Water supply device of offshore data center cooling system

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of data centers, and discloses a water supply device of an offshore data center cooling system, which comprises a pump protection pipe, a pipeline assembly and a submersible pump, the lower end of the pump protection pipe extends into seawater, the upper end of the pump protection pipe extends above an ocean platform, the pipeline assembly and the submersible pump are arranged in the pump protection pipe, and the submersible pump is fixedly connected to the lower end of the pipeline assembly. The pipeline assembly comprises a plurality of water pipe units which are connected with one another, the water pipe units can move in the axial direction of the interior of the pump protection pipe, and the water pipe units and the submersible pump can be hoisted out of or hoisted into the pump protection pipe section by section from the position above the ocean platform. Through the modular design, the pipeline assemblies can be flexibly combined according to the water depth, the water pipe units are short in length, the requirement for hoisting equipment is low, maintenance can be completed through conventional tools of the platform, divers are not needed during maintenance, all operations are conducted on the platform, and the difficulty and cost are greatly reduced.

Description

A water supply device for a cooling system of an offshore data center Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of data center technology, and more specifically to a water supply device for a cooling system of an offshore data center. Background Technology

[0002] Offshore platforms possess abundant seawater cooling resources, allowing data centers to directly utilize seawater as a natural cooling medium, significantly reducing energy and water consumption in the cooling system. However, introducing seawater into the data center cooling system presents significant challenges. If the seawater pump malfunctions, maintenance and replacement become extremely difficult, often requiring the hiring of professional divers for underwater operations, which is costly and risky, indicating room for improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides a water supply device for a cooling system of an offshore data center to solve the problem of difficult maintenance of seawater intake systems in an offshore platform environment.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a water supply device for a cooling system of an offshore data center, comprising: a pump housing, which is vertically installed on an offshore platform, with its lower end extending into seawater and its upper end extending above the offshore platform; a pipe assembly disposed within the pump housing, comprising multiple interconnected water pipe units, each water pipe unit comprising a water pipe body and connecting flanges disposed at both axial ends of the water pipe body; and a submersible pump disposed within the pump housing, the submersible pump being fixedly connected to the lower end of the pipe assembly; wherein the water pipe units are axially movable within the pump housing, and the water pipe units and the submersible pump can be hoisted out or into the pump housing section by section from above the offshore platform.

[0005] Beneficial effects: Modular design allows for flexible combination of pipe components according to water depth; connecting flanges enable quick concentric connection, reliable sealing, and segmented release of thermal stress; short pipe unit length reduces requirements for hoisting equipment, and maintenance can be completed using conventional platform tools; no divers are needed for maintenance, all operations are performed on the platform, significantly reducing difficulty and cost; the water supply device has a simple and reliable structure, without complex telescopic mechanisms, reducing potential failure points; convenient maintenance allows for timely replacement of submersible pumps, ensuring continuous water supply to the data center; the internal space of the pump casing provides a stable installation environment for the pipe components and submersible pumps, preventing them from swaying due to strong winds and seawater disturbances. Therefore, excessive fixed connection structures for the pipe components and submersible pumps are unnecessary, simplifying the disassembly and assembly process and facilitating the section-by-section hoisting out or inward installation or maintenance of the pump casing.

[0006] In one alternative embodiment, the piping assembly further includes a centralizer disposed on the outer wall of the water pipe body, the centralizer being used to support the water pipe unit within the pump protection pipe and being radially spaced from the pump protection pipe.

[0007] Beneficial effects: The stabilizer supports the water pipe unit in the center of the pump protection pipe, preventing lateral swaying caused by water flow impact and waves, avoiding friction jamming and local wear; it plays a guiding role during hoisting, ensuring smooth and stable lifting; it protects the coating and structural integrity of the water pipe body, and provides protective space for the cable; the number and spacing of stabilizers can be optimized according to sea conditions to adapt to different marine environments.

[0008] In one optional embodiment, the straightener includes: two fixing members, which are respectively fitted and fixed to the outer wall of the water pipe body on both sides in the axial direction; a plurality of straightening bodies, which are arranged circumferentially around the water pipe body, with each straightening body having its two ends fixedly connected to the two fixing members, and the middle part of the straightening body arching away from the water pipe body to form an arched part, which contacts the inner wall of the pump protection pipe and provides support.

[0009] Beneficial effects: The double-ended fixing parts form stable anchor points to prevent the centralizer from axially slipping or rotating; the arched centralizer body has excellent compressive strength, which transmits radial pressure to both ends to achieve stable support; the multi-point evenly distributed support makes the water pipe unit uniformly stressed in all directions; and the elastic deformation of the arched part can adapt to the slight deformation of the pump protection pipe.

[0010] In one alternative implementation, the axial length of the water pipe unit is less than the height of the platform maintenance layer.

[0011] Beneficial effects: Ensures that the water pipe unit can be changed from a vertical to a horizontal state during hoisting, avoiding collision with the upper structure; reduces the number of units and flange connection points, reduces leakage risk and installation workload; unit length can be customized according to the platform height, achieving versatility and adaptability.

[0012] In one alternative embodiment, the submersible pump further includes an anti-fouling electrode disposed in the suction path upstream of the submersible pump's suction port, the anti-fouling electrode being used to electrolyze and generate anti-fouling ions.

[0013] Beneficial effects: Treating seawater at the source ensures that all seawater flowing through the system contains effective antifouling ions, achieving proactive protection throughout the entire process.

[0014] In one optional embodiment, the submersible pump includes: a submersible pump body and a motor disposed below the submersible pump body, the submersible pump inlet is disposed on the submersible pump body, the anti-fouling electrode is disposed outside the motor and near the bottom of the motor, and the pump protective pipe defines a water suction path between the pump body and the motor.

[0015] Beneficial effects: The annular gap between the motor and the pump casing serves as a natural water intake channel, requiring no additional space; the electrodes are located at the bottom, ensuring that all seawater entering the pump casing is treated, achieving uniform protection; the motor cooling water flow carries away the heat from the electrodes, providing synergistic heat dissipation.

[0016] In one alternative implementation, the motor housing is provided with heat dissipation fins.

[0017] Beneficial effects: It significantly increases the heat dissipation area, efficiently transfers the heat of the motor to the seawater flowing through it, reduces the temperature rise of the windings, extends the motor life, and the fin structure also enhances the strength of the motor housing and generates turbulence to assist in anti-fouling.

[0018] In one alternative embodiment, the submersible pump further includes a check valve located above the pump body.

[0019] Beneficial effects: It can quickly shut off the pump when it stops, preventing seawater backflow from causing water hammer and pump reversal, and protecting the pipeline and pump body structure; it can also keep the pipeline full, avoiding the need for water filling during restart.

[0020] In one optional embodiment, the antifouling electrode includes a copper ion electrode and an aluminum ion electrode respectively disposed on both sides of the submersible pump. The copper ion electrode electrolyzes to generate copper ions so that the seawater entering the water supply device contains copper ions to prevent marine organisms from attaching. The aluminum ion electrode electrolyzes to generate aluminum ions so that the seawater entering the water supply device contains aluminum ions to prevent seawater corrosion.

[0021] Beneficial effects: Copper ions provide highly effective antifouling and inhibit the attachment of marine organisms; aluminum ions inhibit the galvanic corrosion of steel by copper ions; the two electrodes can independently adjust the charge, which can accurately ionize enough ions to meet the needs of antifouling and anti-corrosion.

[0022] In one alternative implementation, the submersible pump is installed above the bottom of the pump casing.

[0023] Beneficial effects: When shutting down, the seawater around the pump body can be actively drained to avoid electrochemical corrosion, crevice corrosion and microbial corrosion caused by long-term immersion; the pump protection pipe stores ion-containing seawater, which maintains the basic antifouling concentration through diffusion during shutdown, achieving low-energy antifouling.

[0024] In one alternative implementation, the charge on the antifouling electrode is positively correlated with the pump flow rate of the submersible pump.

[0025] Beneficial effects: It keeps the concentration of antifouling ions in seawater constant, avoids concentration fluctuations caused by changes in flow rate, and ensures stable antifouling effect; at low flow rates, it automatically reduces the power supply, reduces the amount of ionized antifouling ions, saves energy and extends electrode life; at high flow rates, it increases the power supply, increases the amount of ionized antifouling ions, and avoids antifouling failure due to insufficient concentration.

[0026] In one alternative implementation, the anti-fouling electrode is spaced apart from the submersible pump via a mounting bracket.

[0027] In one alternative implementation, the submersible pump suction port is equipped with a filter screen.

[0028] In one alternative embodiment, the water supply device further includes an automatic backwash filter installed on the offshore platform, the inlet of which is connected to the upper end of the piping assembly for filtering seawater and automatically discharging wastewater.

[0029] Beneficial effects: The filter screen and automatic backwash filter can intercept debris, ensuring that the seawater supplied by the water supply unit meets the water standards for the cooling system.

[0030] In one alternative implementation, the water pipe unit at the interface between the pipe assembly and the offshore platform includes a pump discharge bend with an vent valve located above the bend.

[0031] Beneficial effects: Automatically discharges air accumulated at high points in the pipeline, eliminates air blockage, reduces flow resistance, and improves pump efficiency; manual venting and pressure relief can be performed before maintenance, facilitating disassembly.

[0032] In one alternative implementation, the pipeline assembly is connected to the offshore platform via a mating flange, the mating flange being installed at a height higher than the offshore platform.

[0033] Beneficial effects: Protects deck equipment and personnel safety; flanges are at a clear visual height, facilitating inspection and maintenance; prevents deck water from submerging the flanges, extending connection life.

[0034] In one alternative implementation, the cable connecting the submersible pump to the junction box located on the offshore platform is located between the pipe assembly and the pump casing.

[0035] Beneficial effects: The annular gap installation results in a compact structure that requires no additional cable trays; it is protected by both the pipe and the protective casing, preventing damage from the marine environment. Attached Figure Description

[0036] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0037] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a water supply device for a marine data center cooling system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a partial enlarged view of the water supply device shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a partial enlarged view of the water supply device shown in Figure 1.

[0038] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 100, Water supply device; 1, Pump protective pipe; 2, Pipe assembly; 21, Water pipe unit; 211, Water pipe body; 212, Connecting flange; 213, Pump discharge elbow; 22, Air vent valve; 23, Well base mating flange; 3, Submersible pump; 31, Submersible pump body; 311, Submersible pump suction inlet; 32, Motor; 33, Check valve; 4, Centralizer; 41, Fixing component; 42, Centralizer body; 5, Cable; 51, Junction box; 61, Copper ion electrode; 62, Aluminum ion electrode; 7, Automatic backwash filter; 200, Offshore data center cooling system; 300, Offshore platform. Detailed Implementation

[0039] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0040] The embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to Figures 1-3.

[0041] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in one aspect, a water supply device 100 for a marine data center cooling system 200 is provided, comprising: a pump protection pipe 1, a pipe assembly 2, and a submersible pump 3.

[0042] The pump housing 1 is installed vertically on the offshore platform 300, with its lower end extending into the seawater and its upper end extending above the offshore platform 300. The pipe assembly 2 and the submersible pump 3 are installed as a whole inside the pump housing 1. The submersible pump 3 is fixedly connected to the lower end of the pipe assembly 2. The pipe assembly 2 includes multiple interconnected water pipe units 21. Each water pipe unit 21 includes a water pipe body 211 and connecting flanges 212 located at both axial ends of the water pipe body 211. The water pipe unit 21 can move axially inside the pump housing 1, and the water pipe unit 21 and the submersible pump 3 can be hoisted out or into the pump housing 1 section by section from above the offshore platform 300.

[0043] The pump casing 1 is vertically fixed to the offshore platform 300, forming an integrated cylindrical structure with the offshore platform 300. The lower end extends into the seawater, and the upper end extends above the platform. As a permanent structure, the pump casing 1 provides a stable installation channel and protective shell for the internal piping components 2 and submersible pump 3. At the same time, its integrated design with the platform structure ensures the stability and safety of the overall structure.

[0044] Meanwhile, traditional seawater lifting devices on offshore platforms require complex support structures to fix the pipelines, preventing damage caused by pipeline swaying and vibration in complex weather conditions on the offshore platform. This application, through the setting of the pump protection pipe 1, provides a stable installation environment for the pipeline assembly 2 and the submersible pump 3 within the internal space of the pump protection pipe 1. The pipeline assembly 2 and the submersible pump 3 inside the pump protection pipe are not affected by strong winds and seawater swaying, thus eliminating the need for excessive fixing and connection structures for the pipeline assembly 2 and the submersible pump 3, simplifying the disassembly and assembly process, and facilitating the installation or maintenance of the pump protection pipe 1 section by section.

[0045] As a structure that provides a stable installation environment, the pump protection pipe 1 is directly fixed to the offshore platform. The structure is simple and reliable, and the design and installation costs are lower compared to fixing pipelines using connecting brackets.

[0046] The pipeline assembly 2 is composed of multiple water pipe units 21 interconnected by connecting flanges 212. Each water pipe unit 21 includes a water pipe body 211 and connecting flanges 212 at both axial ends. This modular design allows the pipeline assembly 2 to be flexibly combined according to the depth of immersion in water and the height of the platform. At the same time, the length of each water pipe unit 21 can be customized, ensuring smooth installation and hoisting in any 300-degree offshore platform environment, and demonstrating good versatility and adaptability.

[0047] The connecting flange 212 strengthens the overall piping assembly 2, making it more reliable. The upper and lower connecting flanges 212 are aligned through bolt holes, enabling quick concentric connection of the pipes. The flange stop or positioning boss further ensures alignment accuracy, avoiding stress concentration or sealing failure caused by misalignment.

[0048] Sealing gaskets, such as rubber gaskets, can be installed on the mating surfaces of connecting flanges 212. A reliable seal is achieved through bolt pre-tightening force, preventing seawater leakage. The gaskets are replaceable and can be easily replaced during maintenance after long-term use and aging, restoring sealing performance. The connection points at multiple connecting flanges 212 provide the ability to release thermal stress in stages. When seawater temperature changes cause thermal expansion and contraction of the pipeline, the minute displacement at each connecting flange 212 mating point can accumulate and absorb overall deformation, avoiding temperature stress concentration.

[0049] The water pipe unit 21 in this application is relatively short, which reduces the requirements for the lifting height of the hoisting equipment. Maintenance can be completed using conventional small hoisting tools on the platform, eliminating the need for large lifting equipment and reducing the platform equipment configuration requirements.

[0050] The submersible pump 3 is fixedly connected to the lower end of the pipe assembly 2 and is itself a movable hoisting unit. The submersible pump 3 is located at the bottom of the pump protection pipe 1 near the seawater, ensuring that the water inlet is always submerged in seawater. At the same time, the pump protection pipe 1 protects the pump from external factors such as waves and currents in the marine environment.

[0051] The water pipe unit 21 and the submersible pump 3 can move axially inside the pump casing 1. When maintenance or replacement of the submersible pump 3 is required, maintenance personnel do not need to dive. They can simply use conventional hoisting tools from above the offshore platform 300 to hoist the water pipe unit 21 and the submersible pump 3 out of the pump casing 1 section by section. After the maintenance is completed, they can be hoisted back in section by section and reconnected.

[0052] Since all maintenance work can be done directly on the offshore platform 300, this design completely eliminates the reliance on divers, greatly reducing maintenance difficulty and cost.

[0053] Compared to traditional telescopic or integral lifting seawater lifting devices, the pipe assembly 2 of this application does not have a complex telescopic mechanism or lifting device, resulting in a simple and reliable structure. This reduces the number of moving parts and potential failure points, improving the long-term operational reliability of the system. Compared to seawater lifting devices that install pumping equipment on the offshore platform 300 and pump water through vacuum pumping, this application does not occupy the effective working space on the platform deck. The pipe assembly 2 and submersible pump 3 are completely housed within the pump casing 1 in a non-maintenance state, without affecting other operations on the platform, making it suitable for offshore platforms 300 with limited space.

[0054] Due to its ease of maintenance, the submersible pump 3 can be maintained or replaced in a timely manner, avoiding water supply interruptions caused by sudden failures, ensuring the continuous and stable operation of the offshore data center cooling system 200, and guaranteeing the safe operation of the offshore data center.

[0055] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the pipe assembly 2 further includes a stabilizer 4 disposed on the outer wall of the water pipe body 211. The stabilizer 4 is used to support the water pipe unit 21 inside the pump protection pipe 1 and is arranged radially at intervals from the pump protection pipe 1.

[0056] There must be a gap between the water pipe unit 21 and the pump protection pipe 1 to facilitate hoisting and movement. However, in deep water environments, water flow impact, wave action, and the weight of the pipe itself will cause lateral swaying and eccentric loads. The centralizer 4 is set on the outer wall of the water pipe body 211, and its outer edge contacts the inner wall of the pump protection pipe 1 to form multiple radial support points, forcing the water pipe unit 21 to remain in the center position of the pump protection pipe 1, avoiding friction jamming or local wear caused by eccentricity.

[0057] The stabilizer 4 serves as a guide during hoisting. When the water pipe unit 21 moves axially along the pump protection pipe 1, the outer edge of the stabilizer 4 slides along the inner wall of the pump protection pipe 1, guiding the water pipe unit 21 to rise or fall smoothly, preventing jamming caused by pipe bending or tilting, and ensuring the safety and smoothness of the hoisting operation.

[0058] The centralizer 4 maintains a radial distance between the water pipe unit 21 and the pump protection pipe 1, preventing the water pipe body 211 from directly contacting and rubbing against the inner wall of the pump protection pipe 1. This spacing protects the outer surface coating and structural integrity of the water pipe body 211, preventing corrosion caused by coating damage during subsequent long-term operation. On the other hand, it also provides protective space for the cable 5 laid along the pipeline, preventing the cable 5 from being squeezed or worn.

[0059] Not every water pipe unit 21 is equipped with a stabilizer 4. The number and spacing of stabilizers 4 can be optimized by mechanical calculation based on water depth, ocean current speed, wave parameters, etc., so that the system can adapt to environmental conditions in different sea areas.

[0060] Among them, a stabilizer 4 must be installed outside the first water pipe unit 21 above the submersible pump 3 to ensure that at least one stabilizer 4 performs the function of stabilizing and guiding during the hoisting of all water pipe units 21.

[0061] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the straightener 4 includes two fixing members 41 and a plurality of straightening bodies 42. The two fixing members 41 are respectively sleeved and fixed to the outer wall of the water pipe body 211 on both sides in the axial direction. The plurality of straightening bodies 42 are arranged circumferentially around the water pipe body 211 at intervals. The two ends of each straightening body 42 are respectively fixedly connected to the two fixing members 41. The middle part of the straightening body 42 arches outward in a direction away from the water pipe body 211 to form an arched part. The arched part contacts the inner wall of the pump protection pipe 1 and provides support.

[0062] The centralizer 4 of this application forms stable anchor points at both ends of the axial direction through two fixing members 41. It utilizes the mechanical properties of the arched structure to achieve radial support. The two fixing members 41 are spaced apart in the axial direction and fixed to the outer wall of the water pipe body 211, forming two stable anchor points. This double-end fixing method ensures that both ends of the centralizer body 42 are firmly constrained, preventing the centralizer 4 from axially slipping or rotating during water flow impact or hoisting, and providing a stable installation foundation for the centralizer body 42.

[0063] The middle part of the straightening body 42 arches away from the water pipe body 211 to form an arched section. This structure draws on the mechanical principles of an arch bridge. The arched structure has excellent compressive strength and can transmit the radial pressure applied to the inner wall of the pump protection pipe 1 along the arched path to the fixing members 41 at both ends, converting it into the axial friction force of the fixing members 41 and the radial pressure of the water pipe body 211, thus achieving a stable support effect.

[0064] Multiple centering bodies 42 are arranged circumferentially around the water pipe body 211, forming a multi-point evenly distributed support system. This layout ensures that the water pipe unit 21 can obtain uniform support force in any direction, effectively preventing eccentric loads caused by changes in water flow direction or wave impact, and ensuring that the water pipe unit 21 always remains in a position close to the center of the pump protection pipe 1.

[0065] The arched portion of the straightening body 42 has a certain elastic deformation capability, which can adapt to slight changes in the inner diameter of the pump protection pipe 1 or slight bending of the water pipe unit 21. When the pump protection pipe 1 is deformed due to manufacturing tolerances or temperature differences, the arched portion can adjust the contact state through elastic deformation to always maintain reliable contact with the inner wall of the pump protection pipe 1.

[0066] In some embodiments, the straightening body 42 is made of a viscoelastic damping material, utilizing the damping properties of the material to absorb vibration energy and enhance the vibration reduction effect. In other embodiments, the straightening body 42 is made of stainless steel spring steel sheet bent into shape, utilizing the elasticity of the metal material to achieve arched support. The two fixing members 41 are metal clamps, fastened to the outer wall of the water pipe body 211 by bolts. The two ends of the metal spring sheet are welded or connected to the fixing members 41 by fasteners.

[0067] In some embodiments, the centering body 42 is composed of a composite structure of elastic materials such as rubber and a metal frame. The metal frame provides structural strength, while the rubber elastomer provides cushioning and self-adaptive capabilities. Two fasteners 41 are metal clamps that connect to the metal frame of the centering body 42. This structure combines the strength of metal with the elasticity of rubber, resulting in excellent vibration reduction and making it suitable for scenarios requiring good cushioning performance.

[0068] In some embodiments, a cable 5 guide groove may be provided on the side of the straightening body 42 near the water pipe body 211 to accommodate and fix the cable 5 laid along the water pipe. The straightening body 42 provides both radial support and protection for the cable 5 from compression and abrasion, achieving multiple functions and simplifying the system structure.

[0069] In some embodiments, the axial length of the water pipe unit 21 is less than the height of the platform maintenance layer. When the water pipe unit 21 needs to be lifted out of the pump housing 1, it needs to be lifted upwards until it is completely removed from the upper end of the pump housing 1, and then placed on the platform deck by lateral swinging or translation. During this process, the water pipe unit 21 needs to be changed from a vertical to a horizontal state for placement or transfer. If the length of the water pipe unit 21 is greater than the height of the maintenance layer, i.e., the clearance height from the operator's standing deck to the upper deck or roof, the water pipe unit 21 will be blocked by the upper structure when attempting to swing horizontally, and the attitude change cannot be completed.

[0070] The maintenance layer height varies greatly among different offshore platforms 300. Due to the modular design of the water pipe unit 21, the length of each water pipe unit 21 can be customized, allowing for reasonable length planning, thereby meeting the requirement that the axial length of the water pipe unit 21 is less than the height of the platform maintenance layer.

[0071] While ensuring the lifting operation is feasible, increasing the length of water pipe unit 21 as much as possible can reduce the number of units and flange connection points, thereby reducing the risk of leakage and the amount of installation work.

[0072] The water pipe unit 21 may include at least one long unit and several short units, wherein the length of the long unit is close to but less than the height of the platform maintenance layer, and the length of the short units is 1 / 2 or 1 / 3 of the length of the long unit. During installation, the long unit is used for most of the depth, and the short units are used for sections at the bottom or top that require fine-tuning. This design reduces the total number of units and flange connection points while ensuring lifting feasibility, thus improving system reliability.

[0073] In some embodiments, the submersible pump inlet 311 is below the 100-year return period minimum water level. The "100-year return period minimum water level" is an extreme low water level standard in marine engineering design, which comprehensively considers the extreme combination of various factors such as astronomical tides, storm surge reduction, and seasonal changes in sea level. Setting the inlet below this water level ensures that even under the most unfavorable hydrological conditions, the submersible pump inlet 311 remains completely submerged in seawater, preventing the inlet from being exposed above the water surface due to a drop in water level.

[0074] In some embodiments, different installation depths can be adopted during the winter and spring low-water seasons and the summer and autumn high-water seasons, based on the seasonal water level changes in the sea area. Maintenance personnel can adjust the installation position of the submersible pump 3 through hoisting operations during seasonal transitions, ensuring water intake safety during low-water periods while avoiding efficiency losses caused by excessive pump depth during high-water periods.

[0075] For particularly harsh sea areas or critical offshore data centers, the distance between the submersible pump inlet 311 and the lowest water level can be increased to provide a greater safety margin; for inland seas or semi-enclosed sea areas with minimal tidal range and calm sea conditions, the distance can be reduced to achieve higher hydraulic efficiency. Specific values ​​can be optimized through engineering based on local hydrological data and the importance of the system.

[0076] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG1, the submersible pump 3 further includes an anti-fouling electrode, which is disposed in the suction path upstream of the suction port of the submersible pump 3. The anti-fouling electrode is used to generate anti-fouling ions by electrolysis.

[0077] The antifouling electrode is located upstream of the water inlet, which means that the seawater is treated by the antifouling electrode before entering the submersible pump 3, ensuring that the seawater flowing through the entire pipeline assembly 2 from the time it enters the inlet contains an effective concentration of antifouling ions, and there are no dead zones.

[0078] Electrolytic antifouling is continuous and adjustable, and can adapt to changes in the growth intensity of marine organisms in different seasons, achieving a long-term and stable antifouling effect.

[0079] By placing the electrode within the water absorption path and utilizing the water flow generated by the submersible pump 3, the generated antifouling ions are rapidly and evenly distributed throughout the entire water flow system, avoiding the problem of excessively high or low local concentrations and improving antifouling efficiency.

[0080] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG1, the submersible pump 3 includes: a submersible pump body 31 and a motor 32 disposed below the submersible pump body 31, a submersible pump inlet 311 disposed on the submersible pump body 31, a dirt-proof electrode disposed outside the motor 32 and near the bottom of the motor 32, and a water suction path defined between the pump protective pipe 1 and the motor 32.

[0081] The motor 32 of the submersible pump 3 is located below the pump body, and an annular gap is formed between the pump housing 1 and the motor 32. This gap is precisely the necessary channel for seawater to enter from the bottom of the pump housing 1 and flow upward to the submersible pump inlet 311. The antifouling electrode is placed outside the motor 32 and close to the bottom, so that the electrode is directly embedded in this natural water flow channel, without the need for an additional electrode chamber or bypass pipe.

[0082] The electrode is located at the bottom of the motor 32. Seawater entering the pump housing 1 first passes through the antifouling electrode area, carrying antifouling ions as it flows upwards. These antifouling ions then diffuse into the seawater as it flows upwards. This ensures a uniform concentration of antifouling ions in the seawater entering the system, avoiding problems of excessively high or low concentrations in certain areas.

[0083] The motor 32 generates heat during operation, which needs to be cooled by the flowing seawater. The motor 32 is located below the inlet, and a water intake path is formed around the motor 32. The Joule heat generated by the electrode operation can be carried away by the flowing seawater, preventing the electrode from overheating. At the same time, the heat emitted by the motor 32 may slightly increase the local water temperature, which to some extent enhances the activity of the electrolysis reaction.

[0084] By placing the electrodes near the bottom of the motor 32, antifouling ions are released into the seawater at the beginning of the water absorption process, which also prevents marine organisms from adhering to the outer shell of the motor 32.

[0085] The electrode is integrated with the submersible pump module 3 and is hoisted along with the submersible pump 3 as a whole. When maintenance or electrode replacement is required, the submersible pump 3 can be hoisted out for operation without the need for separate underwater operations or the use of divers.

[0086] In some embodiments, the motor 32 housing is provided with heat dissipation fins, which increase the contact area between the motor 32 housing and seawater, enabling the heat generated by the motor 32 during operation to be transferred to the flowing seawater more quickly and efficiently.

[0087] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG1, the submersible pump 3 further includes a check valve 33, which is located above the submersible pump body 31. When the submersible pump 3 suddenly stops running, the check valve 33 can quickly close to prevent the seawater in the pipeline from flowing back, avoid water hammer caused by backflow, prevent the submersible pump 3 from reversing, avoid the cumbersome operation of refilling water when the pipeline is emptied and restarted, and protect the structural safety of the entire water supply device 100.

[0088] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG1, the antifouling electrode includes a copper ion electrode 61 and an aluminum ion electrode 62 respectively disposed on both sides of the submersible pump 3. The copper ion electrode 61 electrolyzes to generate copper ions, so that the seawater entering the water supply device 100 contains copper ions to prevent marine organisms from attaching. The aluminum ion electrode 62 electrolyzes to generate aluminum ions, so that the seawater entering the water supply device 100 contains aluminum ions to prevent seawater corrosion. Specifically, after the antifouling electrode is energized, the copper ion electrode 61 undergoes an electrolytic reaction in the seawater electrolyte, continuously releasing trace amounts of copper ions (Cu²⁺). + These copper ions diffuse in the seawater surrounding the pump, forming a protective ion layer. Marine larvae such as algae and shellfish are very sensitive to this environment and will actively avoid it or be unable to attach and grow, thus effectively preventing biological fouling from accumulating on the pump surface.

[0089] The aluminum ion electrode 62 acts as a sacrificial anode in the system. In the galvanic environment formed by seawater, aluminum is chemically more reactive and has a more negative potential than the steel material used in the pump body. Therefore, aluminum preferentially undergoes oxidation and corrosion, and is consumed first, while the steel pump body, acting as the cathode, is protected, greatly slowing down its own electrochemical corrosion rate.

[0090] In summary, this antifouling electrode uses electrolytic copper to "repel" marine organisms and prevent fouling, while sacrificing aluminum to "protect" the steel pump body, thus achieving corrosion prevention.

[0091] The copper and aluminum electrodes are respectively placed on both sides of the submersible pump 3. On the one hand, this avoids the two electrodes being too close together, which would cause the ions generated by electrolysis to interfere with each other. On the other hand, the flow field distribution on both sides of the pump body allows the two ions to gradually mix during the flow process, forming a uniform composite antifouling system when they reach the pipeline system.

[0092] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG1, the submersible pump 3 is installed above the bottom end of the pump housing 1. In some cases, when the submersible pump 3 is stopped, the water in the pump housing 1 can be selectively drained to protect the submersible pump 3 and the piping assembly 2 from seawater corrosion. In other cases, the submersible pump 3 is installed above the bottom end of the pump housing 1, and the submersible pump 3 only comes into contact with the seawater in the pump housing 1. This is more conducive to controlling the antifouling ion concentration of the seawater in contact with the submersible pump 3 and avoiding seawater corrosion.

[0093] In some embodiments, the charge on the antifouling electrode is positively correlated with the pumping flow rate of the submersible pump 3.

[0094] The effective concentration of antifouling ions in seawater is a key parameter determining the antifouling effect. This concentration needs to meet antifouling requirements while not exceeding environmental standards. When the pump flow rate changes, if the electrode charge remains constant, the ion concentration in the seawater will dilute as the flow rate increases and concentrate as the flow rate decreases. By making the charge positively correlated with the flow rate, the ion concentration per unit volume of seawater can be kept constant, ensuring that the antifouling effect is unaffected by flow fluctuations. This guarantees the stability and reliability of the antifouling effect, avoiding waste and corrosion risks caused by excessively high ion concentrations at low flow rates, and preventing antifouling failure due to insufficient ion concentrations at high flow rates.

[0095] In some embodiments, the anti-fouling electrode is spaced apart from the submersible pump 3 by means of a mounting bracket. By spaced apart by means of a mounting bracket, the anti-fouling electrode and the submersible pump 3 are made to be relatively independent modules, rather than being in close contact with the surface of the submersible pump 3, so as to avoid mutual interference between the operation of the two.

[0096] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG1, the inlet of the submersible pump 3 is equipped with a filter screen. As the front-end physical protection device, the filter screen can effectively intercept larger suspended solids, seaweed fragments, jellyfish, plastic fragments, and small marine organisms that may enter the submersible pump 3.

[0097] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG1, the water supply device 100 further includes an automatic backwash filter 7 installed on the offshore platform 300. The inlet of the automatic backwash filter 7 is connected to the upper end of the pipe assembly 2, and is used to filter seawater and automatically discharge sewage. After large particles of debris are intercepted by the filter screen at the suction port of the submersible pump 3, the seawater still contains relatively fine suspended particles. The automatic backwash filter 7 performs secondary fine filtration on these fine particles to ensure that the cleanliness of the seawater entering the condenser of the refrigeration unit meets the requirements of the heat exchange equipment, and to avoid sediment deposition on the surface of the heat exchange tubes, which would lead to increased thermal resistance and decreased heat exchange efficiency.

[0098] The automatic backwash filter 7 is equipped with a differential pressure detector and controller, which can monitor the differential pressure changes at the filter inlet and outlet in real time. When the filter screen becomes clogged and the differential pressure reaches the set value, the controller automatically starts the backwashing program without manual judgment or operation, realizing the fully automated operation of the filtration system and meeting the management requirements of continuous operation of offshore data centers.

[0099] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, the water pipe unit 21 at the interface between the pipe assembly 2 and the offshore platform 300 includes a pump discharge bend 213, with an air vent valve 22 located above the bend. During the initial startup of the submersible pump 3 or its restart after maintenance, a large amount of air may accumulate inside the pipe assembly 2. If this air cannot be expelled in time, it will form an airlock at the highest point of the pipe, hindering the normal flow of seawater and causing the pump to run dry and unable to draw water. The air vent valve 22 is located at this highest point above the pump discharge bend 213, automatically expelling the accumulated air using gravity to ensure the pipe is filled with seawater, allowing the submersible pump 3 to quickly enter normal operating condition.

[0100] Air pockets accumulating at high points in the pipeline reduce the cross-section of seawater flow, increasing local flow resistance and leading to decreased pumping efficiency and increased energy consumption. Air vent valve 22 promptly releases air, maintaining water flow across the entire pipeline cross-section, ensuring the pump always operates in its high-efficiency range and reducing operating energy consumption.

[0101] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, the pipeline assembly 2 is connected to the offshore platform 300 via a well base mating flange 23. The installation height of the well base mating flange 23 is higher than the height of the offshore platform 300, raising the flange connection surface above the platform deck to form a physical height difference. This ensures that the flange is at a clearly visible height, preventing personnel from falling. Furthermore, maintenance personnel can directly observe whether there is leakage on the flange sealing surface, whether the bolts are loose, or whether the gaskets are aging without having to bend over or peer over, facilitating daily inspections and condition monitoring.

[0102] To prevent deck surface water from submerging the flanges and accelerating bolt and flange corrosion, raising the flange installation position keeps it away from waterlogged areas on the deck, reducing immersion in seawater, rainwater, and flushing water, and extending the service life of the flange connection.

[0103] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG1, the cable 5 connecting the submersible pump 3 and the junction box 51 located on the offshore platform 300 is located between the pipe assembly 2 and the pump casing 1.

[0104] There is a natural annular gap between the pipe assembly 2 and the pump protection pipe 1. The cable 5 is laid here without the need for additional cable trays or protective pipes. The cable 5 is placed between the pipe assembly 2 and the pump protection pipe 1 and is doubly protected, so that the cable 5 is protected from damage by the marine environment.

[0105] In some embodiments, the cable 5 and the water pipe unit 21 form an integrated hoisting unit, and the cable 5 is connected through the docking connection of the water pipe unit 21, without the need to pull out the cable 5 separately.

[0106] Although embodiments of the invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined in this application.

Claims

1. A water supply device for a cooling system of an offshore data center, characterized in that, include: Pump protection pipe (1), which is installed vertically on the offshore platform (300), with its lower end extending into the seawater and its upper end extending above the offshore platform (300); Pipe assembly (2), which is located inside the pump protection pipe (1), includes multiple interconnected water pipe units (21), each water pipe unit (21) including a water pipe body (211) and connecting flanges (212) located at both axial ends of the water pipe body (211); Submersible pump (3), which is located inside the pump protection pipe (1), and is fixedly connected to the lower end of the pipe assembly (2); wherein, the water pipe unit (21) can move axially inside the pump protection pipe (1), and the water pipe unit (21) and the submersible pump (3) can be hoisted out or hoisted into the pump protection pipe (1) section by section from above the offshore platform (300).

2. The water supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pipe assembly (2) also includes a stabilizer (4) disposed on the outer wall of the water pipe body (211). The stabilizer (4) is used to support the water pipe unit (21) inside the pump protection pipe (1) and is arranged radially at intervals from the pump protection pipe (1).

3. The water supply device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The straightener (4) includes: two fixing members (41), which are respectively fitted and fixed to the outer wall of the water pipe body (211) on both sides in the axial direction; a plurality of straightening bodies (42), which are arranged circumferentially around the water pipe body (211), and the two ends of each straightening body (42) are respectively fixedly connected to the two fixing members (41), and the middle part of the straightening body (42) arches outward from the water pipe body (211) to form an arched part, which contacts the inner wall of the pump protection pipe (1) and provides support.

4. The water supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The axial length of the water pipe unit (21) is less than the height of the platform maintenance layer.

5. The water supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The submersible pump (3) also includes an anti-fouling electrode, which is located in the water intake path upstream of the water inlet of the submersible pump (3). The anti-fouling electrode is used to generate anti-fouling ions by electrolysis.

6. The water supply device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The submersible pump (3) includes: a submersible pump body (31) and a motor (32) located below the submersible pump body (31). The submersible pump inlet (311) is located on the submersible pump body (31). The anti-fouling electrode is located outside the motor (32) and close to the bottom of the motor (32). The pump protection pipe (1) defines the water suction path between the pump and the motor (32).

7. The water supply device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The motor (32) housing is provided with heat dissipation fins; and / or, the submersible pump (3) further includes a check valve (33), which is located above the submersible pump body (31).

8. The water supply device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The antifouling electrode includes a copper ion electrode (61) and an aluminum ion electrode (62) respectively disposed on both sides of the submersible pump (3). The copper ion electrode (61) electrolyzes to generate copper ions so that the seawater entering the water supply device (100) contains copper ions to prevent marine organisms from attaching. The aluminum ion electrode (62) electrolyzes to generate aluminum ions so that the seawater entering the water supply device (100) contains aluminum ions to prevent seawater corrosion. And / or, the installation position of the submersible pump (3) is higher than the bottom end of the pump protection pipe (1). And / or, the charge of the antifouling electrode is positively correlated with the pump flow rate of the submersible pump (3). And / or, the antifouling electrode is spaced apart from the submersible pump (3) by a mounting bracket.

9. The water supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The submersible pump (3) has a filter screen at its suction port; and / or, the water supply device (100) further includes an automatic backwash filter (7) installed on the marine platform (300), the inlet of which is connected to the upper end of the pipe assembly (2) for filtering seawater and automatically discharging sewage; and / or, the water pipe unit (21) at the junction of the pipe assembly (2) and the marine platform (300) includes a pump discharge bend (213), and an exhaust valve (22) is provided above the bend.

10. The water supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pipeline assembly (2) is connected to the offshore platform (300) via a well base mating flange (23), the installation position of which is higher than the height of the offshore platform (300); and / or, the cable (5) connecting the submersible pump (3) and the junction box (51) on the offshore platform (300) is located between the pipeline assembly (2) and the pump casing (1).

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