Immersed cooling system and bubble-assisted immersion tank

Abstract

The invention discloses an immersed cooling system and a bubble-assisted immersion tank. The immersed cooling system comprises a bubble auxiliary immersion tank and a cooling liquid distribution device; the bubble auxiliary immersion tank comprises a tank body and a bubble auxiliary module; the tank body comprises an accommodating space in which a cooling liquid is arranged; the bubble auxiliary module is arranged at the bottom of the accommodating space and is used for conveying a plurality of auxiliary bubbles into the cooling liquid, so that the auxiliary bubbles are discharged from an object to be cooled to the top of the accommodating space; the cooling liquid distribution device is connected with the tank body and is used for leading the cooling liquid into and out of the accommodating space. Therefore, the cooling efficiency of the immersed cooling system is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a cooling system, and more particularly to an immersion cooling system and a bubble-assisted immersion tank. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies, the demand for cooling systems for high-performance servers is gradually increasing. Existing servers are cooled using immersion cooling systems. Immersion cooling systems directly immerse the server in an insulating liquid, allowing heat from the components to be directly transferred to the liquid. A motor pressurizes the liquid, and an exchanger uses natural convection to circulate the heated liquid back into the tank, continuously cooling the server.

[0003] However, during the cooling cycle, the high density of the servers and the high viscosity of the insulating fluid itself increase the flow resistance of the fluid. To ensure the servers can continue operating at a safe temperature, a high-lift motor is required to keep a large amount of insulating fluid circulating, which significantly increases the motor's workload and power consumption, making it extremely detrimental to achieving ideal Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE).

[0004] In view of this, there is currently a lack of immersion cooling systems and bubble-assisted immersion tanks on the market that can reduce motor workload and power consumption while providing high-efficiency cooling. Therefore, relevant companies are seeking solutions. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an immersion cooling system and a bubble-assisted immersion tank. The auxiliary bubbles generated by the bubble-assisted module can enhance the fluidity of the coolant, thereby effectively improving the cooling efficiency of the immersion cooling system.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an immersion cooling system is provided, comprising a bubble-assisted immersion tank and a coolant distribution device. The bubble-assisted immersion tank includes a tank body and a bubble-assisting module. The tank body includes a receiving space containing a coolant. The bubble-assisting module is disposed at the bottom of the receiving space and is used to deliver multiple auxiliary bubbles into the coolant, so that these auxiliary bubbles are discharged towards the top of the receiving space via an object to be cooled. The coolant distribution device is connected to the tank body and is used to introduce and discharge coolant into and out of the receiving space.

[0007] According to another embodiment of the structural form of the present invention, a bubble-assisted immersion tank is provided, comprising a tank body and a bubble-assisted module. The tank body includes a receiving space containing a coolant. The bubble-assisted module is disposed at a bottom of the receiving space and is used to deliver a plurality of auxiliary bubbles into the coolant, so that these auxiliary bubbles are discharged towards a top of the receiving space via an object to be cooled.

[0008] This invention has the following advantages: First, the flow of auxiliary bubbles promotes the circulation of coolant, further improving the cooling effect. Second, by fixing the intake manifold with a heat-conducting carrier, the required airflow can be provided to the location of the heat source, allowing the auxiliary bubbles to flow accurately through the heat source and thus enhancing the cooling effect. Third, the accelerated coolant flow by auxiliary bubbles helps maintain the operation of the object being cooled, while also reducing pump power consumption and improving power efficiency, thus conforming to the trend of energy conservation and environmental protection. Fourth, by adjusting the injection rate, size, density, distribution, and even temperature of the auxiliary bubbles, it can be applied to the cooling of various high-performance electronic components. Fifth, the high and stable cooling efficiency provided by the bubble-assisted immersion tank reduces the need for maintenance of the object being cooled, thereby extending its service life. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating an immersion cooling system according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0010] Figure 2 Drawing according to Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a bubble-assisted immersion tank;

[0011] Figure 3A A schematic diagram illustrating the heat-conducting carrier of the bubble-assisted immersion tank in the second embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0012] Figure 3B Drawing according to Figure 3A A top view of the heat transfer medium;

[0013] Figure 4A A schematic diagram illustrating the heat-conducting carrier of the bubble-assisted immersion tank in the third embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0014] Figure 4B Drawing according to Figure 4A A top view of the heat transfer medium;

[0015] Figure 5 A schematic diagram illustrating the heat-conducting carrier of the bubble-assisted immersion tank in the fourth embodiment of the present invention; and

[0016] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the guide plate component of the present invention is shown.

[0017] Explanation of key component symbols:

[0018] 100 Immersion Cooling System

[0019] 110 Bubble-assisted immersion tank

[0020] 111 Tank

[0021] 1111 Storage space

[0022] 1112 liquid outlet

[0023] 1113 liquid inlet

[0024] 112 Bubble Auxiliary Module

[0025] 1121 Intake Manifold

[0026] 1122 Intake Pipe

[0027] 1123 Air Pump

[0028] 113, 113a, 113b, 113c heat transfer fluid

[0029] 1131 Fin

[0030] 1132 Perforation

[0031] 114 Guide plate component

[0032] 120 Coolant Distribution Device

[0033] 130 water outlet pipe

[0034] 140 water inlet pipe

[0035] 150 pump

[0036] B Bottom

[0037] BB auxiliary bubbles

[0038] C Coolant

[0039] D direction

[0040] H heat source

[0041] LS Liquid Surface

[0042] O-shaped opening

[0043] S Item to be cooled

[0044] T top Detailed Implementation

[0045] Please see Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1A schematic diagram illustrating an immersion cooling system 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. The immersion cooling system 100 includes a bubble-assisted immersion tank 110, a coolant distribution device 120, an outlet pipe 130, an inlet pipe 140, and a pump 150. The outlet pipe 130 is connected to the bubble-assisted immersion tank 110, the inlet pipe 140 is connected between the bubble-assisted immersion tank 110 and the coolant distribution device 120, and the pump 150 is connected between the coolant distribution device 120 and the outlet pipe 130.

[0046] A cooling circuit is formed between the bubble-assisted immersion tank 110 and the coolant distribution device 120 via an outlet pipe 130 and an inlet pipe 140. The bubble-assisted immersion tank 110 is used to immerse an object S to be cooled in coolant C. The coolant distribution device 120 is used to introduce and export coolant C into the bubble-assisted immersion tank 110. The pump 150 is used to drive the coolant C, causing the coolant C to be exported from the bubble-assisted immersion tank 110 via the outlet pipe 130 and introduced into the bubble-assisted immersion tank 110 via the inlet pipe 140. In the first embodiment, the object S to be cooled can be a server, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0047] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, where Figure 2 Drawing according to Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a bubble-assisted immersion tank 110. The bubble-assisted immersion tank 110 includes a tank body 111 and a bubble-assisted module 112. The tank body 111 includes a receiving space 1111, a liquid outlet 1112 and a liquid inlet 1113. The liquid outlet 1112 and the liquid inlet 1113 are connected to the receiving space 1111. The liquid outlet 1112 is adjacent to a top T of the receiving space 1111, and the liquid inlet 1113 is adjacent to a bottom B of the receiving space 1111.

[0048] The containment space 1111 is provided with coolant C. The coolant distribution device 120 is connected to the tank 111 to introduce and export coolant C into and out of the containment space 1111. The outlet 1112 supplies the pump 150 to export coolant C from the containment space 1111 to the coolant distribution device 120 through the outlet pipe 130. The inlet 1113 supplies the pump 150 to import coolant C from the coolant distribution device 120 into the containment space 1111 through the inlet pipe 140.

[0049] A bubble assist module 112 is disposed at the bottom B of the accommodating space 1111 and is used to deliver multiple assist bubbles BB to the coolant C, so that the assist bubbles BB are discharged from the accommodating space 1111 towards the top T via the object to be cooled S. In the first embodiment, the assist bubbles BB may be nitrogen or carbon dioxide, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0050] The bubble assist module 112 includes at least one intake manifold 1121, an intake line 1122, and an air pump 1123. The intake line 1122 is connected to the at least one intake manifold 1121, and the air pump 1123 is connected to the intake line 1122. The intake manifold 1121 includes multiple openings to generate auxiliary bubbles BB. The intake line 1122 is used to introduce gas into the at least one intake manifold 1121. The air pump 1123 is used to deliver gas to the at least one intake manifold 1121. The gas can be compressed air (Clean Dry Air; CDA) with a relative humidity (water content) less than or equal to 12.82% at atmospheric pressure. Furthermore, the temperature of the auxiliary bubbles BB can be controlled below the ambient temperature of the tank 111 during operation. Generally, the temperature of the tank 111 during operation is controlled below 40 degrees Celsius. The aforementioned control of gas humidity and auxiliary bubble BB temperature, whether implemented individually or in combination, can prevent condensation of the introduced gas and improve heat dissipation efficiency. In the first embodiment, at least one intake manifold 1121 is disposed at the bottom B of the accommodating space 1111, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0051] In detail, the buoyancy generated by the difference in specific gravity between the auxiliary bubbles BB and the coolant C allows them to flow from the bottom B to the top T, thereby increasing the flow rate and fluidity of the coolant C and disrupting the thermal boundary layer. This promotes the circulation of the coolant C and further enhances the cooling efficiency of the bubble-assisted immersion tank 110.

[0052] It should be noted that the bubble assist module 112 can adjust the injection rate, size, density, distribution and even temperature of the auxiliary bubbles BB by selecting the air valve flow rate of the air pump 1123, the opening size of the air intake manifold 1121 and the opening density of the air intake manifold 1121, so as to adjust the heat dissipation performance of the bubble assist immersion tank 110 according to the needs of the object to be cooled S.

[0053] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, the outlet 1112 of the tank 111 is positioned below the liquid surface LS of the coolant C, so that the auxiliary bubbles BB will naturally defoam after rising to the liquid surface LS, thus avoiding the risk of the auxiliary bubbles BB being sucked into the pump 150 and causing pitting corrosion and damage to the equipment.

[0054] Furthermore, the bubble-assisted immersion tank 110 may also include at least one heat-conducting carrier 113, the object to be cooled S has at least one heat source H, and the at least one heat-conducting carrier 113 is respectively disposed on the at least one heat source H (e.g., Figure 2 (As shown). The heat-conducting carrier 113 is used to fix one or more intake manifolds 1121 (shown in the figure). Figures 3A to 5This allows for the provision of the required airflow to the location of the heat source H. In the first embodiment, at least one heat carrier 113 may be a heat sink fin or a metal block; the heat source H is located at the location of the CPU or MAC components of the server, but the invention is not limited thereto.

[0055] Please see Figures 1 to 5 As shown, where Figure 3A A schematic diagram illustrating the heat-conducting carrier 113a of the bubble-assisted immersion tank in the second embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 3B Drawing according to Figure 3A A top view of the heat transfer medium 113a; Figure 4A A schematic diagram illustrating the heat-conducting carrier 113b of the bubble-assisted immersion tank in the third embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 4B Drawing according to Figure 4A A top view of the heat transfer medium 113b; and Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the heat-conducting carrier 113c of the bubble-assisted immersion tank in the fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown. It must be noted that... Figures 3A to 5 The bubble-assisted immersion tanks in the second, third, and fourth embodiments are the same as or similar to those in the first embodiment, and will be used in conjunction with subsequent embodiments. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The invention is described, but not limited thereto.

[0056] like Figures 3A to 5 As shown, the heat-conducting carriers 113a, 113b, and 113c enable at least one intake manifold 1121 to be fixed along a direction D to at least one heat-conducting carrier 113a, 113b, and 113c.

[0057] like Figures 3A to 3B As shown, the heat-conducting carrier 113a of the second embodiment includes a plurality of fins 1131, which are spaced apart along direction D. The fins 1131 are divided into three blocks, and a groove (not otherwise labeled) is provided between the blocks. An intake manifold 1121 is disposed within the groove along direction D, and openings O of the intake manifold 1121 are respectively disposed between the fins 1131. There is a fin spacing between each adjacent pair of fins 1131, and the auxiliary bubble (not shown) has a bubble size according to the size of the opening O. In the second embodiment, the size ratio of the bubble size to the fin spacing is between 0.2 and 0.3, with an optimal size ratio of 0.25, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0058] like Figures 4A to 4B As shown, the heat-conducting carrier 113b of the third embodiment includes a plurality of fins 1131, which are spaced apart along direction D. The intake manifold 1121 is provided with perforations opened on the fins 1131 along direction D. In the third embodiment, the setting of the opening O of the intake manifold 1121 and the ratio of the bubble size to the fin spacing are the same as those in the second embodiment described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0059] like Figure 5 As shown, in the fourth embodiment, the heat-conducting carrier 113c is a heat-conducting metal block and includes a plurality of perforations 1132. The perforations 1132 are spaced apart along direction D. The intake manifold 1121 is provided with perforations opened along direction D on the heat-conducting metal block. Each opening O of the intake manifold 1121 corresponds to each perforation 1132 of the heat-conducting carrier 113c. In addition to avoiding the problem of disordered flow of coolant (not shown separately), it can accelerate the flow of coolant through the heat-conducting carrier 113c and improve the heat dissipation capacity.

[0060] In this way, by simply processing and fixing the intake manifold 1121 with a heat-conducting carrier, the required airflow is provided to the location of the heat source H, and the auxiliary bubble BB can be accurately flowed through the heat source H, thereby improving the cooling effect on the heat source H.

[0061] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 6 As shown, Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the guide plate component 114 of the present invention is shown. The bubble-assisted immersion tank 110 may further include at least one guide plate component 114 disposed at at least one heat source H of the object to be cooled S. The guide plate component 114 tapers from the bottom B to the top T of the accommodating space 1111 to guide the auxiliary bubbles BB, making the auxiliary bubbles BB more concentrated at the heat source H, thereby improving the local heat dissipation effect of the object to be cooled S.

[0062] As can be seen from the above embodiments, the present invention has the following advantages: First, the flow of auxiliary bubbles promotes the circulation of the coolant flow field, further improving the cooling effect. Second, by fixing the intake manifold with a heat-conducting carrier, the required airflow can be provided to the location of the heat source, allowing the auxiliary bubbles to flow accurately through the heat source, thereby improving the cooling effect on the heat source. Third, the accelerated coolant flow by auxiliary bubbles helps maintain the operation of the object being cooled, while also helping to reduce pump power consumption and improve power efficiency, thus conforming to the trend of energy conservation and environmental protection. Fourth, by adjusting the injection rate, size, density, distribution, and even temperature of the auxiliary bubbles, it can be applied to the cooling of various high-performance electronic components. Fifth, the high and stable cooling efficiency provided by the bubble-assisted immersion tank reduces the need for maintenance of the object being cooled, thereby extending the service life of the object being cooled.

[0063] Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art should be able to make various modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An immersion cooling system, the immersion cooling system comprising: A bubble-assisted immersion tank, the bubble-assisted immersion tank comprising: A tank, the tank including a receiving space containing a coolant; and A bubble assist module, disposed at the bottom of the accommodating space, is used to deliver multiple assist bubbles into the coolant, so that the assist bubbles are discharged towards the top of the accommodating space via an object to be cooled; and A coolant distribution device is connected to the tank and is used to introduce and discharge the coolant into and out of the receiving space.

2. The immersion cooling system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bubble-assisted module comprises: At least one intake manifold, the at least one intake manifold including a plurality of openings to generate the auxiliary bubbles; and An intake line is connected to the at least one intake manifold and is used to introduce a gas into the at least one intake manifold.

3. The immersion cooling system as described in claim 2, wherein the bubble-assisted immersion tank further comprises: At least one heat-conducting medium is disposed on the object to be cooled; The at least one intake manifold is fixed to the at least one heat-conducting carrier in one direction.

4. The immersion cooling system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the at least one heat carrier includes a plurality of fins, the fins being spaced apart along the direction, and the openings of the at least one intake manifold being respectively disposed between the fins.

5. The immersion cooling system of claim 4, wherein each of the adjacent fins has a fin spacing, and each of the auxiliary bubbles has a bubble size; in, The ratio of the bubble size to the fin spacing is between 0.2 and 0.

3.

6. The immersion cooling system of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary bubbles are nitrogen or carbon dioxide.

7. The immersion cooling system of claim 1, wherein the tank further comprises: A liquid outlet is connected to the containment space and the coolant is discharged from the containment space to the coolant distribution device through a water outlet pipe. and A liquid inlet is connected to the containing space, and the coolant is introduced into the containing space from the coolant distribution device through a water inlet pipe.

8. The immersion cooling system of claim 7, wherein the outlet is adjacent to the top of the accommodating space and below a liquid surface of the coolant in the accommodating space, and the inlet is adjacent to the bottom of the accommodating space.

9. The immersion cooling system of claim 7, further comprising a pump connected between the coolant distribution device and the outlet pipe, for discharging the coolant from the outlet into the receiving space.

10. The immersion cooling system of claim 1, wherein the bubble-assisted immersion tank further comprises: At least one guide plate component is disposed at at least one heat source of the object to be cooled, and the guide plate component gradually narrows from the bottom to the top of the accommodating space to guide the auxiliary bubbles and concentrate the auxiliary bubbles at the at least one heat source.

11. A bubble-assisted immersion tank, the bubble-assisted immersion tank comprising: A tank, the tank including a receiving space containing a coolant; as well as A bubble assist module is disposed at the bottom of the accommodating space and is used to deliver multiple assist bubbles into the coolant so that the assist bubbles are discharged towards the top of the accommodating space via a substance to be cooled.

12. The bubble-assisted immersion tank as described in claim 11, wherein the bubble-assisted module comprises: At least one intake manifold, the at least one intake manifold including a plurality of openings to generate the auxiliary bubbles; and An intake line is connected to the at least one intake manifold and is used to introduce a gas into the at least one intake manifold.

13. The bubble-assisted immersion tank as described in claim 12, further comprising: At least one heat-conducting medium is disposed on the object to be cooled; The at least one intake manifold is fixed to the at least one heat-conducting carrier in one direction.

14. The bubble-assisted immersion tank as claimed in claim 13, wherein the at least one heat-conducting carrier comprises a plurality of fins, the fins being spaced apart along the direction, and the openings of the at least one intake manifold being respectively disposed between the fins.

15. The bubble-assisted immersion tank of claim 14, wherein each of the adjacent fins has a fin spacing, and each of the auxiliary bubbles has a bubble size; in, The ratio of the bubble size to the fin spacing is between 0.2 and 0.

3.

16. The bubble-assisted immersion tank as described in claim 12, wherein the bubble-assisted module further comprises: An air pump is connected to the intake line and is used to deliver the gas to the at least one intake manifold.

17. The bubble-assisted immersion tank of claim 11, wherein the auxiliary bubbles are nitrogen or carbon dioxide.

18. The bubble-assisted immersion tank of claim 11, wherein the tank further comprises: A liquid outlet is connected to the accommodating space for the discharge of the coolant; and A liquid inlet is connected to the accommodating space for the introduction of coolant.

19. The bubble-assisted immersion tank of claim 18, wherein the outlet is adjacent to the top of the accommodating space and below a liquid surface of the coolant in the accommodating space, and the inlet is adjacent to the bottom of the accommodating space.

20. The bubble-assisted immersion tank as described in claim 11, further comprising: At least one guide plate component is disposed at at least one heat source of the object to be cooled, and the guide plate component gradually narrows from the bottom to the top of the accommodating space to guide the auxiliary bubbles and concentrate the auxiliary bubbles at the at least one heat source.

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