Cooling distribution unit

Abstract

A cooling distribution unit includes a first control loop, a second control loop, a first pressure sensor, a second pressure sensor, and a controller. The second control loop includes an inlet and an outlet. A first pressure sensor is located at the inlet and is configured to sense a pressure of the second fluid. A second pressure sensor is located at the inlet and is configured to sense a pressure of the second fluid. The controller is configured to operate in a differential pressure mode, detect a failure of the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor, and operate in a flow mode in response to the failure. In the differential pressure mode, the controller operates based on a pressure difference of the second fluid between the inlet and the outlet. In the flow mode, the controller operates based on the flow of the second fluid.

Description

Cross-reference to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 709,119, filed October 18, 2024, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 709,115, filed October 18, 2024, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to a cooling distribution unit for directing heat away from electrical components. Background Technology

[0003] Cooling distribution units (often called CDUs) are typically used in data centers to remove heat from computer components such as servers and server racks. Cooling distribution units can include, for example, both in-row units and in-rack units. In-row units remove heat from an entire row of server racks or other groups of electrical components, while in-rack units typically remove heat from a single rack or group of electrical components. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one example, the cooling distribution unit includes a first control loop, a second control loop, a first pressure sensor, a second pressure sensor, and a controller. The first control loop is configured to guide a first fluid through a cooling structure. The cooling structure removes heat from the first fluid. The second control loop is configured to guide a second fluid across multiple electrical components. The second control loop includes an inlet and an outlet. The first pressure sensor is located at the inlet and configured to sense the pressure of the second fluid. The second pressure sensor is located at the inlet and configured to sense the pressure of the second fluid. The controller is configured to operate in a differential pressure mode, detect a fault in the first and second pressure sensors, and operate in a flow mode in response to the fault. In differential pressure mode, the controller operates based on the pressure difference of the second fluid between the inlet and outlet. In flow mode, the controller operates based on the flow rate of the second fluid.

[0005] According to another example, the cooling distribution unit includes a first control loop, a second control loop, a first pressure sensor, a second pressure sensor, and a controller. The first control loop is configured to guide a first fluid through a cooling structure. The cooling structure removes heat from the first fluid. The second control loop is configured to guide a second fluid across multiple electrical components. The second control loop includes an inlet and an outlet. The first pressure sensor is located at the outlet and configured to sense the pressure of the second fluid. The second pressure sensor is located at the outlet and configured to sense the pressure of the second fluid. The controller is configured to operate in a differential pressure mode, detect a fault in the first and second pressure sensors, and operate in a flow mode in response to the fault. In differential pressure mode, the controller operates based on the pressure difference of the second fluid between the inlet and outlet. In flow mode, the controller operates based on the flow rate of the second fluid.

[0006] According to another example, the cooling distribution unit includes a first control loop, a second control loop, a first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor, and a controller. The first control loop is configured to guide a first fluid through a cooling structure. The cooling structure removes heat from the first fluid. The second control loop is configured to guide a second fluid across a plurality of electrical components. The second control loop includes an inlet and an outlet. The first temperature sensor is located at the inlet and is configured to sense the temperature of the second fluid. The second temperature sensor is located at the inlet and is configured to sense the temperature of the second fluid. The controller is configured to operate in a first temperature mode, detect a fault in the first and second temperature sensors, and operate in a second temperature mode in response to the fault. In the first temperature mode, the controller operates based on the temperature of the second fluid being greater than or equal to a first temperature threshold. In the second temperature mode, the controller operates based on the temperature of the second fluid being greater than or equal to a second temperature threshold.

[0007] According to another example, a cooling distribution unit includes: a first control loop configured to guide a first fluid through a cooling structure; a second control loop configured to guide a second fluid across a plurality of electrical components, wherein the second control loop includes an outlet and an inlet; a first pressure sensor located at the outlet and configured to sense the pressure of the second fluid; a second pressure sensor located at the inlet and configured to sense the pressure of the second fluid; a flow sensor configured to sense the flow rate of the second fluid; and a controller communicatively connected to the first pressure sensor, the second pressure sensor, and the flow sensor, the controller being configured to: operate in a flow mode, wherein in the flow mode the controller operates based on the flow rate of the second fluid; detect a fault in the flow sensor; and, in response to detecting a fault in the flow sensor, operate in a differential pressure mode, wherein in the differential pressure mode the controller operates based on the pressure difference of the second fluid between the inlet and the outlet.

[0008] In some respects, the controller is also configured to receive the flow rate of a second fluid from a flow sensor in flow mode.

[0009] In some respects, the controller is also configured to control the pump speed based on the pressure difference of the second fluid between the inlet and outlet in differential pressure mode.

[0010] In some respects, the controller is also configured to control the pump speed in differential pressure mode based on the pressure difference between the second fluid at the inlet and outlet and a target pressure difference between the second fluid at the inlet and outlet.

[0011] In some respects, the controller is also configured to periodically record measurements from the first and second pressure sensors in flow mode, and in differential pressure mode to determine a target pressure difference based on the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet of the second fluid recorded before a fault is detected in the flow sensor.

[0012] In some respects, the controller is configured to, in differential pressure mode, determine the target pressure difference as the average of multiple corresponding pressure differences of the second fluid between the inlet and outlet, recorded before a fault is detected in the flow sensor.

[0013] In some respects, the target pressure difference is the default value associated with differential pressure mode.

[0014] In some respects, the controller is configured to detect faults in the flow sensor by receiving fault signals from the flow sensor.

[0015] In some respects, the controller is configured to detect faults in the flow sensor by detecting a disconnection in the flow sensor.

[0016] In some respects, the controller is configured to detect a fault in the flow sensor by determining that the flow measurement from the flow sensor is outside a predetermined range.

[0017] In some respects, the predetermined range is 0 to 176 gallons per minute.

[0018] In some respects, the controller is also configured to generate a notification indicating that a fault has been detected in response to the detection of a fault, and to transmit the notification to the administrator device via a communication network.

[0019] In some aspects, the cooling distribution unit also includes a display, wherein the controller is also configured to control the display to show a warning message indicating that a fault has been detected in response to the detection of a fault.

[0020] In some respects, the controller is also configured to determine whether the secondary cooling distribution unit is available, and to shut down the cooling distribution unit in response to determining that the secondary cooling distribution unit is available and in response to detecting a fault.

[0021] In some respects, the controller is also configured to determine whether the secondary cooling distribution unit is available, and to operate in differential pressure mode in response to determining that the secondary cooling distribution unit is unavailable and in response to detecting a fault.

[0022] In some aspects, the cooling distribution unit also includes: a third pressure sensor located at the outlet and configured to sense the pressure of the second fluid; and a fourth pressure sensor located at the outlet and configured to sense the pressure of the second fluid.

[0023] Details of one or more aspects of this disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features, objects, and advantages of the technology described in this disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings and from the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0024] In the accompanying drawings, similar or identical reference numerals may be repeated to indicate corresponding or similar elements. These drawings, together with the following detailed description, are incorporated in and form part of this specification, and are used to further illustrate various embodiments, examples, aspects, and features of the concepts including the claimed subject matter, and to explain the various principles and advantages of those embodiments, examples, aspects, and features.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram based on an example cooling distribution unit.

[0026] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the cooling distribution unit.

[0027] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Another perspective view of the cooling distribution unit.

[0028] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Another perspective view of the cooling distribution unit.

[0029] Figure 5 It is a block diagram based on an example controller.

[0030] Figure 6 It is by Figure 5 A block diagram of an example method executed by the controller.

[0031] Figure 7 It is by Figure 5 A block diagram of an example method executed by the controller.

[0032] Figure 8 It is by Figure 5 A block diagram of an example method executed by the controller.

[0033] Figure 9 It is by Figure 5 A block diagram of an example method executed by the controller.

[0034] Figure 10 It is by Figure 5 A block diagram of an example method executed by the controller.

[0035] Figure 11 It is based on an example for Figure 1 The graphical user interface for the cooling distribution unit.

[0036] Figure 12 It is based on an example in Figure 1 The circuit diagram of the transformer implemented in the cooling distribution unit.

[0037] Figure 13 It is by Figure 5 A block diagram of another example method executed by the controller.

[0038] Figure 14 It is by Figure 5 A block diagram of another example method executed by the controller.

[0039] Those skilled in the art will understand that the elements in the accompanying drawings are shown for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to aid in understanding the examples, aspects, and features presented in this disclosure.

[0040] System, apparatus, and method components have been indicated by conventional symbols in the accompanying drawings where appropriate, with only those specific details relevant to understanding the various embodiments, examples, aspects, and features of this disclosure shown so as not to obscure details that would be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art who would benefit from the description herein. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Figures 1 to 4 An example of a cooling distribution unit 110 is shown. The cooling distribution unit 110 can be used in any of a variety of application environments, including, for example, server, data center, medical, semiconductor, and / or industrial applications. The cooling distribution unit 110 shown is an inline unit; however, any concepts described herein related to the cooling distribution unit 110 can alternatively be used with rack-mount units or with any other type of cooling distribution unit.

[0042] refer to Figure 1 The cooling distribution unit 110 typically includes a primary closed loop 114 (first control loop) and a secondary closed loop 118 (second control loop). The primary closed loop 114 circulates a first fluid (e.g., facility water located at and / or otherwise supplied at the data server center). The secondary closed loop 118 circulates a second fluid (e.g., a process aqueous solution comprising 25% propylene glycol and 75% water). Other examples include different first and second fluids within either the primary closed loop 114 or the secondary closed loop 118. Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the primary closed loop 114 includes a conduit (e.g., a stainless steel conduit) through which a first fluid circulates. The secondary closed loop 118 similarly includes a conduit (e.g., a stainless steel conduit) through which a second fluid circulates. In some examples, at least a portion of the conduit for the primary closed loop 114 and / or the secondary closed loop 118 is cylindrical in shape and / or has a circular cross-section. In some examples, at least a portion of the conduit for the primary closed loop 114 and / or the secondary closed loop 118 has linear sections and / or curved sections. Other examples include other types of conduits, including conduits made of other materials (e.g., metals or non-metals), or conduits having other shapes and configurations than those shown.

[0043] In some examples, the first fluid may consist of water or an aqueous solution of propylene glycol with a maximum concentration of 50%, or may include water or an aqueous solution of propylene glycol with a maximum concentration of 50%. In other words, the concentration of the aqueous solution of propylene glycol may have a maximum concentration of 10 mg / L. The second fluid may consist of water or a premixed solution of unsuppressed ethylene glycol or propylene glycol and water, or may include water or a premixed solution of unsuppressed ethylene glycol or propylene glycol and water. The first and second fluids may have a maximum particle size of less than 200 micrometers. Other examples may include other materials and / or material composition and / or particle size of the first and / or second fluids.

[0044] Continue to refer to Figure 1 The secondary closed loop 118 allows a second fluid to circulate through and / or across one or more electrical components 122 to absorb heat from the electrical components 122. The electrical components 122 may include, for example, computer chips or other heated electrical components in one or more servers or server racks. In some examples, a cold plate or other heating device may be positioned above the computer chip, and the conduit of the secondary closed loop may pass through the cold plate or other heating device to absorb heat from the electrical components 122. Once the second fluid in the secondary closed loop 118 has been heated by the electrical components 122, the heated second fluid is directed to the heat exchanger 126.

[0045] Continue to refer to Figure 1 Each of the primary closed loop 114 and the secondary closed loop 118 extends through the heat exchanger 126. In the example shown, the heat exchanger 126 is a liquid-liquid heat exchanger. The primary closed loop 114 extends in the first direction (e.g., as shown in the example). Figure 1 The first fluid is guided upwards (to the left) through the heat exchanger 126, while the secondary closed loop 118 is guided upwards in the second direction (e.g., as shown in the left direction). Figure 1 The second fluid is guided upwards (to the right) through heat exchanger 126. In the example shown, the first direction is parallel to and opposite to the second direction. In other examples, the first and second fluids may be guided in the same direction or in a transverse direction, or the first and second fluids may move in more than one direction within heat exchanger 126.

[0046] Within heat exchanger 126, heat is exchanged between a second fluid and a first fluid. Therefore, at least a portion of the heat absorbed from electrical component 122 is transferred from the second fluid to the first fluid within heat exchanger 126. In some examples, the conduit of the primary closed loop 114 does not contact the conduit of the secondary closed loop 118 within heat exchanger 126, and heat is exchanged through an intermediate material (e.g., through a thermally conductive material). Other examples may include various other types, numbers, or arrangements of heat exchangers 126 besides those shown.

[0047] Continue to refer to Figure 1 The primary closed loop 114 guides the first fluid (after it has been heated in the heat exchanger 126) away from the heat exchanger 126 and to the cooling structure 130. The cooling structure 130 may be located, for example, within a data server center. The cooling structure 130 can be any of a variety of different structures, including a cooling tower or other thermal equipment that removes or otherwise removes heat from the first fluid. In some examples, the cooling structure 130 may include cold plates, fins, and / or other heat-removing structures, and / or may use one or more fans to facilitate heat removal from the first fluid.

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, once heat has been removed from the first fluid at cooling structure 130, the first fluid then circulates back towards heat exchanger 126. Similarly, once heat has been removed from the second fluid at heat exchanger 126, the second fluid circulates back towards electrical component 122. This circulation through each of the primary closed loop 114 and secondary closed loop 118 can continue (e.g., as long as electrical component 122 is generating heat), such that heat is continuously absorbed from the electrical component and transported to heat exchanger 126, where heat is then transferred to the first fluid and primary closed loop 114, and finally discarded at cooling structure 130.

[0049] Continue to refer to Figure 1Each of the primary closed loop 114 and the secondary closed loop 118 may include one or more pumps to pump a first fluid and a second fluid through conduits. In the illustrated example, the primary closed loop 114 includes one or more pumps (not shown) located within the data server center (e.g., at the location of cooling structure 130 or elsewhere within the data server center) to pump a first fluid (e.g., facility water) through the primary closed loop 114. The secondary closed loop 118 includes a first pump 134 and a second pump 138. The first pump 134 and the second pump 138 are redundant pumps, positioned along parallel conduits within the closed loop such that if one of the pumps 134, 138 fails, the other pump can continue to operate the overall flow of the second fluid within the secondary closed loop 118. The first pump 134 and the second pump 138 can be any type of pump capable of pumping the second fluid. In some examples, the first pump 134 and the second pump 138 are identical pumps having the same dimensions and / or rated parameters. In some examples, one or more of the first pump 134 or the second pump 138 are centrifugal pumps. Other examples include other types of pumps and multiple pumps. For example, in some examples, the secondary closed loop 118 may include only a single pump, or it may include more than two pumps. Generally, the first pump 134 and / or the second pump 138 may generate flow rates, for example, between 25 gallons per minute (GPM) and 200 GPM, such as 25 GPM, 50 GPM, 100 GPM, 125 GPM, 140 GPM, 160 GPM, or other values ​​and ranges.

[0050] Continue to refer to Figure 1 In some examples, the secondary closed loop 118 includes a refill tank 142 and a replenishment pump 146 for adding additional second fluid to the secondary closed loop 118. Additionally, in some examples, the secondary closed loop 118 includes at least one expansion tank for controlling the total pressure and flow rate of the second fluid in the secondary closed loop 118. In the illustrated example, the secondary closed loop 118 includes a first expansion tank 150 and a second (e.g., redundant) expansion tank 154. Other examples may include only a single expansion tank or more than two expansion tanks.

[0051] Additionally, both the primary closed loop 114 and the secondary closed loop 118 may include one or more valves (e.g., pressure control valves, check valves, pressure-independent control valves, etc.) that operate to control the total pressure and / or flow rate of fluid passing through the cooling distribution unit 110. In the example shown, the primary closed loop 114 includes a pressure-independent control valve 158.

[0052] Continue to refer to Figure 1In the illustrated example, the cooling distribution unit 110 includes a housing 162 (e.g., an outer shell). The housing 162 may include a steel frame (e.g., with interconnected vertical and / or horizontal frame members), or it may be another type of frame, or be formed of a different material. In some examples, the housing 162 includes one or more doors (e.g., pivotally connected or otherwise attached to the frame). Other examples besides those shown may include housings 162 of various other types, sizes, and / or shapes. In the illustrated example, the housing 162 includes a first outlet 166, at which a primary closed loop 114 exits the housing, and a first fluid is delivered to the cooling structure 130. The housing 162 also includes a first inlet 170 at which the primary closed loop 114 enters the housing, and where the first fluid is then directed to a heat exchanger 126 (e.g., located within the housing 162). The housing 162 also includes a second outlet 174 and a second inlet 178, a secondary closed loop 118 exits the housing at the second outlet 174, and a second fluid is sent to the electrical component 122, enters the housing at the second inlet 178, and is then directed to the heat exchanger 126.

[0053] In the example shown, the cooling distribution unit 110 has overall dimensions of 31.5 inches × 47.4 inches × 84.5 inches and a total weight of approximately 1400 pounds. Other examples may include a variety of different sizes and weights, including those smaller and larger than those shown, and those smaller or larger than those shown. Additionally, in the example shown, the cooling distribution unit 110 can provide a cooling capacity of 550 kW (approaching a temperature difference of 4°C) and 1100 kW (approaching a temperature difference of 8°C). Other examples may include other values ​​and ranges of cooling capacity, including those smaller or larger than those shown.

[0054] Continue to refer to Figure 1 In some examples, the cooling distribution unit 110 further includes one or more sensors for measuring pressure, temperature, or other aspects of the system. In the example shown, the cooling distribution unit 110 includes multiple pressure and temperature sensors generally located at a first outlet 166, a first inlet 170, a second outlet 174, and a second inlet 178. Figure 1(These are labeled "PT" and "RTD"). For example, the first outlet 166 is associated with the first primary outlet fluid pressure sensor PT4A, the second primary outlet fluid pressure sensor PT4B, the first primary outlet fluid temperature sensor T4A, and the second primary outlet fluid temperature sensor T4B. The first inlet 170 is associated with the first primary inlet fluid pressure sensor PT3A, the second primary inlet fluid pressure sensor PT3B, the primary inlet fluid pressure sensor PT3F (located after the filter), the first primary inlet fluid temperature sensor T3A, and the second primary inlet fluid temperature sensor T3B. The second outlet 174 is associated with the first stage outlet fluid supply pressure sensor PT1A, the second stage outlet fluid supply pressure sensor PT1B, the first stage outlet fluid supply temperature sensor T1A, and the second stage outlet fluid supply temperature sensor T1B. The second inlet 178 is associated with the primary inlet fluid return pressure sensor PT2A, the secondary inlet fluid return pressure sensor PT2B, the secondary inlet fluid pressure sensor PT2F after the filter (located after the filter and adjacent to the heat exchanger 126), the primary inlet fluid return temperature sensor T2A, and the secondary inlet fluid return temperature sensor T2B. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the cooling distribution unit 110 may include redundant pressure and temperature sensors (e.g., in case one or more sensors fail or provide inaccurate readings). Sensors may be provided in pairs (e.g., a primary stage outlet fluid supply pressure sensor PT1A paired with a secondary stage outlet fluid supply pressure sensor PT1B) to provide a backup (e.g., redundant) sensor in case only one sensor in the pair fails. The cooling distribution unit 110 may also include other types of sensors, such as a dew point sensor 514 and / or a flow meter 516. Figure 5 (As shown). For example, a primary flow meter FM2 can be provided to detect the flow rate of the first fluid exiting the first outlet 166, and a secondary flow meter FM1 can be provided to detect the flow rate of the second fluid exiting the second outlet 174.

[0055] In some examples, these sensors (e.g., wired or wireless) are connected to controller 182 ( Figures 1 to 4 This controller 182 may be connected to other devices that receive signals regarding the pressure and temperature of the first and second fluids. In the illustrated example, the controller 182 is located on and / or within the housing 162 and may include a user interface (e.g., a graphical user interface, such as a color touchscreen). In some examples, the controller 182 is positioned remotely from the housing 162. In some examples, the controller 182 may be used to monitor pressure, monitor temperature, and / or control the flow rate and pressure differential of the second fluid.

[0056] Figure 5It shows that according to some aspects Figures 2 to 4 A block diagram of controller 182. Controller 182 specifically includes an electronic processor 500, a memory 502, and an input / output (I / O) interface 504. The electronic processor 500, memory 502, and I / O interface 504 communicate via one or more control and / or data buses. Figure 5 Only one example of controller 182 is shown. Controller 182 may include more or fewer components and may perform functions other than those explicitly described herein.

[0057] In some examples, the electronic processor 500 is implemented as a microcontroller with a separate memory (such as memory 502). In other examples, the electronic processor 500 may be implemented as a microcontroller with memory 502 on the same chip. In still other examples, the electronic processor 500 may be implemented partially or entirely as, for example, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc., and may not require memory 502 or may be modified accordingly.

[0058] In the example shown, memory 502 includes a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (or medium) storing instructions received and executed by electronic processor 500 to perform the functions of the cooling distribution unit 110 described herein. For example, electronic processor 500 may receive and execute instructions stored in memory 502 to perform method 600, method 700, method 800, method 900, method 1300, and / or method 1400. Memory 502 may, for example, include a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area and data storage area may include combinations of different types of memory, such as non-volatile read-only memory, non-volatile flash memory, and volatile random access memory.

[0059] I / O interface 504 may include one or more input devices (e.g., receiver, keyboard, interactive user interface, etc.) and one or more output devices (e.g., transmitter, display, etc.). When I / O interface 504 includes a display, controller 182 may be configured to provide data regarding the operation of cooling distribution unit 110 via the display. For example, data provided by sensors associated with primary closed loop 114 (and therefore with cooling structure 130) may be output via the display. Controller 182 may use the data provided by sensors associated with secondary closed loop 118 to control the operation of cooling distribution unit 110.

[0060] The controller 182 receives feedback regarding the status of the cooling distribution unit 110 from temperature sensors 510 (e.g., T1A, T1B, T2A, T2B, T3A, T3B, T4A, T4B), pressure sensors 512 (e.g., PT1A, PT1B, PT2A, PT2B, PT3A, PT3B), dew point sensor 514, and flow meter 516. For example, temperature sensors 510 are mounted near the inlet and outlet locations of the primary closed loop 114 and the secondary closed loop 118 (e.g., first outlet 166, first inlet 170, second outlet 174, and second inlet 178). Temperature sensors 510 are configured to sense the fluid temperature at their respective locations. Temperature sensors 510 are configured to provide the controller 182 with a temperature signal indicating the fluid temperature.

[0061] Pressure sensor 512 is also mounted near the inlet and outlet locations of the primary closed loop 114 and the secondary closed loop 118 (e.g., first outlet 166, first inlet 170, second outlet 174, and second inlet 178). Pressure sensor 512 is configured to sense (and in some examples measure) fluid pressure at its respective locations. In some examples, pressure sensor 512 is configured to provide a pressure signal indicative of fluid pressure to controller 182.

[0062] Dew point sensor 514 is configured to provide a dew point signal to controller 182 indicating the current dew point temperature and ambient air temperature. Flow meters 516 are installed on the first outlet 166 and the second outlet 174, and these flow meters 516 are configured to provide a flow signal to controller 182 indicating the flow rate of fluid exiting housing 162 via the first outlet 166 and the second outlet 174.

[0063] The controller 182 can be configured to control the regulating valve 518 to control the flow rate of fluid within the cooling distribution unit 110. For example, the regulating ball valve 518 can be located at a first outlet 166, a first inlet 170, a second outlet 174, and / or a second inlet 178 to control the inflow and outflow of fluid into and out of the primary closed loop 114 and / or the secondary closed loop 118. The controller 182 can also be configured to additionally or alternatively control pumps 134, 138 to control the flow rate of fluid within the cooling distribution unit 110.

[0064] In some cases, controller 182 includes (or is electrically connected to) capacitor 520. Capacitor 520 is configured to store energy that can be supplied to controller 182 as electricity. In this way, capacitor 520 serves as a backup power source for controller 182.

[0065] Although Figures 1 to 4Only a single cooling distribution unit 110 is shown, but in some examples, multiple cooling distribution units 110 may be provided in a system for cooling electrical component 122 and / or other components within the system. When multiple cooling distribution units 110 are provided, the controller 182 may operate in a “group mode”, wherein a failure of one or more operating components within a cooling distribution unit 110 causes the controller 182 to shut down the cooling distribution unit 110. When the failed cooling distribution unit 110 is shut down, it is replaced by an available cooling distribution unit 110 for cooling electrical component 122.

[0066] However, when the cooling distribution unit 110 is the only available cooling distribution unit 110 for cooling the electrical component 122, the controller 182 can operate in a "single mode". In "single mode", a failure of one or more operating components within the cooling distribution unit 110 may cause a shift in the operating mode of the cooling distribution unit 110, rather than a complete shutdown. For example, if one or more sensors within the cooling distribution unit 110 fail, the cooling distribution unit 110 is still expected to operate. Therefore, the examples, aspects, and instances described herein provide for controlling the operation of the cooling distribution unit 110 in the event of failure of one or more sensors or the occurrence of some error. In this way, cooling for the electrical component 122 is still provided even when each component of the cooling distribution unit 110 is not fully functional.

[0067] Figure 6 A block diagram of a method 600 for adjusting the operating mode of the cooling distribution unit 110 is shown. Method 600 is described as being executed by a controller 182. However, in some examples, aspects of method 600 may be executed by another processing device. Additionally, Figure 6 The various process blocks shown provide examples of the various methods disclosed herein, and it should be understood that some blocks may be removed, added, combined, or modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. In method 600, controller 182 may operate in a “single mode” in which replacement cooling distribution unit 110 is not available.

[0068] At block 602, controller 182 operates according to a differential pressure mode. In differential pressure mode, controller 182 controls regulating valve 518 and / or pumps 134, 138 based on the differential pressure between second outlet 174 and second inlet 178. The differential pressure can be calculated by determining the pressure value indicated by a pressure sensor at second outlet 174 (e.g., first-stage outlet fluid supply pressure sensor PT1A and second-stage outlet fluid supply pressure sensor PT1B) and the pressure value indicated by a pressure sensor at second inlet 178 (e.g., first-stage inlet fluid return pressure sensor PT2A and second-stage inlet fluid return pressure sensor PT2B). In some cases, controller 182 controls the speed of pumps 134, 138 based on the differential pressure.

[0069] At block 604, controller 182 detects a failure in the secondary pressure sensors. For example, two pressure sensors at the second outlet 174 (e.g., primary outlet fluid supply pressure sensor PT1A and secondary outlet fluid supply pressure sensor PT1B) fail and no longer provide a pressure signal (or, in some cases, provide an inaccurate pressure signal). In another example, two pressure sensors at the second inlet 178 (e.g., primary inlet fluid return pressure sensor PT2A and secondary inlet fluid return pressure sensor PT2B) fail and no longer provide a pressure signal (or provide an inaccurate pressure signal). If either pair of pressure sensors fails, the differential pressure can no longer be calculated.

[0070] At block 606, controller 182 operates according to a flow mode. For example, in response to a failure of the secondary pressure sensor, controller 182 switches the operating mode from differential pressure mode to flow mode. In flow mode, controller 182 controls regulating valve 518 and / or pumps 134, 138 based on the flow rate of fluid detected by flow meter 516 (e.g., based on flow meter FM1 associated with the second outlet 174). Therefore, if the pressure sensor experiences a failure and no alternative cooling distribution unit 110 is available, cooling distribution unit 110 continues to operate to cool electrical component 122.

[0071] In some cases, an alternative cooling distribution unit 110 may be available. Figure 7 A block diagram of a method 700 for adjusting the operating mode of the cooling distribution unit 110 is shown. Method 700 is described as being executed by a controller 182. However, in some examples, aspects of method 700 may be executed by another processing device. Additionally, Figure 7The various process blocks shown provide examples of the various methods disclosed herein, and it should be understood that some blocks may be removed, added, combined, or modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. In method 700, controller 182 may operate in "group mode," wherein replacement cooling distribution unit 110 is available.

[0072] At box 702, controller 182 operates according to the differential pressure mode, as previously mentioned. Figure 6 As described in box 602. At box 704, controller 182 detects a fault in the secondary pressure sensor, as previously described... Figure 6 As described in box 604.

[0073] At frame 706, controller 182 shuts off operation of cooling distribution unit 110. For example, regulating valve 518 and / or pumps 134, 138 are controlled to prevent fluid from flowing through cooling distribution unit 110.

[0074] At box 708, controller 182 activates an alternative cooling distribution unit 110. For example, controller 182 transmits a signal to another cooling distribution unit 110 or some other server associated with cooling distribution unit 110 to activate the alternative cooling distribution unit 110 so that electrical component 122 continues to be cooled.

[0075] Figure 8 A block diagram of a method 800 for adjusting the operating mode of the cooling distribution unit 110 is shown. Method 800 is described as being executed by a controller 182. However, in some examples, aspects of method 800 may be executed by another processing device. Additionally, Figure 8 The various process blocks shown provide examples of the various methods disclosed herein, and it should be understood that some blocks may be removed, added, combined, or modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. In method 800, controller 182 may operate in a “single mode” in which replacement cooling distribution unit 110 is not available.

[0076] At block 802, controller 182 operates according to a first temperature control mode. For example, in the first temperature control mode, controller 182 operates using a first-stage outlet fluid supply temperature sensor T1A and a second-stage outlet fluid supply temperature sensor T1B as inputs to the control operation. The first-stage outlet fluid supply temperature sensor T1A and the second-stage outlet fluid supply temperature sensor T1B can be used to determine the current temperature of the second fluid supplied to the electrical component 122 via the second outlet 174. For example, the temperature indicated by the temperature signals from the first-stage outlet fluid supply temperature sensor T1A and the second-stage outlet fluid supply temperature sensor T1B is compared with a threshold. Then, the regulating valve 518 and / or pumps 134, 138 are controlled according to the current temperature of the second fluid (e.g., whether the temperature indicated by the first-stage outlet fluid supply temperature sensor T1A and the second-stage outlet fluid supply temperature sensor T1B is greater than or equal to the threshold).

[0077] At block 804, controller 182 detects a fault in the secondary temperature sensors. For example, controller 182 detects a fault in both the primary outlet fluid supply temperature sensor T1A and the secondary outlet fluid supply temperature sensor T1B. When a fault occurs, the primary outlet fluid supply temperature sensor T1A and the secondary outlet fluid supply temperature sensor T1B may no longer provide a temperature signal or may provide an inaccurate temperature signal.

[0078] At block 806, controller 182 operates according to a second temperature control mode. For example, in response to a failure of the secondary temperature sensor, controller 182 switches the operating mode from the first temperature control mode to the second temperature control mode. In the second temperature control mode, controller 182 operates using the first primary inlet fluid return temperature sensor T2A and the second primary inlet fluid return temperature sensor T2B as inputs to the control operation. The first primary inlet fluid return temperature sensor T2A and the second primary inlet fluid return temperature sensor T2B can be used to determine the current temperature of the second fluid that has passed through electrical component 122 and through the second inlet 178. In some cases, controller 182 is operated to achieve a temperature of the second fluid at the second inlet 178 that is greater than a certain second threshold temperature measured in the primary closed loop 114 (e.g., the temperature measured by the first primary inlet fluid temperature sensor T3A and the second primary inlet fluid temperature sensor T3B). The second threshold temperature can be, for example, 6°C, 8°C, 10°C, 12°C, etc. Therefore, if the temperature sensor fails and no replacement cooling distribution unit 110 is available, the cooling distribution unit 110 continues to operate to cool the electrical component 122.

[0079] In some cases, an alternative cooling distribution unit 110 may be available. Figure 9 A block diagram of a method 900 for adjusting the operating mode of the cooling distribution unit 110 is shown. Method 900 is described as being executed by a controller 182. However, in some examples, aspects of method 900 may be executed by another processing device. Additionally, Figure 9 The various process blocks shown provide examples of the various methods disclosed herein, and it should be understood that some blocks may be removed, added, combined, or modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. In method 900, controller 182 may operate in "group mode," wherein replacement cooling distribution unit 110 is available.

[0080] At box 902, controller 182 operates according to the differential pressure mode, as previously mentioned. Figure 8 As described in box 802. At box 904, controller 182 detects a fault in the secondary temperature sensor, as previously described... Figure 8 As described in box 804.

[0081] At frame 906, controller 182 shuts off operation of cooling distribution unit 110. For example, regulating valve 518 and / or pumps 134, 138 are controlled to prevent fluid from flowing through cooling distribution unit 110.

[0082] At block 908, controller 182 activates an alternative cooling distribution unit 110. For example, controller 182 transmits a signal to another cooling distribution unit 110 or some other server associated with cooling distribution unit 110 to activate the alternative cooling distribution unit 110 so that electrical component 122 continues to be cooled.

[0083] Figure 10 A flowchart of a method 1000 for operating the cooling distribution unit 110 is shown. Method 1000 is described as being executed by a controller 182. However, in some examples, aspects of method 1000 may be executed by another processing device. Additionally, Figure 10 The various process blocks shown provide examples of the various methods disclosed herein, and it should be understood that some blocks may be removed, added, combined, or modified without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0084] During operation, at block 1002, method 1000 includes storing the current operation settings in, for example, memory 502. In one example, the operation settings are stored continuously in memory 502.

[0085] In the event of a power outage, at block 1004, method 1000 includes executing an automatic restart algorithm. The automatic restart algorithm is initiated when a power drop and / or power outage for a given amount of time is detected.

[0086] At block 1006, method 1000 includes retrieving the most recent operating settings from memory 502. Therefore, in the event of a detected power drop and / or power failure, cooling distribution unit 110 retrieves the previous operating settings.

[0087] Capacitor 520 ( Figure 5 The controller 182 is configured to store sufficient energy to supply power to the controller 182 (and in some cases, to other components of the cooling distribution unit 110) for a given amount of time. In one example, the cooling distribution unit 110 can experience a full second of power outage without intervention. Therefore, even during a power outage, the controller 182 continues to receive power via the capacitor 520.

[0088] In one example, an automatic restart algorithm is implemented when the cooling distribution unit 110 is in remote mode. Figure 11 A service menu 1100 of the cooling distribution unit 110, for example, is shown on a graphical user interface provided by I / O interface 504. The user can select the local / remote control button 1110 to switch between local control mode and remote control mode. In one example, local control is active when the local / remote control button is selected. An option for setting a local control timeout is available. If the local control timeout is activated, the cooling distribution unit 110 can switch to remote control mode after the timeout has elapsed. If the local control timeout is not activated, the cooling distribution unit 110 can remain in local control mode unless manually set to remote control mode.

[0089] Go to Figure 12 In one example, the cooling distribution unit 110 includes a transformer 1200 that supplies 24V AC power to the pressure-independent control valve 158. For a 380V or 400V input power supply, the 400V tap 1210 of the transformer 1200 is connected to the pressure-independent control valve 158. For a 460V or 480V input power supply, the 460V tap 1212 of the transformer 1200 is connected to the pressure-independent control valve 158.

[0090] Figure 13 A block diagram of another method 1300 for adjusting the operating mode of the cooling distribution unit 110 is shown. Method 1300 is described as being executed by a controller 182. However, in some examples, aspects of method 1300 may be executed by another processing device. Additionally, Figure 13The various process blocks shown provide examples of the various methods disclosed herein, and it should be understood that some blocks may be removed, added, combined, or modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. In method 1300, controller 182 may operate in a “single mode” in which replacement cooling distribution unit 110 is not available.

[0091] At block 1302, controller 182 operates according to a flow mode. In flow mode, controller 182 controls regulating valve 518 and / or pumps 134, 138 based on the flow rate of fluid detected by flow meter 516 (e.g., based on flow meter FM1 associated with second outlet 174). For example, based on measurements from flow meter FM1, controller 182 may increase, decrease, or maintain the speed of pumps 134, 138 to achieve a desired flow rate. The desired flow rate may be a predetermined flow rate or flow range associated with the flow mode, or it may be a user-selected flow rate. In some cases, the controller determines the desired flow rate based on the sensed temperature of a second fluid in secondary closed loop 118.

[0092] At block 1304, controller 182 detects a fault in secondary flow meter FM1. For example, controller 182 may detect a fault by receiving a fault signal from secondary flow meter FM1 or by detecting a disconnection in communication between secondary flow meter FM1 and controller 182. In some cases, controller 182 detects a fault in secondary flow meter FM1 by determining that a flow measurement from secondary flow meter FM1 is outside a predetermined range. For example, the predetermined range may be 0 to 150 GPM, 0 to 175 GPM, 0 to 176 GPM, 0 to 200 GPM, etc. The predetermined range may vary depending on the flow capacity of the components of secondary closed loop 118. The predetermined range may be wider than the achievable operating range of cooling distribution unit 110. In this way, a flow measurement outside the predetermined range may indicate a fault in flow meter FM1 itself, rather than, for example, a fault in pumps 134, 138.

[0093] At block 1306, controller 182 operates according to a differential pressure mode. For example, in response to detecting a fault in flow meter FM1, controller 182 switches the operating mode from flow mode to differential pressure mode. In differential pressure mode, controller 182 controls regulating valve 518 and / or pumps 134, 138 based on the differential pressure between second outlet 174 and second inlet 178. The differential pressure can be calculated by determining the pressure value indicated by a pressure sensor at second outlet 174 (e.g., first-stage outlet fluid supply pressure sensor PT1A and second-stage outlet fluid supply pressure sensor PT1B) and the pressure value indicated by a pressure sensor at second inlet 178 (e.g., first-stage inlet fluid return pressure sensor PT2A and second-stage inlet fluid return pressure sensor PT2B). In some cases, controller 182 operates according to differential pressure mode in response to detecting a fault in secondary flow meter FM2 and in response to determining that alternative cooling distribution unit 110 is unavailable.

[0094] In differential pressure mode, controller 182 can control regulating valve 518 and / or pumps 134, 138 to achieve a desired or target differential pressure between the second outlet 174 and the second inlet 178. For example, based on the measured differential pressure between the second outlet 174 and the second inlet 178, controller 182 can increase, decrease, or maintain the rate of pumps 134, 138 to achieve the target differential pressure. In some cases, the target differential pressure is a default value or a range of values ​​associated with the differential pressure mode.

[0095] In some cases, controller 182 determines a target differential pressure to maintain approximate flow rate before a fault is detected in the secondary flow meter FM1. For example, during operation in flow mode (e.g., before a fault is detected at block 604), controller 182 may periodically receive and store (e.g., in memory 502) pressure measurements from pressure sensors at the second outlet 174 and the second inlet 178. In differential pressure mode, controller 182 may determine the target differential pressure based on the pressure difference between the second fluid at the second outlet 174 and the second inlet 178 recorded before a fault is detected in the secondary flow meter FM1. For example, controller 182 may determine the target differential pressure based on the last recorded pressure reading from the pressure sensor before a fault is detected in the secondary flow meter FM1.

[0096] In some cases, the controller 182 determines the target differential pressure as the average of a plurality of corresponding pressure differences of the second fluid recorded before a fault is detected in the flow sensor, between the second outlet 174 and the second inlet 178. These plurality of corresponding pressure differences may correspond to a predetermined number of pressure readings or a predetermined time prior to detecting a fault in the secondary flow meter FM1.

[0097] In some cases, controller 182 also generates a notification indicating that a fault has been detected in the secondary flow meter FM2. For example, controller 182 may transmit the notification (e.g., via a communication network) to an administrator device associated with cooling distribution unit 110. In some cases, controller 182 controls the display of cooling distribution unit 110 to display a warning message indicating that a fault has been detected.

[0098] Therefore, if the flow meter FM1 experiences a failure and no alternative cooling distribution unit 110 is available, the cooling distribution unit 110 continues to operate to cool the electrical components 122.

[0099] In some cases, an alternative cooling distribution unit 110 may be available. Figure 14 A block diagram of a method 1400 for adjusting the operating mode of the cooling distribution unit 110 is shown. Method 1400 is described as being executed by a controller 182. However, in some examples, aspects of method 1400 may be executed by another processing device. Additionally, Figure 14 The various process blocks shown provide examples of the various methods disclosed herein, and it should be understood that some blocks may be removed, added, combined, or modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. In method 1400, controller 182 may operate in "group mode," wherein replacement cooling distribution unit 110 is available.

[0100] At box 1402, controller 182 operates according to the flow pattern, as previously mentioned. Figure 13 As described in box 602. At box 1404, controller 182 detects a fault in secondary flow meter FM1, as previously described... Figure 13 As described in box 1304.

[0101] At block 1406, controller 182 shuts off operation of cooling distribution unit 110. For example, regulating valve 518 and / or pumps 134, 138 are controlled to prevent fluid from flowing through cooling distribution unit 110. Controller 182 may shut off operation of cooling distribution unit 110 in response to determining that an alternative cooling distribution unit 110 is available.

[0102] At box 1408, controller 182 activates an alternative cooling distribution unit 110. For example, controller 182 transmits a signal to another cooling distribution unit 110 or some other server associated with cooling distribution unit 110 to activate the alternative cooling distribution unit 110 so that electrical component 122 continues to be cooled.

[0103] Specific examples have been described in the foregoing specification. However, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. Therefore, this specification and drawings should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this teaching.

[0104] Benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that may lead to or make any benefit, advantage, or solution occur or become more apparent should not be construed as key, essential, or necessary features or elements of any or all claims. This disclosure is limited only by the appended claims, including any modifications made during the pending period of this application and all equivalents of those claims published.

[0105] In this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, etc., may be used only to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between these entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “has,” “having,” “includes,” “including,” “contains,” “containing,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article of manufacture, or apparatus that includes, has, contains, or contains a list of elements includes not only those elements but may also include other elements not expressly listed or other elements inherent to such a process, method, article of manufacture, or apparatus.

[0106] It should also be noted that multiple hardware and software-based devices and multiple different structural components can be utilized in various embodiments. Aspects, features, and examples may include hardware, software, and electronic components or modules, which, for the purposes of discussion, may be illustrated and described as if most components were implemented solely in hardware. However, those skilled in the art, and based on a reading of this specification, will recognize that, in at least one instance, the electronic aspects of the invention may be implemented in software executable by one or more processors (e.g., stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium). Therefore, it should be noted that this disclosure may be implemented using multiple hardware and software-based devices and multiple different structural components. For example, the “control unit” and “controller” described in the specification may include one or more electronic processors, one or more memories including a non-transitory computer-readable medium, one or more input / output interfaces, and various connectors (e.g., system buses) for connecting components.

[0107] Unless otherwise expressly indicated in the context of the use of the articles “a,” “one,” and “the,” these articles should not be interpreted as meaning “one” or “only one.” Rather, they should be interpreted as meaning “at least one” or “one or more.” Similarly, unless otherwise expressly indicated in the context of use, when the terms “the” or “the” are used to refer to a noun previously introduced by the indefinite articles “a” or “one,” “the” and “the” mean “at least one” or “one or more.”

[0108] It should also be understood that although some of the accompanying drawings show hardware and software located within a particular device, these depictions are for illustrative purposes only. In some embodiments, the illustrated components may be combined or divided into separate software, firmware, and / or hardware. For example, instead of being located within and executed by a single electronic processor, logic and processing may be distributed among multiple electronic processors. Regardless of how they are combined or divided, hardware and software components may reside on the same computing device or may be distributed among different computing devices connected by one or more networks or other suitable connectors or links.

[0109] Therefore, in the claims, if the apparatus or system is claimed to include, for example, an electronic processor or other element configured in a certain way, for example, to perform multiple determinations, then the claim or claim element should be interpreted as referring to one or more electronic processors (or other elements), any one of which is configured as claimed, for example, to jointly perform some or all of those multiple determinations. To reiterate, those electronic processors and processes can be distributed.

[0110] This summary of the disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly determine the nature of the technical disclosure. It should be understood that it is not intended to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, in the foregoing detailed description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various examples for the purpose of simplifying the disclosure. The approach of this disclosure should not be construed as reflecting an intention to require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the appended claims, the inventive subject matter lies in fewer than all features of a single disclosed example. Therefore, the appended claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, wherein each claim is independently claimed as a separate subject matter.

Claims

1. A cooling distribution unit (110), comprising: A first control loop (114) is configured to guide a first fluid through a cooling structure (130), wherein the cooling structure removes heat from the first fluid; A second control loop (118) is configured to guide a second fluid across a plurality of electrical components (122), wherein the second control loop (118) includes an inlet (174) and an outlet (178). A first pressure sensor is located at the inlet (174) and is configured to sense the pressure of the second fluid; A second pressure sensor, located at the inlet (174) and configured to sense the pressure of the second fluid; and Controller (182), the controller (182) is configured to: The system operates in a differential pressure mode, wherein the controller operates based on the pressure difference between the second fluid and the inlet (174) and the outlet (178). Detecting faults in the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor, and In response to the fault, the system operates in flow mode, wherein the controller (182) operates based on the flow rate of the second fluid.

2. The cooling distribution unit (110) according to claim 1 further includes: A third pressure sensor is located at the outlet (178) and is configured to sense the pressure of the second fluid; as well as A fourth pressure sensor is located at the outlet (178) and is configured to sense the pressure of the second fluid.

3. The cooling distribution unit (110) according to claim 1 further includes: A flow sensor configured to sense the flow rate of the second fluid through the inlet (174).

4. The cooling distribution unit (110) according to claim 3, wherein, In the flow mode, the controller (182) receives the flow rate of the second fluid from the flow sensor.

5. The cooling distribution unit (110) according to claim 3, wherein, The controller is configured to detect faults in the flow sensor and, in response to detecting a fault in the flow sensor, operate in differential pressure mode.

6. The cooling distribution unit (110) according to claim 5, wherein, In the differential pressure mode, the controller operates based on the pressure difference between the second fluid and the inlet (174) and the outlet (178).

7. The cooling distribution unit (110) according to claim 1, wherein, The controller (182) is also configured to: Determine if the secondary cooling distribution unit is available; and In response to the availability of the secondary cooling distribution unit and in response to the fault, the operation of the cooling distribution unit (110) is shut down.

8. The cooling distribution unit (110) according to claim 1, wherein, In the differential pressure mode, the controller (182) is further configured to: The speed of the pumps (134, 138) is controlled based on the pressure difference between the second fluid and the inlet (174) and the outlet (178).

9. A cooling distribution unit (110), comprising: A first control loop (114) is configured to guide a first fluid through a cooling structure (130), wherein the cooling structure removes heat from the first fluid; A second control loop (118) is configured to guide a second fluid across a plurality of electrical components (122), wherein the second control loop (118) includes an inlet (174) and an outlet (178). A first pressure sensor is located at the outlet (178) and is configured to sense the pressure of the second fluid; A second pressure sensor, located at the outlet (178) and configured to sense the pressure of the second fluid; and Controller (182), the controller (182) is configured to: The system operates in a differential pressure mode, wherein the controller operates based on the pressure difference between the second fluid and the inlet (174) and the outlet (178). Detecting faults in the first and second pressure sensors, and In response to the fault, the system operates in flow mode, wherein the controller (182) operates based on the flow rate of the second fluid.

10. The cooling distribution unit (110) according to claim 9 further comprises: A third pressure sensor is located at the inlet (174) and is configured to sense the pressure of the second fluid; as well as A fourth pressure sensor is located at the inlet (174) and is configured to sense the pressure of the second fluid.

11. The cooling distribution unit (110) according to claim 9 further includes: A flow sensor configured to sense the flow rate of the second fluid through the inlet (174).

12. The cooling distribution unit (110) according to claim 11, wherein, In the flow mode, the controller (182) receives the flow rate of the second fluid from the flow sensor.

13. The cooling distribution unit (110) according to claim 11, wherein, The controller is configured to detect a fault in the flow sensor and, in response to detecting the fault in the flow sensor, operate in differential pressure mode.

14. The cooling distribution unit (110) according to claim 13, wherein, In the differential pressure mode, the controller operates based on the pressure difference between the second fluid and the inlet (174) and the outlet (178).

15. The cooling distribution unit (110) according to claim 9, wherein, The controller (182) is also configured to: Determine if the secondary cooling distribution unit is available; and In response to the availability of the secondary cooling distribution unit and in response to the fault, the operation of the cooling distribution unit (110) is shut down.

16. The cooling distribution unit (110) according to claim 9, wherein, In the differential pressure mode, the controller (182) is further configured to: The speed of the pumps (134, 138) is controlled based on the pressure difference between the second fluid and the inlet (174) and the outlet (178).

17. A cooling distribution unit (110), comprising: A first control loop (114) is configured to guide a first fluid through a cooling structure (130), wherein the cooling structure removes heat from the first fluid; A second control loop (118) is configured to guide a second fluid across a plurality of electrical components (122), wherein the second control loop (118) includes an inlet (174) and an outlet (178). A first temperature sensor is located at the inlet (174) and is configured to sense the temperature of the second fluid; A second temperature sensor, located at the inlet (174) and configured to sense the temperature of the second fluid; and Controller (182), the controller (182) is configured to: The controller (182) operates in a first temperature control mode, wherein the controller (182) operates based on the temperature of the second fluid being greater than or equal to a first temperature threshold. Detecting faults in the first and second temperature sensors, and In response to the fault, the controller (182) operates in a second temperature control mode, wherein the controller (182) operates based on the temperature of the second fluid being greater than or equal to a second temperature threshold.

18. The cooling distribution unit (110) according to claim 17, wherein, The controller (182) is also configured to: Determine if the secondary cooling distribution unit is available; and In response to the availability of the secondary cooling distribution unit and in response to the fault, the operation of the cooling distribution unit (110) is shut down.

19. The cooling distribution unit (110) according to claim 17 further comprises: A third temperature sensor is located at the outlet (178) and is configured to sense the temperature of the second fluid; as well as A fourth temperature sensor is located at the outlet (178) and is configured to sense the temperature of the second fluid.

20. The cooling distribution unit (110) according to claim 19. in, In the first temperature control mode, the controller is configured to receive input from the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor, and In the second temperature control mode, the controller is configured to receive input from the third temperature sensor and the fourth temperature sensor.

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