Coolant control unit, cooling distribution system, and control method thereof

Abstract

A coolant control unit is configured to control a liquid cooling device to cool down a target device. The coolant control unit includes a first pumping system and a second pumping system. The first pumping system is coupled to a bus in a controller area network form and transmits or receives a first bus signal via the bus. A first pump of the first pumping system causes coolant of the liquid cooling device to have a first hydraulic pressure. The second pumping system is coupled to the first pumping system via the bus and transmits or receives a second bus signal via the bus. A second pump of the second pumping system causes the coolant to have a second hydraulic pressure. The first bus signal and the second bus signal each reflect an abnormal state of the first pumping system and an abnormal state of the second pumping system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a cooling mechanism, and more particularly to a coolant control unit and control method for a liquid cooling device applied to a data center. Background Technology

[0002] To meet the resource demands of massive computations in artificial intelligence, data centers must be established to provide storage for these massive amounts of data. During these massive computations, the hardware components of the data center generate a significant amount of heat; therefore, effective cooling mechanisms are essential for the data center.

[0003] Among various cooling mechanisms, liquid cooling is the mainstream method. In liquid cooling, a coolant control unit controls the liquid cooling system to adjust various parameters of the coolant (such as hydraulic pressure, temperature, and flow rate). To maintain stable operation of the liquid cooling system and achieve sufficient cooling efficiency, the fluid stability of the coolant is crucial.

[0004] The fluid stability of the coolant depends on the proper functioning of the coolant control unit and the pump system of the liquid cooling system. If the pump system malfunctions and fails to return to normal operation in a timely manner, it will lead to an imbalance in the fluid stability of the coolant (for example, unstable coolant flow rate), thereby reducing the cooling efficiency of the liquid cooling system; this will cause overheating of the hardware components in the data center.

[0005] In response to the above issues, there is a need for an improved coolant control unit that can quickly detect abnormalities in the pumping system and promptly restore the normal operation of the pumping system to maintain the fluid stability of the coolant. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a coolant control unit is provided; the coolant control unit is used to control a liquid cooling device to cool a target device; the coolant control unit includes a first pump system and a second pump system; the first pump system is coupled to a bus in the form of a controller area network and transmits or receives a first bus signal via the bus, the first pump of the first pump system giving the coolant of the liquid cooling device a first hydraulic pressure; the second pump system is coupled to the first pump system via the bus and transmits or receives a second bus signal via the bus, the second pump of the second pump system giving the coolant a second hydraulic pressure; the first bus signal and the second bus signal respectively reflect the abnormal state of the first pump system and the abnormal state of the second pump system.

[0007] In one embodiment of the coolant control unit, the first pumping system has a predetermined identifier, the first pumping system is configured as a main pumping system, and the second pumping system is configured as a secondary pumping system.

[0008] In one embodiment of the coolant control unit, when the first pumping system is in an abnormal state, the second pumping system is set as the main pumping system.

[0009] In one embodiment of the above-mentioned coolant control unit, it further includes:

[0010] A first fan system, comprising a first fan array; and

[0011] A second fan system, including a second fan array,

[0012] The main pump system controls the rotational speed of multiple fans in the first fan array and the second fan array.

[0013] In one embodiment of the coolant control unit, the main pump system and the auxiliary pump system control the first pump and the second pump to adjust the first hydraulic pressure and the second hydraulic pressure of the coolant, respectively.

[0014] In one embodiment of the above-mentioned coolant control unit, it further includes:

[0015] A first sensing module, coupled to the first pumping system; and

[0016] A second sensing module is coupled to the second pumping system.

[0017] Each of the first sensing module and the second sensing module includes a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a flow sensor, a water level sensor, and a leakage sensor.

[0018] In one embodiment of the above-mentioned coolant control unit, it further includes:

[0019] A host computer, coupled to the first pump system and the second pump system via the bus, transmits or receives signals from the first bus and the second bus via the bus; and

[0020] A third sensing module is directly coupled to the host.

[0021] In one embodiment of the above-described coolant control unit, the liquid cooling device includes:

[0022] A water tank is used to store the coolant.

[0023] The first water level sensor of the first sensing module or the second water level sensor of the second sensing module is used to sense the water level of the coolant in the water storage tank.

[0024] In one embodiment of the above-described coolant control unit, the liquid cooling device further includes:

[0025] A first conduit, a first pump disposed therethrough, and the coolant flowing through the first conduit having the first hydraulic pressure; and

[0026] A second pipeline is provided, the second pump is installed, and the coolant flowing through the second pipeline has the second hydraulic pressure.

[0027] The first pressure sensor of the first sensing module is used to sense the first hydraulic pressure, and the second pressure sensor of the second sensing module is used to sense the second hydraulic pressure.

[0028] In one embodiment of the coolant control unit, the coolant flowing through the first pipe has a first liquid temperature, the coolant flowing through the second pipe has a second liquid temperature, a first temperature sensor of the first sensing module is used to sense the first liquid temperature, and a second temperature sensor of the second sensing module is used to sense the second liquid temperature.

[0029] In one embodiment of the coolant control unit, a first leak sensor of the first sensing module and a second leak sensor of the second sensing module are each used to sense the leak status of the first pipe and the second pipe.

[0030] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a control method for a coolant control unit is provided. The coolant control unit controls a liquid cooling device to cool a target device. A first pump system of the coolant control unit is coupled to a bus in the form of a controller area network (CAN), and a second pump system of the coolant control unit is coupled to the first pump system via the bus. The control method includes the following steps: pressurizing the coolant in the liquid cooling device by the first pump of the first pump system to give the coolant a first hydraulic pressure; pressurizing the coolant by the second pump of the second pump system to give the coolant a second hydraulic pressure; transmitting or receiving a first bus signal by the first pump system via the bus; transmitting or receiving a second bus signal by the second pump system via the bus; the first bus signal and the second bus signal respectively reflect the abnormal state of the first pump system and the abnormal state of the second pump system.

[0031] In one embodiment of the aforementioned method, wherein the first pumping system has a predetermined identifier, the control method further includes:

[0032] The first pumping system is configured as a main pumping system; and

[0033] The second pump system is configured as a secondary pump system.

[0034] In one embodiment of the aforementioned method, when the first pumping system is in an abnormal state, the control method further includes:

[0035] The second pump system is set as the main pump system.

[0036] In one embodiment of the aforementioned method, the coolant control unit further includes a first fan system and a second fan system, the first fan system including a first fan array, the second fan system including a second fan array, and the control method further includes:

[0037] The main pump system controls the rotational speed of multiple fans in the first fan array and the second fan array.

[0038] In one embodiment of the aforementioned method, it further includes:

[0039] The main pump system and the auxiliary pump system control the first pump and the second pump to adjust the first hydraulic pressure and the second hydraulic pressure of the coolant, respectively.

[0040] In one embodiment of the aforementioned method, the coolant control unit further includes a first sensing module and a second sensing module, the first sensing module being coupled to the first pumping system, and the second sensing module being coupled to the second pumping system.

[0041] Each of the first sensing module and the second sensing module includes a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a flow sensor, a water level sensor, and a leakage sensor.

[0042] In one embodiment of the aforementioned method, the coolant control unit further includes a host and a third sensing module. The host is coupled to the first pump system and the second pump system via the bus, and the third sensing module is directly coupled to the host. The control method further includes:

[0043] The host transmits or receives the first bus signal and the second bus signal via the bus.

[0044] In one embodiment of the aforementioned method, the liquid cooling device includes a water storage tank for storing the coolant, and the control method further includes:

[0045] The water level of the coolant in the water tank is sensed by a first water level sensor of the first sensing module or a second water level sensor of the second sensing module.

[0046] In one embodiment of the aforementioned method, the liquid cooling device further includes a first pipeline and a second pipeline, each of which is equipped with a first pump and a second pump. The coolant flowing through the first pipeline has the first hydraulic pressure, and the coolant flowing through the second pipeline has the second hydraulic pressure. The control method further includes:

[0047] The first hydraulic pressure is sensed by a first pressure sensor of the first sensing module; and

[0048] The second hydraulic pressure is sensed by a second pressure sensor in the second sensing module.

[0049] In one embodiment of the aforementioned method, the coolant flowing through the first pipe has a first liquid temperature, and the coolant flowing through the second pipe has a second liquid temperature; the control method further includes:

[0050] The first liquid temperature is sensed by a first temperature sensor of the first sensing module; and

[0051] The second liquid temperature is sensed by a second temperature sensor in the second sensing module.

[0052] In one embodiment of the aforementioned method, it further includes:

[0053] The leakage status of the first pipeline is sensed by a first leakage sensor of the first sensing module; and

[0054] The leakage status of the second pipeline is sensed by a second leakage sensor of the second sensing module.

[0055] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a cooling distribution system is provided, including a first coolant control unit and a second coolant control unit; the first coolant control unit is coupled to an external bus in the form of a controller area network; the second coolant control unit is coupled to the first coolant control unit via the external bus; the first coolant control unit and the second coolant control unit have the same architecture.

[0056] Other aspects and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent from the following figures, detailed description, and scope of the patent application. Attached Figure Description

[0057] Figure 1 This invention discloses a block diagram of a pumping system and a sensing module according to an embodiment.

[0058] Figure 2 This invention discloses a block diagram of a fan system according to an embodiment.

[0059] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of a coolant control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a liquid cooling device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] Figure 5 This document discloses a flowchart of a control method according to an embodiment.

[0062] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of a cooling distribution system according to an embodiment.

[0063] In the attached figures, the following labels are used:

[0064] 1000, 1001: Coolant control unit

[0065] 2000: Liquid cooling device

[0066] 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004: Fan System

[0067] 3000: Cooling Distribution System

[0068] 5000: Target Device

[0069] 100a, 100b, 101a, 101b: Pumping systems

[0070] 110a, 110b: Pump controller

[0071] 120a, 120b: Variable frequency controller

[0072] 130a, 130b: Pumps

[0073] 200a, 200b, 200c, 201a, 201b, 201c: Sensing modules

[0074] 210a, 210b, 210c: Temperature sensors

[0075] 220a, 220b: Pressure sensors

[0076] 230a, 230b: Flow sensors

[0077] 240a, 240b: Water level sensor

[0078] 250a, 250b, 250c: Leakage sensors

[0079] 300a, 300b: Fan controller

[0080] 400a, 400b: Fan array

[0081] 401: Water storage tank

[0082] 402: Radiator

[0083] 403, 404: Filters

[0084] 500, 501: Host

[0085] 510, 511, 520: Bus

[0086] CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4, CB11, CB12: Bus signals

[0087] TS1, TS2, TS3: Sensing signals

[0088] P1a, P1b, P2a, P2b, P3a, P3b, P4, P5, P6a, P6b: Sensing points

[0089] P7, P8, P9, P10, P11, P12: Sensing points

[0090] S500~S514: Steps Detailed Implementation

[0091] The technical terms used in this specification refer to those commonly used in the field. Where this specification provides further explanation or definition of certain terms, the interpretation of those terms shall be based on the explanation or definition provided in this specification. Each of the disclosed embodiments has one or more technical features. Where feasible, those skilled in the art may selectively implement some or all of the technical features in any embodiment, or selectively combine some or all of the technical features in these embodiments.

[0092] Figure 1 This document discloses a block diagram of a pumping system 100a and a sensing module 200a according to an embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, the pump system 100a includes a pump controller 110a, a frequency converter 120a, and a pump 130a. In operation, the pump controller 110a controls the pump 130a to apply pressure to the coolant, causing the coolant to flow through the liquid cooling device (…). Figure 1 The pipeline (not shown in the text) contains a predetermined hydraulic pressure, which causes the coolant to reach a predetermined flow rate or velocity. The coolant system is supplied to the target device ( Figure 1 (The target device is not shown in the image) to perform liquid cooling on the target device. Furthermore, the pump controller 110a is connected via a bus (…). Figure 1 The bus (not shown) transmits or receives bus signal CB1. Bus signal CB1 may include information related to the operating status of pump 130a (including normal operating status and abnormal operating status).

[0093] On the other hand, the sensing module 200a includes a temperature sensor 210a, a pressure sensor 220a, a flow sensor 230a, a water level sensor 240a, and a leakage sensor 250a. In operation, the temperature sensor 210a is used to sense the temperature of the coolant (referred to as "liquid temperature"), the pressure sensor 220a is used to sense the pressure of the coolant (referred to as "hydraulic pressure"), the flow sensor 230a is used to sense the flow rate and velocity of the coolant, the water level sensor 240a is used to sense the water level of the coolant in the reservoir, and the leakage sensor 250a is used to sense the leakage status of the coolant when it flows through the pipes of the liquid cooling device.

[0094] The sensing results of the coolant temperature, hydraulic pressure, flow rate, water level, and leakage status, respectively sensed by the temperature sensor 210a, pressure sensor 220a, flow rate sensor 230a, water level sensor 240a, and leakage sensor 250a, can be integrated into a sensing signal TS1. The sensing module 200a generates the aforementioned sensing signal TS1 and provides it to the pump controller 110a of the pump system 100a. Based on the sensing signal TS1, the pump controller 110a determines the coolant temperature, hydraulic pressure, flow rate, water level, and leakage status. In response to the sensing signal TS1, the pump controller 110a adjusts the speed of the motor inside the pump 130a, thereby adjusting the pressure applied to the coolant. In one example, the information included in the sensing signal TS1 of the sensing module 200a can also be integrated into the bus signal CB1 transmitted by the pump controller 110a.

[0095] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of a fan system 2001 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The fan system 2001 and... Figure 1 The pump system 100a operates in conjunction with the pump system 100a; for example, the pump system 100a can indirectly or directly control the fan system 2001 to provide a suitable airflow for the radiator flowing through the liquid cooling unit. Figure 2 The coolant (not shown in the image) is cooled by air cooling. In other embodiments, Figure 1 The pump system 100a can also be used with multiple fan systems (whose hardware architecture is the same as...) Figure 2 The fan system (2001) works in conjunction with the air-cooled cooling system.

[0096] More specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, the fan system 2001 includes a fan controller 300a and a fan array 400a. The fan array 400a includes multiple fans ( Figure 2 (Fans not shown). In operation, the fan controller 300a controls the speed of the fans in the fan array 400a, causing the fans to reach a suitable airflow to cool the coolant flowing through the radiator. (There may be multiple fan systems 2001, not limited to the above description or illustration).

[0097] The fan controller 300a can be connected via a bus ( Figure 2 (The bus is not shown in the image) transmits or receives bus signal CB3. In one example, bus signal CB3 may be provided via the bus to... Figure 1 The pump controller 110a of the pump system 100a. The pump controller 110a can obtain information about the fan speed (or other parameters) of the fan array 400a from the bus signal CB3.

[0098] In contrast, Figure 1 The bus signal CB1 transmitted by the pump controller 110a can also be provided to the fan controller 300a via the bus. The pump controller 110a can use the bus signal CB1 to command the fan controller 300a to control the fans in the fan array 400a accordingly.

[0099] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of a coolant control unit 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 As shown, the coolant control unit 1000 includes a main unit 500, a fan system 2001, a fan system 2002, a first group of pump systems 100a and sensing modules 200a, and a second group of pump systems 100b and sensing modules 200b. Specifically, fan system 2001 corresponds to the first group of pump systems 100a and sensing modules 200a, and fan system 2002 corresponds to the second group of pump systems 100b and sensing modules 200b. Figure 3 The embodiment shown only illustrates two sets of pump systems, sensing modules, and fan systems, but is not limited thereto; the coolant control unit 1000 may also include two or more sets of pump systems, sensing modules, and fan systems.

[0100] The architecture of the second pump system 100b is similar to that of the first pump system 100a; the pump system 100b includes a pump controller 110b, a frequency converter 120b, and a pump 130b. The pump system 100b generates a bus signal CB2 and transmits or receives the bus signal CB2 via bus 510.

[0101] Furthermore, the architecture of the second sensing module 200b is similar to that of the first sensing module 200a; the sensing module 200b includes a temperature sensor 210b, a pressure sensor 220b, a flow sensor 230b, a water level sensor 240b, and a leakage sensor 250b. The sensing module 200b generates a sensing signal TS2 and provides it to the pump controller 110b. The sensing signal TS2 integrates the sensing results of the temperature sensor 210b, pressure sensor 220b, flow sensor 230b, water level sensor 240b, and leakage sensor 250b.

[0102] The first group of pump systems 100a and sensing modules 200a, the second group of pump systems 100b and sensing modules 200b, and fan systems 2001 and 2002 are communicatively coupled to the host 500 via bus 510. Pump controller 110a provides bus signal CB1, pump controller 110b provides bus signal CB2, fan controller 300a provides bus signal CB3, and fan controller 300b provides bus signal CB4; the aforementioned bus signals CB1, CB2, CB3, and CB4 are transmitted to the host 500 via bus 510. Furthermore, bus signals CB1, CB2, CB3, and CB4 can also be transmitted between pump controllers 110a, 110b, and fan controllers 300a and 300b via bus 510.

[0103] Furthermore, the host 500 is further coupled to the sensing module 200c. The architecture of the sensing module 200c is similar to that of the sensing module 200a in the first group, but the sensing module 200c only includes a temperature sensor 210c and a leakage sensor 250c (i.e., the sensing module 200c does not include a pressure sensor, a flow sensor, and a water level sensor). In this embodiment, the sensing module 200c is directly coupled to the host 500; the sensing module 200c is not coupled to the bus 510. The sensing signal TS3 generated by the sensing module 200c can be directly transmitted to the host 500 without being transmitted via the bus 510.

[0104] The coolant control unit 1000 is used to control the liquid cooling system. Figure 3 The operation of the liquid cooling system (not shown) is for the target device ( Figure 3 (Target device not displayed) is cooled. The coolant control unit 1000 controls the operation of the liquid cooling system, in conjunction with... Figure 4 Please see below for details.

[0105] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a liquid cooling device 2000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The liquid cooling device 2000 provides coolant to a target device 5000 to perform liquid cooling on the target device 5000. The target device 5000 is, for example, a hardware component in a data center. Figure 4 As shown, the liquid cooling device 2000 includes a water storage tank 401, a radiator 402, and two filters 403 and 404. Figure 3 The coolant control unit 1000 controls the liquid cooling device 2000; the pump system 100a and pump system 100b of the coolant control unit 1000 are disposed within the liquid cooling device 2000. For example, the outlet of the water storage tank 401 has two pipes, with pump system 100a disposed in the first pipe and pump system 100b disposed in the second pipe.

[0106] In operation, the water storage tank 401 stores coolant; the coolant is supplied to pump system 100a via a first pipeline and to pump system 100b via a second pipeline. Pumps 130a and 130b of pump system 100a and pump system 100b respectively apply pressure to the coolant, causing the coolant to have a predetermined hydraulic pressure, thereby achieving a predetermined flow rate or predetermined velocity. The pressurized coolant is supplied to the target device 5000 to cool the target device 5000.

[0107] The coolant flows back from the target device 5000 and enters the radiator 402. Figure 3 The fans of the coolant control unit 1000's fan system 2001 and fan system 2002 provide air cooling and temperature reduction to the radiator 402; thus, the temperature of the coolant flowing through the radiator 402 can be reduced. The cooled coolant then enters filters 403 and 404 for filtration. The filtered coolant then flows back to the reservoir 401.

[0108] The coolant flowing back to the water storage tank 401 is then transported to the pump system 100a and pump system 100b via the first and second pipelines for pressurization. The pressurized coolant is then supplied to the target device 5000 for cooling.

[0109] More specifically, the liquid cooling device 2000 is equipped with multiple sensing points P1a to P12. This allows for... Figure 3 The temperature sensor 210a, pressure sensor 220a, flow sensor 230a, water level sensor 240a, and leakage sensor 250a of the sensing module 200a, and the temperature sensor 210b, pressure sensor 220b, flow sensor 230b, water level sensor 240b, and leakage sensor 250b of the sensing module 200b, sense according to the aforementioned sensing points P1a to P12.

[0110] For example, a sensing point P2a is provided at the outlet of pump 130a in the first pipeline pump system 100a, and a pressure sensor 220a senses the hydraulic pressure of the coolant at the outlet of pump 130a based on sensing point P2a. Similarly, a sensing point P2b is provided at the outlet of pump 130b in the second pipeline pump system 100b, and a pressure sensor 220b senses the hydraulic pressure of the coolant at the outlet of pump 130b based on sensing point P2b. In other words, the coolant control unit 1000 senses the hydraulic pressure of the coolant at the outlets of the two independent pumps 130a and 130b using two independent pressure sensors 220a and 220b, respectively. Based on the sensing results of pressure sensors 220a and 220b, the pump controller 110a of pump system 100a can adjust the pressure applied by pump 130a to the coolant flowing through the first pipe; similarly, the pump controller 110b of another independent pump system 100b adjusts the hydraulic pressure of the coolant in the second pipe of pump 130b. Accordingly, the pressure balance of the coolant in the first and second pipes can be controlled and their pressures brought closer together to stabilize the load pressure of the two independent pumps 130a and 130b.

[0111] Furthermore, a sensing point P3a is provided at the outlet of pump 130a in the first pipeline pump system 100a; and a temperature sensor 210a senses the coolant temperature in the first pipeline based on sensing point P3a. Similarly, a sensing point P3b is provided at the outlet of pump 130b in the second pipeline pump system 100b; and a temperature sensor 210b senses the coolant temperature in the second pipeline based on sensing point P3b. In addition, pump 130a in pump system 100a and pump 130b in pump system 100b are equipped with additional temperature sensors (not shown) to sense the temperature of the pumps themselves and prevent pump overheating.

[0112] Sensing points P4 and P5 are installed in the pipeline through which the coolant returns from the target device 5000; sensing points P4 and P5 are located between the target device 5000 and the radiator 402. The coolant control unit 1000 senses the hydraulic pressure of the coolant at sensing point P4 using pressure sensor 220a, and, in conjunction with the hydraulic pressure sensing results obtained by pressure sensors 220a and 220b at sensing points P2a and P2b respectively, calculates the pressure difference between sensing points P4, P2a, and P2b based on the respective hydraulic pressure sensing results of sensing points P4, P2a, and P2b, and controls the pressure of pumps 130a and 130b accordingly, for example, controlling pumps 130a and 130b to output the same hydraulic pressure of coolant. The coolant control unit 1000 senses the coolant temperature at sensing point P5 using temperature sensor 210a. Furthermore, the radiator 402 is equipped with sensing points P6a and P6b to sense the air temperature.

[0113] Sensing points P7 and P8 are provided in the pipeline between radiator 402 and filters 403 and 404; the coolant control unit 1000 senses the hydraulic pressure of the coolant at sensing point P8 by means of pressure sensor 220a, and senses the flow rate of the coolant at sensing point P7 by means of flow sensor 230a.

[0114] A sensing point P9 is provided in the pipeline between filters 403 and 404 and water storage tank 401; the coolant control unit 1000 senses the hydraulic pressure of the coolant at sensing point P9 by means of pressure sensor 220a. Furthermore, a sensing point P11 is provided inside water storage tank 401; the coolant control unit 1000 senses the water level of the coolant stored in water storage tank 401 by means of water level sensor 240a.

[0115] On the other hand, the coolant control unit 1000 senses the overall or partial leakage status of the liquid cooling device 2000 using a leakage sensor 250a. For example, sensing points P1a, P1b, P10, and P12 are provided inside the liquid cooling device 2000, and the leakage sensor 250a senses the coolant leakage status based on these sensing points. Sensing point P1a is located at the outlet of pump 130a of pump system 100a, and sensing point P1b is located at the outlet of pump 130b of pump system 100b. Sensing point P10 is located near filters 404 and 403; sensing point P12 is located near the water storage tank 401. In one example, a large drip tray can also be provided at the bottom of the liquid cooling device 2000. Figure 4(The drip tray is not shown in the image). Leaks of coolant from the pipes of the liquid cooling unit 2000 can be collected by the drip tray. Furthermore, the drip tray can be equipped with one or more sensing points. The coolant control unit 1000 uses a leak sensor 250a (or other leak sensors 250b, 250c) to detect leaks based on the sensing points or sensing lines of the drip tray. Figure 4 (Not shown) Sensing is performed.

[0116] Please see again Figure 3 This describes the parallel operation of pump systems 100a and 100b within the coolant control unit 1000. Pump controller 110a of pump system 100a transmits or receives bus signal CB1 via bus 510, and pump controller 110b of pump system 100b transmits or receives bus signal CB2 via bus 510. Pump controllers 110a and 110b communicate with the host unit 500 based on bus signals CB1 and CB2. Furthermore, fan controllers 300a of fan system 2001 and 300b of fan system 2002 communicate with the host unit 500 based on bus signals CB3 and CB4.

[0117] Bus 510 is, for example, a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus, specifically a CAN-bus type bus. Pump systems 100a, 100b, fan systems 2001, and 2002 communicate with the host 500 via the CAN-bus type bus 510. Based on the communication mechanism of the CAN-bus type bus 510, the host 500 does not need to act as the master for the entire operation period. That is, when the host 500 is offline, pump systems 100a, 100b, 2001, and 2002 can still operate via the CAN-bus type bus 510.

[0118] More specifically, pump controllers 110a, 110b, 300a, and 300b broadcast their respective operating statuses via bus 510 within a predetermined period. Accordingly, pump controllers 110a, 110b, 300a, and 300b can quickly learn about each other's operating statuses, which are then quickly provided to the host 500. Pump controllers 110a and 110b can quickly learn about each other's operating statuses via CAN-bus 510, enabling a parallel operation mechanism. In this parallel operation mechanism, pump systems 100a and 100b can share the "load"; the "load" refers to the pressurization load of the coolant by pump 130a within pump system 100a and the pressurization load of the coolant by pump 130b within pump system 100b. When one of pumps 130a and 130b is in an abnormal state, the other of pumps 130a and 130b can share the load of the abnormal operator so that the hydraulic pressure of the coolant flowing through pumps 130a and 130b can remain stable, thereby stabilizing the hydraulic pressure of the liquid cooling device 2000 and the target device 5000.

[0119] When both pumps 130a and 130b are in normal operation, they operate simultaneously. Pumps 130a and 130b pressurize the coolant, causing it to reach pressure equilibrium. Furthermore, the coolant flows through the pipes of the liquid cooling device 2000 at a predetermined rate (e.g., predetermined flow rate, predetermined velocity, and predetermined hydraulic pressure) to appropriately cool the target device 5000.

[0120] On the other hand, if either pump 130a or pump 130b is in an abnormal state, the other can share the load of the malfunctioning pump. For example, when pump 130a is in an abnormal state, pump controller 110a, which controls pump 130a, can broadcast bus signal CB1 via bus 510. Furthermore, another pump controller 110b can receive the bus signal CB1 broadcast by pump controller 110a via bus 510 to determine that pump 130a is in an abnormal state. In response to this situation, pump controller 110b can control pump 130b to increase its motor speed to increase the hydraulic pressure of the coolant, causing the coolant to return to a pressure balance state, thereby maintaining the normal operation of the liquid cooling system 2000. As mentioned above, the host 500 does not need to act as the master controller at all times; even when the host 500 is offline, the pump controller 110a and the pump controller 110b can know each other's operating status in real time via the CAN-bus 510, and thus share the load.

[0121] Furthermore, the pump controller 110a receives a sensing signal TS1 from the sensing module 200a. The sensing signal TS1 includes the temperature sensing result of the temperature sensor 210a of the sensing module 200a, which reflects the increase in liquid temperature in a certain section of the pipe in the liquid cooling device 2000. The pump controller 110a can know the increase in liquid temperature based on the sensing signal TS1, and transmit the corresponding bus signal CB1 to the fan controller 300a via the bus 510, causing the fan controller 300a to control the fans in the fan array 400a to increase their speed, thereby improving the cooling effect of the heat sink 402 of the liquid cooling device 2000 and overcoming the increase in liquid temperature.

[0122] Furthermore, the host 500 also receives the sensing signal TS3 from the sensing module 200c; the sensing signal TS3 includes the temperature sensing result of the temperature sensor 210c of the sensing module 200c and the leakage sensing result of the leakage sensor 250c. The host 500 can simultaneously detect the coolant temperature using the temperature sensor 210c. Moreover, the host 500 can quickly determine the leakage status of the liquid cooling device 2000 based on the leakage sensing result of the leakage sensor 250c and take timely action.

[0123] On the other hand, in a comparative example of a coolant control unit (the architecture of this comparative example is not illustrated in this document), the host and multiple pump systems operate in a master-slave (modbus) mode; the host plays the controlling role, and each of the multiple pump systems plays a slave role; in this comparative example, the host and pump systems communicate via an RS-485 bus. When one of the slave pump systems malfunctions, the other pump systems cannot quickly detect this malfunction and therefore cannot quickly relieve the load of the malfunctioning system. This may lead to a hydraulic imbalance of the coolant in the liquid cooling system, resulting in a significant reduction in the cooling effect of the coolant and causing the target device to overheat.

[0124] Figure 5 This invention discloses a flowchart of a control method according to an embodiment. The control method of this embodiment is applied to... Figure 3 The coolant control unit 1000. (For example...) Figure 5 As shown, the control method first begins in step S500: confirming whether the multiple pump systems of the coolant control unit 1000 have been started. If the confirmation result is "no", then step S502 is executed: confirming the multiple pump systems that have been started to confirm whether a pump system with a predetermined identifier exists; the predetermined identifier is, for example, the smallest number identifier, i.e., identifier "1". Figure 3Taking the coolant control unit 1000 as an example, pump system 100a has an identifier "1", and pump system 100b has an identifier "2"; pump system 100a has the identifier "1" with the smallest number, which is a predetermined identifier. Therefore, if the confirmation result of step S502 is "yes", then step S504 is executed.

[0125] In step S504, pump system 100a with a predetermined identifier is set as the master system, referred to as the "master pump system". Furthermore, another pump system 100b is set as the "auxiliary pump system".

[0126] Then, step S506 is executed: the pump system 100a, as the main pump system, controls the fan system 2001 and the fan system 2002 to control the speed of the fans in the fan system 2001 and the fan system 2002, and to control the hydraulic pressure and flow rate of the coolant.

[0127] Then, step S508 is executed: Pump system 100b, as a secondary pump system, controls pumps 130a and 130b to control the hydraulic pressure and flow rate of the coolant. Pump system 100b, as a secondary pump system, does not control fan systems 2001 and 2002.

[0128] Then, step S510 is executed: pump system 100a, which is the main pump system, and pump system 100b, which is the auxiliary pump system, communicate via bus 510 to know each other's operating status.

[0129] Then, step S512 is executed: confirming whether pump system 100a, acting as the main pump system, is in an abnormal state. In one example, when pump system 100a or pump system 100b is in an abnormal state, it sends an alarm signal to bus 510; the corresponding bus signal CB1 or bus signal CB2 may include relevant information about the alarm signal. Pump system 100b, acting as the secondary pump system, can parse bus signal CB1 of bus 510 to confirm whether pump system 100a, acting as the main pump system, has issued an alarm signal. If the confirmation result of step S512 is "yes", indicating that pump system 100a, acting as the main pump system, is in an abnormal state, then step S514 is executed: setting pump system 100b, which was originally acting as the secondary pump system, as the main pump system. And step S506 is executed: the newly set main pump system 100b controls fan system 2001 and fan system 2002.

[0130] If the confirmation result of step S512 is "no", it means that the pump system 100a, which is the main pump system, has not issued a warning signal and is in a normal state. Then, step S506 is executed: continue to use the pump system 100a as the main pump system to control the fan system 2001 and the fan system 2002.

[0131] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of a cooling distribution system 3000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The cooling distribution system 3000 may include a plurality of coolant control units operating in parallel; Figure 6 The embodiment uses two coolant control units 1000 and 1001 as an example. Figure 6 The coolant control unit of the 1000 series is Figure 3 The coolant control unit 1000 has an architecture identical to that of the coolant control unit 1000. The coolant control unit 1001 includes a main unit 501, a fan system 2003, a fan system 2004, a pump system 101a, a pump system 101b, and three sensing modules 201a, 201b, and 201c.

[0132] The host 500 of the coolant control unit 1000 is coupled to the host 501 of the coolant control unit 1001 via an external bus 520 (which may be referred to as the "external bus"). The coolant control unit 1000 and the coolant control unit 1001 communicate via the external bus 520.

[0133] Inside the coolant control unit 1000, the main unit 500, fan system 2001, fan system 2002, pump system 100a, and pump system 100b communicate via an internal bus 510 (which may be referred to as the "internal bus"). Furthermore, inside another coolant control unit 1001, the main unit 501, fan system 2003, fan system 2004, pump system 101a, and pump system 101b communicate via an internal bus 511.

[0134] The aforementioned buses 510, 511, and 520 are all CAN-bus type buses. The host 500 of the coolant control unit 1000 transmits or receives bus signal CB11 via bus 520, and the host 501 of the coolant control unit 1001 transmits or receives bus signal CB12 via bus 520. Through bus signals CB11 and CB12, the host 500 of the coolant control unit 1000 and the host 501 of the coolant control unit 1001 can broadcast their respective operating statuses via bus 520; thus, the host 500 of the coolant control unit 1000 and the host 501 of the coolant control unit 1001 can quickly know each other's operating status, thereby achieving the effect of parallel operation.

[0135] While this disclosure has been described in detail above with reference to preferred embodiments and examples, it is understood that these examples are intended to be illustrative rather than limiting. It is anticipated that various modifications and combinations will arise for those skilled in the art, and such modifications and combinations fall within the spirit of this disclosure and the scope of the appended patent applications.

Claims

1. A coolant control unit, characterized in that, The coolant control unit is used to control a liquid cooling device to cool a target device. A first pumping system, coupled to a bus in the form of a Controller Area Network (CAN), and transmitting or receiving a first bus signal via the bus, wherein a first pump of the first pumping system causes a first hydraulic pressure to be applied to a coolant in the liquid cooling device; and A second pumping system, coupled to the first pumping system via the bus, and transmitting or receiving a second bus signal via the bus, wherein a second pump of the second pumping system causes the coolant to have a second hydraulic pressure. The first bus signal and the second bus signal respectively reflect the abnormal state of the first pump system and the abnormal state of the second pump system.

2. The coolant control unit as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The first pumping system has a predetermined identifier, and the first pumping system is set as a main pumping system, while the second pumping system is set as a secondary pumping system.

3. The coolant control unit as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that, When the first pumping system is in an abnormal state, the second pumping system is set as the main pumping system.

4. The coolant control unit as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that, Including: A first fan system, comprising a first fan array; and A second fan system, including a second fan array, The main pump system controls the rotational speed of multiple fans in the first fan array and the second fan array.

5. The coolant control unit as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that, The main pump system and the auxiliary pump system control the first pump and the second pump to adjust the first hydraulic pressure and the second hydraulic pressure of the coolant, respectively.

6. The coolant control unit as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, Including: A first sensing module is coupled to the first pumping system; as well as A second sensing module is coupled to the second pumping system. Each of the first sensing module and the second sensing module includes a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a flow sensor, a water level sensor, and a leakage sensor.

7. The coolant control unit as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, Including: A host computer, coupled to the first pump system and the second pump system via the bus, transmits or receives signals from the first bus and the second bus via the bus; and A third sensing module is directly coupled to the host.

8. The coolant control unit as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, The liquid cooling device includes: A water tank is used to store the coolant. The first water level sensor of the first sensing module or the second water level sensor of the second sensing module is used to sense the water level of the coolant in the water storage tank.

9. The coolant control unit as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, The liquid cooling device further includes: A first conduit, a first pump disposed therethrough, and the coolant flowing through the first conduit having the first hydraulic pressure; and A second pipeline is provided, the second pump is installed, and the coolant flowing through the second pipeline has the second hydraulic pressure. The first pressure sensor of the first sensing module is used to sense the first hydraulic pressure, and the second pressure sensor of the second sensing module is used to sense the second hydraulic pressure.

10. The coolant control unit as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, The coolant flowing through the first pipe has a first liquid temperature, and the coolant flowing through the second pipe has a second liquid temperature. A first temperature sensor of the first sensing module is used to sense the first liquid temperature, and a second temperature sensor of the second sensing module is used to sense the second liquid temperature.

11. The coolant control unit as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, The first leakage sensor of the first sensing module and the second leakage sensor of the second sensing module are each used to sense the leakage status of the first pipeline and the second pipeline.

12. A cooling distribution system, characterized in that, include: A first coolant control unit is coupled to an external bus in the form of a Controller Area Network (CAN). as well as A second coolant control unit is coupled to the first coolant control unit via the external bus. The architecture of each of the first coolant control unit and the second coolant control unit is the same as that of the coolant control unit of claims 1 to 11.

13. A control method applied to a coolant control unit, wherein the coolant control unit controls a liquid cooling device to cool a target device, a first pump system of the coolant control unit is coupled to a bus in the form of a Controller Area Network (CAN), and a second pump system of the coolant control unit is coupled to the first pump system via the bus, characterized in that, The control method includes: The coolant of the liquid cooling device is pressurized by a first pump of the first pump system, so that the coolant has a first hydraulic pressure; The coolant is pressurized by a second pump of the second pump system, causing the coolant to have a second hydraulic pressure; The first pump system transmits or receives a first bus message via the bus; and The second pump system transmits or receives a second bus message via the bus. The first bus signal and the second bus signal respectively reflect the abnormal state of the first pump system and the abnormal state of the second pump system.

14. The control method of claim 13, wherein the first pumping system has a predetermined identifier, characterized in that, This control method further includes: The first pumping system is configured as a main pumping system; and The second pump system is configured as a secondary pump system.

15. The control method as described in claim 14, characterized in that, When the first pumping system is in an abnormal state, the control method further includes: The second pump system is set as the main pump system.

16. The control method of claim 14, wherein the coolant control unit further comprises a first fan system and a second fan system, the first fan system comprising a first fan array, and the second fan system comprising a second fan array, characterized in that, This control method further includes: The main pump system controls the rotational speed of multiple fans in the first fan array and the second fan array.

17. The control method as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that, Including: The main pump system and the auxiliary pump system control the first pump and the second pump to adjust the first hydraulic pressure and the second hydraulic pressure of the coolant, respectively.

18. The control method as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that, The coolant control unit further includes a first sensing module and a second sensing module, the first sensing module being coupled to the first pumping system, and the second sensing module being coupled to the second pumping system. Each of the first sensing module and the second sensing module includes a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a flow sensor, a water level sensor, and a leakage sensor.

19. The control method of claim 18, wherein the coolant control unit further comprises a host and a third sensing module, the host being coupled to the first pump system and the second pump system via the bus, and the third sensing module being directly coupled to the host, characterized in that, This control method further includes: The host transmits or receives the first bus signal and the second bus signal via the bus.

20. The control method of claim 18, wherein the liquid cooling device includes a water storage tank for storing the coolant, characterized in that, This control method further includes: The water level of the coolant in the water tank is sensed by a first water level sensor of the first sensing module or a second water level sensor of the second sensing module.

21. The control method of claim 18, wherein the liquid cooling device further comprises a first pipeline and a second pipeline, each of the first pipeline and the second pipeline being provided with the first pump and the second pump, the coolant flowing through the first pipeline having the first hydraulic pressure, and the coolant flowing through the second pipeline having the second hydraulic pressure, characterized in that, This control method further includes: The first hydraulic pressure is sensed by a first pressure sensor of the first sensing module; and The second hydraulic pressure is sensed by a second pressure sensor in the second sensing module.

22. The control method of claim 21, wherein the coolant flowing through the first pipe has a first liquid temperature, and the coolant flowing through the second pipe has a second liquid temperature, characterized in that, This control method further includes: The first liquid temperature is sensed by a first temperature sensor of the first sensing module; and The second liquid temperature is sensed by a second temperature sensor in the second sensing module.

23. The control method as claimed in claim 21, characterized in that, Including: The leakage status of the first pipeline is sensed by a first leakage sensor of the first sensing module; as well as The leakage status of the second pipeline is sensed by a second leakage sensor of the second sensing module.

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