Coolant distribution unit

Abstract

A coolant distribution unit includes a cabinet including a frame, a top panel, and a plurality of side panels. The coolant distribution unit comprises a cooling system at least partially supported by the cabinet, the cooling system comprising a heat exchanger and a primary inlet line, a primary outlet line, a secondary inlet line and a secondary outlet line, each of the primary inlet line, the primary outlet line, the secondary inlet line, and the secondary outlet line is coupled to the heat exchanger, the secondary inlet line including a pump assembly configured to generate a coolant flow through the secondary inlet line and the secondary outlet line, the secondary inlet line also includes one or more filter assemblies configured to filter coolant, and the pump assembly is coupled to the bottom of the frame.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 709,247, filed October 18, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a coolant distribution unit. Background Technology

[0004] Servers and other computing components in data centers or other facilities that require a large amount of computing power typically require cooling systems to ensure that the servers and other components operate at optimal temperatures. Coolant distribution units connected to the computing components provide cooling heat exchange to remove heat from the computing components and transfer the removed heat to the surrounding environment.

[0005] Heat generated by servers and other components can be transferred to coolant and exhausted into the surrounding air. To optimize facility space, data centers may choose to minimize the climate-controlled space within the storage servers and locate other components, such as cooling systems for servers, in remote locations (e.g., mechanical storage rooms that may not have a controlled environment).

[0006] The coolant distribution unit provides a self-sufficient means to distribute coolant to servers at remote locations and to transfer heat generated by the servers to another coolant, such as another liquid coolant distributed throughout the facility and which can be cooled by one or more roof-mounted coolers. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In one aspect, this disclosure provides a coolant distribution unit coupled to a building cooler system and a server. The coolant distribution unit includes: a cabinet comprising a frame, a top panel, and a plurality of side panels; and a cooling system at least partially supported by the cabinet, the cooling system including a heat exchanger and primary inlet lines, primary outlet lines, secondary inlet lines, and secondary outlet lines, each of the primary inlet lines, the primary outlet lines, the secondary inlet lines, and the secondary outlet lines being coupled to the heat exchanger. The secondary inlet lines include a pump assembly configured to generate a coolant flow through the secondary inlet lines and the secondary outlet lines, the secondary inlet lines further including one or more filter assemblies configured to filter the coolant. The pump assembly is coupled to the bottom of the frame.

[0008] In another aspect, this disclosure provides a coolant distribution unit coupled to a building cooler system and a server, the coolant distribution unit comprising: a cabinet including a frame, a top panel, and a plurality of side panels; and a cooling system at least partially supported by the cabinet, the cooling system including: a heat exchanger; and a primary inlet line, a primary outlet line, a secondary inlet line, and a secondary outlet line, each of the primary inlet line, the primary outlet line, the secondary inlet line, and the secondary outlet line being coupled to the heat exchanger, the secondary inlet line including a pump assembly configured to generate a coolant flow through the secondary inlet line and the secondary outlet line, the secondary inlet line further including one or more filter assemblies configured to filter the coolant, and wherein at least one of the primary inlet line, the primary outlet line, the secondary inlet line, and the secondary outlet line includes a tolerant bend joint.

[0009] In another aspect, this disclosure provides a coolant distribution unit coupled to a building cooler system and a server, the coolant distribution unit comprising: a cabinet including a frame, a top panel, and a plurality of side panels; and a cooling system at least partially supported by the cabinet, the cooling system including: a heat exchanger; and a primary inlet line, a primary outlet line, a secondary inlet line, and a secondary outlet line, each of the primary inlet line, the primary outlet line, the secondary inlet line, and the secondary outlet line being coupled to the heat exchanger, the secondary inlet line including a pump assembly configured to generate a coolant flow through the secondary inlet line and the secondary outlet line, the secondary inlet line further including one or more filter assemblies configured to filter the coolant, the pump assembly being coupled to the bottom of the frame; and a level sensor positioned upstream of the pump assembly, the level sensor being configured to monitor the level of coolant flowing into the pump assembly.

[0010] Other features and aspects of the subject matter will become apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing a cooling system including a coolant distribution unit.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the coolant distribution unit.

[0013] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of the coolant distribution unit.

[0014] Figure 4A yes Figure 2 The first part of the schematic diagram of the coolant distribution unit.

[0015] Figure 4B yes Figure 2 The second part of the schematic diagram of the coolant distribution unit.

[0016] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the pump assembly and cabinet of the coolant distribution unit.

[0017] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of the pump assembly and filter inlet manifold of the coolant distribution unit. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Before explaining any embodiments of this subject matter in detail, it should be understood that this subject matter, in its application, is not limited to the details of the construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or shown in the following figures. This subject matter can have other embodiments and can be practiced or implemented in various ways. Moreover, it should be understood that the wording and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered as limiting.

[0019] As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” are used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to indicate the location or importance of individual components. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Unless otherwise stated herein, the terms “connected,” “fixed,” “attached,” etc., refer to direct connection, fixation, or attachment, as well as indirect connection, fixation, or attachment via one or more intermediate components or features. As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of features is not necessarily limited to those features but may include other features not expressly listed or inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” means inclusive or, not exclusive or. For example, condition A or B is satisfied by any of the following: A is true (or exists) and B is false (or does not exist); A is false (or does not exist) and B is true (or exists); and both A and B are true (or exist).

[0020] Approximate terms such as “generally,” “approximately,” or “roughly” include values ​​that are within 10 percent larger or smaller than the stated value. When used in the context of angles or directions, such terms include values ​​within 10 degrees larger or smaller than the stated angle or direction. For example, “generally vertical” includes directions within 10 degrees of a vertical line in any direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise).

[0021] Figure 1 A coolant distribution unit 10 (“CDU”) is shown, fluidly coupled to a building heat exchanger assembly 14 (e.g., a cooler 14 supported by the building’s roof 18) and one or more servers 22 and other computing components. The term “server” will be used throughout for simplicity; however, it should be understood that the term “server” means, without limitation, any server, processor, computer, etc., cooled by the CDU 10. The CDU 10 is included in a primary cooling loop having the cooler 14 and a secondary cooling loop 30 having the servers 22, and at least partially forms the primary cooling loop and the secondary cooling loop 30. The primary cooling loop 26 and the secondary cooling loop 30 together define a cooling system 34. As will be described in further detail below, the CDU 10 generates a secondary coolant fluid flow through the secondary cooling loop 30 to remove heat from the servers 22 and transfers the generated heat to the primary coolant flowing between the CDU 10 and the cooler 14 to transfer heat to the ambient air outside the building. In this embodiment, CDU 10 is located in a room 42 of the building (e.g., a non-climate-controlled room), and the one or more servers 22 are located in a separate climate-controlled room 46.

[0022] refer to Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 4A and Figure 4BCDU 10 includes a cabinet 50 that supports a portion of a cooling system 34 configured to distribute secondary coolant (e.g., a 75% water / 25% glycol mixture, water, or other coolant) via a secondary cooling loop 30: secondary coolant is distributed to server 22 via secondary supply line 54 to remove heat from server 22; and secondary coolant is returned via secondary return line 58. The heat removed from server 22 is transferred via heat exchanger 62 to primary coolant (e.g., water, a water / glycol mixture, or other coolant) in primary cooling loop 26. Primary coolant in primary cooling loop 26 flows via primary return line 66 to building cooler 14 (e.g., the primary coolant fluid flow is generated by one or more pumps in the building cooler or elsewhere in the building), and primary return line 66 returns the primary coolant to the building's piping system. The primary coolant in the primary supply line 66 is cooled by the building cooler 14 by removing heat to the ambient air, and the coolant flows back to the CDU 10 as cooled primary coolant via the primary supply line 70, thereby supplying cooled coolant to the CDU. The secondary supply line 54 and the secondary return line 58, as well as the primary return line 66 and the primary supply line 70, are connected to piping supported in the building by clamps 74 or other connection structures and extending through the building.

[0023] Cabinet 50 is a rectangular metal enclosure having: a frame 78; side panels 82 that can be selectively removed from the frame 78; and a top panel 86. One or more of these side panels 82 support user interfaces (e.g., input / display 90, emergency shutdown button 94, or other interfaces). Cabinet 50 includes other structures (e.g., casters, not shown, attached to the bottom of the frame, and eye bolts 98 attached to the top of the frame 78) to facilitate movement of the CDU 10. Secondary supply lines 54 and 58, and primary return lines 66 and 70 exit cabinet 50 through holes 100 in the top panel 86 of cabinet 50.

[0024] Back Figure 3 , Figure 4A and Figure 4BThe primary cooling loop 26 includes a primary inlet line 202, which is connected to and partially defines the primary supply line 70, and is connected to the heat exchanger 62 at a first heat exchanger inlet 62a. The primary inlet line 202 includes an isolation valve 206 and a filter screen 210 located downstream of the isolation valve 206 and upstream of the heat exchanger 62. The primary inlet line 202 also includes a drain valve 214 positioned between the filter screen 210 and the heat exchanger 62. Primary coolant flows from the first heat exchanger inlet 62a to the first heat exchanger outlet 62b through the heat exchanger 62 and through a primary outlet line 218, which is connected to and partially defines the primary return line 66. The primary outlet line 218 includes a control valve 222 and an isolation valve 226 downstream of the control valve 222 and upstream of the primary return line 66, which transfers the primary coolant to the building cooler 14.

[0025] Continue to refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4A and Figure 4B The secondary cooling loop 30 of the cooling system 34 includes a secondary inlet line 302 connected to the inlet 62c of the second heat exchanger and a secondary outlet line 306 connected to the outlet 62d of the second heat exchanger. The secondary inlet line 302 and the secondary outlet line 306 at least partially define the secondary return line 58 and the secondary supply line 54, respectively.

[0026] Secondary inlet line 302 includes: an isolation valve 310; a downstream port 314 (e.g., a Shlader port); a filter 318 for filtering secondary coolant returning from server 22; and an isolation valve 322. Downstream of the second isolation valve 322, an expansion tank branch 326 is coupled to the secondary inlet line 302. Downstream of the expansion tank branch 326 are: a coolant level sensor 330; a filler branch 334 extending from the secondary inlet line 302; and a pump manifold 338. The level sensor 330 monitors the level of secondary coolant entering the pump manifold 338 to ensure the presence of secondary coolant flowing into the pump manifold 338. In some embodiments, secondary coolant can be drained from port 314. In other embodiments, an observation port, a transparent tube, or other observation structure can be coupled to port 314 to check the fluid level in CDU 10. In other embodiments, an additional sensor (e.g., a pressure sensor) can be coupled to port 314.

[0027] One or more pump assemblies 342 (e.g., two pump assemblies) are coupled to a pump manifold 338. The pump manifold 338 includes an isolation valve 346 and a drain valve 350 corresponding to each pump assembly 342. A check valve 354, an automatic vent 358, a drain valve 362, and an isolation valve 366 are positioned downstream of each pump assembly 342. Each pump assembly 342 generates a secondary coolant flow into a filter inlet manifold 370. The filter inlet manifold includes a pressure relief valve 372. One or more filter assemblies 374 (e.g., three filter assemblies) are coupled to the filter inlet manifold 370 and the filter outlet manifold 378. An isolation valve 382 is positioned between the filter inlet manifold 370 and each filter assembly 374, and between each filter assembly 374 and the filter outlet manifold 378. A filter outlet manifold 378 is connected to a second heat exchanger inlet 62c, and an exhaust port 386 is positioned between the filter outlet manifold 378 and the second heat exchanger inlet 62c. Secondary coolant flows into the second heat exchanger inlet 62c and exits the heat exchanger 62 at the second heat exchanger outlet 62d. A drain valve 390, a port 394, and an isolation valve 398 are positioned in the secondary outlet line 306 downstream of the heat exchanger 62 and lead to the secondary supply line 54.

[0028] Cooling system 34 includes sensors (e.g., pressure sensors, temperature sensors, flow sensors, and level sensors) coupled to or located in primary inlet line 202, primary outlet line 218, secondary inlet line 302, and secondary outlet line 306 to continuously monitor the condition of the primary and secondary coolant in CDU 10. These sensors provide signals to controller 454 to monitor the operation of CDU 10. CDU 10 includes other sensors (relative humidity sensors 458, 462 and ambient temperature sensors 466, 470 indicating the external and internal relative humidity and temperature of CDU 10) that provide signals indicating the condition outside and inside CDU 10. Other sensors and valves may be included to monitor and control the operation of CDU.

[0029] The isolation valves in the primary inlet line 202, primary outlet line 218, secondary inlet line 302, and secondary outlet line 306 are configured as manually operable valves. In other embodiments, the valves may be actuated by a controller 454. The valves may be ball valves, throttle valves, or any other suitable valves or combinations thereof. It should be understood that the positioning of the isolation valves in the primary inlet line 202, primary outlet line 218, secondary inlet line 302, and secondary outlet line 306 allows various components positioned between the paired isolation valves to be removed, for example, during maintenance procedures, from the primary inlet line 202, primary outlet line 218, secondary inlet line 302, and secondary outlet line 306, while limiting potential loss of primary and secondary coolant.

[0030] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 5 Pump assembly 342 is coupled to the bottom of frame 78 of cabinet 50. The pump assembly can be a positive displacement pump or any other suitable type of pump assembly. Each pump assembly 342 includes a sliding insert 498 coupled to the bottom surface 502 of pump support bracket 506. Cabinet 50 also includes a sliding support 510 positioned on the base of frame 78 and facing the sliding insert 498. The sliding support 510 guides the pump assembly 342 during replacement. The sliding support 510 includes an open end 514, side guides 518, and end stops 522. New / replacement pump assemblies 342, as provided in the service kit, include a sliding insert 498 coupled to the bottom 502 of pump support bracket 506, allowing the pump assembly 342 to slide along the sliding support 510. The sliding insert 498 and sliding support 510 can be formed of a high-density plastic having a reduced coefficient of sliding friction compared to, for example, the coefficient of friction between two steel components.

[0031] It should be understood that by mounting the pump assembly 342 to the bottom of the cabinet 50, the center of gravity 526 of the CDU 10 is positioned at a lower location within the cabinet (e.g., less than half the height of the cabinet 50 from the ground), which reduces the likelihood of the CDU 10 tipping over due to external forces applied to the cabinet (e.g., during maintenance, earthquakes, etc.). The low positioning of the pump assembly 342 also reduces the need to operate lifting clamps to lower the pump assembly 342 onto a trolley after removal and to raise a new pump assembly 342 to a raised position for installation. Furthermore, by including a sliding insert 498 on the pump assembly and a sliding support 510 in the cabinet 50, the CDU 10 does not require drawer slides, thus reducing the complexity of the CDU.

[0032] refer to Figure 6The cooling system 34 also includes other connection configurations to allow for tolerances between the positions of various components. In this embodiment, the cooling system 34 includes a tolerant bend. The tolerant bend is a 180° U-shaped bend in the conduit 546 between each pump assembly 342 and the filter inlet manifold 370. Each conduit 546 includes an automatic air breather valve 550 positioned at the high point of the conduit 546. It should be understood that the U-shaped bend in the conduit 546 accommodates tolerances between the positions of the pump assembly 342 and the filter inlet manifold 370 by allowing vertical movement (e.g., height tolerance of the pump assembly outlet relative to the bottom of the sliding insert 498 on the pump support bracket 506). The U-shaped bend in the conduit 546 also allows for changes in the horizontal position of the pump assembly 342 relative to the filter inlet manifold 370 (e.g., due to tolerances caused by the sliding insert 498 and the sliding support 510). Therefore, the U-shaped bend in the conduit 546 allows for adjustment of the position and connection of the pump assembly 342 and the filter inlet manifold 370 in three degrees of freedom.

[0033] Although the subject matter has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the subject matter as described. Various features of the subject matter are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A coolant distribution unit, the coolant distribution unit being connected to a building cooling system and a server, the coolant distribution unit comprising: A server rack, comprising a frame, a top panel, and multiple side panels; as well as A cooling system at least partially supported by the cabinet, the cooling system comprising Heat exchanger; as well as A primary inlet line, a primary outlet line, a secondary inlet line, and a secondary outlet line are connected to the heat exchanger, each of which is connected to the heat exchanger. The secondary inlet line includes a pump assembly configured to generate a coolant flow through the secondary inlet line and the secondary outlet line. The secondary inlet line also includes one or more filter assemblies configured to filter the coolant. The pump assembly is connected to the bottom of the frame.

2. The coolant distribution unit according to claim 1, wherein, The coolant distribution unit defines a center of gravity that is located at a distance from the bottom that is less than half the height defined by the cabinet.

3. The coolant distribution unit according to claim 2, wherein, The cabinet includes a sliding support member connected to the frame, and the pump assembly includes a sliding insert member connected to a support bracket, wherein the sliding insert member and the sliding support member are facing each other.

4. The coolant distribution unit according to claim 3, wherein, The sliding insert is made of high-density plastic.

5. The coolant distribution unit according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the primary inlet pipeline, the primary outlet pipeline, the secondary inlet pipeline, and the secondary outlet pipeline includes a tolerant bend joint.

6. The coolant distribution unit according to claim 5, wherein, The tolerance-bending joint includes a 180-degree U-shaped bend.

7. The coolant distribution unit according to claim 6, wherein, The tolerant bending joint includes an air breathing valve.

8. The coolant distribution unit of claim 1 further includes a level sensor located upstream of the pump assembly, the level sensor being configured to monitor the level of coolant flowing into the pump assembly.

9. A coolant distribution unit, the coolant distribution unit being connected to a building cooling system and a server, the coolant distribution unit comprising: A server rack, comprising a frame, a top panel, and multiple side panels; as well as A cooling system at least partially supported by the cabinet, the cooling system comprising Heat exchanger; as well as The heat exchanger includes a primary inlet line, a primary outlet line, a secondary inlet line, and a secondary outlet line, each of which is connected to the heat exchanger. The secondary inlet line includes a pump assembly configured to generate a coolant flow through the secondary inlet and secondary outlet lines. The secondary inlet line also includes one or more filter assemblies configured to filter the coolant. At least one of the primary inlet pipeline, the primary outlet pipeline, the secondary inlet pipeline, and the secondary outlet pipeline includes a tolerant bend joint.

10. The coolant distribution unit according to claim 9, wherein, The tolerant bending joint allows for positioning in three degrees of freedom.

11. The coolant distribution unit according to claim 10, wherein, The tolerance-bending joint includes a 180-degree U-shaped bend.

12. The coolant distribution unit according to claim 10, wherein, The tolerant bend joint is located downstream of the pump assembly.

13. The coolant distribution unit according to claim 10, wherein, The tolerant bend joint includes an air breathing valve to allow air to flow out.

14. The coolant distribution unit according to claim 13, wherein, The air breathing valve is positioned at the high point of the tolerance bend joint.

15. The coolant distribution unit of claim 10, further comprising a level sensor located upstream of the pump assembly, the level sensor being configured to monitor the level of coolant flowing into the pump assembly.

16. A coolant distribution unit, the coolant distribution unit being coupled to a building cooler system and a server, the coolant distribution unit comprising: A server rack, comprising a frame, a top panel, and multiple side panels; as well as A cooling system at least partially supported by the cabinet, the cooling system comprising Heat exchanger; as well as A primary inlet line, a primary outlet line, a secondary inlet line, and a secondary outlet line, each of which is connected to the heat exchanger, the secondary inlet line including a pump assembly configured to generate a coolant flow through the secondary inlet line and the secondary outlet line, the secondary inlet line also including one or more filter assemblies configured to filter the coolant, the pump assembly being connected to the bottom of the frame; as well as A level sensor is positioned upstream of the pump assembly and is configured to monitor the level of coolant flowing into the pump assembly.

17. The coolant distribution unit according to claim 16, wherein, The secondary inlet line includes a tolerant bend joint located downstream of the pump assembly.

18. The coolant distribution unit according to claim 17, wherein, The coolant distribution unit defines a center of gravity that is located at a distance from the bottom that is less than half the height defined by the cabinet.

19. The coolant distribution unit according to claim 17, wherein, The cabinet includes a sliding support member connected to the frame, and the pump assembly includes a sliding insert member connected to a support bracket, wherein the sliding insert member and the sliding support member are facing each other, and the sliding insert member is made of high-density plastic.

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