Marine Data Center Air Conditioning System

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of data center cooling technology and discloses an air conditioning system for marine data centers. The system mainly includes a seawater pump unit, a first heat exchanger, a refrigeration unit, a refrigerant pump unit, and an air conditioning unit. The first heat exchanger is connected to the seawater pump unit; the refrigeration unit is also connected to the seawater pump unit; the inlet of the refrigerant pump unit is connected to both the heat exchanger and the refrigeration unit; the outlet of the air conditioning unit is connected to both the first heat exchanger and the refrigeration unit; and the outlet of the refrigerant pump unit is connected to the inlet of the air conditioning unit. The marine data center air conditioning system has three operating states: a natural cooling state, a refrigeration state, and a mixed state. In the natural cooling state, the first heat exchanger remains operational; in the refrigeration state, the refrigeration unit remains operational; and in the mixed state, both the first heat exchanger and the refrigeration unit remain operational. This invention, by switching between different operating states, can significantly reduce energy consumption and improve the cooling stability of marine data centers under long-term operating environments.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of data center cooling technology, and more specifically to an air conditioning system for marine data centers. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the cloud computing and big data industries, the energy consumption problem of data centers, as core infrastructure, is becoming increasingly prominent.

[0003] To ensure the operating temperature requirements of marine data centers, existing marine data centers typically use compression refrigeration cycle units (i.e., compressors) to dissipate heat from servers. However, marine data centers need to operate continuously for extended periods, so the compressors need to operate synchronously and continuously, resulting in high energy consumption for marine data centers. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides an air conditioning system for marine data centers to solve the problem of high energy consumption caused by continuous cooling and heat dissipation using compressors in marine data centers.

[0005] This invention provides an air conditioning system for a marine data center, comprising: Seawater pump set, used to pump seawater; The first heat exchanger is connected to the seawater pump unit on its seawater side. A refrigeration unit, the seawater side of which is connected to the seawater pump assembly; A refrigerant pump unit, wherein the inlet end of the refrigerant pump unit is connected to the refrigerant side outlet end of the first heat exchanger and the refrigerant side outlet end of the refrigeration unit, respectively. The air conditioner body has an air outlet end connected to the refrigerant side air inlet end of the first heat exchanger and the refrigerant side air inlet end of the refrigeration unit, respectively, and a liquid outlet end of the refrigerant pump unit connected to the liquid inlet end of the air conditioner body, for transporting liquid refrigerant to the air conditioner body; The marine data center air conditioning system has a natural cooling state, a refrigeration state, and a mixed state. In the natural cooling state, the first heat exchanger remains operational, condensing the gaseous refrigerant input from the air conditioning unit into a liquid refrigerant and delivering it to the refrigerant pump unit. In the refrigeration state, the refrigeration unit remains operational, condensing the gaseous refrigerant input from the air conditioning unit into a liquid refrigerant and delivering it to the refrigerant pump unit. In the mixed state, both the first heat exchanger and the refrigeration unit remain operational, condensing the gaseous refrigerant input from the air conditioning unit into a liquid refrigerant and delivering it to the refrigerant pump unit.

[0006] Beneficial Effects: The marine data center air conditioning system of this invention has a natural cooling state, a refrigeration state, and a mixed state. In the natural cooling state, when the seawater temperature is low, the first heat exchanger operates, using seawater as a cold source for direct heat exchange, condensing the gaseous refrigerant from the air conditioning unit into a liquid refrigerant. At this time, only the seawater pump unit and the refrigerant pump unit need to operate, and the refrigeration unit stops working. In the mixed state, when the seawater temperature is high, both natural cooling from the first heat exchanger and mechanical refrigeration from the refrigeration unit are utilized. When the seawater temperature rises further, the refrigeration state is activated, utilizing the refrigeration unit for mechanical refrigeration. Compared to the traditional method of compressors running year-round, this significantly reduces energy consumption and allows for selection of a suitable operating state based on marine environmental conditions, achieving energy-saving operation.

[0007] In one optional embodiment, the marine data center air conditioning system is further provided with a temperature detection unit, which is used to detect the temperature of the seawater pumped by the seawater pump group. In response to the seawater temperature being lower than a first preset value, the marine data center air conditioning system enters the natural cooling state; In response to the seawater temperature being greater than a second preset value, the marine data center air conditioning system enters the cooling state, wherein the first preset value is less than the second preset value; In response to the seawater temperature being between the first preset value and the second preset value, the marine data center air conditioning system enters the mixed state.

[0008] Beneficial effects: When the seawater temperature is lower than the first preset value, such as in winter, the seawater temperature is low, and the heat exchange efficiency for the refrigerant is high. Therefore, the marine data center air conditioning system enters a natural cooling state, using the first heat exchanger to prepare liquid refrigerant, minimizing energy consumption. When the seawater temperature is between the first and second preset values, such as during transitional seasons, the liquefaction efficiency of the refrigerant decreases, and the amount of liquid refrigerant prepared by the first heat exchanger is insufficient to meet the usage of the air conditioning unit. In this case, the refrigeration unit needs to be started simultaneously to prepare liquid refrigerant, i.e., a mixing state is achieved. The total energy consumption is still lower than the existing solution. When the seawater temperature is higher than the second preset value, such as in summer, the seawater temperature is high, making it difficult to directly use seawater for heat exchange to prepare liquid refrigerant. In this case, the refrigeration unit is started to prepare liquid refrigerant, i.e., a cooling state is achieved to meet the usage requirements of the air conditioning unit.

[0009] In one optional embodiment, the refrigerant is Freon, the first preset value ranges from 10°C to 20°C, and the second preset value ranges from 22°C to 28°C.

[0010] Beneficial effects: The use of Freon as the cooling medium prevents seawater or freshwater from entering the data center and power distribution room. Even if Freon leaks, it will vaporize directly, preventing short circuits in these areas and ensuring the safe operation of the marine data center. The ranges of the first and second preset values ​​are selected based on the condensation phase change characteristics of the cooling medium and the actual temperature of the seawater, ensuring that the first heat exchanger can directly utilize seawater as the cooling medium, further reducing energy consumption.

[0011] In one optional embodiment, the inlet of the seawater pump unit is connected to multiple seawater branches, and the seawater depth at the inlet of the multiple seawater branches increases sequentially. The temperature detection unit is also used to detect the seawater temperature of the multiple seawater branches respectively. In response to the seawater temperature of at least one of the seawater branches being lower than the first preset value, the marine data center air conditioning system enters the natural cooling state and is supplied with seawater by the seawater branch whose seawater temperature is lower than the first preset value. In response to the fact that the seawater temperature of each of the seawater branches is greater than the second preset value, the marine data center air conditioning system enters the cooling state.

[0012] In response to the fact that the seawater temperature of each of the seawater branches is greater than or equal to the first preset value and the seawater temperature of at least one branch is less than or equal to the second preset value, the marine data center air conditioning system enters the mixed state and is supplied with seawater by the seawater branch with the seawater temperature less than the second preset value.

[0013] Beneficial effects: Ocean water temperature decreases with increasing depth in the vertical direction. When the water temperature in the upper branch is higher than a first preset value, other branches with lower water temperatures can be selected to supply seawater to the first heat exchanger to maintain natural cooling. When the water temperature in all branches is greater than or equal to the first preset value and at least one branch is less than or equal to a second preset value, a mixing state is entered, with the branch with the lower water temperature providing the cold source. Only under extreme conditions, when the water temperature in all branches exceeds the second preset value, is the refrigeration unit activated and enters refrigeration mode, thereby further reducing energy consumption.

[0014] In one alternative implementation, in the mixed state, the first heat exchanger enters the operating state before the refrigeration unit.

[0015] Beneficial effects: In the mixed state, the first heat exchanger with lower energy consumption is started first to provide cooling capacity using seawater, and then the refrigeration unit is started to supplement the cooling capacity. This can achieve a smooth transition in the supply of cooling capacity and avoid the energy waste caused by starting the refrigeration unit under no-load conditions.

[0016] In one optional embodiment, the refrigeration unit includes multiple refrigeration modules. Each refrigeration module includes a compressor, a second heat exchanger, a third heat exchanger, and a cooling circuit. The seawater side of the second heat exchanger is connected to the liquid outlet of the seawater pump unit. The refrigerant side of the second heat exchanger is connected to the refrigerant side of the third heat exchanger through the cooling circuit. The compressor is located on the cooling circuit. The air inlet of the cooling side of the third heat exchanger is connected to the air outlet of the air conditioning unit. The liquid outlet of the cooling side of the third heat exchanger is connected to the liquid inlet of the refrigerant pump unit.

[0017] Beneficial Effects: The refrigeration unit is equipped with multiple refrigeration modules, which improves operational reliability and cooling capacity. The liquid refrigerant in the cooling circuit exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the third heat exchanger to form a gaseous refrigerant. The compressor cools this gaseous refrigerant back into liquid, which then flows to the refrigerant side of the third heat exchanger after further heat exchange with seawater in the second heat exchanger. The gaseous refrigerant on the cooling side of the third heat exchanger is then condensed into a liquid condensate. This allows for independent operation of the second and third heat exchangers and the cooling circuit, preventing interference between the seawater and the refrigerant, as well as between the refrigerant in the cooling circuit and the refrigerant used in the main air conditioning unit, thus improving safety and stability. Furthermore, the condensation sides of the second heat exchangers in each refrigeration module are isolated, forming multiple cooling circuits with independent compressors. This achieves both refrigeration and the superposition of cooling capacities, significantly increasing the overall cooling capacity of the refrigeration unit.

[0018] In one optional implementation, the seawater sides of the second heat exchangers of each of the refrigeration modules are connected in series to form a series structure, wherein the seawater side of one of the second heat exchangers at the end is connected to the seawater pump group.

[0019] Beneficial effects: Connecting the seawater side of the second heat exchangers of each refrigeration module in sequence to form a series structure can improve the utilization efficiency of seawater, simplify the structure, and reduce the energy consumption of seawater transportation. At the same time, the refrigerant side of each second heat exchanger in the series structure is isolated from each other, and each second heat exchanger corresponds to an independently operating compressor. This not only realizes the effective superposition of the cooling capacity of each refrigeration module and increases the upper limit of cooling capacity, but also enables the independent start-up, shutdown and maintenance of the refrigeration modules.

[0020] In one optional implementation, the air inlet end of the cooling side of the third heat exchanger of each of the refrigeration modules is connected to a first pipeline via a first branch, and the first pipeline is connected to the air outlet end of the air conditioning unit.

[0021] Beneficial effect: By using the first branch and the first pipeline to connect the air inlet end of the cooling side of the third heat exchanger of each refrigeration module to the air outlet end of the air conditioner body, the uniform distribution of gaseous refrigerant to each third heat exchanger is ensured.

[0022] In one optional implementation, the liquid outlet end of the cooling side of the third heat exchanger of each of the refrigeration modules is connected to a second pipeline via a second branch pipeline, and the second pipeline is connected to the liquid inlet end of the refrigerant pump unit.

[0023] Beneficial effect: By using the second branch and the second pipeline to connect the liquid outlet end of the cooling side of the third heat exchanger of each refrigeration module to the liquid inlet end of the air conditioner body, the uniform distribution of the liquid refrigerant output by each third heat exchanger is ensured.

[0024] In one optional embodiment, the refrigerant pump unit includes a liquid storage tank and a refrigerant pump assembly. The inlet end of the liquid storage tank is connected to the refrigerant-side outlet end of the first heat exchanger. The inlet end of the liquid storage tank is also connected to the refrigerant-side outlet end of the refrigeration unit. The outlet end of the liquid storage tank is connected to the inlet end of the refrigerant pump assembly. The outlet end of the refrigerant pump assembly is connected to the inlet end of the air conditioning unit.

[0025] Beneficial effects: The liquid storage tank is used to store the liquid refrigerant prepared by the first heat exchanger and refrigeration unit. The refrigerant pump group pumps the liquid refrigerant stored in the storage tank to the liquid inlet of the air conditioning unit to achieve a continuous and stable supply of liquid refrigerant.

[0026] In one optional embodiment, the storage tank is equipped with a liquid level detection unit for detecting the liquid level of the liquid refrigerant. In the natural cooling state, if the liquid level detection unit detects that the liquid level of the liquid refrigerant is lower than a preset liquid level value, the marine data center air conditioning system switches to the mixed state.

[0027] Beneficial effects: Since the amount of liquid refrigerant prepared under natural cooling conditions is limited, if the air conditioning unit has a large demand for liquid refrigerant, the first heat exchanger alone cannot meet the requirements. At this time, it is necessary to start the refrigeration unit to enter the mixing state in order to meet the usage requirements of the air conditioning unit. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an air conditioning system for a marine data center according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a marine data center air conditioning system in a natural cooling state according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a marine data center air conditioning system in cooling mode according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a cooling unit in an air conditioning system for a marine data center according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Seawater pump unit; 2. First heat exchanger; 3. Refrigeration unit; 301. Compressor; 302. Second heat exchanger; 303. Third heat exchanger; 304. Cooling circuit; 3041. Inlet pipe; 3042. Outlet pipe; 4. Refrigerant pump unit; 401. Liquid receiver; 402. Refrigerant pump unit; 5. Air conditioner main unit; 6. First branch; 7. First pipe; 8. Second branch; 9. Second pipe; 10. Seawater branch. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0032] The following is combined with Figures 1 to 4 The following describes embodiments of the present invention.

[0033] According to embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, a marine data center air conditioning system is provided, which mainly includes: a seawater pump group 1, a first heat exchanger 2, a refrigeration unit 3, a refrigerant pump unit 4, and an air conditioning unit 5.

[0034] The first heat exchanger 2 has a seawater side and a refrigerant side. The seawater side uses seawater as the refrigerant for heat exchange with the refrigerant side. The refrigerant side has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet receives the returning gaseous refrigerant, which, after heat exchange with the seawater side, forms a liquid refrigerant and is output from the outlet. The inlet of the seawater side of the first heat exchanger 2 is connected to the outlet of the seawater pump unit 1 via a pipeline, and the outlet of the seawater side of the first heat exchanger 2 is connected to the inlet of the seawater pump unit 1 via a pipeline, forming a first loop. The seawater pump unit 1 is used to draw seawater and transport it to the seawater side of the first heat exchanger 2. After use, the seawater flows back from the outlet of the seawater side of the first heat exchanger 2 to the inlet of the seawater pump unit 1 and is finally discharged into the ocean. The seawater pump unit 1 can be installed in an underwater environment. The first heat exchanger 2 can be selected from any existing structure as needed, such as a shell-and-tube heat exchanger with a dynamic heat pipe.

[0035] The refrigeration unit 3 also has a seawater side and a refrigerant side. The seawater inlet of the refrigeration unit 3 is connected to the outlet of the seawater pump group 1 through a pipeline, and the seawater outlet of the refrigeration unit 3 is connected to the inlet of the seawater pump group 1 through a pipeline, forming a second loop. The seawater pump group 1 also delivers seawater to the seawater side of the refrigeration unit 3. After use, the seawater flows back from the seawater outlet of the refrigeration unit 3 to the inlet of the seawater pump group 1, and is finally discharged into the ocean.

[0036] The inlet of the refrigerant pump unit 4 is connected to the refrigerant side outlet of the heat exchanger and the refrigerant side outlet of the refrigeration unit 3, respectively.

[0037] The air outlet of the air conditioning unit 5 is connected to the refrigerant-side inlet of the first heat exchanger 2 and the refrigerant-side inlet of the refrigeration unit 3, respectively. The liquid outlet of the refrigerant pump unit 4 is connected to the liquid inlet of the air conditioning unit 5, and is used to transport liquid refrigerant to the air conditioning unit 5. The air conditioning unit 5 uses liquid refrigerant to dissipate heat from the servers in the marine data center. After exchanging heat with the servers, the liquid refrigerant vaporizes to form gaseous refrigerant, which then flows back to the refrigerant-side inlet of the first heat exchanger 2 and the refrigerant-side inlet of the refrigeration unit 3.

[0038] The air conditioning system of the marine data center has natural cooling mode, cooling mode and mixed mode.

[0039] In the natural cooling state, the first heat exchanger 2 remains in operation, condensing the gaseous refrigerant input from the air conditioning unit 5 into liquid refrigerant and delivering it to the refrigerant pump unit 4.

[0040] In cooling mode, the refrigeration unit 3 remains operational, condensing the gaseous refrigerant input from the air conditioning unit 5 into a liquid refrigerant and delivering it to the refrigerant pump unit 4.

[0041] In the mixed state, both the first heat exchanger 2 and the refrigeration unit 3 remain in operation, condensing the gaseous refrigerant input from the air conditioning unit 5 into liquid refrigerant and delivering it to the refrigerant pump unit 4.

[0042] Therefore, the marine data center air conditioning system provided in this embodiment of the invention has a natural cooling state, a refrigeration state, and a mixed state. In the natural cooling state, when the seawater temperature is low, the first heat exchanger 2 operates, using seawater as a cold source for direct heat exchange, condensing the gaseous refrigerant from the air conditioning unit 5 into a liquid refrigerant. At this time, only the seawater pump group 1 and the refrigerant pump unit 4 need to be operated, and the refrigeration unit 3 stops operating. In the mixed state, when the seawater temperature is high, both the natural cooling of the first heat exchanger 2 and the mechanical refrigeration of the refrigeration unit 3 are utilized. When the seawater temperature rises further, the refrigeration state is adopted, utilizing the mechanical refrigeration of the refrigeration unit 3. Compared to the traditional method of compressor operation year-round, this significantly reduces energy consumption and allows for selection of a suitable operating state based on marine environmental conditions, achieving energy-saving operation.

[0043] In one embodiment, the marine data center air conditioning system is further provided with a temperature detection unit (not shown in the figure), which is used to detect the temperature of the seawater pumped by the seawater pump group 1.

[0044] like Figure 2 As shown, in response to the seawater temperature being lower than the first preset value, the marine data center air conditioning system enters a natural cooling state.

[0045] like Figure 3 As shown, in response to the seawater temperature being greater than the second preset value, the marine data center air conditioning system enters the cooling state, where the first preset value is less than the second preset value.

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, in response to the seawater temperature falling between the first and second preset values, the marine data center air conditioning system enters a mixed state.

[0047] When the seawater temperature is below the first preset value, such as in winter, the seawater temperature is low, and the heat exchange efficiency for the cooling medium is high. Therefore, the marine data center air conditioning system enters a natural cooling state, using the first heat exchanger 2 to prepare liquid cooling medium, minimizing energy consumption. When the seawater temperature is between the first and second preset values, such as during transitional seasons, the liquefaction efficiency of the cooling medium decreases, and the amount of liquid cooling medium prepared by the first heat exchanger 2 is insufficient to meet the usage of the air conditioning unit 5. In this case, the refrigeration unit 3 needs to be started simultaneously to prepare liquid cooling medium, i.e., a mixing state is entered. The total energy consumption is still lower than the existing scheme. When the seawater temperature is above the second preset value, such as in summer, the seawater temperature is high, making it difficult to directly use seawater for heat exchange to prepare liquid cooling medium. In this case, the refrigeration unit 3 is started to prepare liquid cooling medium, i.e., a cooling state is entered to meet the usage requirements of the air conditioning unit 5.

[0048] Furthermore, the marine data center air conditioning system is also equipped with a controller, which is electrically connected to the seawater pump unit 1, the first heat exchanger 2, the refrigeration unit 3, the refrigerant pump unit 4, and the temperature detection unit. The controller controls the first heat exchanger 2 and the refrigeration unit 3 to turn on or off according to the seawater temperature detected by the temperature detection unit, thereby controlling the marine data center air conditioning system to switch between natural cooling state, refrigeration state and mixed state.

[0049] It should be noted that the controller and temperature detection unit can both adopt any existing structure, and the embodiments of the present invention do not impose too many restrictions on this.

[0050] The range of the first and second preset values ​​needs to be selected based on the condensation phase change characteristics of the refrigerant and the actual temperature of the seawater, so as to ensure that the first heat exchanger 2 can directly use seawater as the refrigerant and further reduce energy consumption.

[0051] Furthermore, in one embodiment, Freon is used as the cooling medium to prevent seawater or fresh water from entering the data center and power distribution room. Even if Freon leaks, it will directly vaporize and will not cause short circuit faults in the data center and power distribution room, thereby ensuring the safe operation of the marine data center.

[0052] The first preset value ranges from 10℃ to 20℃, and the second preset value ranges from 22℃ to 28℃. The liquefaction temperature of Freon is related to the condensation pressure; for example, the condensation pressure of Freon can be 4.3 bar to 6 bar.

[0053] For example, in this embodiment of the invention, the first preset value can be any value among 10℃, 12℃, 14℃, 16℃, 18℃, and 20℃, or a value between any two values. The second preset value can be any value among 22℃, 24℃, 26℃, and 28℃, or a value between any two values.

[0054] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the inlet of the seawater pump unit 1 is connected to multiple seawater branches 10, and the seawater depth at the inlet of the multiple seawater branches 10 increases sequentially. The temperature detection unit is also used to detect the seawater temperature of the multiple seawater branches 10 respectively.

[0055] In response to the seawater temperature of at least one of the seawater branches 10 being lower than a first preset value, the marine data center air conditioning system enters a natural cooling state and is supplied with seawater by the seawater branch 10 whose seawater temperature is lower than the first preset value.

[0056] In response to the fact that the seawater temperature in each seawater branch 10 is greater than the second preset value, the marine data center air conditioning system enters the cooling state. At this time, any seawater branch 10 can be selected to provide seawater as needed, for example, the uppermost seawater branch 10 can be used to provide seawater to reduce the difficulty of pumping water.

[0057] In response to the fact that the seawater temperature of each seawater branch 10 is greater than or equal to the first preset value and the seawater temperature of at least one branch is less than or equal to the second preset value, the marine data center air conditioning system enters a mixed state and is supplied with seawater by the seawater branch 10 whose seawater temperature is less than the second preset value.

[0058] The temperature of ocean water decreases with increasing depth in the vertical direction. When the water temperature in the upper seawater branch 10 is higher than a first preset value, other branches with lower seawater temperatures can be selected to supply seawater to the first heat exchanger 2 to maintain natural cooling. When the seawater temperature in all seawater branches 10 is greater than or equal to the first preset value and the seawater temperature in at least one branch is less than or equal to a second preset value, a mixing state is entered, with the branch with the lower seawater temperature providing seawater as a cold source. Only under extreme conditions, when the seawater temperature in all seawater branches 10 exceeds the second preset value, is the refrigeration unit 3 activated and enters a refrigeration state, thereby further reducing energy consumption.

[0059] For example, seawater can be divided into surface, thermocline, and deep layers based on depth. Three seawater branches 10 are provided: a first seawater branch, a second seawater branch, and a third seawater branch. The surface seawater has a depth of approximately 0 to 200 meters, and the first seawater branch is located in the surface layer. The thermocline has a depth of approximately 200 to 1000 meters, and the second seawater branch is located in the thermocline. The deep seawater has a depth of approximately 1000 meters or more, and the third seawater branch is located in the deep layer. If the seawater temperature in the first seawater branch is greater than a first preset value, and the seawater temperatures in the second and third seawater branches are less than the first preset value, the marine data center air conditioning system enters a natural cooling state, and the seawater pump unit 1 draws seawater from the second seawater branch as a cold source.

[0060] In one embodiment, in the mixed state, the first heat exchanger 2 starts working before the refrigeration unit 3. In the mixed state, the first heat exchanger 2, which has lower energy consumption, is started first to provide cooling using seawater, and then the refrigeration unit 3 is started to supplement the cooling. This can achieve a smooth transition in the supply of cooling capacity and avoid the energy waste caused by starting the refrigeration unit 3 under no-load conditions.

[0061] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the refrigeration unit 3 includes multiple refrigeration modules, each including a compressor 301, a second heat exchanger 302, a third heat exchanger 303, and a cooling circuit 304.

[0062] The second heat exchanger 302 also has a seawater side and a refrigerant side, and the third heat exchanger 303 has a refrigerant side and a cooling side. The refrigerant side of the third heat exchanger 303 refers to the side that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the cooling circuit 304, and the cooling side of the third heat exchanger 303 refers to the side that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the air conditioning unit 5.

[0063] The seawater side of the second heat exchanger 302 is connected to the liquid outlet of the seawater pump unit 1. The refrigerant side of the second heat exchanger 302 is connected to the refrigerant side of the third heat exchanger 303 through the cooling circuit 304. The compressor 301 is mounted on the cooling circuit 304. The air inlet of the cooling side of the third heat exchanger 303 is connected to the air outlet of the air conditioning unit 5. The liquid outlet of the cooling side of the third heat exchanger 303 is connected to the liquid inlet of the refrigerant pump unit 4.

[0064] The refrigeration unit 3 is equipped with multiple refrigeration modules, which can improve operational reliability and cooling capacity. The liquid refrigerant in the cooling circuit 304 exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the third heat exchanger 303 to form a gaseous refrigerant. The compressor 301 can cool the gaseous refrigerant in the cooling circuit 304 into a liquid refrigerant. After passing through the seawater in the second heat exchanger 302 for heat exchange and cooling, it flows to the refrigerant side of the third heat exchanger 303, condensing the gaseous refrigerant on the cooling side of the third heat exchanger 303 into a liquid condensing medium. This enables the independent operation of the second heat exchanger 302, the third heat exchanger 303, and the cooling circuit 304, avoiding interference between the seawater and the refrigerant, and also avoiding interference between the refrigerant in the cooling circuit 304 and the refrigerant used in the air conditioning unit 5, thus improving safety and stability. Moreover, the condenser sides of the second heat exchangers 302 of each refrigeration module are isolated from each other, forming multiple cooling circuits 304 with independent compressors 301, which not only achieves refrigeration but also achieves the superposition of refrigeration capacity, thus significantly improving the refrigeration capacity of the refrigeration unit 3.

[0065] It should be noted that the embodiments of the present invention do not limit the specific structure of the compressor 301, and any existing structure can be selected as needed, such as a magnetic levitation compressor, a scroll compressor, etc.

[0066] Compared to magnetic levitation compressors, scroll compressors are more suitable for long-term use in harsh marine environments and offer greater reliability. In one embodiment, compressor 301 employs a scroll compressor. While a single scroll compressor has a relatively small cooling capacity, typically around 100 kW, using multiple refrigeration modules, each with its own independent scroll compressor, can significantly increase the cooling capacity of the refrigeration unit 3.

[0067] like Figure 4As shown, the cooling circuit 304 has an independently circulating refrigerant. The cooling circuit 304 includes an input pipe 3041 and an output pipe 3042. The compressor 301 is located in the input pipe 3041. After the liquid refrigerant in the cooling circuit 304 exchanges heat on the refrigerant side of the third heat exchanger 303, it forms a gaseous refrigerant in the input pipe 3041. The compressor 301 recools the gaseous liquid refrigerant to form a liquid refrigerant, which is then input into the refrigerant side of the second heat exchanger 302. With the help of seawater in the second heat exchanger 302, the liquid refrigerant is then returned to the refrigerant side of the third heat exchanger 303 through the output pipe 3042 for heat exchange.

[0068] Furthermore, in one embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the seawater sides of the second heat exchangers 302 of each refrigeration module are connected in series to form a series structure. The seawater side of one of the end second heat exchangers 302 is connected to the liquid outlet of the seawater pump group 1. The seawater inlet of the second heat exchanger 302 is connected to the liquid outlet of the seawater pump group 1, and the seawater outlet of the second heat exchanger 302 is connected to the liquid inlet of the seawater pump group 1, forming a second loop.

[0069] By sequentially connecting the seawater side of the second heat exchangers 302 of each refrigeration module to form a series structure, the utilization efficiency of seawater can be improved, the structure can be simplified, and the energy consumption of seawater transportation can be reduced. At the same time, the refrigerant side of each second heat exchanger 302 in the series structure is isolated from each other, and each second heat exchanger 302 corresponds to an independently operating compressor 301. This not only realizes the effective superposition of the refrigeration capacity of each refrigeration module and increases the upper limit of refrigeration capacity, but also enables the independent start-up, shutdown and maintenance of the refrigeration modules.

[0070] The piping between adjacent second heat exchangers 302 can be connected by flanges so that the second heat exchangers 302 can be installed in sections and then the second heat exchangers 302 of each refrigeration module can be assembled into a whole.

[0071] Furthermore, in one embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the air inlet end of the third heat exchanger 303 of each refrigeration module is connected to the first pipe 7 via the first branch 6, and the first pipe 7 is connected to the air outlet end of the air conditioning unit 5. By connecting the air inlet end of the third heat exchanger 303 of each refrigeration module to the air outlet end of the air conditioning unit 5 via the first branch 6 and the first pipe 7, the uniform distribution of gaseous refrigerant by each third heat exchanger 303 is ensured.

[0072] Furthermore, in one embodiment, such as Figure 4As shown, the liquid outlet of the third heat exchanger 303 of each refrigeration module is connected to the second pipe 9 via the second branch pipe 8, and the second pipe 9 is connected to the liquid inlet of the refrigerant pump unit 4. By using the second branch pipe and the second pipe 9 to connect the liquid outlet of the third heat exchanger 303 of each refrigeration module to the liquid inlet of the air conditioning unit 5, the uniform distribution of the liquid refrigerant output by each third heat exchanger 303 is ensured.

[0073] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the refrigerant pump unit 4 includes a liquid storage tank 401 and a refrigerant pump assembly 402. The liquid inlet of the liquid storage tank 401 is connected to the refrigerant side liquid outlet of the first heat exchanger 2. The liquid inlet of the liquid storage tank 401 is also connected to the refrigerant side liquid outlet of the refrigeration unit 3. The liquid outlet of the liquid storage tank 401 is connected to the liquid inlet of the refrigerant pump assembly 402. The liquid outlet of the refrigerant pump assembly 402 is connected to the liquid inlet of the air conditioning unit 5.

[0074] The liquid storage tank 401 is used to store the liquid refrigerant prepared by the first heat exchanger 2 and the refrigeration unit 3. The refrigerant pump group 402 pumps the liquid refrigerant stored in the liquid storage tank 401 to the liquid inlet end of the air conditioning unit 5 to achieve a continuous and stable supply of liquid refrigerant.

[0075] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the storage tank 401 is equipped with a liquid level detection unit (not shown in the figure) for detecting the liquid level of the liquid cooling medium. In the natural cooling state, if the liquid level detection unit detects that the liquid level of the liquid cooling medium is lower than a preset liquid level value, the marine data center air conditioning system switches to a mixed state. This priority is higher than the seawater temperature detected by the temperature detection unit.

[0076] Since the amount of liquid refrigerant prepared under natural cooling conditions is limited, if the demand for liquid refrigerant in the air conditioning unit 5 is too large, the first heat exchanger 2 alone cannot meet the requirements. At this time, the refrigeration unit 3 needs to be started to enter the mixing state in order to meet the usage requirements of the air conditioning unit 5.

[0077] It should be noted that, in this embodiment of the invention, in order to control the first heat exchanger 2 and the refrigeration unit 3 to enter the working state or stop operation, a switching valve can be set on the corresponding pipeline. The switching valve can be connected to the controller so that the controller can control the opening or closing of the first heat exchanger 2 and the refrigeration unit 3. The switching valve can be selected from any existing structure as needed. In this respect, this embodiment of the invention does not impose too many restrictions.

[0078] The working principle of this invention is as follows: The following explanation is based on an example using Freon as the cooling medium, a condensation pressure of 4.8 bar, and a seawater temperature preset of 18°C ​​and 25°C.

[0079] When the temperature detection unit detects that the temperature of the seawater pumped by the seawater pump set 1 is less than 18°C, the controller controls the first heat exchanger 2 to enter the working state, and the refrigeration unit 3 stops operating. The seawater pump set 1 transports the pumped seawater to the seawater side of the first heat exchanger 2 through the first loop. The air conditioning unit 5 transports the returned gaseous Freon to the refrigerant side of the first heat exchanger 2, using seawater to condense the gaseous Freon into liquid Freon. The liquid Freon is transported from the liquid outlet of the refrigerant side of the first heat exchanger 2 to the liquid storage tank 401. The refrigerant pump set 402 pumps the liquid Freon stored in the liquid storage tank 401 to the liquid inlet of the air conditioning unit 5 to dissipate heat from the server. The used liquid Freon vaporizes into gaseous Freon and is transported back to the refrigerant side of the first heat exchanger 2, forming a cooling cycle.

[0080] When the temperature detection unit detects that the temperature of the seawater pumped by the seawater pump set 1 is greater than 25°C, such as in an extreme high-temperature environment in summer, the controller controls the first heat exchanger 2 to stop operating, and the refrigeration unit 3 enters the working state. The seawater pump set 1 transports the pumped seawater to the seawater side of the second heat exchanger 302 through the second circuit. The air conditioning unit 5 transports the returned gaseous Freon to the cooling side of the third heat exchanger 303. The liquid Freon in the cooling circuit 304 condenses the gaseous Freon on the cooling side of the third heat exchanger 303 into liquid Freon. The liquid Freon is transported from the liquid outlet of the cooling side of the third heat exchanger 303 to the liquid storage tank 401. After heat exchange, the liquid Freon in the cooling circuit 304 forms gaseous Freon, which is then compressed and refrigerated by the compressor 301 to form liquid Freon. After auxiliary refrigeration from the refrigerant side of the second heat exchanger 302, it re-enters the refrigerant side of the third heat exchanger 303 for heat exchange. The refrigerant pump unit 402 pumps the liquid Freon stored in the liquid storage tank 401 to the liquid inlet end of the air conditioning unit 5 to dissipate heat from the server. After use, the liquid Freon vaporizes into gaseous Freon and is transported back to the cooling side of the third heat exchanger 303 to form a cooling cycle.

[0081] When the temperature detection unit detects that the temperature of the seawater pumped by the seawater pump set 1 is between 18°C ​​and 25°C, such as during the transitional season, the controller controls both the first heat exchanger 2 and the refrigeration unit 3 to enter the working state. The seawater pump set 1 delivers the pumped seawater to the seawater side of the second heat exchanger 302 and the air conditioning unit 5 delivers the returned gaseous Freon to the refrigerant side of the first heat exchanger 2 and the cooling side of the third heat exchanger 303, repeating the two cooling cycles described above.

[0082] Although embodiments of the invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A marine data center air conditioning system, characterized in that, include: Seawater pump set (1), used to pump seawater; The first heat exchanger (2) is connected to the seawater pump group (1) on the seawater side. A refrigeration unit (3) is connected to the seawater pump group (1) on its seawater side. The refrigerant pump unit (4) has its inlet end connected to the refrigerant side outlet end of the first heat exchanger (2) and the refrigerant side outlet end of the refrigeration unit (3), respectively. The air conditioning unit (5) has its air outlet connected to the refrigerant side air inlet of the first heat exchanger (2) and the refrigerant side air inlet of the refrigeration unit (3), respectively. The liquid outlet of the refrigerant pump unit (4) is connected to the liquid inlet of the air conditioning unit (5) for transporting liquid refrigerant to the air conditioning unit (5). The marine data center air conditioning system has a natural cooling state, a refrigeration state, and a mixed state. In the natural cooling state, the first heat exchanger (2) remains in operation, condensing the gaseous refrigerant input from the air conditioning unit (5) into a liquid refrigerant and delivering it to the refrigerant pump unit (4). In the refrigeration state, the refrigeration unit (3) remains in operation, condensing the gaseous refrigerant input from the air conditioning unit (5) into a liquid refrigerant and delivering it to the refrigerant pump unit (4). In the mixed state, both the first heat exchanger (2) and the refrigeration unit (3) remain in operation, condensing the gaseous refrigerant input from the air conditioning unit (5) into a liquid refrigerant and delivering it to the refrigerant pump unit (4).

2. The marine data center air conditioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The marine data center air conditioning system is also equipped with a temperature detection unit, which is used to detect the temperature of the seawater pumped by the seawater pump group (1). In response to the seawater temperature being lower than a first preset value, the marine data center air conditioning system enters the natural cooling state; In response to the seawater temperature being greater than a second preset value, the marine data center air conditioning system enters the cooling state, wherein the first preset value is less than the second preset value; In response to the seawater temperature being between the first preset value and the second preset value, the marine data center air conditioning system enters the mixed state.

3. The marine data center air conditioning system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The refrigerant is Freon, the first preset value ranges from 10℃ to 20℃, and the second preset value ranges from 22℃ to 28℃.

4. The marine data center air conditioning system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The inlet of the seawater pump group (1) is connected to multiple seawater branches (10), and the seawater depth at the inlet of the multiple seawater branches (10) increases sequentially. The temperature detection unit is also used to detect the seawater temperature of the multiple seawater branches (10) respectively. In response to the seawater temperature of at least one of the seawater branches (10) being lower than the first preset value, the marine data center air conditioning system enters the natural cooling state and is supplied with seawater by the seawater branch (10) whose seawater temperature is lower than the first preset value. In response to the fact that the seawater temperature of each of the seawater branches (10) is greater than the second preset value, the marine data center air conditioning system enters the cooling state; In response to the fact that the seawater temperature of each of the seawater branches (10) is greater than or equal to the first preset value and the seawater temperature of at least one branch is less than or equal to the second preset value, the marine data center air conditioning system enters the mixed state and is supplied with seawater by the seawater branch (10) whose seawater temperature is less than the second preset value.

5. The marine data center air conditioning system according to claim 2, characterized in that, In the mixed state, the first heat exchanger (2) enters the working state before the refrigeration unit (3).

6. The marine data center air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The refrigeration unit (3) includes multiple refrigeration modules, each including a compressor (301), a second heat exchanger (302), a third heat exchanger (303), and a cooling circuit (304). The seawater side of the second heat exchanger (302) is connected to the liquid outlet of the seawater pump unit (1). The refrigerant side of the second heat exchanger (302) is connected to the refrigerant side of the third heat exchanger (303) through the cooling circuit (304). The compressor (301) is mounted on the cooling circuit (304). The air inlet of the cooling side of the third heat exchanger (303) is connected to the air outlet of the air conditioning unit (5). The liquid outlet of the cooling side of the third heat exchanger (303) is connected to the liquid inlet of the refrigerant pump unit (4).

7. The marine data center air conditioning system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The seawater sides of the second heat exchangers (302) of each of the refrigeration modules are connected in sequence to form a series structure, wherein the seawater side of one of the second heat exchangers (302) located at the end is connected to the seawater pump group (1).

8. The marine data center air conditioning system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The air inlet end of the third heat exchanger (303) of each of the refrigeration modules is connected to the first pipeline (7) through the first branch (6), and the first pipeline (7) is connected to the air outlet end of the air conditioning body (5). And / or, the liquid outlet end of the third heat exchanger (303) of each of the refrigeration modules is connected to the second pipeline (9) through the second branch pipeline (8), and the second pipeline (9) is connected to the liquid inlet end of the refrigerant pump unit (4).

9. The marine data center air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The refrigerant pump unit (4) includes a liquid storage tank (401) and a refrigerant pump assembly (402). The liquid inlet of the liquid storage tank (401) is connected to the refrigerant side liquid outlet of the first heat exchanger (2). The liquid inlet of the liquid storage tank (401) is also connected to the refrigerant side liquid outlet of the refrigeration unit (3). The liquid outlet of the liquid storage tank (401) is connected to the liquid inlet of the refrigerant pump assembly (402). The liquid outlet of the refrigerant pump assembly (402) is connected to the liquid inlet of the air conditioning unit (5).

10. The marine data center air conditioning system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The storage tank (401) is equipped with a liquid level detection unit for detecting the liquid level of the liquid refrigerant. In the natural cooling state, if the liquid level detection unit detects that the liquid level of the liquid refrigerant is lower than a preset liquid level value, the marine data center air conditioning system switches to the mixed state.

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