A thermal management system and control method
By combining a phase change medium heat exchange circuit and a coolant heat exchange circuit, and using equipment such as an expander and a compressor, the pressure energy of the phase change medium is recovered and heat is exchanged multiple times. This solves the problem of low coolant cooling capacity utilization in the computing center and improves power utilization efficiency and heat dissipation.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- XECA TURBO (CHENGDU) TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-12
AI Technical Summary
Existing thermal management systems cannot effectively utilize the cooling capacity of coolant in computing centers, resulting in energy waste, affecting power utilization efficiency, and making it difficult to meet high computing power demands.
A combined system of phase change medium heat exchange circuit and coolant heat exchange circuit is adopted. Through equipment such as expander and compressor, the pressure energy of phase change medium is recovered and power generation is achieved, and the cooling efficiency is improved through multiple heat exchange.
It effectively recovers the pressure energy of the phase change medium, improves the power utilization efficiency of the computing center, enhances the heat dissipation efficiency of the components to be cooled, and ensures the temperature requirements of the components to be heated, thereby reducing energy waste.
Smart Images
Figure CN121586245B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of thermal management technology for computing centers, specifically to a thermal management system and control method. Background Technology
[0002] With the rapid development of the artificial intelligence industry, computing centers have become a new engine of the information age. The scale of AI computing centers is far larger than that of traditional data centers, and with continuously increasing server integration and significantly rising chip power density, computing centers consume enormous amounts of energy. Traditional air-cooling methods are insufficient to meet the high computing power demands, necessitating liquid cooling technology to meet the green and low-carbon development requirements of computing centers. While liquid cooling is used to dissipate heat from the components in the computing center, existing thermal management systems only achieve heat exchange between the coolant heat exchange loop connecting the cold source and the liquid-cooled heat exchange loop connecting the components. They cannot recover and utilize the remaining energy within the thermal management system, resulting in energy waste. In particular, they cannot further improve the power utilization efficiency of computing centers, negatively impacting their green and low-carbon development. Summary of the Invention
[0003] In view of this, this application provides a thermal management system that solves the problems of poor power utilization efficiency of the computing center and energy waste caused by the thermal management system when dissipating heat from components to be cooled in the computing center. This application also provides a control method applicable to the above-mentioned thermal management system.
[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solution:
[0005] A thermal management system for dissipating heat from components in a computing center, comprising:
[0006] A phase change medium heat exchange circuit includes an expander, a first heat exchanger, and a gas-liquid separator connected in sequence. The phase change medium heat exchange circuit is capable of exchanging heat with the component to be cooled.
[0007] The coolant heat exchange circuit includes a cooling element and the first heat exchanger connected in sequence;
[0008] The phase change medium heat exchange circuit and the coolant heat exchange circuit are connected through the first heat exchanger.
[0009] Optionally, the phase change medium heat exchange circuit further includes a first branch connected in parallel with the expander, and a compressor is provided on the first branch.
[0010] Optionally, the compressor includes a first outlet and a second outlet, the first outlet being connected to the air inlet of the expander via a first branch, and the second outlet being connected to the air inlet of the first heat exchanger via a second branch.
[0011] Optionally, the phase change medium heat exchange circuit further includes a second heat exchanger disposed between the first heat exchanger and the gas-liquid separator, and the phase change medium heat exchange circuit and the coolant heat exchange circuit are connected through the second heat exchanger.
[0012] Optional,
[0013] The first heat exchanger includes a first heat exchange chamber and a second heat exchange chamber connected by heat exchange. The first heat exchange chamber is located in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit, and the second heat exchange chamber is located in the coolant heat exchange circuit.
[0014] The second heat exchanger includes a third heat exchange chamber and a fourth heat exchange chamber connected by heat exchange. The third heat exchange chamber is located in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit, and the fourth heat exchange chamber is located in the coolant heat exchange circuit.
[0015] In the phase change medium heat exchange circuit, the phase change medium flows from the first heat exchange chamber through the third heat exchange chamber and then exchanges heat with the component to be cooled; in the coolant heat exchange circuit, the coolant flows from the cooling component through the fourth heat exchange chamber and then flows to the second heat exchange chamber; and in the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, the flow directions of the phase change medium and the coolant are opposite.
[0016] Optionally, the phase change medium heat exchange circuit includes:
[0017] The second branch is connected at both ends to the drain port of the gas-liquid separator and the inlet port of the second heat exchanger, and a drain device is provided on the second branch.
[0018] And / or,
[0019] The third branch connects to the outlet of the first heat exchanger and the inlet of the gas-liquid separator at its two ends, respectively.
[0020] Optionally, the coolant heat exchange circuit includes:
[0021] The fourth branch is located between the first heat exchanger and the cooling element, and the fourth branch is used for heat exchange with the element to be heated;
[0022] The bypass branch is connected in parallel with the fourth branch.
[0023] Optionally, the phase change medium heat exchange circuit includes a fifth branch connected in parallel with both the expander and the first branch, and the two ends of the fifth branch are respectively connected to the exhaust port of the gas-liquid separator and the inlet of the first heat exchanger.
[0024] Optionally, the phase change medium heat exchange circuit includes:
[0025] The sixth branch is connected at both ends to the outlet of the second heat exchanger and the inlet of the gas-liquid separator, respectively.
[0026] A replenishment tank, connected to the sixth branch, is used to replenish the phase change medium heat exchange circuit;
[0027] An expansion tank, connected to the sixth branch, is used to buffer the pressure in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit;
[0028] The pump and filter are sequentially installed on the sixth branch;
[0029] The first frequency converter is electrically connected to the pump;
[0030] The second frequency converter is electrically connected to the compressor.
[0031] The grid connection device is electrically connected to the expander;
[0032] The housing contains all components of the thermal management system except for a portion of the sixth branch, the cooling components, the fourth branch, and the bypass branch.
[0033] A control method, applicable to any of the above-described thermal management systems, includes the following modes:
[0034] In the first mode, the fifth branch and the bypass branch are controlled to be turned on; in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit, the phase change medium flows sequentially through the fifth branch, the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, the sixth branch and the gas-liquid separator; in the coolant heat exchange circuit, the coolant flows sequentially through the cooling element, the second heat exchanger, the first heat exchanger and the bypass branch.
[0035] In the second mode, the expander is turned on and the bypass branch is turned on; in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit, the phase change medium flows sequentially through the expander, the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, the sixth branch and the gas-liquid separator; in the coolant heat exchange circuit, the coolant flows sequentially through the cooling element, the second heat exchanger, the first heat exchanger and the bypass branch.
[0036] In the third mode, the expander and compressor are controlled to start, and the bypass branch is controlled to be open; in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit, the phase change medium flows sequentially through the compressor, the expander, the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, the sixth branch, and the gas-liquid separator; in the coolant heat exchange circuit, the coolant flows sequentially through the cooling element, the second heat exchanger, the first heat exchanger, and the bypass branch;
[0037] In the fourth mode, the compressor is controlled to start, and the fourth branch is controlled to start; in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit, the phase change medium flows sequentially through the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, the sixth branch, and the gas-liquid separator, and / or the phase change medium flows sequentially through the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the third branch, the gas-liquid separator, the second branch, the second heat exchanger, the sixth branch, and the gas-liquid separator; in the coolant heat exchange circuit, the coolant flows sequentially through the cooling element, the second heat exchanger, the first heat exchanger, and the fourth branch.
[0038] The thermal management system provided in this application includes a phase change medium heat exchange circuit and a coolant heat exchange circuit. The phase change medium heat exchange circuit includes an expander, a first heat exchanger, and a gas-liquid separator connected in sequence, and is capable of exchanging heat with the component to be cooled. The coolant heat exchange circuit includes a cooling component and a first heat exchanger connected in sequence. The phase change medium heat exchange circuit and the coolant heat exchange circuit are connected through the first heat exchanger. Thus, when it is necessary to cool the component in the computing center, the coolant in the coolant heat exchange circuit and the phase change medium in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit exchange heat as they flow through the first heat exchanger. The coolant in the coolant heat exchange circuit transfers its cooling capacity to the phase change medium in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit, and the phase change medium, absorbing the cooling capacity, exchanges heat with the component to be cooled, thereby achieving heat dissipation. Furthermore, after exchanging heat with the component to be cooled, the phase change medium will partially or almost completely transform from a liquid state to a gaseous state. The volume of the phase change medium increases during this transformation. By installing an expander in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit, the gaseous phase change medium flowing from the gas-liquid separator will flow to the expander. The expander converts the pressure energy of the gaseous phase change medium into mechanical or electrical energy for storage. This setup avoids energy waste in the thermal management system, enabling the recovery and generation of pressure energy from the gaseous phase change medium, thus improving the power utilization efficiency of the computing center. On the other hand, the expansion by the expander reduces both the pressure and temperature of the gaseous phase change medium, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the component to be cooled as it flows through the heat exchange circuit. Attached Figure Description
[0039] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, 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 embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.
[0040] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the thermal management system provided in this embodiment Figure 1 .
[0041] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the thermal management system Figure 2 .
[0042] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the thermal management system Figure 3 .
[0043] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the thermal management system Figure 4 .
[0044] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the thermal management system Figure 5 .
[0045] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the thermal management system Figure 6 .
[0046] exist Figures 1 to 6 middle:
[0047] 1-Phase change medium heat exchange circuit, 2-Coolant heat exchange circuit, 3-Component to be cooled, 4-Component to be heated;
[0048] 11-Expander, 12-First heat exchanger, 13-Gas-liquid separator, 14-First branch, 15-Compressor, 16-Second heat exchanger, 17-Second branch, 18-Drainer, 19-Third branch, 110-Fifth branch, 111-Sixth branch, 112-Replenishment tank, 113-Expansion tank, 114-Pump, 115-Filter, 116-First frequency converter, 117-Second frequency converter, 118-Grid connection device, 21-Cooling component, 22-Fourth branch, 23-Bypass branch;
[0049] 1401 - First branch road, 1402 - Second branch road. Detailed Implementation
[0050] This application provides a thermal management system that solves the problems of low cooling capacity utilization and energy waste caused by the thermal management system when dissipating heat from components to be cooled in a computing center. This application also provides a control method applicable to the aforementioned thermal management system.
[0051] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0052] like Figures 1 to 6As shown in the figure, this application embodiment provides a thermal management system, which is mainly used to dissipate heat from the component 3 to be cooled in the computing center to ensure that the component 3 to be cooled operates stably within a suitable temperature range. The thermal management system mainly includes a phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1 and a coolant heat exchange circuit 2. The phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1 mainly includes an expander 11, a first heat exchanger 12 and a gas-liquid separator 13 connected in sequence. The phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1 can exchange heat with the component 3 to keep the component 3 within a suitable temperature range. The coolant heat exchange circuit 2 includes a cooling component 21 and a first heat exchanger 12 connected in sequence. The phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1 and the coolant heat exchange circuit 2 are connected by the first heat exchanger 12. For example, the first heat exchanger 12 includes a first heat exchange chamber (not shown in the figure) and a second heat exchange chamber (not shown in the figure). The first heat exchange chamber is disposed in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1 and the second heat exchange chamber is disposed in the coolant heat exchange circuit 2. It should be noted that, in order to ensure the flow of the phase change medium in phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1 and the flow of coolant in coolant heat exchange circuit 2, pumps are typically installed in both circuits. For details, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 2 When cooling of the component 3 is required, the pumps in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1 and the coolant heat exchange circuit 2 are simultaneously activated. The cooling component 21 starts to cool the coolant flowing through it in the coolant heat exchange circuit 2. The cooled coolant flows to the second heat exchange chamber of the first heat exchanger 12. At the same time, the gaseous phase change medium in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1 flows to the first heat exchange chamber of the first heat exchanger 12. The phase change medium flowing through the first heat exchange chamber and the coolant flowing through the second heat exchange chamber exchange heat in the first heat exchanger 12. The coolant transfers its cooling capacity to the gaseous phase change medium, thus cooling the gaseous phase change medium in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1 into a liquid phase change medium. The liquid phase change medium carrying its cooling capacity flows out of the first heat exchanger 12 and flows to the location of the component 3 to be cooled, thus achieving... In the heat exchange of the component to be cooled 3, the liquid phase change medium transfers its cooling capacity to the component to be cooled 3, and the liquid phase change medium becomes a gaseous phase change medium. The gaseous phase change medium flows to the gas-liquid separator 13, which separates the liquid phase change medium entrained in the gaseous phase change medium, thereby guiding the gaseous phase change medium to the expander 11. The expander 11 expands the high-pressure gaseous phase change medium into a low-pressure gaseous phase change medium and recovers the pressure energy into mechanical energy or electrical energy. Finally, the gaseous phase change medium flowing out of the expander 11 in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1 flows back to the first heat exchange chamber of the first heat exchanger 12, and the coolant flowing out of the second heat exchange chamber of the first heat exchanger 12 in the coolant heat exchange circuit 2 flows back to the cooling component 21, thus completing one cycle of heat dissipation for the component to be cooled 3.
[0053] For example, the components to be cooled in the computing center 3 include, but are not limited to, chips, memory, power modules, storage drives, servers, etc. The phase change medium can be electronic-grade fluorinated liquid or refrigerant, and the coolant can be deionized water, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, or other refrigerants. The cooling component 21 can be a cooling tower or similar facility.
[0054] The thermal management system described above includes a phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1 and a coolant heat exchange circuit 2. The phase change medium heat exchange circuit includes an expander 11, a first heat exchanger 12, and a gas-liquid separator 13 connected in sequence. The phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1 can exchange heat with the component 3 to be cooled. The coolant heat exchange circuit 2 includes a cooling component 21 and a first heat exchanger 12 connected in sequence. The phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1 and the coolant heat exchange circuit 2 are connected by the first heat exchanger 12. Thus, when it is necessary to cool the component 3 to be cooled in the computing center, the coolant in the coolant heat exchange circuit 2 and the phase change medium in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1 exchange heat when flowing through the first heat exchanger 12. The coolant in the coolant heat exchange circuit 2 transfers its cooling capacity to the phase change medium in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1. The phase change medium that absorbs the cooling capacity exchanges heat with the component 3 to be cooled, thereby achieving heat dissipation of the component 3 to be cooled. Furthermore, after exchanging heat with the component 3 to be cooled, the phase change medium changes from a liquid state to a gaseous state. When the liquid phase change medium changes to a gaseous state, the pressure of the phase change medium increases. By setting an expander 11 in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1, the gaseous phase change medium flowing out of the gas-liquid separator 13 in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1 will flow to the expander 11. The expander 11 converts the pressure energy of the gaseous phase change medium into mechanical energy or electrical energy. This setting can avoid the waste of energy in the thermal management system, realize the recovery of pressure energy in the gaseous phase change medium and power generation, and improve the power utilization efficiency of the computing center. On the other hand, the expansion of the expander 11 can reduce the pressure of the gaseous phase change medium and reduce its temperature at the same time, so as to improve the heat dissipation efficiency of the component 3 to be cooled when the phase change medium flows in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1 to cool the component 3.
[0055] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4The phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1 also includes a first branch 14 connected in parallel with the expander 11, on which a compressor 15 is installed. Specifically, a heating element 4 is usually provided to exchange heat with the coolant heat exchange circuit 2 to recover heat from the coolant heat exchange circuit 2. However, when the heat exchange temperature in the first heat exchanger 12 is low, causing the heat exchange temperature between the coolant heat exchange circuit 2 and the heating element 4 to be insufficient, the compressor 15 is turned on and the expander 11 is turned off. The compressor 15 compresses the gaseous phase change medium to increase its pressure and temperature. As the pressure of the gaseous phase change medium increases, its liquefaction temperature rises. Subsequently, the gaseous phase change medium with increased pressure and temperature exchanges heat with the coolant flowing out of the cooling element 21 in the first heat exchanger 12. As the liquefaction temperature of the gaseous phase change medium rises, the heat exchange temperature between the phase change medium and the coolant increases, thereby increasing the cooling temperature in the coolant heat exchange circuit 2. The temperature of the coolant is controlled; thus, when the coolant flowing from the first heat exchanger 12 in the coolant heat exchange circuit 2 exchanges heat with the element to be heated 4, it can reach the temperature required to heat the element to be heated 4, thereby ensuring that the heating temperature of the element to be heated 4 meets the requirements. The coolant that has finished heating the element to be heated 4 flows back to the coolant 21. In addition, in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1, the phase change medium flowing from the first heat exchanger 12 cools the element to be cooled 3 and then flows through the gas-liquid separator 13 back to the compressor 15. This completes one cycle of cooling the element to be cooled 3 and heating the element to be heated 4. With this configuration, the thermal management system can ensure that while cooling the element to be cooled 3, it can also ensure that the element to be heated 4 is heated to a suitable temperature, further improving the energy utilization rate of the thermal management system.
[0056] It should be noted that in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1, since the pressure of the gaseous phase change medium is increased by the compressor 15, in order to ensure the pressure stability of the phase change medium in the phase change medium circuit, a throttling element (not shown in the figure) can be used when the phase change medium leaves the first heat exchanger 12 in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1. This can reduce the pressure and temperature of the phase change medium, ensure the pressure balance in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1, and further improve the cooling effect of the phase change medium on the cooling component 3.
[0057] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 5The compressor 15 includes a first outlet and a second outlet. The first outlet is connected to the inlet of the expander 11 via a first branch 1401, and the second outlet is connected to the inlet of the first heat exchanger 12 via a second branch 1402. Thus, when the heat exchange efficiency in the first heat exchanger 12 is low, causing the heat exchange between the coolant heat exchange circuit 2 and the element to be heated 4 to be insufficient, the second outlet of the compressor 15 is connected to the first heat exchanger 12. Conversely, when the liquid phase change medium in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1 becomes a gaseous phase change medium after heat exchange with the element to be cooled 3, and the pressure of the gaseous phase change medium is lower than the operating pressure of the expander 11, the first branch 1401 is connected and the second branch 1402 is disconnected. In this way, by appropriately pressurizing the gaseous phase change medium through the compressor 15, the gaseous phase change medium flowing out of the compressor 15 flows to the expander 11, ensuring that the expander 11 can operate. In other words, it can at least ensure that the expander 11 can operate in a standby state and recover the pressure energy in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1. Afterwards, the phase change medium flowing out of the expander 11 in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1 flows to the first heat exchanger 12, and the coolant flowing out of the cooling element 21 in the coolant heat exchange circuit 2 flows to the first heat exchanger 12. A heat exchanger 12 is used to transfer cooling energy from the coolant to the phase change medium. Then, the phase change medium flowing out of the first heat exchanger 12 exchanges heat with the component 3 to be cooled, thus cooling the component 3. Finally, the phase change medium that has completed heat exchange with the component 3 in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1 flows through the gas-liquid separator 13 and back to the compressor 15. Meanwhile, the coolant flowing out of the first heat exchanger 12 in the coolant heat exchange circuit 2 flows back to the cooling component 21, thus completing one cycle of cooling the component 3. With this configuration, when the pressure of the gaseous phase change medium flowing from the gas-liquid separator 13 to the expander 11 in the phase change medium cooling circuit is insufficient to ensure the expansioner 11 can start, the compressor 15 appropriately pressurizes the gaseous phase change medium, thereby ensuring the continuous operation of the expander 11 and preventing abnormal shutdown of the expander 11, thus ensuring the normal operation of the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1. It should be noted that in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1, when recovering pressure energy from the gaseous phase change medium through the expander 11, if the pressure of the gaseous phase change medium is too low to start the expander 11, shutting down the expander 11 and allowing the gaseous phase change medium to flow directly to the first heat exchanger 12 via the fifth branch 110 would result in significant energy waste due to the intermittent opening and closing of the expander 11 when the pressure of the gaseous phase change medium is high. Therefore, when the pressure of the gaseous phase change medium is too low to start the expander 11, starting the compressor 15 to appropriately pressurize the gaseous phase change medium ensures that the expander 11 operates continuously, thus avoiding intermittent opening and closing of the expander 11 and improving energy utilization while reducing energy consumption.
[0058] Furthermore, it should be noted that the first branch circuit 1401 and the second branch circuit 1402 are usually equipped with on / off valves. By controlling the opening and closing of the on / off valves, the on / off of the compressor 15 and the expander 11 can be adjusted, as well as the on / off of the compressor 15 and the first heat exchanger 12 can be adjusted.
[0059] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 1 to 6 The phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1 also includes a second heat exchanger 16 disposed between the first heat exchanger 12 and the gas-liquid separator 13. The phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1 and the coolant heat exchange circuit 2 are connected through the second heat exchanger 16. That is, the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1 and the coolant heat exchange circuit 2 are connected through both the first heat exchanger 12 and the second heat exchanger 16; that is, the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1 and the coolant heat exchange circuit 2 will exchange heat once in the first heat exchanger 12 and once in the second heat exchanger 16. With this configuration, when the phase change medium in phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1 flows through the first heat exchanger 12, it exchanges heat with the coolant in the coolant heat exchange circuit 2 as it flows through the first heat exchanger 12, and the coolant transfers its cooling capacity to the phase change medium. Furthermore, when the phase change medium in phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1 flows through the second heat exchanger 16, it exchanges heat with the coolant in the coolant heat exchange circuit 2 as it flows through the second heat exchanger 16, and the coolant transfers its cooling capacity to the phase change medium again. Because of this extra heat exchange, the coolant can transfer more cooling capacity to the phase change medium. As a result, the phase change medium flowing out of the second heat exchanger 16 is at a lower temperature. Thus, when the phase change medium flowing out of the second heat exchanger 16 exchanges heat with the component 3 to be cooled, the heat exchange efficiency of the component 3 to be cooled can be improved, allowing more heat to be released from the component 3 to be cooled, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the thermal management system for the component 3 to be cooled in the computing center.
[0060] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 1 to 6The first heat exchanger 12 includes a first heat exchange chamber (not shown in the figure) and a second heat exchange chamber (not shown in the figure) connected by heat exchange. The first heat exchange chamber is located in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1, and the second heat exchange chamber is located in the coolant heat exchange circuit 2. The second heat exchanger 16 includes a third heat exchange chamber (not shown in the figure) and a fourth heat exchange chamber (not shown in the figure) connected by heat exchange. The third heat exchange chamber is located in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1, and the fourth heat exchange chamber is located in the coolant heat exchange circuit 2. That is, the phase change medium flowing through the first heat exchange chamber exchanges heat with the coolant flowing through the second heat exchange chamber, and the phase change medium flowing through the third heat exchange chamber exchanges heat again with the coolant flowing through the fourth heat exchange chamber. In the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1, the phase change medium flows from the first heat exchange chamber through the third heat exchange chamber and then exchanges heat with the component 3 to be cooled; in the coolant heat exchange circuit 2, the coolant flows from the cooling component 21 through the fourth heat exchange chamber and then flows to the second heat exchange chamber. In other words, in the second heat exchanger 16, the coolant with a lower temperature in the coolant heat exchange circuit 2 exchanges heat with the phase change medium with a lower temperature in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1. Conversely, in the first heat exchanger 12, the coolant with a lower temperature in the coolant heat exchange circuit 2 exchanges heat with the phase change medium with a higher temperature in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1. This configuration ensures a temperature difference between the coolant and the phase change medium exchanging heat in both the first and second heat exchangers 12 and 16. This guarantees that the coolant in the first heat exchanger 12 transfers its cooling capacity to the phase change medium, and vice versa. This further improves the heat exchange efficiency of the coolant in the coolant heat exchange circuit 2 to the phase change medium in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1, thereby further improving the heat exchange efficiency of the phase change medium on the component 3 to be cooled.
[0061] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 1 to 6 In both the first heat exchanger 12 and the second heat exchanger 16, the flow directions of the phase change medium and the coolant are opposite. Specifically, the flow direction of the phase change medium in the first heat exchange chamber of the first heat exchanger 12 is opposite to the flow direction of the coolant in the second heat exchange chamber, and the flow direction of the phase change medium in the third heat exchange chamber and the flow direction of the coolant in the fourth heat exchange chamber of the second heat exchanger 16 are opposite. This configuration, by ensuring that the flow directions of the phase change medium and the coolant are opposite, further improves the heat exchange efficiency of the phase change medium in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1 and the coolant in the coolant heat exchange circuit 2, thereby further enhancing the heat dissipation effect of the thermal management system on the cooled component 3.
[0062] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 1 to 6The phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1 includes a second branch 17, with its two ends connected to the drain port of the gas-liquid separator 13 and the inlet port of the second heat exchanger 16, respectively. A drain device 18 is installed on the second branch 17. Specifically, in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1, the gas-liquid separator 13 is used to separate the phase change medium flowing to the gas-liquid separator 13 into a gaseous phase change medium and a liquid phase change medium. The gaseous phase change medium is directed to the compressor 15, the expander 11, or the first heat exchanger 12 to participate in the circulation, while the liquid phase change medium is directed to the second heat exchanger 16 through the drain device 18. Here, by setting up the second branch 17 and the drain 18, the liquid phase change medium in the gas-liquid separator 13 can be easily discharged to the second heat exchanger 16. Since the gaseous phase change medium absorbs cold energy and becomes a liquid phase change medium in the first heat exchanger 12 in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1, it can be ensured that the phase change medium flowing to the second heat exchanger 16 is all liquid phase change medium. This allows the liquid phase change medium to exchange heat with the coolant in the coolant heat exchange circuit 2 in the second heat exchanger 16, ultimately achieving the cooling of the component 3 to be cooled by the liquid phase change medium flowing out of the second heat exchanger 16. Compared with the solution without the drain 18, the solution in this embodiment can improve the heat exchange efficiency between the phase change medium and the coolant, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the phase change medium on the component 3 to be cooled.
[0063] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 1 to 6The phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1 includes a third branch 19, the two ends of which are connected to the outlet of the first heat exchanger 12 and the inlet of the gas-liquid separator 13, respectively. When the thermal management system needs to heat the component 4 to be heated, and the heat exchange temperature in the first heat exchanger 12 is too low, causing the heat exchange between the coolant heat exchange circuit 2 and the component 4 to be heated to fail to meet the requirements. At this time, compressor 15 is turned on and expander 11 is turned off. Compressor 15 compresses the gaseous phase change medium to increase its pressure and temperature. As the pressure of the gaseous phase change medium increases, its liquefaction temperature rises. Then, the gaseous phase change medium, with its increased pressure and temperature, exchanges heat with the coolant flowing from the cooling element 21 in the first heat exchanger 12. Because the liquefaction temperature of the gaseous phase change medium increases, the heat exchange temperature between the phase change medium and the coolant also increases, thus raising the temperature of the coolant in the coolant heat exchanger 2. In this way, the coolant flowing from the first heat exchanger 12 in the coolant heat exchanger 2 is heated to the element 4. During heat exchange, the temperature required to heat the element 4 is reached, ensuring that the heating temperature of the element 4 meets the requirements. The coolant after heating the element 4 flows back to the cooling element 21. In addition, in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1, the phase change medium flowing out of the first heat exchanger 12 flows to the gas-liquid separator 13 through the second branch 17, and then flows to the second heat exchanger 16 through the third branch 19. In the second heat exchanger 16, it exchanges heat with the coolant in the coolant heat exchange circuit 2. The phase change medium flowing out of the second heat exchanger 16 cools the element 3 and then flows back to the compressor 15 through the gas-liquid separator 13. This completes one cycle of cooling the element 3 and heating the element 4. In the above cycle, the compressor 15 pressurizes the phase change medium in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1. The liquid phase change medium flowing out of the first heat exchanger 12 flows to the gas-liquid separator 13 and then flows to the second heat exchanger 16 through the drain 18. Since the drain 18 is equipped with a fusible plug, safety valve or pressure sensor, the pressure of the phase change medium flowing through the drain 18 can be regulated. Therefore, there is no need to install a throttling element in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1 to regulate the pressure of the phase change medium and ensure the temperature operation of the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1.
[0064] It should be noted that by setting up the third branch 19 and the second branch 17, the phase change medium flowing out of the first heat exchanger 12 in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1 can either flow directly to the second heat exchanger 16, or flow to the second heat exchanger 16 through the third branch 19 and the second branch 17, providing multiple flow modes. When one flow mode fails, another flow mode will be used, thus ensuring that the phase change medium can flow smoothly to the second heat exchanger 16.
[0065] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1The coolant heat exchange circuit 2 includes a fourth branch 22 and a bypass branch 23. The fourth branch 22 is located between the first heat exchanger 12 and the cooling element 21, and is used for heat exchange with the element to be heated 4. The bypass branch 23 is connected in parallel with the fourth branch 22. It should be noted that both the fourth branch 22 and the bypass branch 23 are equipped with on / off valves, which are used to control the on / off state of the fourth branch 22 and the bypass branch 23, respectively. Specifically, when heating of the component 4 is required, the on / off valve is adjusted to open the fourth branch 22 and close the bypass branch 23, allowing the coolant in the coolant heat exchange circuit 2 that is exchanging heat with the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1 to flow to the fourth branch 22 for heat exchange with the component 4. When heating of the component 4 is not required, the on / off valve is adjusted to open the bypass branch 23 and close the fourth branch 22, allowing the coolant in the coolant heat exchange circuit 2 that is exchanging heat with the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1 to flow through the bypass branch 23 to the cooling component 21. This configuration allows for convenient adjustment of the on / off state of the fourth branch 22 and the bypass branch 23 in the coolant heat exchange circuit 2, ensuring that the component 4 is within a suitable temperature range when heating is required, and allowing bypassing of the component 4 when heating is not required.
[0066] Of course, a multi-way valve can also be set to adjust the on / off state of the fourth branch 22 and the bypass branch 23.
[0067] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 6The phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1 includes a fifth branch 110 connected in parallel with both the expander 11 and the first branch 14. The two ends of the fifth branch 110 are connected to the exhaust port of the gas-liquid separator 13 and the inlet of the first heat exchanger 12, respectively. Specifically, when the heat exchange between the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1 and the component to be cooled 3 is small, resulting in a low proportion of gaseous phase change medium, the expander 11 cannot recover the pressure energy of the phase change medium in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1. At this time, when cooling of the component to be cooled 3 is required, the pumps in both the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1 and the coolant heat exchange circuit 2 are simultaneously activated. The cooling component 21 starts to cool the coolant flowing through it in the coolant heat exchange circuit 2. The cooled coolant flows to the fourth heat exchange chamber of the second heat exchanger 16. The phase change medium flowing out of the first heat exchanger 12 in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1 flows to the third heat exchange chamber of the second heat exchanger 16. The phase change medium flowing through the third heat exchange chamber and the coolant flowing through the fourth heat exchange chamber exchange heat in the second heat exchanger 16. The coolant flowing through the fourth heat exchange chamber transfers its cooling energy to the gaseous phase change medium flowing through the third heat exchange chamber. Afterwards, the cooling energy from the third heat exchange chamber... The phase change medium flowing out of the cavity exchanges heat with the component 3 to be cooled, thereby cooling the component 3. Then, the phase change medium that has exchanged heat with the component 3 becomes a gaseous phase change medium. The gaseous phase change medium flows through the gas-liquid separator 13 and then flows through the fifth branch 110 to the first heat exchange cavity of the first heat exchanger 12. Meanwhile, the coolant flowing out of the fourth heat exchange cavity in the coolant heat exchange circuit 2 flows to the second heat exchange cavity of the first heat exchanger 12. The phase change medium flowing through the first heat exchange cavity and the coolant flowing through the second heat exchange cavity exchange heat in the first heat exchanger 12. The coolant flowing through the second heat exchange cavity transfers its cooling capacity to the gaseous phase change medium flowing through the first heat exchange cavity, thereby cooling the gaseous phase change medium in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1 into a liquid phase change medium. Finally, the coolant flowing out of the second heat exchange cavity of the first heat exchanger 12 in the coolant heat exchange circuit 2 flows back to the cooling component 21, thus completing one cycle of heat dissipation for the component 3 to be cooled.
[0068] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1The phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1 includes a sixth branch 111, a replenishment tank 112, an expansion tank 113, a pump 114, a filter 115, a first frequency converter 116, a second frequency converter 117, and a grid connection device 118. The sixth branch 111 is connected at both ends to the outlet of the second heat exchanger 16 and the inlet of the gas-liquid separator 13, respectively. That is, the phase change medium flowing out of the second heat exchanger 16 in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1 flows back to the sixth branch 111, achieving heat exchange with the component 3 to be cooled during its flow in the sixth branch 111. The replenishment tank 112 is connected to the sixth branch 111 and is used to replenish the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1. The expansion tank 113 is connected to the sixth branch 111 and is used to buffer the pressure in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1 to ensure the normal circulation of the phase change medium in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1. Pump 114 and filter 115 are sequentially installed on the sixth branch 111. Pump 114 circulates the phase change medium in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1, and filter 115 filters impurities in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1. A first frequency converter 116 is electrically connected to the pump and controls the pump's power to control the flow rate of the phase change medium in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1, thereby adjusting the cooling efficiency of the component to be cooled 3. A second frequency converter 117 is electrically connected to the compressor 15 and controls the compressor's power to adjust the pressure of the phase change medium. A grid-connected device 118 is electrically connected to the expander 11 and directs the electrical energy generated by the expander 11 to the internal power grid of the computing center for on-site utilization of electrical energy.
[0069] In some embodiments, the thermal management system further includes a housing, in which all components of the thermal management system, except for a portion of the sixth branch 111, the cooling element 21, the fourth branch 22, and the bypass branch 23, are integrated. That is, the expander 11, the first heat exchanger 12, the gas-liquid separator 13, the compressor 15, the second heat exchanger 16, the drain valve 18, the replenishment tank 112, the expansion tank 113, the pump 114, the filter 115, the first frequency converter 116, the second frequency converter 117, and the connecting pipelines between these components are all integrated into the housing. This arrangement allows the components to be housed in a cabinet-like structure within the computer room, enhancing the integration level of the thermal management system.
[0070] This application also provides a control method applicable to the above-described thermal management system, which is applicable to any of the above-described thermal management systems and includes the following modes:
[0071] In the first mode, the fifth branch 110 and the bypass branch 23 are activated; in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1, the phase change medium flows sequentially through the fifth branch 110, the first heat exchanger 12, the second heat exchanger 16, the sixth branch 111, and the gas-liquid separator 13; in the coolant heat exchange circuit 2, the coolant flows sequentially through the cooling element 21, the second heat exchanger 16, the first heat exchanger 12, and the bypass branch 23. This mode is a conventional heat exchange mode in which the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1 and the coolant heat exchange circuit 2 exchange heat to cool the element 3 to be cooled.
[0072] In the second mode, the expander 11 is turned on and the bypass branch 23 is activated. In the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1, the phase change medium flows sequentially through the expander 11, the first heat exchanger 12, the second heat exchanger 16, the sixth branch 111, and the gas-liquid separator 13. In the coolant heat exchange circuit 2, the coolant flows sequentially through the cooling element 21, the second heat exchanger 16, the first heat exchanger 12, and the bypass branch 23. This mode prioritizes power generation and heat exchange during the non-heating season.
[0073] In the third mode, the expander 11 and compressor 15 are turned on, and the bypass branch 23 is activated. In the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1, the phase change medium flows sequentially through the compressor 15, expander 11, first heat exchanger 12, second heat exchanger 16, sixth branch 111, and gas-liquid separator 13. In the coolant heat exchange circuit 2, the coolant flows sequentially through the cooling element 21, second heat exchanger 16, first heat exchanger 12, and bypass branch 23. This mode prioritizes enhanced power generation and heat exchange during the non-heating season.
[0074] In the fourth mode, the compressor 15 is turned on, and the fourth branch 22 is also turned on. In the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1, the phase change medium flows sequentially through the compressor 15, the first heat exchanger 12, the second heat exchanger 16, the sixth branch 111, and the gas-liquid separator 13, and / or the phase change medium flows sequentially through the compressor 15, the first heat exchanger 12, the third branch 19, the gas-liquid separator 13, the second branch 17, the second heat exchanger 16, the sixth branch 111, and the gas-liquid separator 13. In the coolant heat exchange circuit 2, the coolant flows sequentially through the cooling element 21, the second heat exchanger 16, the first heat exchanger 12, and the fourth branch 22. This mode prioritizes the operation of the heating and heat exchange mode during the heating season.
[0075] In summary, the thermal management system described in this application, during its year-round operation, can ensure heat dissipation for the liquid-cooled cabinets (component 3 to be cooled) in the computing center while flexibly switching operating modes according to user needs. It comprehensively converts and processes heat originating from the chips in an integrated manner: during the non-heating season, it prioritizes operation in a power generation-coordinated heat exchange or enhanced power generation-coordinated heat exchange mode; during the high-temperature period in summer, when the temperature of the cooling component 21 is too high to implement the power generation function, it adopts a conventional heat exchange mode; during the heating season, it prioritizes operation in a heating-coordinated heat exchange mode. These various operating modes are decoupled from each other and will not interfere with the cabinet's heat dissipation process, ensuring the safety and reliability of the computing center.
[0076] The present invention has strong energy conversion and processing capabilities, good energy-saving effect, and multiple benefits: the return liquid temperature in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit 1 is usually up to 50°C, which can be developed and utilized according to local conditions, including generating electricity through an expander to save the power consumption of the computing center, improving the power utilization efficiency of the computing center (PUE value less than 1.05), or supplying heat to itself and the surrounding area during the heating season to save the heat consumption of heat users, and finally releasing the worthless residual heat to the cooling element 21 and obtaining the required cooling capacity from the cooling element 21.
[0077] The basic principles of this application have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. However, it should be noted that the advantages, benefits, and effects mentioned in this application are merely examples and not limitations, and should not be considered as essential features of each embodiment of this application. Furthermore, the specific details disclosed above are for illustrative and facilitative purposes only, and are not limitations. These details do not limit the application to the necessity of employing the aforementioned specific details for implementation.
[0078] The block diagrams of devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems involved in this application are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to require or imply that they must be connected, arranged, or configured in the manner shown in the block diagrams. As those skilled in the art will recognize, these devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems can be connected, arranged, and configured in any manner. Words such as “comprising,” “including,” “having,” etc., are open-ended terms meaning “including but not limited to,” and are used interchangeably with them. The terms “or” and “and” as used herein refer to the terms “and / or,” and are used interchangeably with them unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “such as” as used herein refers to the phrase “such as but not limited to,” and is used interchangeably with it.
[0079] It should also be noted that in the apparatus, equipment, and methods of this application, the components or steps can be disassembled and / or recombined. These disassemblies and / or recombinations should be considered as equivalent solutions of this application.
[0080] The above description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use this application. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other aspects without departing from the scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but rather to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.
[0081] It should be understood that the qualifiers “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” “fifth,” and “sixth” used in the description of the embodiments of this application are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.
[0082] The above description has been given for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, this description is not intended to limit the embodiments of this application to the forms disclosed herein. Although numerous exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those skilled in the art will recognize certain variations, modifications, alterations, additions, and sub-combinations thereof.
Claims
1. A thermal management system, characterized in that, Used for heat dissipation of components to be cooled in computing centers, including: A phase change medium heat exchange circuit includes an expander, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a pump, and a gas-liquid separator connected in sequence. The phase change medium heat exchange circuit can exchange heat with the component to be cooled. The phase change medium heat exchange circuit also includes a first branch, a fifth branch, and a sixth branch. The first branch is connected in parallel with the expander, and its two ends are respectively connected to the outlet of the gas-liquid separator and the inlet of the first heat exchanger. A compressor is installed on the first branch, and the compressor includes a first outlet and a second outlet. The first outlet is connected to the inlet of the expander through a first branch, and the second outlet is connected to the inlet of the first heat exchanger through a second branch. The fifth branch is connected in parallel with both the expander and the first branch, and its two ends are respectively connected to the outlet of the gas-liquid separator and the inlet of the first heat exchanger. The sixth branch is connected to the outlet of the second heat exchanger and the inlet of the gas-liquid separator. The pump is installed on the sixth branch, and the sixth branch exchanges heat with the component to be cooled. A coolant heat exchange circuit includes a cooling element and a first heat exchanger connected in sequence; the coolant heat exchange circuit includes a fourth branch and a bypass branch; the fourth branch is disposed between the first heat exchanger and the cooling element, and the fourth branch is used for heat exchange of the element to be heated; the bypass branch is connected in parallel with the fourth branch; The phase change medium heat exchange circuit and the coolant heat exchange circuit are connected by the first heat exchanger, and the phase change medium heat exchange circuit and the coolant heat exchange circuit are connected by the second heat exchanger.
2. The thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first heat exchanger includes a first heat exchange chamber and a second heat exchange chamber connected by heat exchange. The first heat exchange chamber is located in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit, and the second heat exchange chamber is located in the coolant heat exchange circuit. The second heat exchanger includes a third heat exchange chamber and a fourth heat exchange chamber connected by heat exchange. The third heat exchange chamber is located in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit, and the fourth heat exchange chamber is located in the coolant heat exchange circuit. In the phase change medium heat exchange circuit, the phase change medium flows from the first heat exchange chamber through the third heat exchange chamber and then exchanges heat with the component to be cooled; in the coolant heat exchange circuit, the coolant flows from the cooling component through the fourth heat exchange chamber and then flows to the second heat exchange chamber; and in the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, the flow directions of the phase change medium and the coolant are opposite.
3. The thermal management system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The phase change medium heat exchange circuit includes: The second branch is connected at both ends to the drain port of the gas-liquid separator and the inlet port of the second heat exchanger, and a drain device is provided on the second branch. And / or, The third branch connects to the outlet of the first heat exchanger and the inlet of the gas-liquid separator at its two ends, respectively.
4. The thermal management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The phase change medium heat exchange circuit includes: A replenishment tank, connected to the sixth branch, is used to replenish the phase change medium heat exchange circuit; An expansion tank, connected to the sixth branch, is used to buffer the pressure in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit; A filter, the pump, and the filter are sequentially arranged on the sixth branch; The first frequency converter is electrically connected to the pump; The second frequency converter is electrically connected to the compressor. The grid connection device is electrically connected to the expander; The housing contains all components of the thermal management system except for a portion of the sixth branch, the cooling components, the fourth branch, and the bypass branch.
5. A control method, characterized in that, The thermal management system according to claim 1 further includes a third branch and a second branch; the two ends of the second branch are respectively connected to the drain port of the gas-liquid separator and the inlet port of the second heat exchanger, and the two ends of the third branch are respectively connected to the outlet of the first heat exchanger and the inlet of the gas-liquid separator; the control method includes the following modes: In the first mode, the fifth branch and the bypass branch are controlled to be turned on; in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit, the phase change medium flows sequentially through the fifth branch, the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, the sixth branch and the gas-liquid separator; in the coolant heat exchange circuit, the coolant flows sequentially through the cooling element, the second heat exchanger, the first heat exchanger and the bypass branch. In the second mode, the expander is turned on and the bypass branch is turned on; in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit, the phase change medium flows sequentially through the expander, the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, the sixth branch and the gas-liquid separator; in the coolant heat exchange circuit, the coolant flows sequentially through the cooling element, the second heat exchanger, the first heat exchanger and the bypass branch. In the third mode, the expander and compressor are controlled to start, and the bypass branch is controlled to be open; in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit, the phase change medium flows sequentially through the compressor, the expander, the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, the sixth branch, and the gas-liquid separator; in the coolant heat exchange circuit, the coolant flows sequentially through the cooling element, the second heat exchanger, the first heat exchanger, and the bypass branch; In the fourth mode, the compressor is controlled to start, and the fourth branch is controlled to start; in the phase change medium heat exchange circuit, the phase change medium flows sequentially through the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, the sixth branch, and the gas-liquid separator, and / or the phase change medium flows sequentially through the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the third branch, the gas-liquid separator, the second branch, the second heat exchanger, the sixth branch, and the gas-liquid separator; in the coolant heat exchange circuit, the coolant flows sequentially through the cooling element, the second heat exchanger, the first heat exchanger, and the fourth branch.