Liquid cooling control system and related equipment

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a liquid cooling control system and related equipment, and belongs to the technical field of heat dissipation. The liquid cooling control system comprises a controller, a first control loop, a second control loop and a self-locking switch, the first control loop is connected with the second control loop through the self-locking switch, and the second control loop is connected with the water pump. According to the liquid cooling control system, the controller controls the on-off of the self-locking switch through the first control loop, when the self-locking switch is controlled to be in the on state, even if the controller breaks down, the self-locking switch can be in the on state, the water pump can maintain the working state through the second control loop, and the water pump can maintain the working state through the second control loop when the controller fails. And the liquid cooling system can work normally.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of heat dissipation technology, and in particular to a liquid cooling control system and related equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Electronic devices or high-power components (such as chips, batteries, and power modules) generate a large amount of heat during operation. If this heat is not removed efficiently and promptly, it will cause a sharp rise in equipment temperature, leading to performance degradation, reduced reliability, or even permanent damage. Liquid cooling systems are responsible for circulating a liquid cooling medium, precisely absorbing heat from the target heat source, and transferring the heat to the external environment for final dissipation, thus ensuring the equipment operates continuously and stably within a safe and efficient temperature range. Compared to traditional air cooling, the core principle of liquid cooling systems is to utilize liquid as a cooling medium for efficient heat transfer. Liquids have higher specific heat capacity and thermal conductivity, enabling them to absorb and remove heat more effectively.

[0003] Liquid cooling systems use water pumps to circulate coolant, thereby facilitating heat flow. These systems are controlled by a liquid cooling control system. If the controller in this system malfunctions, it cannot send control signals, causing the water pumps to stop operating and the coolant to cease circulation. During a controller failure, the cooling function cannot be maintained, potentially leading to production shutdowns or the shutdown of critical equipment.

[0004] In summary, the technical problems existing in the relevant technologies need to be improved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main objective of this application is to propose a liquid cooling control system and related equipment, so that even when the controller in the liquid cooling control system is stopped, the liquid cooling control system can still drive the water pump to drive the flow of coolant, ensuring the normal operation of the cooling function of the liquid cooling system and maintaining the stability of the system.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, one aspect of this application provides a liquid cooling control system, the system comprising: Controller, first control circuit, second control circuit, self-locking switch; The first control circuit and the second control circuit are connected via a self-locking switch, and the second control circuit is connected to the water pump; The controller is connected to the water pump through the first control loop, the self-locking switch, and the second control loop. The controller is used to control the on / off state of the self-locking switch through the first control loop. When the self-locking switch does not receive a control command from the controller, it maintains its current working state. The working state includes a continuous state and an interrupted state. When the self-locking switch is in the continuous state, the second control loop controls the operation of the water pump.

[0007] In some embodiments, the water pump is connected to three second control loops, and each second control loop is connected to a first control loop.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first control loop includes: a switching assembly and a self-locking switch; The first end of the switch assembly is connected to the positive terminal of the controller, the second end of the switch assembly is connected to the first end of the self-locking switch, and the second end of the self-locking switch is connected to the negative terminal of the controller.

[0009] In some embodiments, the switching assembly includes at least a first switch, a second switch, and a third switch; The first switch is connected in parallel with the second switch, and the third switch is connected in series with both the first switch and the second switch.

[0010] In some embodiments, the second control loop includes: the self-locking switch; The first end of the self-locking switch is connected to the power supply, and the second end of the self-locking switch is connected to the input end of the water pump.

[0011] In some embodiments, the input terminal of the water pump includes a three-phase input terminal, and the three-phase input terminal is respectively connected to one of the self-locking switches.

[0012] In some embodiments, an indicator light circuit is provided between two of the three-phase input terminals to indicate the working status of the self-locking switch.

[0013] To achieve the above objectives, another aspect of this application provides a liquid cooling system, the system comprising: Coolant circulation loop, monitoring sensors, and cooling control system as described above; The cooling control system is connected to the coolant circulation loop and the monitoring sensor respectively. The cooling control system collects monitoring data from the monitoring sensor and controls the coolant circulation loop to deliver coolant.

[0014] To achieve the above objectives, another aspect of the embodiments of this application proposes an electronic device, which includes the liquid cooling system as described above.

[0015] To achieve the above objectives, another aspect of the embodiments of this application proposes an electrical component, including a high-power device and a liquid cooling system as described above, wherein the high-power device is connected to the liquid cooling system, and the liquid cooling system is used to perform heat dissipation on the high-power device.

[0016] The embodiments of this application include at least the following beneficial effects: This application provides a liquid cooling control system, including: a controller, a first control loop, a second control loop, and a self-locking switch; the first control loop and the second control loop are connected via the self-locking switch, and the second control loop is connected to a water pump; the controller is connected to the water pump via the first control loop, the self-locking switch, and the second control loop. The controller is used to control the on / off state of the self-locking switch through the first control loop. When the self-locking switch does not receive a control command from the controller, it maintains its current operating state, which includes an on / off state and an off state. When the self-locking switch is in the on / off state, the second control loop controls the water pump to run. Using the liquid cooling control system of this embodiment, the controller controls the on / off state of the self-locking switch through the first control loop. When the self-locking switch is in the on / off state, even if the controller fails, the self-locking switch can still be in the on / off state, and the water pump can maintain its operating state through the second control loop, thus achieving normal operation of the liquid cooling system even if the controller fails. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a liquid cooling control system provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a liquid cooling system provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of this application and are not intended to limit it. In the following description, when referring to the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with those of this application; they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of the embodiments of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0019] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of this application only and is not intended to limit this application.

[0020] In related technologies, liquid cooling systems use water pumps to circulate coolant, thereby facilitating heat flow. These systems are controlled by a liquid cooling control system. If this control system malfunctions and fails to send control signals, the water pumps stop operating, coolant circulation ceases, and cooling functionality is lost during the malfunction. This problem can lead to production stoppages or shutdowns of critical equipment. Furthermore, after the liquid cooling control system restarts, it needs to re-take control of the water pumps, making a seamless switchover to maintain continuous pump operation impossible.

[0021] In view of this, this application provides a liquid cooling control system, including: a controller, a first control loop, a second control loop, and a self-locking switch; the first control loop and the second control loop are connected via the self-locking switch, and the second control loop is connected to a water pump; the controller is connected to the water pump via the first control loop, the self-locking switch, and the second control loop. The controller controls the on / off state of the self-locking switch via the first control loop. When the self-locking switch does not receive a control command from the controller, it maintains its current operating state, which includes an on / off state and an off state. When the self-locking switch is in the on / off state, the second control loop controls the water pump to run. Using the liquid cooling control system of this embodiment, the controller controls the on / off state of the self-locking switch via the first control loop. When the self-locking switch is in the on / off state, even if the controller fails, the self-locking switch can still be in the on / off state, and the water pump can maintain its operating state via the second control loop, thus achieving normal operation of the liquid cooling system even if the controller fails.

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, the liquid cooling control system 11 of this application embodiment mainly includes: a controller 101, a first control loop 102, a second control loop 103, and a self-locking switch 104. The liquid cooling control system 11 is connected to the water pump 12. The controller 101 is connected to the self-locking switch 104 through the first control loop 102, and the self-locking switch 104 is then connected to the water pump 12 through the second control loop 103. The controller 101 controls the on / off state of the self-locking switch 104 by sending control signals, thereby indirectly controlling the operation of the water pump 12. When the self-locking switch 104 is in the on / off state, the water pump 12 can obtain power supply and continue to operate through the second control loop 103, regardless of whether the controller 11 is working normally. The first control loop 103 serves as a signal transmission channel between the controller 101 and the self-locking switch 104, and its structure can be configured according to actual control requirements. In a preferred embodiment, the first control loop includes a switch assembly 1031. The switch assembly 1031 includes at least a first switch K1, a second switch K2, and a third switch K3, wherein the first switch K1 and the second switch K2 are connected in parallel, and the third switch K3 is connected in series with them. This design improves the redundancy and reliability of the control signal; even if one switch fails, the control signal can still be transmitted through other paths.

[0023] The self-locking switch 104 is a switching device with a memory function. It changes its state (closed or open) upon receiving a control signal and retains this state after the signal disappears. In this system, the self-locking switch 104 is installed between the first control loop 102 and the second control loop 103, acting as a "state maintainer" between the controller 101 and the water pump 12. When the controller 11 sends a closed command, the self-locking switch 104 closes and locks; when the controller 11 sends a closed command, the self-locking switch 104 opens and locks. If the controller malfunctions and cannot send any commands, the self-locking switch 104 will maintain the last received valid state.

[0024] The second control circuit 103 directly supplies power to the water pump. It is connected to a self-locking switch 104 and a power connection section. The first terminal of the self-locking switch 104 is connected to an external power source (such as a 380V AC industrial power supply), and the second terminal is connected to the input terminal of the water pump 12. When the self-locking switch 104 is in the open state, the power supply provides power to the water pump 12 through the second control circuit 103, driving its operation.

[0025] To improve the reliability and applicability of the system, the water pump 12 can be driven by a three-phase motor. Accordingly, three independent control branches can be set in the second control circuit 103, each corresponding to one of the three-phase input terminals of the water pump. Each branch is controlled by a self-locking switch 104, and the three self-locking switches 104 can operate synchronously to ensure the balance and safety of the three-phase power supply.

[0026] To further enhance the system's monitorability, an indicator light circuit 105 can be installed between two of the three-phase input terminals. This circuit includes an indicator light 1051 and its current-limiting resistor, used to visually display the operating status of the self-locking switch. For example, when the self-locking switch 104 is closed, the indicator light illuminates, indicating that the water pump 12 is powered on.

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the working mechanism of this system, the following explanation will be based on a typical application scenario: During normal operation: Controller 101 periodically sends access commands to the first control loop 102, controlling the self-locking switch 104 to close. Water pump 12 receives power through the second control loop 103, driving the coolant circulation. At this time, the system is in a fully automatic control state, and controller 11 can adjust the water pump speed or start / stop it based on feedback from the temperature sensor.

[0028] In the event of a sudden malfunction (such as a system crash or power failure), controller 101 ceases sending any control signals. Because the self-locking switch has a state-holding function, it remains in the last received path state. Therefore, the water pump continues to be powered through the second control loop, the coolant circulation remains uninterrupted, and the liquid cooling system continues to dissipate heat.

[0029] After controller 101 resumes operation, it restarts and sends a status query command. The system can be designed so that controller 101 first reads the current status of self-locking switch 104, and then decides whether to adjust it based on actual heat dissipation requirements. At this time, the system can achieve seamless switching, that is, controller 101 regains control without interrupting the operation of water pump 12.

[0030] This application also provides a complete liquid cooling system, such as Figure 2 As shown, the system includes a coolant circulation loop 21, a monitoring sensor 22, and the aforementioned cooling control system 11.

[0031] The coolant circulation loop 21 consists of a water pump 12, a radiator, pipes, a coolant reservoir, and the equipment being cooled (such as server chips, battery modules, etc.). The coolant circulates in the closed pipes, absorbing heat from the equipment being cooled before flowing through the radiator and releasing the heat into the environment.

[0032] Monitoring sensors, including temperature sensors, flow sensors, and pressure sensors, are deployed at key nodes in the circulation loop to collect real-time data on the coolant's temperature, flow rate, and pressure. This data is uploaded to the cooling control system, which intelligently adjusts the water pump's operating status to achieve on-demand heat dissipation and improve energy efficiency.

[0033] This application also provides an electronic device, which includes the liquid cooling system described above.

[0034] It is understood that the content of the above method embodiments is applicable to the embodiments of this program product. The specific functions implemented by the embodiments of this program product are the same as those of the above method embodiments, and the beneficial effects achieved are also the same as those achieved by the above method embodiments.

[0035] The embodiments described in this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of technology and the emergence of new application scenarios, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0036] Those skilled in the art will understand that the technical solutions shown in the figures do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this application, and may include more or fewer steps than shown, or combine certain steps, or different steps.

[0037] The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0038] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or some of the steps in the methods disclosed above, as well as the functional modules / units in the systems and devices, can be implemented as software, firmware, hardware, or suitable combinations thereof.

[0039] The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” etc. (if present) in the specification and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms “comprising” and “having,” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0040] It should be understood that in this application, "at least one (item)" means one or more, and "more than" means two or more. "And / or" is used to describe the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, "A and / or B" can represent three cases: only A exists, only B exists, and both A and B exist simultaneously, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one (item) of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one (item) of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c", where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0041] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of the units described above is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0042] The units described above as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0043] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0044] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes multiple instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods of the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing programs, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0045] The preferred embodiments of the present application have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but this does not limit the scope of the claims of the present application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and substance of the embodiments of the present application shall be within the scope of the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. A liquid cooling control system, characterized in that, include: Controller, first control circuit, second control circuit, self-locking switch; The first control circuit and the second control circuit are connected via a self-locking switch, and the second control circuit is connected to the water pump; The controller is connected to the water pump through the first control loop, the self-locking switch, and the second control loop. The controller is used to control the on / off state of the self-locking switch through the first control loop. When the self-locking switch does not receive a control command from the controller, it maintains its current working state. The working state includes a continuous state and an interrupted state. When the self-locking switch is in the continuous state, the second control loop controls the operation of the water pump.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the water pump is connected to three second control loops, and each second control loop is connected to a first control loop.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first control loop comprises: Switching components, self-locking switches; The first end of the switch assembly is connected to the positive terminal of the controller, the second end of the switch assembly is connected to the first end of the self-locking switch, and the second end of the self-locking switch is connected to the negative terminal of the controller.

4. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The switching assembly includes at least a first switch, a second switch, and a third switch; The first switch is connected in parallel with the second switch, and the third switch is connected in series with both the first switch and the second switch.

5. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second control circuit includes: the self-locking switch; The first end of the self-locking switch is connected to the power supply, and the second end of the self-locking switch is connected to the input end of the water pump.

6. The system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The water pump has a three-phase input terminal, and each of the three-phase input terminals is connected to a self-locking switch.

7. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that, An indicator light circuit is provided between two of the three-phase input terminals to indicate the working status of the self-locking switch.

8. A liquid cooling system, characterized in that, The system includes: Coolant circulation loop, monitoring sensors, and cooling control system as described in any one of claims 1 to 7; The cooling control system is connected to the coolant circulation loop and the monitoring sensor respectively. The cooling control system collects monitoring data from the monitoring sensor and controls the coolant circulation loop to deliver coolant.

9. An electronic device, characterized in that, The electronic device is the liquid cooling system as described in claim 8.

10. An electrical component comprising a high-power device and a liquid cooling system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the high-power device is connected to the liquid cooling system, and the liquid cooling system is configured to perform heat dissipation on the high-power device.

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