Liquid storage tank and liquid cooling system

Abstract

The application provides a liquid storage tank and a liquid cooling system. The liquid storage tank comprises a tank body for storing cooling liquid; an inlet and outlet structure in communication with the tank body for being connected in series in a circulating loop of the liquid cooling system; and a pressure difference valve arranged at the tank body and spaced from the inlet and outlet structure for allowing the tank body to intake or exhaust air when a pressure difference between inside and outside of the tank body reaches a set value. Through the application, the function of the liquid storage tank can be more abundant.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to liquid cooling technology, and more particularly to a liquid storage tank and a liquid cooling system. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development and application of technologies such as cloud computing, big data, and artificial intelligence, data centers are becoming increasingly large-scale, making cooling and temperature control for data centers increasingly important. Currently, liquid storage tanks are a single-function cooling method. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a liquid storage tank and a liquid cooling system, which can enrich the functions of the liquid storage tank.

[0004] The technical solution of this application embodiment is implemented as follows:

[0005] This application provides a liquid storage tank, including:

[0006] Tank, used to store coolant;

[0007] The liquid inlet / outlet structure is connected to the tank body and is used to be connected in series in the circulation loop of the liquid cooling system.

[0008] A differential pressure valve is disposed at an interval from the liquid inlet / outlet structure in the tank body, and is used to allow air to enter or exit the tank body when the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the tank body reaches a set value.

[0009] The embodiments disclosed herein can enrich the functions of the liquid storage tank while achieving better maintenance of tank pressure balance.

[0010] In some embodiments, the inlet / outlet structure is located at the bottom of the tank; the differential pressure valve is located at the top of the tank.

[0011] In this embodiment, the inlet and outlet liquid structures are located at the bottom of the tank, which allows for better connection of the inlet and outlet liquid structures in series in the circulation loop, reducing the number of pipes required for series connection. Furthermore, placing the differential pressure valve at the top of the tank facilitates air intake or exhaust, and compared to placing it on the periphery of the tank, allows for better sensing of the air pressure inside the tank, thus promoting better operation of the differential pressure valve.

[0012] In some embodiments, the liquid storage tank further includes:

[0013] A replenishment port is disposed in the tank body at a distance from the inlet / outlet structure and the differential pressure valve, and is used to connect to the one-way replenishment pump of the cooling system;

[0014] When the coolant level drops to a set low level, the coolant is injected into the tank through the replenishment port.

[0015] When the coolant level rises to a set high level, the injection of coolant into the tank is stopped, and an air cavity is formed between the set high level and the top of the tank.

[0016] This embodiment of the invention injects or stops coolant into the tank based on the coolant level. In other words, this embodiment controls the operation of the replenishment pump to inject or stop coolant into the tank based on the coolant level; the replenishment pump only operates when the coolant level reaches a set high or low level, thus reducing the pump's start-up frequency and usage probability. Furthermore, by forming an air cavity, this embodiment can balance the volume changes caused by coolant temperature fluctuations, resulting in better operation of the reservoir.

[0017] In some embodiments, the liquid storage tank further includes:

[0018] A low liquid level sensor is disposed on the periphery of the tank;

[0019] A high liquid level sensor is disposed on the periphery of the tank;

[0020] The distance from the low liquid level sensor to the bottom of the tank is less than the distance from the high liquid level sensor to the bottom of the tank.

[0021] The embodiments disclosed herein, by setting low liquid level sensors and high liquid level sensors, can better detect whether the liquid level has dropped to a set low liquid level or better detect whether the liquid level has risen to a set high liquid level, so as to better realize subsequent determination of whether to inject coolant into the tank based on the liquid level.

[0022] In some embodiments, the inlet / outlet liquid structure includes:

[0023] The first pipe has an inlet and an outlet;

[0024] The second pipe is connected to the first pipe and the tank body respectively;

[0025] The coolant in the tank flows into the circulation loop through the second pipe and the first pipe.

[0026] This embodiment of the invention, by setting up a second pipe that is distributed and connected to the first pipe and the tank, enables the coolant in the tank to flow into the circulation loop more effectively, replenishing the circulation loop in a timely manner or allowing air to be discharged into the storage tank more efficiently.

[0027] In some embodiments, the inlet / outlet liquid structure further includes:

[0028] A hollow connecting structure connects the second pipe to the tank body;

[0029] In the airflow direction of the second duct, the cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow connecting structure perpendicular to the airflow direction gradually decreases.

[0030] This embodiment of the invention sets the cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow connecting structure perpendicular to the airflow direction to gradually decrease. On the one hand, the hollow connecting structure can realize the functions of venting and replenishing liquid; on the other hand, it can reduce the impact of air discharge on the liquid level in the tank, making the liquid level in the tank more stable, which is conducive to the low liquid level sensor and the high liquid level sensor to more accurately sense the liquid level in the tank.

[0031] In some embodiments, the hollow connecting structure has a frustum shape.

[0032] This embodiment of the invention, by setting a frustum-shaped hollow connecting structure, can better reduce the impact of air discharge on the liquid level in the tank, and further contribute to the stability of the liquid in the tank.

[0033] In some embodiments, the liquid storage tank further includes:

[0034] A drain port is located at the bottom of the tank and is used to discharge the coolant inside the tank.

[0035] The embodiments disclosed herein include a drain port at the bottom of the tank, which allows the coolant inside the tank to be discharged more effectively.

[0036] In some embodiments, the liquid storage tank further includes:

[0037] A pressure sensor, located at the top of the tank, is used to acquire the pressure in the air chamber of the tank in order to monitor whether the differential pressure valve is malfunctioning.

[0038] In this embodiment, a pressure sensor is installed at the bottom of the tank to better obtain the pressure of the air chamber, so as to monitor whether the differential pressure valve is malfunctioning and improve the reliability of the liquid storage tank.

[0039] In some embodiments, the liquid storage tank further includes:

[0040] An exhaust valve is located at the top of the tank and spaced apart from the differential pressure valve, and is activated when the coolant is initially injected into the tank.

[0041] This embodiment of the invention improves exhaust efficiency by setting the exhaust valve to start during the initial injection of coolant, based on the differential pressure valve exhaust.

[0042] In some embodiments, the liquid storage tank further includes:

[0043] An observation column is provided on the periphery of the tank; and / or,

[0044] The observation port and the observation column are located at different positions on the periphery of the tank.

[0045] The embodiments disclosed herein enable a more intuitive observation of the liquid level in the tank through the observation column and / or observation port.

[0046] This application provides a liquid cooling system, including:

[0047] Liquid-cooled servers and heat sinks;

[0048] A circulation pipe connects the liquid-cooled server and the heat sink to form a circulation loop;

[0049] The liquid storage tank as described in one or more of the above embodiments is connected in series in the circulation loop.

[0050] The liquid cooling system of this embodiment includes a storage tank. The tank body enables coolant storage, and the differential pressure valve enables automatic air intake or exhaust. This enriches the functionality of the storage tank while better maintaining pressure balance within the tank. Furthermore, the differential pressure valve allows for better control of the replenishment pressure from the storage tank to the circulation loop, resulting in more stable and reliable operation of the liquid cooling system's circulation loop.

[0051] In some embodiments, the liquid cooling system further includes a one-way replenishment pump;

[0052] There is at least one circulation loop, and the unidirectional replenishment pump is connected to the replenishment port of the storage tank in each circulation loop.

[0053] This embodiment of the disclosure enables the sharing of a unidirectional replenishment pump by connecting the replenishment pump to the replenishment port of the liquid storage tank in each of the circulation loops. This reduces the complexity of the liquid cooling system and improves its reliability while achieving the replenishment function. Furthermore, the unidirectional replenishment pump reduces the possibility of liquid backflow.

[0054] In some embodiments, the liquid cooling system further includes a relay;

[0055] The power interface of the unidirectional replenishment pump is connected to the low liquid level sensor and the high liquid level sensor of the storage tank through the relay, respectively.

[0056] When the low liquid level sensor detects that the coolant level has dropped to the set low liquid level, the relay supplies power to the power interface, and the one-way replenishment pump injects the coolant into the tank of the storage tank.

[0057] When the high liquid level sensor detects that the coolant level has risen to the set high liquid level, the relay cuts off the power to the power interface, and the replenishment pump stops injecting coolant into the tank.

[0058] The embodiments disclosed herein employ a combination of a low liquid level sensor, a high liquid level sensor, a relay, and a power interface to support the operation of the replenishment pump. This not only shortens the operation response time and allows for better control of the inlet pressure of the unidirectional circulation pump, but also makes the pressure control of the liquid cooling system more precise and stable, enabling the liquid cooling system pressure to be stabilized at a more suitable state. At the same time, it also simplifies the structure of the liquid cooling system.

[0059] Furthermore, by stopping the injection of coolant into the tank, the storage tank can have sufficient space for an air cavity to better accommodate the volume expansion caused by coolant temperature fluctuations.

[0060] In some embodiments, the liquid cooling system further includes:

[0061] A unidirectional circulation pump is connected to the circulation loop;

[0062] The inlet of the unidirectional circulation pump is connected to the outlet of the liquid storage tank, and the outlet of the circulation pump is connected to the radiator.

[0063] In this embodiment of the disclosure, by connecting the inlet of the unidirectional circulation pump to the outlet of the liquid storage tank, the pressure at the inlet of the unidirectional circulation pump can be better controlled by the differential pressure valve, making the pressure control of the liquid cooling system more precise and stable.

[0064] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application may include the following beneficial effects:

[0065] This embodiment of the invention enables coolant storage by setting up a tank and automatic air intake or exhaust by setting up a differential pressure valve. This enriches the functionality of the storage tank while better maintaining tank pressure balance. Furthermore, when applied to a liquid cooling system, the differential pressure valve allows for better control of the replenishment pressure from the storage tank to the circulation loop, making the circulation loop of the liquid cooling system more stable and reliable.

[0066] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0067] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0068] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a conventional liquid cooling system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0069] Figure 2This is a side view of the outlet of the liquid storage tank of the present disclosure, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0070] Figure 3 This is a side view along the length of a first pipe in a liquid storage tank according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0071] Figure 4 This is a frontal side view of the outlet of the liquid storage tank of the present disclosure, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0072] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram illustrating the liquid level of the liquid storage tank of the present disclosure at a set high liquid level, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0073] Figure 6 This is a partial view of the hollow connection structure in the liquid storage tank of the present disclosure, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0074] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of the liquid cooling system of the present disclosure according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0075] The reference numerals and names in the figure are as follows:

[0076] 100 liquid storage tank, 200 liquid-cooled server, 300 radiator, 400 circulation loop, 500 one-way replenishment pump, 600 one-way circulation pump;

[0077] Tank body 101, coolant 102, inlet / outlet structure 103, first pipe 103A, inlet 103A1, outlet 103A2, second pipe 103B, hollow connection structure 103C, differential pressure valve 104, replenishment port 105;

[0078] Low liquid level sensor 106, high liquid level sensor 107, drain port 108, pressure sensor 109, exhaust valve 110, observation column 111, set high liquid level 112, air chamber 113, air 114, connecting port 115;

[0079] Liquid cooling device 11, heat dissipation device 12, liquid storage container 13, liquid replenishment pump 14, expansion pipe 16, one-way valve 15, exhaust component 17, safety valve 18. Detailed Implementation

[0080] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The described embodiments should not be regarded as limitations on this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0081] In the following description, references are made to “some embodiments,” which describe a subset of all possible embodiments. However, it is understood that “some embodiments” may be the same subset or different subsets of all possible embodiments and may be combined with each other without conflict.

[0082] In the following description, the terms "first, second, third" are used merely to distinguish similar objects and do not represent a specific ordering of objects. It is understood that "first, second, third" may be interchanged in a specific order or sequence where permitted, so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in an order other than that illustrated or described herein.

[0083] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in the embodiments of this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of describing the embodiments of this application only and is not intended to limit this application.

[0084] In related technologies, such as Figure 1 As shown, the existing liquid cooling system includes a liquid cooling device 11, a heat dissipation device 12, and a single-function liquid storage container 13. The existing liquid cooling system is also equipped with a liquid replenishment pump 14, an expansion pipe 16, a one-way valve 15, an exhaust device 17, and a safety valve 18 to realize the functions of liquid replenishment, pressure stabilization, pressure relief, and exhaust. It has problems such as single-function components, complex overall structure, and poor reliability.

[0085] Based on this, the present disclosure proposes a liquid storage tank, which, in addition to storing coolant, can also automatically intake and exhaust air through a differential pressure valve. This not only enriches the functions of the liquid storage tank but also better maintains the pressure balance inside the tank, making the internal pressure of the liquid cooling system more stable when using the liquid storage tank.

[0086] like Figures 2 to 7 As shown, the liquid storage tank 100 disclosed herein includes:

[0087] Tank 101 is used to store coolant 102;

[0088] The liquid inlet / outlet structure 103 is connected to the tank 101 and is used to be connected in series in the circulation loop 400 of the liquid cooling system.

[0089] A differential pressure valve 104 is disposed at a distance from the liquid inlet / outlet structure 103 in the tank 101, and is used to allow air to enter or exit the tank 101 when the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the tank 101 reaches a set value.

[0090] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the liquid storage tank can be a multifunctional liquid storage tank, which can not only store coolant through the tank body, but also allow air to enter or exit the tank body through a differential pressure valve.

[0091] The aforementioned tank has a storage space for storing coolant. The stored coolant can support replenishment of the liquid cooling system at set intervals. The coolant may include deionized water, hydrocarbons and organosilicon compounds, fluorocarbons, or nanofluids, etc., and this disclosure does not limit the specific types of coolant used.

[0092] It should be noted that the shape and size of the tank can be set according to the actual situation. For example, the tank can be set as a long cylindrical shape.

[0093] The aforementioned inlet / outlet structure is located outside the tank body. This inlet / outlet structure is connected to the tank body and in series in the circulation loop, so that the coolant inside the tank can flow into the circulation loop through the inlet / outlet structure.

[0094] It should be noted that this circulation loop can be understood as a loop in which the coolant circulates. The liquid cooling system cools and reduces the temperature of the heat-generating elements by circulating the coolant.

[0095] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, the inlet and outlet liquid structure is connected in series in the circulation loop and can form a partial passage in the circulation loop. The coolant in the circulation loop can enter through the inlet port of the inlet and outlet liquid structure and be output to the outside through the outlet port of the inlet and outlet liquid structure.

[0096] The differential pressure valve and the inlet / outlet structure are spaced apart and located at different positions on the outside of the tank. In some embodiments, both the differential pressure valve and the inlet / outlet structure are located on the outer periphery of the tank. In some embodiments, such as Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the liquid inlet / outlet structure 103 is located at the bottom of the tank 101; the differential pressure valve 104 is located at the top of the tank 101.

[0097] It is understood that by placing the inlet / outlet structure at the bottom of the tank in this embodiment, it is possible to better connect the inlet / outlet structure in series in the circulation loop, reducing the number of pipes required for series connection. Furthermore, placing the differential pressure valve at the top of the tank facilitates air intake or exhaust, and compared to placing it on the periphery of the tank, it allows for better sensing of the internal air pressure, which is beneficial for the differential pressure valve to function better.

[0098] The aforementioned differential pressure valve is used to allow air to enter or exit the tank when the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the tank reaches a set value.

[0099] It should be noted that when the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the tank reaches the first set value, the differential pressure valve opens, allowing outside air to enter the tank, thus achieving the automatic air intake function; when the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the tank reaches the second set value, the differential pressure valve opens, allowing gas to be discharged from the tank, thus achieving the automatic air exhaust function. In this way, by setting the differential pressure valve, the pressure balance of the tank can be maintained.

[0100] For example, when the coolant level in the tank drops, the differential pressure valve allows outside air to enter the tank normally, preventing negative pressure from affecting the cooling function of the liquid cooling system. As another example, when the liquid cooling system stops working or the coolant level rises, the differential pressure valve allows air to be discharged to the external environment, while simultaneously providing exhaust pressure to reduce the backflow of coolant into the storage tank after the system stops operating.

[0101] It is understood that the embodiments of this disclosure enable coolant storage by setting up a tank and automatic air intake or exhaust by setting up a differential pressure valve. This enriches the functionality of the storage tank while better maintaining tank pressure balance. Furthermore, when applied to a liquid cooling system, the differential pressure valve allows for better control of the replenishment pressure from the storage tank to the circulation loop, making the circulation loop of the liquid cooling system more stable and reliable.

[0102] In some embodiments, such as Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the liquid storage tank 100 further includes:

[0103] The replenishment port 105 is disposed at a distance from the differential pressure valve 104 of the liquid inlet / outlet structure 103 in the tank body 101, and is used to connect to the replenishment pump of the cooling system.

[0104] When the level of the coolant 102 drops to a set low level (not shown in the figure), the coolant 102 is injected into the tank 101 through the replenishment port 105;

[0105] When the level of the coolant 102 rises to the set high level 112, the injection of the coolant 102 into the tank 101 is stopped, and an air cavity 113 is formed between the set high level 112 and the top of the tank 101.

[0106] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the liquid replenishment port can be composed of a ball valve and a check valve. When the liquid level in the storage tank drops to a set low liquid level, the storage tank is replenished by a check pump. After the liquid replenishment stops, the check valve prevents the coolant inside the storage tank from flowing out of the liquid replenishment port.

[0107] It should be noted that the replenishment port can be located on the tank body at any position, spaced apart from the inlet / outlet structure and the differential pressure valve; this embodiment of the present disclosure does not impose any limitations on this. For example, as Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the liquid replenishment port 105 can be set on the periphery of the tank body 101 and near the bottom of the tank body 101.

[0108] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the replenishment port is connected to the replenishment pump, which can inject coolant into the tank or stop the injection of coolant.

[0109] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the operation of the replenishment pump is controlled according to the coolant level to replenish or stop replenishing the coolant.

[0110] Here, when the coolant level rises to the set high level, an air cavity is formed at the top of the tank. That is, there is a gap between the set high level and the top of the tank to allow for the formation of an air cavity. This air cavity can be used to balance the volume changes caused by the rise and fall of coolant temperature.

[0111] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the set low liquid level and the set high liquid level can be set according to the actual pressure requirements, and this embodiment of the disclosure does not limit this.

[0112] It is understood that the embodiments of this disclosure inject or stop injecting coolant into the tank based on the coolant level. In other words, the embodiments of this disclosure control the operation of the replenishment pump to inject or stop injecting coolant into the tank based on the coolant level; that is, the replenishment pump only operates when the coolant level reaches a set high or low level, thus reducing the frequency and probability of the replenishment pump's operation. Furthermore, by forming an air cavity, the embodiments of this disclosure can balance the volume changes caused by coolant temperature fluctuations, resulting in better operation of the storage tank.

[0113] In some embodiments, such as Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the liquid storage tank 100 further includes:

[0114] A low liquid level sensor 106 is disposed on the periphery of the tank body 101;

[0115] A high liquid level sensor 107 is disposed on the periphery of the tank body 101;

[0116] The distance from the low liquid level sensor 106 to the bottom of the tank 101 is less than the distance from the high liquid level sensor 107 to the bottom of the tank 101.

[0117] In this embodiment of the disclosure, a low level sensor is used to detect whether the coolant level has dropped to a set low level; a high level sensor is used to detect whether the coolant level has risen to a set high level.

[0118] It should be noted that the low level sensor and the high level sensor are set at different positions on the periphery of the tank, as long as the distance from the low level sensor to the bottom of the tank is less than the distance from the high level sensor to the bottom of the tank.

[0119] For example, such as Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the low liquid level sensor and the high liquid level sensor can be installed on the same side of the tank.

[0120] It is understood that the embodiments of this disclosure, by setting low liquid level sensors and high liquid level sensors, can better detect whether the liquid level has dropped to a set low liquid level or better detect whether the liquid level has risen to a set high liquid level, so as to better realize the subsequent determination of whether to inject coolant into the tank based on the liquid level.

[0121] In some embodiments, such as Figures 2 to 6 As shown, the liquid inlet / outlet structure 103 includes:

[0122] The first pipe 103A has an inlet 103A1 and an outlet 103A2;

[0123] The second pipe 103B is connected to the first pipe 103A and the tank 101 respectively;

[0124] The coolant in the tank 101 flows into the circulation loop through the second pipe 103B and the first pipe 103A.

[0125] In this embodiment of the disclosure, such as Figure 5 As shown, the first pipe 103A and the second pipe 103B not only allow the coolant 102 in the tank 101 to flow into the circulation loop, but also allow the air 114 in the circulation loop to flow into the storage tank 100, and discharge the air 114 to the external environment through the storage tank 100.

[0126] The first pipe mentioned above can be a long strip pipe, and the inlet and outlet can be set at opposite ends of the first pipe.

[0127] Here, the diameter of both the inlet and outlet can be set to be greater than the preset second diameter threshold, so that the liquid storage tank has a large-diameter inlet and outlet, which can improve the exhaust effect of the liquid cooling system compared with the small-diameter exhaust valve set on the existing circulation loop.

[0128] The second pipe can be installed at an intersection with the first pipe, and the connection point between the second pipe and the first pipe can be located on the periphery of the second pipe.

[0129] It should be noted that the included angle between the first pipe and the second pipe can be an obtuse angle, an acute angle, or a right angle. For example, the second pipe can be set perpendicular to the first pipe, and the overall shape of the first and second pipes can be T-shaped.

[0130] The aforementioned second pipe is also connected to the tank body. Here, when the liquid inlet / outlet structure is located at the bottom of the tank body, a second pipe can be installed to connect to the bottom of the tank body.

[0131] It is understood that by providing a second pipe that is distributed and connected to the first pipe and the tank, the coolant in the tank can flow into the circulation loop more effectively, replenish the circulation loop in a timely manner, or better expel air to the storage tank.

[0132] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the liquid inlet / outlet structure 103 further includes:

[0133] Hollow connecting structure 103C is connected between the second pipe 103B and the tank 101;

[0134] In the direction of air flow 114 in the second pipe 103B, the cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow connecting structure 103C perpendicular to the direction of air flow gradually decreases.

[0135] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the hollow connection structure provides a hollow channel, through which the coolant in the tank can be replenished to the circulation loop in sequence via the hollow channel, the second pipe and the first pipe, that is, the replenishment function can be realized through the hollow connection structure.

[0136] Furthermore, the air discharged from the circulation loop can gather in the hollow channel and be discharged into the tank from the connection between the hollow channel and the tank body. Subsequently, it can be discharged to the external environment through the differential pressure valve or exhaust valve on the tank body. In other words, the exhaust function can be realized through the hollow connection structure.

[0137] It should be noted that when the inlet pressure of the circulating pump in the circulation loop decreases, the coolant in the tank can be replenished to the circulation loop in sequence through the hollow channel, the second pipe, and the first pipe.

[0138] In this embodiment of the disclosure, in the airflow direction of the second pipe, the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the airflow direction in the hollow connecting structure gradually decreases. That is, the closer the hollow connecting structure is to the tank, the smaller its diameter, and the smaller the airflow during exhaust, thereby reducing the impact of air exhaust on the liquid level inside the tank.

[0139] It should be noted that, as Figure 6 As shown, in order to achieve a higher exhaust effect, the diameter of the connection port 115 between the hollow connecting structure 103C and the tank body can be set to be greater than the preset first diameter threshold.

[0140] It is understood that, by setting the cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow connecting structure perpendicular to the air flow direction to gradually decrease, the present disclosure can achieve the functions of venting and replenishing liquid through the hollow connecting structure on the one hand; on the other hand, it can reduce the impact of air discharge on the liquid level in the tank, making the liquid level in the tank more stable, which is conducive to the low liquid level sensor and the high liquid level sensor to more accurately sense the liquid level in the tank.

[0141] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the hollow connecting structure 103C has a frustum shape.

[0142] It is understood that by setting a frustum-shaped hollow connecting structure, the embodiments of this disclosure can better reduce the impact of air discharge on the liquid level in the tank, which is more conducive to the stability of the liquid in the tank.

[0143] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 The storage tank 100 further includes:

[0144] A drain port 108 is provided at the bottom of the tank 101 for discharging the coolant inside the tank 101.

[0145] In this embodiment of the disclosure, during the transportation or transfer of the liquid cooling system, the coolant inside the tank can be discharged out through the drain port, which can not only reduce the possibility of pipe freezing and cracking caused by transportation or transfer to a low-temperature environment, but also reduce the possibility of coolant deterioration during long-term storage without operation.

[0146] It is understood that the present disclosure embodiment provides a drain port at the bottom of the tank, which allows the coolant inside the tank to be discharged outwards more effectively.

[0147] In some embodiments, such as Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the liquid storage tank 100 further includes:

[0148] Pressure sensor 109 is disposed on the top of the tank 101 to obtain the pressure of the air chamber in the tank in order to monitor whether the differential pressure valve is malfunctioning.

[0149] In this embodiment, when the differential pressure valve malfunctions, the pressure in the air chamber of the tank is within a first preset pressure range; when the differential pressure valve is functioning normally, the pressure in the air chamber is within a second preset pressure range. If the pressure sensor detects that the pressure is within the first preset pressure range, it indicates that the differential pressure valve is malfunctioning, and an alarm can be output for timely replacement or repair. If the pressure sensor detects that the pressure is within the second preset pressure range, it indicates that the differential pressure valve is functioning normally.

[0150] It is understood that the pressure sensor installed at the bottom of the tank in this embodiment can better obtain the pressure of the air chamber, so as to monitor whether the differential pressure valve is malfunctioning and improve the reliability of the liquid storage tank.

[0151] In some embodiments, such as Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the liquid storage tank 100 further includes:

[0152] An exhaust valve 110 is located at the top of the tank 101 and spaced apart from the differential pressure valve 104, and is activated when the coolant is first injected into the tank.

[0153] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the vent valve can be a manual vent valve. When the coolant is injected into the tank for the first time, a large amount of air needs to be vented from the tank. At this time, the vent valve can be manually operated to help the storage tank vent more efficiently.

[0154] It should be noted that the vent valve is closed when the storage tank is working normally.

[0155] It is understood that, based on the differential pressure valve venting, the present disclosure embodiment can improve venting efficiency by setting the venting valve to start during the initial injection of coolant.

[0156] In some embodiments, such as Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the liquid storage tank 100 further includes:

[0157] Observation column 111 is disposed on the periphery of the tank body 101; and / or,

[0158] The observation port (not shown in the figure) is located at a different position on the periphery of the tank body 101, similar to the observation column 111.

[0159] In this embodiment of the disclosure, both the liquid level observation column and the observation port can be configured as lenses to facilitate better observation of the liquid level status inside the tank.

[0160] It should be noted that the observation column can be positioned along the direction of liquid level increase or decrease in the tank, making it easier to observe the liquid level inside the tank. The observation port can be placed between the low-level sensor and the high-level sensor, and together with the observation column, it can better observe the liquid level.

[0161] It is understood that the embodiments of this disclosure enable a more intuitive observation of the liquid level in the tank through the observation column and / or observation port.

[0162] This disclosure also proposes a liquid cooling system, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the liquid cooling system includes:

[0163] Liquid-cooled server 200 and heat sink 300;

[0164] A circulation pipe is connected to the liquid-cooled server 200 and the heat sink 300 to form a circulation loop 400;

[0165] The liquid storage tank as described in one or more of the above embodiments is connected in series in the circulation loop.

[0166] The aforementioned liquid-cooled server can be used as the object being cooled by a liquid cooling system. It integrates liquid cooling pipes or cold plates to transfer the heat generated by heat-generating components (such as the central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), memory, etc.) to the heat sink through the coolant in the circulation loop during operation.

[0167] The aforementioned radiator is used to dissipate heat to the external environment. This radiator includes dry cooling towers or cooling towers, etc.

[0168] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the liquid storage tank can be located between the liquid-cooled server and the heat sink. The inlet of the liquid storage tank can be connected to the output port of the liquid-cooled server, and the outlet of the liquid storage tank can be connected to the heat sink.

[0169] It should be noted that when the pressure at the outlet of the liquid storage tank decreases and the inlet pressure of the circulation pump decreases, the liquid storage tank can replenish the circulation loop, allowing the circulation loop to operate better and improving the reliability of the liquid cooling system.

[0170] It is understood that the liquid cooling system of this embodiment includes a storage tank. The tank enables coolant storage, and the differential pressure valve enables automatic air intake or exhaust. This enriches the functionality of the storage tank while better maintaining pressure balance within the tank. Furthermore, the differential pressure valve allows for better control of the replenishment pressure from the storage tank to the circulation loop, resulting in more stable and reliable operation of the liquid cooling system's circulation loop.

[0171] In some embodiments, such as Figures 2 to 7 As shown, the liquid cooling system also includes a one-way replenishment pump 500;

[0172] There is at least one circulation loop 400, and the one-way replenishment pump 500 is connected to the replenishment port 105 of the storage tank 100 in each circulation loop 400.

[0173] In this embodiment of the disclosure, when there are multiple circulation loops, the unidirectional replenishment pump is connected to the replenishment port of the storage tank in each circulation loop. This allows a single unidirectional replenishment pump to provide replenishment for the storage tanks in multiple circulation loops, thus achieving pump sharing.

[0174] It should be noted that the connecting pipes between the unidirectional replenishment pump and the replenishment ports of the storage tanks in each circulation loop are equipped with valves. When a storage tank in a circulation loop needs replenishment, the valve of the connecting pipe of that storage tank in that circulation loop is opened, and the valves of the connecting pipes of the remaining storage tanks in each circulation loop are closed.

[0175] It is understood that, by connecting the replenishment pump to the replenishment port of the liquid storage tank in each of the circulation loops, the embodiments of this disclosure can achieve the sharing of a unidirectional replenishment pump, thereby reducing the complexity of the liquid cooling system and improving its reliability while realizing the replenishment function. Furthermore, by setting up a unidirectional replenishment pump, the possibility of liquid backflow can be reduced.

[0176] In some embodiments, the liquid cooling system further includes a relay (not shown in the figure).

[0177] The power interface of the unidirectional replenishment pump is connected to the low liquid level sensor and the high liquid level sensor of the storage tank through the relay, respectively.

[0178] When the low liquid level sensor detects that the coolant level has dropped to the set low liquid level, the relay supplies power to the power interface, and the replenishment pump injects the coolant into the tank of the storage tank.

[0179] When the high liquid level sensor detects that the coolant level has risen to the set high liquid level, the relay cuts off the power to the power interface, and the replenishment pump stops injecting coolant into the tank.

[0180] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, when the coolant level drops to a set low level, a low level alarm can be triggered. At this time, the relay supplies power to the power interface so that the one-way replenishment pump injects coolant into the tank of the storage tank.

[0181] When the coolant level rises to the set high level, a high level alarm can be triggered. At this time, the relay cuts off the power to the power interface, so that the one-way replenishment pump stops injecting coolant into the tank.

[0182] This allows the liquid storage tank to have enough space in the air cavity to better accommodate the volume expansion caused by coolant temperature fluctuations, making the liquid cooling system more stable.

[0183] Understandably, the existing liquid storage tanks of the existing liquid cooling system can only be connected to the existing circulation loop through the existing replenishment pump and the existing check valve. They can only work according to the instructions sent to the existing replenishment pump, which not only results in a long operation response time, but also makes it impossible to accurately control the pressure of the existing liquid cooling system.

[0184] In contrast, the embodiments disclosed herein do not require the replenishment pump to be online and on standby at all times. Instead, they use a combination of low liquid level sensor, high liquid level sensor, relay and power interface to support the operation of the replenishment pump. This not only shortens the operation response time and allows for better control of the inlet pressure of the unidirectional circulation pump, but also makes the pressure control of the liquid cooling system more accurate and stable, enabling the pressure of the liquid cooling system to be stabilized at a more suitable state. At the same time, it also simplifies the structure of the liquid cooling system.

[0185] Furthermore, by stopping the injection of coolant into the tank, the storage tank can have sufficient space for an air cavity to better accommodate the volume expansion caused by coolant temperature fluctuations.

[0186] In some embodiments, the liquid cooling system further includes:

[0187] A one-way circulation pump 600 is connected to the circulation loop 400;

[0188] The inlet of the unidirectional circulation pump is connected to the outlet of the liquid storage tank, and the outlet of the circulation pump is connected to the radiator.

[0189] In this embodiment of the disclosure, a unidirectional circulation pump is used to promote better circulation of coolant in the circulation loop.

[0190] It should be noted that when the pressure at the outlet of the liquid storage tank decreases and the inlet pressure of the circulation pump decreases, the liquid storage tank can replenish the circulation loop, allowing the circulation loop to operate better and improving the reliability of the liquid cooling system.

[0191] It is understood that, in this embodiment of the present disclosure, by connecting the inlet of the unidirectional circulation pump to the outlet of the liquid storage tank, the pressure at the inlet of the unidirectional circulation pump can be better controlled by the differential pressure valve, making the pressure control of the liquid cooling system more precise and stable.

[0192] To better understand the embodiments of this disclosure, the effects of the embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated below:

[0193] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, firstly, compared to existing liquid storage tanks connected to the circulation loop via a one-way valve, this embodiment connects the liquid inlet and outlet structures of the liquid storage tank in series within the circulation loop of the liquid cooling system, and installs a differential pressure valve on the tank body and connects the outlet of the circulation pump to the radiator. This not only enables pressure control of the replenishment pressure within the liquid storage tank based on the differential pressure valve, but also allows for precise control of the inlet pressure of the circulation pump, resulting in a more stable pressure in the liquid cooling system.

[0194] Secondly, in existing liquid cooling systems, expansion tanks are installed in the circulation loop. Since the expansion tubes need to be pre-pressurized before leaving the factory, and as pressure vessels, they have different certification requirements in different regions, the price of expansion tubes that meet the certification requirements of most regions is expensive. The numerous certification requirements affect the sales and use of the products.

[0195] Based on this, the embodiments of this disclosure do not require an expansion tank in the circulation loop. Instead, an air cavity is formed between the set high liquid level and the top of the tank. That is, by designing the storage tank to reserve a suitable air cavity, the pressure of the air cavity during compression and expansion can be controlled by a differential pressure valve, thereby stabilizing the system pressure and balancing coolant volume changes. Furthermore, the embodiments of this disclosure do not require pre-pressurization before shipment, are not pressure vessel products, require no certification, reduce product costs, and are not affected by the sales region.

[0196] Third, existing liquid cooling systems incorporate venting valves in the circulation loop to reduce the adverse effects of residual gas in the coolant on heat dissipation. However, venting valves with good venting efficiency are often too large and expensive; smaller venting systems require a greater number of valves to achieve the desired venting efficiency.

[0197] Based on this, the embodiments of this disclosure do not require an exhaust valve on the circulation loop. Instead, the gas in the circulation loop is discharged to the tank through a hollow connecting structure, a first pipe, and a second pipe, and then discharged to the outside of the tank through a differential pressure valve. This provides a structure that achieves effective exhaust at a lower cost. Furthermore, when setting the frustum-shaped hollow connecting structure, the exhaust effect can be improved by setting the diameter of the connection port between the hollow connecting structure and the tank to be larger than a preset first diameter threshold; and / or, the diameters of both the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet can be set to be larger than a preset second diameter threshold. Compared to the small diameter of the exhaust valves currently installed on the circulation loop, the exhaust effect of the liquid cooling system can be further improved.

[0198] Fourth, existing liquid cooling systems use safety valves in the circulation loop for automatic pressure relief to reduce damage caused by excessive pressure. However, the embodiments of this disclosure do not require separate safety valves. Instead, a differential pressure valve controls the inlet pressure of the circulation pump, thereby adjusting the outlet pressure of the circulation pump and achieving greater pressure stability in the liquid cooling system.

[0199] Fifth, by setting up a unidirectional replenishment pump that is connected to the replenishment port of the liquid storage tank in each circulation loop, the reliability of the liquid cooling system can be improved while the unidirectional replenishment pump can be shared, which can further reduce costs.

[0200] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the claims.

[0201] It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A liquid storage tank, characterized in that, include: Tank, used to store coolant; The liquid inlet / outlet structure is connected to the tank body and is used to be connected in series in the circulation loop of the liquid cooling system. A differential pressure valve is disposed at an interval from the liquid inlet / outlet structure in the tank body, and is used to allow air to enter or exit the tank body when the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the tank body reaches a set value.

2. The liquid storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid inlet / outlet structure is located at the bottom of the tank; the differential pressure valve is located at the top of the tank.

3. The liquid storage tank according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The liquid storage tank also includes: A replenishment port is disposed in the tank body at a distance from the inlet / outlet structure and the differential pressure valve, and is used to connect to the one-way replenishment pump of the cooling system; When the coolant level drops to a set low level, the coolant is injected into the tank through the replenishment port. When the coolant level rises to a set high level, the injection of coolant into the tank is stopped, and an air cavity is formed between the set high level and the top of the tank.

4. The liquid storage tank according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The liquid storage tank also includes: A low liquid level sensor is disposed on the periphery of the tank; A high liquid level sensor is disposed on the periphery of the tank; The distance from the low liquid level sensor to the bottom of the tank is less than the distance from the high liquid level sensor to the bottom of the tank.

5. The liquid storage tank according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The liquid inlet / outlet structure includes: The first pipe has an inlet and an outlet; The second pipe is connected to the first pipe and the tank body respectively; The coolant in the tank flows into the circulation loop through the second pipe and the first pipe.

6. The liquid storage tank according to claim 5, characterized in that, The liquid inlet / outlet structure also includes: A hollow connecting structure connects the second pipe to the tank body; In the airflow direction of the second duct, the cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow connecting structure perpendicular to the airflow direction gradually decreases.

7. The liquid storage tank according to claim 6, characterized in that, The hollow connecting structure includes a frustum shape.

8. The liquid storage tank according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The liquid storage tank also includes: A drain port is located at the bottom of the tank and is used to discharge the coolant inside the tank.

9. The liquid storage tank according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The liquid storage tank also includes: A pressure sensor, located at the top of the tank, is used to acquire the pressure in the air chamber of the tank in order to monitor whether the differential pressure valve is malfunctioning.

10. The liquid storage tank according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The liquid storage tank also includes: An exhaust valve is located at the top of the tank and spaced apart from the differential pressure valve, and is activated when the coolant is initially injected into the tank.

11. The liquid storage tank according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The liquid storage tank also includes: An observation column is provided on the periphery of the tank; and / or, The observation port and the observation column are located at different positions on the periphery of the tank.

12. A liquid cooling system, characterized in that, include: Liquid-cooled servers and heat sinks; A circulation pipe connects the liquid-cooled server and the heat sink to form a circulation loop; The liquid storage tank as described in any one of claims 1 to 11 is connected in series in the circulation loop.

13. The liquid cooling system according to claim 12, characterized in that, The liquid cooling system also includes a one-way replenishment pump; There is at least one circulation loop, and the unidirectional replenishment pump is connected to the replenishment port of the storage tank in each circulation loop.

14. The liquid cooling system according to claim 12, characterized in that, The liquid cooling system also includes relays; The power interface of the unidirectional replenishment pump is connected to the low liquid level sensor and the high liquid level sensor of the storage tank through the relay, respectively. When the low liquid level sensor detects that the coolant level has dropped to the set low liquid level, the relay supplies power to the power interface, and the one-way replenishment pump injects the coolant into the tank of the storage tank. When the high liquid level sensor detects that the coolant level has risen to the set high liquid level, the relay cuts off the power to the power interface, and the replenishment pump stops injecting coolant into the tank.

15. The liquid cooling system according to claim 12, characterized in that, The liquid cooling system also includes: A unidirectional circulation pump is connected to the circulation loop; The inlet of the unidirectional circulation pump is connected to the outlet of the liquid storage tank, and the outlet of the circulation pump is connected to the radiator.

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