Liquid cooling system of one-driving-N combined liquid cooling cabinet and control method of liquid cooling system

Abstract

The invention relates to a liquid cooling system of a one-driving-N combined liquid cooling cabinet and a control method of the liquid cooling system, belongs to the technical field of liquid cooling heat dissipation, and aims at solving the technical problems that an existing liquid cooling system is low in utilization rate, complex in management and high in operation cost. The cooling system is used for distribution of cooling liquid and heat management of the system; the liquid cooling cabinets are connected with the central cooling liquid distribution unit through a liquid supply pipe network and a liquid return pipe network; the outdoor heat dissipation device is connected with the central cooling liquid distribution unit; the central cooling liquid distribution unit comprises a primary side circulation loop and a secondary side circulation loop, the primary side circulation loop is connected with the outdoor heat dissipation device, and the primary side circulation loop dissipates heat to the outside through the outdoor heat dissipation device; the primary side circulation loop and the secondary side circulation loop exchange heat, and the secondary side circulation loop conveys cooling liquid to all the liquid cooling cabinets.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of liquid cooling technology, specifically to a liquid cooling system and control method for a one-to-N combined liquid cooling cabinet. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of technologies such as artificial intelligence and high-performance computing, the computing power demand of data centers is growing exponentially. The power density of single data center racks is escalating dramatically. For example, AI training models, large language models (LLM), and deep learning frameworks place extremely high demands on the parallel computing capabilities of GPU clusters, causing the power density of a single rack to soar from the traditional 3-5kW to over 20kW, with some supercomputing centers even exceeding 50kW. This means that the cooling performance of traditional air-cooling technology can no longer meet the increased rack power density, mainly manifested in heat dissipation bottlenecks, excessive energy consumption, and significant noise.

[0003] Liquid cooling technology can effectively improve the heat dissipation rate of server racks. Liquid cooling technology directly removes heat through a liquid medium, and its heat dissipation efficiency is far higher than that of air cooling technology, making it especially suitable for power-intensive products.

[0004] Relevant patent documents retrieved:

[0005] This patent, published in China with publication number CN115686117A and publication date February 3, 2023, discloses a liquid cooling control method, system, liquid cooling cabinet, electronic device, and storage medium. The method includes: acquiring coolant monitoring information for each target liquid cooling sub-pipe, wherein the target liquid cooling sub-pipe is the liquid cooling sub-pipe corresponding to each server node in the target liquid cooling cabinet, and the liquid cooling sub-pipe is installed within a liquid cooling plate; judging the flow balance of the coolant in each target liquid cooling sub-pipe based on the coolant monitoring information, and generating a corresponding liquid cooling control strategy based on the judgment result; and adjusting the flow rate of the coolant in each target liquid cooling sub-pipe according to the liquid cooling control strategy, so as to control the temperature of each server node through the flow rate adjustment of the target liquid cooling sub-pipe.

[0006] The aforementioned existing technologies ensure the hardware security of cold plate liquid-cooled cabinets and server nodes through liquid cooling technology, effectively solving the heat dissipation density problem. However, the current mainstream "one cabinet, one cooling unit" distributed liquid cooling solution has obvious drawbacks: The initial construction cost is high because each rack needs to be equipped with an independent coolant distribution unit and an outdoor radiator; the utilization rate of the data center space is low, with multiple cooling units occupying valuable data center area; the system energy efficiency is uneconomical, with the combined efficiency of multiple small cooling units being far lower than that of a single large centralized device; operation and maintenance management is complex, requiring the simultaneous maintenance of multiple independent systems, which increases operating costs and failure risks.

[0007] Based on this, the present invention provides a liquid cooling system and control method for a one-to-N combined liquid cooling cabinet. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide: A liquid cooling system and its control method for a one-to-N combined liquid-cooled cabinet are provided to solve the above-mentioned technical problems in the prior art.

[0009] Terminology Explanation: Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Unless otherwise stated, all patents, patent inventions, and disclosures cited throughout this document are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. If multiple definitions exist for terms herein, the definitions provided in this chapter shall prevail.

[0010] It should be understood that the above brief description and the following detailed description are exemplary and for illustrative purposes only, and do not limit the subject matter of the invention in any way. In this invention, the singular is used in conjunction with the plural unless otherwise specifically stated. It should also be noted that, unless otherwise stated, the use of “or” or “or” means “and / or”. Furthermore, the use of the term “comprising” and other forms such as “including,” “containing,” and “contains” are not limiting.

[0011] The terms “optional / arbitrary” or “optionally / arbitrarily” mean that the event or situation described below may or may not occur, including both the occurrence and non-occurrence of the event or situation.

[0012] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a liquid cooling system for a one-to-N combined liquid-cooled cabinet, comprising: A central coolant distribution unit is used for coolant distribution and system thermal management; At least two liquid-cooled cabinets, all of which are connected via a supply network, a return network, and a central coolant distribution unit; An outdoor heat dissipation device is connected to the central coolant distribution unit; The central coolant distribution unit includes a primary circulation loop and a secondary circulation loop. The primary circulation loop is connected to the outdoor heat dissipation device, and the primary circulation loop dissipates heat to the outside through the outdoor heat dissipation device. The primary and secondary circulation loops exchange heat, with the secondary circulation loop delivering coolant to all liquid-cooled cabinets.

[0013] The heat dissipation methods of the "outdoor heat dissipation device" include: air cooling, natural cooling, liquid cooling, etc.

[0014] Based on further solutions to the technical problems of the present invention, or simultaneous solutions to multiple technical problems, the preferred solution in the technical solution provided in the first aspect of the present invention includes: Furthermore, the liquid supply network includes a main liquid supply pipe and a stainless steel liquid supply hose. The secondary circulation loop is connected to the main liquid supply pipe, and the main liquid supply pipe is connected to each liquid-cooled cabinet through the stainless steel liquid supply hose. The stainless steel liquid supply hoses corresponding to each liquid-cooled cabinet are arranged in parallel.

[0015] Furthermore, the return liquid network includes a main return liquid pipe and a stainless steel return liquid hose. The secondary side circulation loop is connected to the main return liquid pipe, and the main return liquid pipe is connected to each liquid-cooled cabinet through the stainless steel return liquid hose. The stainless steel return liquid hoses corresponding to each liquid-cooled cabinet are arranged in parallel.

[0016] Furthermore, both the supply stainless steel hose and the return stainless steel hose are equipped with electromagnetic isolation valve groups and sensor groups. The sensor groups are used to detect the temperature, pressure and flow rate of the coolant, and the electromagnetic isolation valve groups realize the on / off state based on the data detected by the sensor groups.

[0017] Furthermore, a replenishment tank is connected between the supply pipeline network and the return pipeline network, and the replenishment tank and the supply pipeline network are connected through a pressure relief valve; the replenishment tank and the return pipeline network are connected through a replenishment pump and a pressure stabilizing pump.

[0018] Furthermore, the primary circulation loop and the secondary circulation loop are isolated heat exchanged through a plate heat exchanger.

[0019] Furthermore, the number of liquid-cooled cabinets is 2 to 20.

[0020] Secondly, the present invention provides a control method for a liquid cooling system of a one-to-N combined liquid-cooled cabinet, comprising: Collect the coolant flow rate entering each liquid cooling cabinet The temperature of the coolant entering each liquid cooling cabinet The temperature of the coolant flowing out of each liquid-cooled cabinet ; Calculate the corresponding liquid-cooled cabinet and temperature difference ; If each liquid-cooled cabinet simultaneously meets the following requirements: flow Below the preset safe flow threshold; and Temperature difference Exceeding the preset warning threshold; The liquid-cooled cabinet is then deemed faulty, triggering an alarm mechanism.

[0021] Furthermore, while triggering the alarm mechanism, the control center will cut off the flow of coolant through the electromagnetic isolation valve group corresponding to the liquid-cooled cabinet.

[0022] Furthermore, continuously monitor outdoor ambient temperature. ; judge If the power level is below the first set threshold, the control center will reduce the power of the outdoor heat dissipation device. like If the power level exceeds the second set threshold, the control center will increase the power of the outdoor cooling device.

[0023] Furthermore, the return water temperature of the secondary circulation loop is continuously monitored. ; Will With the preset target temperature value Comparison, like, Greater than This increases the flow rate of coolant in the secondary circulation loop; like, Less than This reduces the flow rate of coolant in the secondary circulation loop.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: Scalability: This invention utilizes a central coolant distribution unit that can be equipped with multiple liquid cooling cabinets. Users can flexibly expand the liquid cooling cabinets according to their needs, avoiding repeated investment in equipment and significantly reducing initial and total investment costs.

[0025] High energy efficiency: The centralized design, combined with intelligent frequency conversion control and natural cooling source utilization strategy, enables the system's average annual PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness) to be reduced to below 1.2, resulting in significant energy savings.

[0026] High reliability: Modular design and rapid fault isolation mechanism ensure that the failure of a single node does not affect the stable operation of the overall cluster, meeting the high availability requirements of data centers.

[0027] Reduced operation and maintenance difficulty: Operation and maintenance personnel can monitor and manage the entire liquid cooling cluster through a centralized control system, which greatly reduces the complexity and cost of operation and maintenance. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal working principle of the central coolant distribution unit of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal liquid circuit connection of a single liquid-cooled cabinet according to the present invention; Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the method in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Central coolant distribution unit; 2. Outdoor heat dissipation device; 3. Liquid cooling cabinet; 4. Main supply pipe; 5. Main return pipe; 6. Stainless steel supply hose; 7. Stainless steel return hose; 8. Primary side variable frequency pump; 9. Secondary side variable frequency pump; 10. Plate heat exchanger; 11. Control system; 12. Expansion tank; 13. Pressure stabilizing pump; 14. Pressure relief valve; 15. Make-up tank; 16. Filter; 17. Inlet manifold; 18. Inlet ball valve; 19. Inlet hose; 20. Universal quick-connect coupling; 21. Liquid cooling plate; 22. Return hose; 23. Return ball valve; 24. Return manifold; 25. Solenoid isolation valve. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The following non-limiting embodiments are intended to enable those skilled in the art to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the present invention, but do not limit the invention in any way. The following content is merely an exemplary description of the scope of protection claimed by the present invention, and those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications to the present invention based on the disclosed content, and such changes should also fall within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

[0031] The present invention will be further described below by way of specific embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, all instruments, devices, equipment and other items used in the embodiments of the present invention are obtained through conventional commercial means.

[0032] Example 1 This embodiment provides a liquid cooling system for a one-to-N combined liquid-cooled cabinet, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes: A central coolant distribution unit 1 is used for coolant distribution and system heat management; At least two liquid-cooled cabinets 3 are provided, and all liquid-cooled cabinets 3 are connected to the central coolant distribution unit 1 via a liquid supply network, a liquid return network, and a liquid coolant distribution unit 1. In this embodiment, three liquid-cooled cabinets 3 are provided, and all three liquid-cooled cabinets 3 are connected to the central coolant distribution unit 1. In other embodiments, the number of liquid-cooled cabinets 3 can be expanded to 20.

[0033] An outdoor heat dissipation device 2 is connected to the central coolant distribution unit 1. like Figure 2As shown, the central coolant distribution unit 1 includes a primary circulation loop and a secondary circulation loop. The primary circulation loop is connected to the outdoor heat dissipation device 2. The primary circulation loop dissipates heat to the outside through the outdoor heat dissipation device 2. The primary circulation loop and the secondary circulation loop exchange heat. The secondary circulation loop delivers coolant to all liquid-cooled cabinets 3.

[0034] It also includes a control system 11, which controls the operation of the entire liquid cooling system.

[0035] The outdoor heat dissipation device 2 can utilize various heat dissipation methods, including air cooling, natural cooling, and liquid cooling. Specifically, the outdoor heat dissipation device 2 can be a device containing equipment such as fans, dissipating heat through air cooling; it can also be simply a frame, with the heat dissipation main pipe and return pipe of the central coolant distribution unit 1 passing through the interior of the frame and dissipating heat through natural airflow; or it can be a device containing liquid cooling pipes, reducing the temperature within the heat dissipation main pipe through heat exchange.

[0036] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 As shown, the outdoor heat dissipation device 2 uses air cooling for heat dissipation. It includes a frame, and multiple heat dissipation fans are installed inside the frame. The heat dissipation main pipe of the central coolant distribution power supply passes through the heat dissipation fans or around them and connects to the heat dissipation return pipe. The heat in the heat dissipation main pipe is dissipated to the outside through air cooling.

[0037] In addition, the specific structure of the central coolant distribution unit 1 is as follows: Figure 2 As shown, its primary circulation loop includes a main heat dissipation pipe and a return heat dissipation pipe, which are connected end-to-end to form a circulation loop. The main heat dissipation pipe is equipped with a flow meter, temperature sensor, pressure sensor, and pressure gauge to detect its internal flow, temperature, and pressure parameters. A valve is also installed on the main heat dissipation pipe to facilitate the flow of liquid. A primary-side variable frequency pump 8 is also installed on the main heat dissipation pipe to drive the flow of the internal liquid.

[0038] Temperature sensors, pressure sensors, and pressure gauges are installed on the heat dissipation circuit to detect the temperature and pressure parameters of the liquid inside.

[0039] The primary circulation loop and the secondary circulation loop are isolated heat exchanged through a plate heat exchanger 10. The liquid supply network includes a liquid supply main pipe 4 and a liquid supply stainless steel hose 6. The secondary circulation loop is connected to the liquid supply main pipe 4. The liquid supply main pipe 4 is connected to each liquid cooling cabinet 3 through the liquid supply stainless steel hose 6. The liquid supply stainless steel hose 6 corresponding to each liquid cooling cabinet 3 is arranged in parallel.

[0040] The return liquid network includes a main return liquid pipe 5 and a stainless steel return liquid hose 7. The secondary side circulation loop is connected to the main return liquid pipe 5. The main return liquid pipe 5 and each liquid-cooled cabinet 3 are connected through the stainless steel return liquid hose 7. The stainless steel return liquid hose 7 corresponding to each liquid-cooled cabinet 3 is arranged in parallel.

[0041] The secondary circulation loop includes a main loop and a first bypass. One end of the main loop is connected to the main supply pipe 4, and the other end is connected to the main return pipe 5. A filter 16 is installed on the main loop to filter the coolant and keep it clean. Temperature sensors, pressure sensors, and pressure gauges are also installed on the main loop. Additionally, the first bypass connects to both ends of the main loop. A pressure relief valve 14 and a coolant replenishment tank 15 are installed on the first bypass. The coolant replenishment tank 15 is connected to one end of the main loop near the return pipe network via a replenishment pump. Coolant is delivered from external equipment to the replenishment pump and then enters the main loop. The coolant in the replenishment tank 15 also enters the main loop via the replenishment pump.

[0042] A pressure-stabilizing pump 13 is also provided between the replenishment tank 15 and one end of the main circuit near the return network. Additionally, an expansion tank 12, a check valve, and a secondary-side variable frequency pump 9 are installed on the main circuit to restrict the flow direction of the coolant. The main circuit near the return network is also connected to the replenishment tank 15 via an electromagnetic pressure relief valve 14.

[0043] Both the supply stainless steel hose 6 and the return stainless steel hose 7 are equipped with an electromagnetic isolation valve group 25 and a sensor group. The sensor group is used to detect the temperature, pressure and flow rate of the coolant. The electromagnetic isolation valve group 25 controls the opening and closing of the valve based on the data detected by the sensor group.

[0044] The internal piping connection method of liquid cooling cabinet 3 is as follows: Figure 3 As shown, the coolant enters from the bottom right side of the liquid-cooled cabinet 3 through the supply stainless steel hose 6 and exits from the bottom left side of the liquid-cooled cabinet 3 through the return stainless steel hose 7. After entering the liquid-cooled cabinet 3, the coolant first enters the inlet manifold 17, which is vertically located on the right side of the liquid-cooled cabinet 3. Multiple inlet ball valves 18 are connected in parallel on the left side of the inlet manifold 17, each corresponding to a row of servers. Each inlet ball valve 18 is connected to an inlet hose 19, and each inlet hose 19 is connected to the liquid cooling plate 21 of each server through a universal quick-connect coupling 20 (UQD). The liquid cooling plate 21 is then connected to the return hose 22 through the universal quick-connect coupling 20 (UQD). The return hose 22 is connected to the return ball valve 23. A return manifold 24 is vertically located on the left side inside the liquid-cooled cabinet 3, and each return ball valve 23 is connected to the return manifold 24. The return manifold 24 is connected to the return stainless steel hose 7.

[0045] After the coolant is filled inside the inlet manifold 17, it is evenly distributed to each liquid cooling plate 21 through each inlet ball valve 18. After absorbing heat, the coolant flows through the return hose 22 and the return ball valve 23 to the return manifold 24, and then returns to the return main pipe 5 through the return stainless steel hose 7.

[0046] Example 2 This embodiment provides a control method for the liquid cooling system of the above-mentioned one-to-N combined liquid cooling cabinet, including: Collect the coolant flow rate entering each liquid cooling cabinet 3 The temperature of the coolant entering each liquid-cooled cabinet 3 The temperature of the coolant flowing out of each liquid-cooled cabinet 3 ; Calculate the corresponding values ​​for each liquid-cooled cabinet (3). and temperature difference The temperature rise of the coolant after passing through each liquid cooling cabinet 3 is obtained. ; The control system 11 performs a logical AND operation on the data of each liquid-cooled cabinet 3. When any liquid-cooled cabinet 3 is detected to simultaneously meet the following two conditions, it is determined that the liquid circuit of that liquid-cooled cabinet 3 has leaked or is severely blocked: Condition 1: Traffic Below the preset safe flow threshold; and Condition 2: Temperature difference Exceeding the preset warning threshold; The system is then deemed to be faulty in liquid-cooled cabinet 3, triggering an alarm mechanism. This is because insufficient coolant flow leads to poor heat dissipation, causing a sharp rise in server temperature and ultimately a large increase in coolant temperature. Simultaneously with triggering the alarm mechanism, the control center cuts off the coolant flow through the corresponding electromagnetic isolation valve assembly 25 of liquid-cooled cabinet 3.

[0047] The safe flow threshold and early warning threshold can be set according to actual needs. The alarm mechanism can include audible and visual alarms, and simultaneously send remote alarm information.

[0048] This judgment and alarm mechanism enables rapid fault location and isolation, prevents large-scale coolant leakage, and ensures the normal operation of the other N-1 normal liquid-cooled cabinets 3 in the "one-to-N" system, greatly improving the availability and reliability of the system.

[0049] In addition, the control system 11 continuously monitors the outdoor ambient temperature. ;judge Is the temperature low enough to utilize natural cooling sources to reduce energy consumption?

[0050] like If the power level is below the first set threshold, the control center will reduce the power of the outdoor heat dissipation device 2. like If the power level is higher than the second set threshold, the control center will increase the power of the outdoor heat dissipation device 2.

[0051] The first set threshold is less than the second set threshold, and both are set according to actual needs. For example, the first set threshold is set to 25°C and the second set threshold is set to 35°C.

[0052] This mechanism makes the most of outdoor natural cold sources that consume no energy, significantly reduces the energy consumption of mechanical refrigeration, and further improves the system's energy efficiency ratio throughout the year.

[0053] In addition, the control system 11 continuously monitors the return water temperature of the secondary circulation loop. ; Will With the preset target temperature value Comparison: like, Greater than This indicates that the current heat dissipation capacity is insufficient. The control system 11 increases the speed of the variable frequency pump in the secondary circulation loop through the frequency converter, thereby increasing the coolant flow rate and the coolant flow speed in the secondary circulation loop to enhance heat dissipation. like, Less than This indicates that the cooling capacity is excessive. The control system 11 reduces the speed of the variable frequency pump in the secondary circulation loop, reduces the coolant flow rate and the coolant flow velocity in the secondary circulation loop, reduces pump power consumption, and achieves energy saving.

[0054] like equal If the difference is very small, the variable frequency pump will maintain its current speed.

[0055] This mechanism enables precise matching between the secondary-side variable frequency pump 9 and the total system heat load, achieving on-demand cooling and optimizing system-level energy efficiency.

[0056] The above specific embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to examples, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A liquid cooling system of a one-to-N combined liquid cooling cabinet, characterized in that, include: A central coolant distribution unit is used for coolant distribution and system thermal management; At least two liquid-cooled cabinets, all of which are connected via a supply network, a return network, and a central coolant distribution unit; An outdoor heat dissipation device is connected to the central coolant distribution unit; The central coolant distribution unit includes a primary circulation loop and a secondary circulation loop. The primary circulation loop is connected to the outdoor heat dissipation device, and the primary circulation loop dissipates heat to the outside through the outdoor heat dissipation device. The primary and secondary circulation loops exchange heat, with the secondary circulation loop delivering coolant to all liquid-cooled cabinets.

2. The liquid cooling system of claim 1, wherein, The liquid supply network includes a main liquid supply pipe and a stainless steel liquid supply hose. The secondary side circulation loop is connected to the main liquid supply pipe, and the main liquid supply pipe is connected to each liquid cooling cabinet through the stainless steel liquid supply hose. The stainless steel liquid supply hoses corresponding to each liquid cooling cabinet are arranged in parallel.

3. The liquid cooling system of claim 2, wherein, The return liquid network includes a main return liquid pipe and a stainless steel return liquid hose. The secondary side circulation loop is connected to the main return liquid pipe, and the main return liquid pipe is connected to each liquid cooling cabinet through the stainless steel return liquid hose. The stainless steel return liquid hoses corresponding to each liquid cooling cabinet are arranged in parallel.

4. The liquid cooling system of claim 3, wherein, Both the supply stainless steel hose and the return stainless steel hose are equipped with electromagnetic isolation valve groups and sensor groups. The sensor groups are used to detect the temperature and flow rate of the coolant, and the electromagnetic isolation valve groups realize the on / off state based on the data detected by the sensor groups.

5. The liquid cooling system of claim 3, wherein, The supply pipeline and the return pipeline are connected by a replenishment tank, and the replenishment tank and the supply pipeline are connected by a pressure relief valve; the replenishment tank and the return pipeline are connected by a replenishment pump and a pressure stabilizing pump.

6. The liquid cooling system of claim 1, wherein, The primary circulation loop and the secondary circulation loop are isolated heat exchanged through a plate heat exchanger.

7. The liquid cooling system of claim 1, wherein, The number of liquid-cooled cabinets is 2 to 20.

8. The control method of the liquid cooling system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by, include: coolant flow rate into each liquid-cooled cabinet temperature of the coolant into each liquid-cooled cabinet temperature of the coolant out of each liquid-cooled cabinet ; Calculate the corresponding liquid-cooled cabinet and temperature difference ; If each liquid-cooled cabinet simultaneously meets the following requirements: flow The flow rate is below the preset safe flow threshold. as well as Temperature difference Exceeding the preset warning threshold; The liquid-cooled cabinet is then deemed faulty, triggering an alarm mechanism.

9. The control method according to claim 8, characterized in that, Continuously monitor outdoor ambient temperature ; judge If the power level is below the first set threshold, the control center will reduce the power of the outdoor heat dissipation device. like If the power level exceeds the second set threshold, the control center will increase the power of the outdoor cooling device.

10. The control method according to claim 8, characterized in that, Continuously monitor the return water temperature of the secondary circulation loop. ; Will With the preset target temperature value Comparison, like, Greater than This increases the flow rate of coolant in the secondary circulation loop; like, Less than This reduces the flow rate of coolant in the secondary circulation loop.

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