Cooling device

Abstract

A cooling device includes: a refrigerant circulation unit that exchanges heat between a primary refrigerant and a secondary refrigerant and circulates the secondary refrigerant to cool an object to be cooled, the refrigerant circulation unit having a first control portion and a first connector connected to the first control portion; a relay substrate on which a second control unit, and a second connector and a plurality of third connectors connected to the second control unit are mounted; the sensor is respectively connected with the plurality of third connectors; and a cable connecting between the first connector and the second connector and having a communication line through which the second control unit transmits information related to the detection by the sensor to the first control unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a cooling device. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, a technique was known in which electronic equipment was cooled by supplying a refrigerant cooled by heat exchange with a heat exchanger to a cold plate (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Sometimes, a leak detection circuit for detecting refrigerant leaks was provided near the aforementioned electronic equipment. [Existing Technical Documents] [Patent Literature]

[0003] Patent Document 1: US2014 / 0251583A1 Summary of the Invention

[0004] When attempting to use the aforementioned leak detection circuit to detect leaks over a wider area, there is a concern that the wiring may become complex.

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a cooling device that simplifies wiring and detects refrigerant leaks over a wide range using sensors.

[0006] An exemplary cooling device of the present invention includes: a refrigerant circulation unit that performs heat exchange between a primary refrigerant and a secondary refrigerant and circulates the secondary refrigerant to cool an object, and has a first control unit and a first connector connected to the first control unit; a relay board on which a second control unit is mounted and a second connector and a plurality of third connectors are connected to the second control unit; sensors respectively connected to the plurality of third connectors; and a cable having a communication line connecting the first connector and the second connector, wherein the second control unit transmits information related to detection based on the sensors to the first control unit via the communication line.

[0007] According to the exemplary cooling device of the present invention, wiring can be simplified, and refrigerant leaks can be detected over a wide range using sensors. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a cooling system CS according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2A This is a perspective view showing the interior of a CDU100 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2B This is a top view showing the interior of the CDU100. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the rear side of the CDU100. Figure 4This is another example of the structure schematically shown on the rear side of the CDU100. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of repeater 200. Figure 6 This is a circuit diagram showing the connection between CDU100 and repeater 200 in the sensor system SS. Figure 7 This is a circuit diagram showing the connection between repeater 200 and leakage sensor 300. Figure 8 This is a circuit diagram showing the connection of a single leakage sensor 300 to a CDU100. Figure 9A This is a schematic diagram illustrating a first example of how the sensor system SS of the embodiment is used. Figure 9B This is a schematic diagram illustrating a second example of how the sensor system SS of the embodiment is used. Figure 9C This is a schematic diagram illustrating a third example of how the sensor system SS of the embodiment is used. Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of CDU100 and repeater 200 configured in a server rack SR. Detailed Implementation

[0009] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] In this specification, for ease of understanding, an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system is used to illustrate the composition and arrangement of each component. In the following description, the direction along the X-axis is referred to as the first direction, the side pointed to by the X-axis arrow is referred to as one side of the first direction, and the opposite side is referred to as the other side of the first direction. The direction along the Y-axis is referred to as the second direction, the side pointed to by the Y-axis arrow is referred to as one side of the second direction, and the opposite side is referred to as the other side of the second direction. The direction along the Z-axis is referred to as the third direction, the side pointed to by the Z-axis arrow is referred to as one side of the third direction, and the opposite side is referred to as the other side of the third direction.

[0011] <1. Structure of the cooling system> Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a cooling system CS according to an exemplary embodiment. The cooling system CS includes a cooling device 1000 and a cooling unit 1001.

[0012] The cooling unit 1000 cools the heat source HS. The heat source HS is equivalent to the "cooling object". For example, the heat source HS is the CPU of a rack server or blade server, and is configured inside the server rack SR. Alternatively, the heat source HS can also be electronic components other than the CPU, such as electrolytic capacitors, power semiconductor modules, and printed circuit boards. In addition, the heat source HS can also be configured inside electronic devices other than servers, such as projectors, personal computers, and monitors.

[0013] The cooling unit 1000 includes a CDU100. "CDU" is an abbreviation for "Coolant Distribution Unit." The CDU100 is equivalent to a "refrigerant circulation unit." The CDU100 is configured inside the server rack SR. However, it is not limited to this; the CDU100 can also be configured outside the server rack SR.

[0014] CDU100 draws primary refrigerant into its interior and pressurizes it to the outside. Similarly, CDU100 draws secondary refrigerant into its interior and pressurizes it to the outside. Since there is no pump inside CDU100 for the primary refrigerant, the drawing and pressurization of the primary refrigerant are performed by an external pump. Heat exchange occurs between the primary and secondary refrigerants in CDU100. For example, antifreeze, pure water, or other liquid refrigerants can be used as both the primary and secondary refrigerants. Antifreeze that can be used as a refrigerant includes aqueous solutions of ethylene glycol and propylene glycol. Furthermore, the primary and secondary refrigerants can be the same or different types. Additionally, at least one of the primary and secondary refrigerants can be a gaseous refrigerant.

[0015] CDU100 is connected to flow paths FL11 and FL12. CDU100 draws in primary refrigerant flowing through flow path FL11 and compresses it into flow path FL12. Additionally, CDU100 is connected to flow paths FL21 and FL22. CDU100 compresses secondary refrigerant into flow path FL21 and draws in secondary refrigerant flowing through flow path FL22.

[0016] Low-temperature primary refrigerant flows into CDU100. Simultaneously, high-temperature secondary refrigerant flows into CDU100. Inside CDU100, heat exchange occurs between the low-temperature primary refrigerant and the high-temperature secondary refrigerant. This cools the high-temperature secondary refrigerant.

[0017] Cooling unit 1001 cools the primary refrigerant. Cooling unit 1001 can be an indoor device or an outdoor facility such as a cooling tower. Cooling unit 1001 is connected to flow path FL11. Cooling unit 1001 pressurizes the primary refrigerant to CDU 100 through flow path FL11. Additionally, cooling unit 1001 is connected to flow path FL12. Cooling unit 1001 draws primary refrigerant from CDU 100 through flow path FL12.

[0018] The cooling device 1000 includes a cold plate 1002. The cold plate 1002 is connected to flow paths FL21 and FL22. The cold plate 1002 has an internal flow path. The internal flow path of the cold plate 1002 extends from the connection point with flow path FL21 to the connection point with flow path FL22. That is, secondary refrigerant flows inside the cold plate 1002.

[0019] The cold plate 1002 is in thermal contact with the heat source HS. The cold plate 1002 can be in direct contact with the heat source HS, or it can be indirect contact with the heat source HS through heat transfer components such as heat transfer plates.

[0020] Through thermal contact between the cold plate 1002 and the heat source HS, the heat energy of the heat source HS is transferred to the secondary refrigerant flowing inside the cold plate 1002. As a result, the heat source HS is cooled. The secondary refrigerant used to cool the heat source HS flows into the CDU100 via the flow path FL22.

[0021] Furthermore, there is no particular limit to the number of heat sources (HS) installed on the server rack (SR). There can be multiple heat sources (HS) installed on the server rack (SR), or there can be only one.

[0022] When there are multiple heat sources HS installed on the server rack SR, the same number (i.e., multiple) of cold plates 1002 as the number of heat sources HS can be installed on the server rack SR, and each heat source HS can have thermal contact with one cold plate 1002. Alternatively, fewer cold plates 1002 than the number of heat sources HS can be installed on the server rack SR, and at least one of the cold plates 1002 can have thermal contact with multiple heat sources HS.

[0023] When there are multiple heat sources HS set in the server rack SR, for example, a part of the flow path FL21 is formed by the distribution manifold 2001, and a part of the flow path FL22 is formed by the collection manifold 2002.

[0024] Distribution manifold 2001 has one inlet and multiple outlets. Secondary refrigerant flows into the inlet of distribution manifold 2001 from CDU 100. The secondary refrigerant flowing in from the inlet of distribution manifold 2001 flows out from the respective outlets of distribution manifold 2001. Each outlet of distribution manifold 2001 is connected to a different cold plate 1002. Thus, secondary refrigerant flows into each cold plate 1002.

[0025] The collection manifold 2002 has multiple inlets and one outlet. Each inlet of the collection manifold 2002 is connected to a different cold plate 1002. Secondary refrigerant flowing from each cold plate 1002 flows into the collection manifold 2002 through its respective inlet. The outlet of the collection manifold 2002 is connected to the CDU 100. Thus, secondary refrigerant flowing from each cold plate 1002 flows into the CDU 100.

[0026] Figure 1 The example shown has three cold plates 1002 (i.e., three heat sources HS). Furthermore, in... Figure 1 In the diagram, the flow direction of each refrigerant is indicated by arrows.

[0027] As described above, the cooling device 1000 includes a refrigerant circulation unit (100) that performs heat exchange between a primary refrigerant and a secondary refrigerant, thereby circulating the secondary refrigerant to cool the object being cooled.

[0028] <2. Structure of CDU> Figure 2A This is a perspective view showing the interior of a CDU100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The CDU100 includes a housing 9. The housing 9 has a storage area 90. The housing 9 houses a heat exchanger 1, a pump 2, a tank 3, a power supply unit 4, and a touch screen 5 in the storage area 90. Figure 2A This shows the state where the top surface of housing 9 has been removed.

[0029] Figure 2B This is a top view showing the interior of the CDU100. Additionally, in Figure 2B The diagram of some structures has been omitted. For example... Figure 2B As shown, the control board 6 is housed within the storage area 90.

[0030] The CDU100 includes a primary flow path and a secondary flow path. The primary and secondary flow paths are housed in a storage area 90. The primary flow path is for the primary refrigerant. The secondary flow path is for the secondary refrigerant.

[0031] CDU100 includes a heat exchanger 1. The heat exchanger 1 is connected to a primary flow path and a secondary flow path. Primary and secondary refrigerants flow into and out of the heat exchanger 1. Heat exchanger 1 performs heat exchange between the primary and secondary refrigerants within its interior. The heat exchange method of the heat exchanger 1 is, for example, a plate type.

[0032] CDU100 includes pump 2. Pump 2 is connected to a secondary flow path. Pump 2 has an internal flow path. By driving pump 2, secondary refrigerant is drawn into the internal flow path of pump 2 and compressed from the internal flow path of pump 2. Thus, the secondary refrigerant circulates between CDU100 and cold plate 1002. There is no particular limitation on the number of pumps 2. For example, the number of pumps 2 can be two. That is, CDU100 includes multiple pumps 2.

[0033] CDU100 includes tank 3. Tank 3 stores refrigerant for use as a secondary refrigerant. Tank 3 is connected to the secondary flow path. Tank 3 is capable of supplying refrigerant to the secondary flow path.

[0034] CDU100 includes a control board 6. A control circuit 60 is mounted on the control board 6. The control circuit 60 is connected to a temperature and humidity sensor that detects the temperature and humidity inside the CDU100, and also to a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the primary refrigerant and a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the secondary refrigerant. The control circuit 60 also controls the pump 2, etc. The control circuit 60 includes a circuit structure such as a sensor microcomputer 601, which will be described later. Furthermore, the sensor microcomputer 601 is equivalent to a "first control unit".

[0035] The CDU100 includes a power supply unit 4. The power supply unit 4 includes a power circuit. The power supply unit 4 connects to a commercial power source and generates DC voltage from AC voltage. The power supply unit 4 provides power to the pump 2, control circuit 60, various sensors, and other power-receiving components that operate upon receiving power.

[0036] CDU100 includes a touchscreen 5. The touchscreen 5 is connected to a control circuit 60. The control circuit 60 causes the touchscreen 5 to display various information. For example, the touchscreen 5 displays the operating status of the cooling system CS. Additionally, the touchscreen 5 displays various measured values ​​from the temperature and humidity sensors and the temperature sensor. The touchscreen 5 is one of the power receiving units that operate by receiving power from the power supply unit 4.

[0037] <3. Sensor System> like Figure 1 As shown, the cooling unit 1000 includes a sensor system SS for detecting refrigerant leaks, which will now be described in detail. The sensor system SS includes a CDU 100, a repeater 200, and a leak sensor 300.

[0038] <3-1. Rear Structure of CDU> Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the rear side of the CDU100. The housing 9 includes... Figure 3 The back panel 901 is shown. The back panel 901 is disposed on the third-party side.

[0039] The rear panel 901 has an inlet 91A and an outlet 91B. The inlet 91A is connected to the primary flow path and serves as the inlet for primary refrigerant to flow into the interior of the CDU100. The outlet 91B is connected to the primary flow path and serves as the outlet for primary refrigerant to flow out of the interior of the CDU100.

[0040] The rear panel 901 has an inlet 92A and an outlet 92B. The inlet 92A is connected to the secondary flow path and serves as the inlet for secondary refrigerant to flow into the interior of the CDU100. The outlet 92B is connected to the secondary flow path and serves as the outlet for secondary refrigerant to flow out of the interior of the CDU100.

[0041] The back panel 901 is provided with first connectors 93A and 93B. First connectors 93A and 93B can connect to the repeater 200 or the individual leakage sensor 300 described below. When connecting the first connectors 93A and 93B to the repeater 200, the cable 400 described below is used.

[0042] like Figure 3 As shown, on the back side of the refrigerant circulation unit (CDU100), in a first direction (X-axis direction) along the back side, the first connectors 93A and 93B are positioned closer to the secondary refrigerant inlet 92A and outlet 92B than the primary refrigerant inlet 91A and outlet 91B. This allows the cable 400 to be installed along the secondary refrigerant piping extending from the refrigerant circulation unit to the cooling target (heat source HS), thereby improving the ease of cable installation.

[0043] And, as Figure 3 As shown, on the back side of the refrigerant circulation unit (CDU100), the first connectors 93A and 93B are positioned on the outer side of the primary refrigerant inlet 91A and outlet 91B, and the secondary refrigerant inlet 92A and outlet 92B, along the first direction (X-axis direction) of the aforementioned back side. Alternatively, it could be as follows: Figure 4 As shown, the first connectors 93A and 93B are positioned on the outside of the second direction (Y-axis direction) orthogonal to the first direction and along the back side, relative to the inlet 91A and outlet 91B of the primary refrigerant and the inlet 92A and outlet 92B of the secondary refrigerant. This facilitates the installation and removal of the cable 400 relative to the first connectors, making wiring and maintenance easier.

[0044] In addition, such as Figure 3As shown, the first connectors 93A and 93B are disposed at the ends of the back panel 901 on one side in the first direction and the other side in the second direction. From Figure 2A As can be seen from the structure shown, on the back side of the refrigerant circulation unit (CDU100), when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the back side (third direction), the first connectors 93A and 93B are positioned so as not to overlap with the heat exchanger 1, which performs heat exchange. This simplifies the wiring between the first connectors 93A and 93B and the first control unit (sensor microcomputer 601) inside the refrigerant circulation unit. Furthermore, since no wiring space is required, the size of the heat exchanger 1 can be increased.

[0045] <3-2. Simplified Structure of a Repeater> Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of repeater 200. Repeater 200 includes housing 20, repeater substrate 21 ( Figure 5 (Not shown in the diagram) Second connector 22 and third connectors 24A-24D. The relay substrate 21 is housed inside the housing 20. The third connectors 24A-24D are disposed on the back panel 201 of the housing 20 and mounted on the relay substrate 21.

[0046] The second connector 22 can be connected to the first connector 93A or the first connector 93B via cable 400. Each of the third connectors 24A to 24D can be connected to a respective leakage sensor 300 (each of 300A to 300D described below). Alternatively, it is not necessary to connect the leakage sensor 300 to all of the third connectors 24A to 24D; it is also possible to connect the leakage sensor 300 to a subset of the third connectors 24A to 24D. For example, in... Figure 1 The structure uses three leakage sensors 300 and three of the third connectors 24A to 24D.

[0047] <3-3. Circuit Structure of Sensor Systems> Next, the circuit structure of the sensor system SS will be explained. Figure 6 This is a circuit diagram showing the connection between CDU100 and repeater 200 in the sensor system SS. CDU100 and repeater 200 are connected via cable 400. Repeater 200 has a built-in repeater board 21, such as... Figure 6 As shown. Additionally... Figure 6 The diagram shows the state of repeater 200 connected to first connector 93A. Another repeater 200 can also be connected to first connector 93B via another cable 400.

[0048] The first connectors 93A and 93B have the same structure, with pins T1 to T8 respectively. In CDU100, the control board 6 is equipped with a sensor microcomputer 601, resistors R1 and R2, pull-up resistors Rp1 and Rp2, resistors R11 and R12, and comparators CP1 and CP2.

[0049] The relay substrate 21 is equipped with a second connector 22 and an AD (Analog to Digital) converter IC 23. The AD converter IC 23 is equivalent to a "second control unit". The second connector 22 has pins T11 to T18.

[0050] Pin T1 is the power supply pin, connected to the terminal where the DC voltage Vdc1 is applied. Figure 6 In the structure, pin T1 is connected to pin T11 via cable 400. Thus, DC voltage Vdc1 is provided to repeater 200 through pin T11.

[0051] Pin T2 is the address setting pin. Pin T2 of the first connector 93A is connected to one end of resistor R1, and the other end of resistor R1 is connected to the ground potential application terminal. Pin T2 of the first connector 93B is connected to one end of resistor R2, and the other end of resistor R2 is connected to the other end of resistor R1. Figure 6 In this configuration, pin T2 is connected to pin T12 via cable 400. Pin T12 is connected to the AD converter IC23. The address setting method will be described later.

[0052] Pin T3 is the grounding pin, connected to the terminal where ground potential is applied. Figure 6 In this configuration, pin T3 is connected to pin T13 via cable 400. Therefore, ground potential is provided to repeater 200 via pin T13.

[0053] Pin T4 is the data terminal for I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) communication and is connected to the sensor microcomputer 601. I2C is a synchronous serial communication method that communicates data in sync with a clock. Pin T4 is connected to pin T14 via communication line L1 in cable 400. Pin T14 is connected to the AD converter IC23. Thus, data SDA can be sent and received between the sensor microcomputer 601 and the AD converter IC23 via communication line L1. Furthermore, communication line L1 is pulled up.

[0054] Pin T5 is the clock terminal for I2C communication and is connected to the sensor microcomputer 601. Pin T5 is connected to pin T15 via communication line L2 in cable 400. Pin T15 is connected to the AD converter IC23. In I2C communication, the sensor microcomputer 601 is the master device and the AD converter IC23 is the slave device. Therefore, the clock SCL is sent from the sensor microcomputer 601 to the AD converter IC23 via communication line L2. Additionally, communication line L2 is pulled up.

[0055] Thus, the refrigerant circulation unit (100) has a first control unit (601) and first connectors 93A and 93B connected to the first control unit (601). Furthermore, the cooling device 1000 includes a relay board 21, on which a second control unit (23) is mounted and a second connector 22 connected to the second control unit. Additionally, the cooling device 1000 includes a cable 400 connecting the first connectors 93A and 93B and the second connector 22 and having communication lines L1 and L2.

[0056] Pin T6 is used for connection detection. In the first connector 93A, pin T6 is pulled up by pull-up resistor Rp1 and connected to the sensor microcomputer 601. Pin T6 is connected to pin T16 via cable 400. Pin T16 is shorted to pin T13. In the first connector 93B, pin T6 is pulled up by pull-up resistor Rp2 and connected to the sensor microcomputer 601. The connection detection method will be described later.

[0057] Pin T7 is the leakage voltage detection terminal. Pin T7 of the first connector 93A is connected to one end of resistor R11 and to the first input terminal of comparator CP1. The other end of resistor R11 is connected to the application terminal of DC voltage Vdc3. The threshold voltage Vth is applied to the second input terminal of comparator CP1. The output terminal of comparator CP1 is connected to sensor microcomputer 601. When repeater 200... Figure 6 When connected to the first connector 93A, pins T7 and T17 are not connected. That is, pin T7 is not used. Pin T7 of the first connector 93B is connected to one end of resistor R12 and to the first input terminal of comparator CP2. The other end of resistor R12 is connected to the application terminal of DC voltage Vdc3. The threshold voltage Vth is applied to the second input terminal of comparator CP2. The output terminal of comparator CP2 is connected to sensor microcomputer 601.

[0058] Pins T17, T8, and T18 are non-connected (NC) pins and are not used.

[0059] Figure 7This is a circuit diagram showing the connection between repeater 200 and leakage sensor 300. In repeater 200, third connectors 24A-24D and resistors Ra and Rb are mounted on repeater substrate 21. That is, multiple third connectors 24A-24D are mounted on repeater substrate 21. Furthermore, Figure 7 The circuit structure mounted on the relay board 21 is shown only for the third connector 24A. The third connectors 24B to 24D are not shown, but each of the third connectors 24B to 24D is configured with the same circuit as the third connector 24A.

[0060] Leakage sensors 300A to 300D can be connected to each of the third connectors 24A to 24D. That is, the cooling device 1000 includes sensors (300A to 300D) that are connected to multiple third connectors 24A to 24D. The third connectors 24A to 24D have the same structure and each has pins T21 to T28. Leakage sensors 300A to 300D have the same structure and each has a fourth connector 31 and a leakage detection unit 32.

[0061] The fourth connector 31 has pins T31 to T38. By connecting the fourth connector 31 to any one of the third connectors 24A to 24D, pins T31 to T38 are respectively connected to pins T21 to T28. Pin T23 is a ground pin, and a ground potential is applied to it. Therefore, a ground potential is applied to pin T33. A leakage detection unit 32 is connected between pin T33 and pins T37 and T38. The leakage detection unit 32 functions as a resistor. In addition, pins T37 and T38 are shorted.

[0062] Pin T26 is a connection detection pin, pulled up by resistor Ra and connected to the AD converter IC23. Pin T36 is shorted to pin T33. Therefore, when the fourth connector 31 of the leakage sensor 300A is connected to the third connector 24A, pin T26 in the third connector 24A goes low, and the AD converter IC23 can detect that the leakage sensor 300A is connected to the third connector 24A. Conversely, when the third connector 24A is not externally connected, pin T26 goes high, and the AD converter IC23 can detect that no external connection is being made to the third connector 24A. The same applies to the third connectors 24B to 24D; connections to each of the leakage sensors 300B to 300D can be detected in the same way.

[0063] Pins T27 and T28 are for leakage voltage detection. They are shorted and connected to one end of resistor Rb, and then connected to the AD converter IC23. The other end of resistor Rb is connected to the application terminal of DC voltage Vdc2. DC voltage Vdc2 is generated by the power supply circuit (not shown) mounted on the relay board 21 based on DC voltage Vdc1.

[0064] When the fourth connector 31 is connected to any one of the third connectors 24A to 24D, pins T37 and T27 are connected, and pins T38 and T28 are connected. When the fourth connector 31 of the leakage sensor 300A is connected to the third connector 24A, the resistor Rb and the leakage detection unit 32 are connected in series between the DC voltage Vdc2 application terminal and the ground potential application terminal via pins T27, T28, T37, T38 and pins T33, T23. Therefore, a leakage voltage (Vleak) is generated at pins T27 and T28, which is obtained by voltage division of the DC voltage Vdc2 through the resistor Rb and the resistive element of the leakage detection unit 32. When the leakage detection unit 32 is not wet, the resistance value of the resistive element increases, and the leakage voltage Vleak increases. On the other hand, when the leakage detection unit 32 becomes wet due to liquid leakage, the resistance value of the resistive element decreases, and the leakage voltage Vleak decreases. Therefore, by detecting the magnitude of the leakage voltage Vleak, the presence or absence of leakage can be detected. When leakage sensors 300B to 300D are connected to connectors 24B to 24D, leakage can also be detected through each leakage sensor 300B to 300D.

[0065] <3-4. Address Setting> Next, refer to Figure 6 The address setting of the AD converter IC23 is explained. For example... Figure 6 As shown, when repeater 200 is connected to first connector 93A, AD converter IC23 is connected to one end of resistor R1 via pins T12 and T2. Conversely, when repeater 200 is connected to first connector 93B, AD converter IC23 is connected to one end of resistor R2 via pins T12 and T2. The resistance values ​​of resistors R1 and R2 are set to different values. Therefore, when repeater 200 is connected to either first connector 93A or first connector 93B, AD converter IC23 applies a pulsed constant current to pin T12, resulting in a pulsed voltage at pin T12 with different values ​​depending on resistors R1 and R2. For example, if the resistance value of resistor R1 is greater than the resistance value of resistor R2, the pulsed voltage will be higher when repeater 200 is connected to first connector 93A. AD converter IC23 sets its address based on the voltage value generated at pin T12. Therefore, depending on which of the first connectors 93A and 93B the repeater 200 is connected to, a different address is set in the AD converter IC23. This address is used for I2C communication.

[0066] That is, the refrigerant circulation unit (100) has multiple first connectors 93A, 93B and resistive elements R1, R2 provided for each of the first connectors 93A, 93B. The second control unit (23) can be connected to the resistive elements R1, R2 via the second connector 22, the cable 400, and the first connectors 93A, 93B, and set the address for communication based on the communication lines L1, L2 according to the resistance values ​​of the resistive elements R1, R2. Thus, by connecting the relay board 21 to each of the multiple first connectors 93A, 93B via the cable 400, an address can be set in each relay board 21.

[0067] <3-5. Detection of External Connections> When repeater 200 Figure 6 When connected to the first connector 93A, pin T6 is connected to the ground potential application terminal via T16, T13, and T3. Consequently, pin T6, connected to one end of pull-up resistor Rp1, becomes low, allowing the sensor microcomputer 601 to detect an external connection to the first connector 93A. Conversely, when no external connection is made to the first connector 93A, pin T6 becomes high due to the pull-up resistor Rp1, allowing the sensor microcomputer 601 to detect the absence of an external connection to the first connector 93A. Similarly, an external connection can be detected for the first connector 93B.

[0068] in addition, Figure 8 This is a circuit diagram showing the connection of a single leakage sensor 300 to a CDU100. Figure 8 In this case, the fourth connector 31 is connected to the first connector 93A. The fourth connector 31 can also be connected to the first connector 93B. When the fourth connector 31 is as follows... Figure 8 When connected to the first connector 93A, pins T6 and T36, and pins T3 and T33 are connected respectively. This applies ground potential to pin T6. Consequently, pin T6, connected to one end of the pull-up resistor Rp1, becomes low, and the sensor microcomputer 601 can detect the external connection to the first connector 93A. In other words, pin T6 can be used to detect that the repeater 200 or the leakage sensor 300 is undergoing an external connection.

[0069] <3-6. I2C Communication> Next, the operation using I2C communication will be described. When the sensor microcomputer 601 detects an external connection to the first connector 93A via pin T6, data SDA based on I2C communication is sent to pin T4, corresponding to the address set in the AD converter IC23 for the first connector 93A. Here, as... Figure 6When the repeater 200 is connected to the first connector 93A, the data SDA is sent to the AD converter IC23 via pins T4 and T14. Then, the AD converter IC23, having received the address, returns an acknowledgment (ACK) to pin T14. Thus, the sensor microcomputer 601 receives the acknowledgment via pin T4 and detects that the repeater 200 is connected to the first connector 93A.

[0070] In the above situation, the AD converter IC23 then sends the following data to the sensor microcomputer 601 using data SDA: the data after AD conversion of the leakage voltage Vleak detected by the leakage sensor 300 connected to at least one of the third connectors 24A to 24D. Thus, the sensor microcomputer 601 can detect whether a leakage exists. That is, the second control unit (23) transmits information (Vleak) related to the detection based on the sensor (300) to the first control unit (601) via communication lines L1 and L2. Thus, according to this embodiment, although a wide range of detection can be performed using multiple sensors (300A to 300D), the wiring of the first control unit (601) inside the refrigerant circulation unit (100) can be simplified by using the relay board 21.

[0071] Additionally, when transmitting the leakage voltage Vleak data as described above, the AD converter IC23 also transmits the following data using the data SDA: data identifying which leakage voltage Vleak is related to in leakage sensors 300A to 300D. In other words, information related to sensor-based detection includes identification information that can identify which sensor was detected. Therefore, the first control unit (601) can identify which sensor was detected.

[0072] Similarly, when repeater 200 is connected to first connector 93B, if sensor microcomputer 601 detects an external connection to first connector 93B via pin T6, it sends the address set in AD converter IC23 corresponding to first connector 93B to pin T4 using data SDA. Thus, after detecting that repeater 200 is connected to first connector 93B via a confirmed response, sensor microcomputer 601 can obtain information related to the detection based on leakage sensor 300 from AD converter IC23.

[0073] Additionally, when the sensor microcomputer 601 detects an external connection to the first connector 93A via pin T6, it sends an address corresponding to the first connector 93A, set in the AD converter IC23, to pin T4 using data SDA. In this case, if no acknowledgment is received, it can detect that the leakage sensor 300 is connected to the first connector 93A. Figure 8 As shown. Since pins T34 and T35 are non-connection pins, no acknowledgment will be sent back. That is, when the first control unit (601) sends a signal through the first connector 93A but does not return a response (acknowledgment), it is detected that the sensor unit is connected to the first connector 93A. Thus, it is possible to detect that the sensor unit is connected to the first connector 93A.

[0074] <3-7. Sensor unit connection case> like Figure 8 As shown, when the leakage sensor 300 is connected to the first connector 93A, the sensor microcomputer 601 acquires the output of comparator CP1 upon detecting the connection of the leakage sensor 300. The first connector 93A is connected to the fourth connector 31, with pins T7 and T37, and pins T3 and T33 connected respectively. Thus, resistor R11 and the resistor element of the leakage detection unit 32 are connected in series between the application terminal of the DC voltage Vdc3 and the application terminal of the ground potential. Therefore, comparator CP1 compares the leakage voltage Vleak generated at pin T7 (obtained by dividing the DC voltage Vdc3 through resistor R11 and the resistor element of the leakage detection unit 32) with the threshold voltage Vth and outputs the result. Thus, the sensor microcomputer 601 can detect the presence or absence of leakage.

[0075] In addition, even when the leakage sensor 300 is connected to the first connector 93B, the presence or absence of leakage can be detected based on the output of the comparator CP2 in the same manner as described above.

[0076] <3-8. Usage Examples> Figure 9A This is a schematic diagram illustrating a first example of how the sensor system SS of this embodiment is used. In this case, repeaters 200 are connected to the first connectors 93A and 93B, respectively. Each repeater 200 is connected to four leakage sensors 300. Therefore, a total of eight leakage sensors can be used to detect leakage over a wider range. Even when using a large number of leakage sensors 300 in this way, the wiring inside the CDU100 is simplified by using the repeaters 200.

[0077] Figure 9BThis is a schematic diagram illustrating a second example of how the sensor system SS of this embodiment is used. In this case, the repeater 200 is connected to the first connector 93A, and the leakage sensor 300 is connected to the first connector 93B.

[0078] Figure 9C This is a schematic diagram illustrating a third example of how the sensor system SS of this embodiment is used. In this case, each of the first connectors 93A and 93B is connected to a single leakage sensor 30.

[0079] Even when switching to the above-mentioned usage mode, the sensor microcomputer 601 can automatically detect the change in usage mode through the above actions.

[0080] <3-9. Layout of CDU and Repeater> Here, the layout of CDU100 and repeater 200 is explained. Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of CDU100 and repeater 200 configured in a server rack SR. CDU100 is configured in the bottom compartment of the server rack SR, repeater 200 is configured above CDU100, and heat source HS is configured above repeater 200.

[0081] By adopting this layout, either of the first connectors 93A and 93B can be connected via cable 400 (… Figure 10 (Not shown) The leakage sensor 300 is connected to the second connector 22 in the repeater 200 above, and to any one of the third connectors 24A to 24D in the repeater 200. Figure 10 (Not shown) is positioned on the heat source HS side. Therefore, the length of the leakage sensor 300 can be shortened.

[0082] Additionally, in the server rack SR, the CDU100, repeater 200, and heat source HS can be arranged from the top. In other words, the cooling object (HS) is positioned either above or below the refrigerant circulation unit (100), and the repeater substrate 21 is positioned above the aforementioned first connectors 93A and 93B, thereby shortening the length of the sensor.

[0083] Furthermore, the length of the preferred cable 400 is longer than the length of at least one of the plurality of sensors (300). As a result, the total length of the cable 400 and the sensors can be shortened.

[0084] <3-10. Number of Connectors> Here, the number of first connectors is preferably even, such as first connectors 93A and 93B. When a repeater is connected to each of the even number of first connectors, if the leakage sensors 300 connected to two sets of repeaters detect the same location, there will be no problem even if one first connector fails. Similarly, the number of third connectors is also preferably even, such as third connectors 24A to 24D. Thus, if the leakage sensors 300 connected to two sets of third connectors detect the same location, there will be no problem even if one third connector fails. Therefore, by making the number of first connectors or third connectors even, redundancy can be provided.

[0085] <4. Other> The above is a description of the embodiments of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various modifications can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the items described in the above embodiments can be appropriately combined arbitrarily without causing contradictions.

[0086] For example, in the above embodiment, the sensor is a liquid leak sensor (leak sensor 300). This allows for the detection of refrigerant leaks over a wide range. However, the sensor is not limited to a leak sensor; for example, it could also be a temperature sensor, etc.

[0087] <Postscript> As described above, the cooling device of the present invention includes: a refrigerant circulation unit that performs heat exchange between a primary refrigerant and a secondary refrigerant and circulates the secondary refrigerant to cool an object, and has a first control unit and a first connector connected to the first control unit; a relay board on which a second control unit is mounted and a second connector and a plurality of third connectors are connected to the second control unit; sensors respectively connected to the plurality of third connectors; and a cable having a communication line connecting the first connector and the second connector, wherein the second control unit transmits information related to detection based on the sensors to the first control unit (first structure) via the communication line.

[0088] In the first structure described above, the information related to detection based on the sensor may also include identification information (second structure) that can identify which sensor was used for detection.

[0089] Alternatively, in the first or second structure described above, it can also be configured such that when the first control unit sends a signal through the first connector but does not return a response (ACK), it is determined that the sensor unit is connected to the first connector (third structure).

[0090] Alternatively, in any of the above-described first to third structures, the refrigerant circulation unit may be configured such that it has a plurality of first connectors and a resistive element provided for each first connector, and the second control unit is connected to the resistive element via the second connector, the cable and the first connector, and sets an address for communication based on the communication line according to the resistance value of the resistive element (fourth structure).

[0091] Alternatively, in any of the first to fourth structures described above, the first connector may be configured such that, on the back side of the refrigerant circulation unit, in a first direction along the back side, the first connector is positioned closer to the inlet and outlet of the secondary refrigerant than the inlet and outlet of the primary refrigerant (fifth structure).

[0092] Alternatively, in any of the first to fifth structures described above, the first connector may be configured such that, on the back side of the refrigerant circulation unit, it is located outside the first direction along the back side or outside the second direction orthogonal to the first direction and along the back side (sixth structure) compared to the inlet and outlet of the primary refrigerant and the inlet and outlet of the secondary refrigerant.

[0093] Alternatively, in any of the first to sixth structures described above, the first connector may be configured such that, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the back of the refrigerant circulation unit, it is positioned in a position that does not overlap with the heat exchanger performing the heat exchange (seventh structure).

[0094] Alternatively, in any of the first to seventh structures described above, the cooling object may be positioned above or below the refrigerant circulation unit, and the relay substrate may be positioned above the first connector (eighth structure).

[0095] Alternatively, in any of the first to eighth structures described above, the cable may be configured to be longer than at least one of the plurality of sensors (ninth structure).

[0096] Alternatively, in any of the above-mentioned first to ninth structures, the number of the first connectors or the number of the third connectors may be even (tenth structure).

[0097] Alternatively, in any of the above-mentioned first to tenth structures, the sensor may be configured as a liquid leakage sensor (eleventh structure).

[0098] This invention can be used, for example, in cooling systems for various applications. (Symbol Explanation)

[0099] 1 heat exchanger 2 pumps 3 cans 4 power supply units 5 touchscreens 6 control board 9 shells 20 housing 21 relay substrate 22 Second Connector 23AD converter IC 24A~24D Third Connector 31 Fourth connector 32 Leakage Detection Department 60 control circuit 90 storage areas 91A Flow Inlet 91B Outlet 92A Inlet 92B Outlet 93A and 93B first connectors 200 repeaters 201 Back Panel 300 Leakage Sensor 300A~300D Leakage Sensor 400 cable 601 Sensor Microcomputer 901 Back Panel 1000 Cooling device 1001 Cooling Unit 1002 Cold-rolled steel plate 2001 Distribution Manifold 2002 Collection Manifold CP1 and CP2 comparators CS cooling system FL11, FL12 flow path FL21, FL22 flow path HS heat source L1, L2 communication lines Resistors R1 and R2 Resistors R11 and R12 Ra, Rb resistance Pull-up resistors Rp1 and Rp2 SR server rack SS sensor system T1~T8 pins T11~T18 pins T21~T28 pins Pins T31 to T38.

Claims

1. A cooling device, characterized in that, include: A refrigerant circulation unit that performs heat exchange between a primary refrigerant and a secondary refrigerant and circulates the secondary refrigerant to cool the object being cooled, and having a first control unit and a first connector connected to the first control unit; A relay base plate, wherein a second control unit is mounted on the relay base plate and a second connector and a plurality of third connectors are connected to the second control unit; Sensors, each of which is connected to one of the third connectors; as well as A cable that connects the first connector and the second connector, and includes a communication line. The second control unit transmits information related to detection based on the sensor to the first control unit via the communication line.

2. The cooling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Information related to detection based on the sensor includes identification information that can identify which sensor was used for the detection.

3. The cooling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, If the first control unit sends a signal through the first connector but does not return a response, it is determined that the sensor unit is being connected to the first connector.

4. The cooling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The refrigerant circulation unit has a plurality of the first connectors and a resistive element provided for each of the first connectors. The second control unit can be connected to the resistor element via the second connector, the cable, and the first connector, and can set the address for communication based on the communication line according to the resistance value of the resistor element.

5. The cooling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, On the back side of the refrigerant circulation unit, in a first direction along the back side, the first connector is positioned closer to the inlet and outlet of the secondary refrigerant than to the inlet and outlet of the primary refrigerant.

6. The cooling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, On the back side of the refrigerant circulation unit, the first connector is positioned outside the primary refrigerant inlet and outlet and the secondary refrigerant inlet and outlet, along a first direction on the back side, or outside the second direction orthogonal to the first direction and along the back side.

7. The cooling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, On the back side of the refrigerant circulation unit, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the back side, the first connector is positioned so as not to overlap with the heat exchanger that performs the heat exchange.

8. The cooling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The object to be cooled is positioned either above or below the refrigerant circulation unit. The relay substrate is positioned closer to the first connector than the first connector.

9. The cooling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cable is longer than at least one of the plurality of sensors.

10. The cooling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of the first connector or the number of the third connector is an even number.

11. The cooling device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The sensor is a liquid leak sensor.

Images