval; the preset stable flow interval includes the target flow; stopping using the PID adjustment method to adjust the opening of the valve, and adjusting the opening of the valve to the first target opening; using a bisection method to gradually adjust the opening of the valve until the flow of the liquid cooling loop reaches the target flow.

2. The control method of the liquid cooling system according to claim 1, characterized by, The first target opening is determined according to the opening of the valve within the first preset time interval, comprising: determining the maximum and minimum values of the opening of the valve within the first preset time interval; calculating the average of the maximum and minimum values as the first target opening.

3. The control method of the liquid cooling system according to claim 2, characterized by, The bisection method is used to gradually adjust the opening of the valve until the flow of the liquid cooling loop reaches the target flow, comprising: after a second preset time interval, obtaining the first current flow of the liquid cooling loop; if the first current flow is equal to the target flow, the opening of the valve is fixed at the first target opening; if the first current flow is greater than the target flow, the first target opening is taken as a new minimum value, and the step of calculating the average of the maximum and minimum values as the first target opening is executed circularly; if the first current flow is less than the target flow, the first target opening is taken as a new maximum value, and the step of calculating the average of the maximum and minimum values as the first target opening is executed circularly.

4. The control method of the liquid cooling system according to claim 1, characterized by, The PID adjustment method is used to adjust the opening of the valve, comprising: obtaining the second current flow of the liquid cooling loop; calculating the difference between the target flow and the second current flow; performing PID control on the difference to determine the second target opening of the valve; adjusting the opening of the valve to the second target opening, and jumping to the step of obtaining the second current flow of the liquid cooling loop for circular execution.

5. The control method of the liquid cooling system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by, During the adjustment of the opening of the valve, the frequency of the water pump is fixed and unchanged.

6. The control method of the liquid cooling system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by, Before the PID adjustment method is used to adjust the opening of the valve, it further comprises: based on the target flow, adjusting the frequency of the water pump to reduce the difference between the flow of the liquid cooling loop and the target flow; when the frequency of the water pump is the minimum frequency, obtaining the third current flow of the liquid cooling loop, and determining whether the third current flow reaches the target flow; correspondingly, the PID adjustment method is used to adjust the opening of the valve, comprising: If the third current flow does not reach the target flow, a PID regulation method is adopted to regulate the opening degree of the valve.

7. A control device of a liquid cooling system, characterized by, The liquid cooling system comprises a water pump and a valve connected in parallel in a liquid cooling loop, a cooling medium in a branch of the water pump flows in a direction opposite to that in a branch of the valve; the device comprises: a PID regulation module configured to adopt a PID regulation method to regulate the opening degree of the valve, so as to reduce the difference between the flow of the liquid cooling loop and the target flow, and monitor the first real-time flow of the liquid cooling loop; a sampling module configured to sample the opening degree of the valve within a first preset time period when the first real-time flow is within a preset stable flow interval, and determine a first target opening degree according to the opening degree of the valve within the first preset time period; the preset stable flow interval comprises the target flow; an opening degree regulation module configured to stop regulating the opening degree of the valve by the PID regulation method, and regulate the opening degree of the valve to the first target opening degree; a bisection regulation module configured to gradually regulate the opening degree of the valve by a bisection method until the flow of the liquid cooling loop reaches the target flow.

8. A control device characterized by comprising: The liquid cooling system comprises a memory and a processor, the memory is configured to store a computer program, and the processor is configured to call and run the computer program stored in the memory to execute the control method of the liquid cooling system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. A liquid cooling system, characterized by, The liquid cooling system comprises a water pump and a valve connected in parallel in a liquid cooling loop, and the control device according to claim 8; a cooling medium in a branch of the water pump flows in a direction opposite to that in a branch of the valve; the water pump and the valve are controlled by the control device.

10. A data center, characterized by, The liquid cooling system according to claim 9.

Images