Cold storage tank and server heat dissipation system

Abstract

The utility model discloses a cold storage tank and a server heat dissipation system, which belong to the technical field of server heat dissipation, and comprise a cold storage tank shell, a cold storage tank outlet pipe, a cold storage tank cover body, a cold storage tank inlet pipe and a main shaft, the plurality of cold accumulation balls are connected and mounted through a supporting rod which is vertically connected to the main shaft; when the temperature of the refrigerating working medium in the cold storage tank is lower than the solidification temperature of the cold storage working medium in the cold storage ball, the cold storage working medium is converted into a solid state from a liquid state to store cold; when the temperature of the refrigerating working medium in the cold storage tank is high, the cold storage working medium is converted into the liquid state from the solid state, cold storage capacity is released and stored, the cold storage capacity is far higher than that of a traditional water cold storage mode, the equipment size can be greatly reduced, the occupied area is reduced, and energy consumption is basically avoided. The cold accumulation balls are connected with the main shaft through the supporting rods, so that the cold accumulation balls are effectively and fixedly distributed and are prevented from being extruded and broken, and uniform heat exchange is realized. The system can be ensured to keep an efficient, stable and continuous operation state when facing various challenges, and energy consumption is saved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model belongs to the technical field of server heat dissipation, in particular to a cold storage tank and a server heat dissipation system. Background Art

[0002] Data centers serve as information and communication hubs. The continuously running servers in data centers generate a significant amount of heat. If this heat is not promptly removed, the accumulated heat can cause server overheating, impacting stable equipment operation. As a crucial foundational platform for liquid-cooled data centers, precision refrigeration systems ensure the safe and stable operation of data centers.

[0003] However, in actual operation, the cooling system cannot guarantee full availability; occasional failures or power supply issues can cause the cooling system to shut down. Furthermore, the cooling system requires a certain amount of time to resume operation. During this time, the servers remain operational, requiring temperature control in the data center. Furthermore, to maintain continuous cooling, the cooling equipment must be continuously powered, significantly increasing power consumption beyond that of IT equipment and resulting in significant energy consumption.

[0004] Therefore, a more reliable data center cooling system is urgently needed. This system must be environmentally friendly and ensure that the data center's daily cooling needs are met. Furthermore, in the event of a cooling equipment failure or "absence," the system should ensure normal cooling and stable operation of the data center, thereby safeguarding the data center's overall efficiency and safety.

[0005] However, there are some legacy issues in the current application of server cold storage centers, which mainly involve energy efficiency, spatial layout and other aspects.

[0006] 1. Energy efficiency issues. Increased Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) values: Cold storage equipment requires a continuous supply of energy to maintain its cooling state, increasing power consumption beyond that of IT equipment, leading to a higher PUE value for the data center's overall energy efficiency. Traditional water-based cooling methods, while advantageous, also suffer from increased energy consumption during the cooling process.

[0007] 2. Spatial layout issues. Large space requirements: Conventional water-based chilled storage systems, due to their low specific cooling capacity, require a large amount of space to store cooling capacity. This can impact the overall layout of the data center, requiring careful consideration of operation, maintenance, commissioning, and repair requirements during planning. Utility Model Content

[0008] In order to solve the problems of increased PUE value and large space occupation in the current server cold storage center, the utility model provides a cold storage tank and a server heat dissipation system.

[0009] On the one hand, the present invention is achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0010] A cold storage tank, comprising:

[0011] The cold storage tank shell is a cylindrical shell structure with one end open, and a cold storage tank outlet pipe is provided on its bottom surface;

[0012] The cold storage tank cover is sealed and mounted on the open end of the cold storage tank shell, and is provided with a cold storage tank inlet pipe;

[0013] A main shaft is positioned and installed in the cold storage tank along the axis of the cold storage tank;

[0014] A plurality of cold storage balls are connected and installed via a support rod vertically connected to the main shaft; the cold storage balls are filled with a cold storage medium, which can undergo phase change as the temperature of the refrigerant in the cold storage tank changes.

[0015] A further improvement of the present invention is that the cold storage balls are arranged in multiple layers along the main axis direction, and a plurality of cold storage balls are connected and mounted on each of the support rods.

[0016] A further improvement of the present invention is that the volumes of the cold storage balls are arranged in a progressively increasing manner from the middle portion of the cold storage tank toward both ends.

[0017] A further improvement of the present invention is that the support rod and the main shaft are installed through threaded connection.

[0018] A further improvement of the present utility model is that it also includes a first main shaft positioning seat and a second main shaft positioning seat; the first main shaft positioning seat is connected to the inlet pipe end of the cold storage tank through a plurality of first connecting rods arranged at intervals, and the first main shaft positioning seat is provided with a first notch connected to one end of the main shaft; the second main shaft positioning seat is connected to the outlet pipe end of the cold storage tank through a plurality of second connecting rods arranged at intervals, and the second main shaft positioning seat is provided with a second notch connected to the other end of the main shaft.

[0019] A further improvement of the present invention is that the first notch is threadedly connected to the main shaft; and the second notch is slidably positioned and inserted into the main shaft.

[0020] A further improvement of the present invention is that one end of the main shaft close to the second main shaft positioning seat is chamfered.

[0021] A further improvement of the present invention is that the outer side of the first positioning seat of the main shaft is connected to a first positioning seat shell connected to the cold storage tank shell, and the first positioning seat shell is provided with a plurality of first through holes; the outer side of the second positioning seat of the main shaft is connected to a second positioning seat shell connected to the cold storage tank cover, and the second positioning seat shell is provided with a plurality of second through holes.

[0022] Another aspect of the present invention is achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0023] A server heat dissipation system comprises a circulating pump, a refrigeration unit and a cold storage tank; the cold storage tank outlet pipe is connected to the inlet end of the refrigeration component of the server unit, and the inlet end of the circulating pump is connected to the outlet end of the refrigeration component of the server unit; the outlet end of the circulating pump is connected to the inlet end of the refrigeration unit, and the outlet end of the refrigeration unit is respectively connected to the inlet pipe of the cold storage tank and the outlet pipe of the cold storage tank, and respectively installed with a first regulating valve and a second regulating valve; the inlet end of the refrigeration unit is provided with a third three-way valve connected to the inlet pipe of the cold storage tank; and the outlet end of the circulating pump is installed with a first temperature detector.

[0024] A further improvement of the present invention is that a heat exchange unit is connected to the inlet end of the circulation pump.

[0025] It can be seen from the above technical solutions that the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0026] When the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the cold storage tank is lower than the freezing point of the cold storage ball, the cold storage ball undergoes a phase change from liquid to solid, storing a large amount of cold. When the temperature of the refrigerant in the cold storage tank is higher, the cold storage ball undergoes a phase change from solid to liquid, releasing the stored cold. The cold storage capacity is far higher than traditional water-based cold storage methods, significantly reducing equipment size and floor space, and consuming virtually no energy. The cold storage balls are connected to the main shaft via support rods, effectively ensuring a dispersed and fixed distribution of the cold storage balls, preventing them from being squeezed and ruptured, and achieving uniform heat exchange. This ensures that the system maintains efficient, stable, and continuous operation in the face of various challenges, saving energy. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present invention, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for the description. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a cold storage tank according to a specific embodiment of the present utility model.

[0029] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the support rod arrangement of a specific implementation method of the present utility model.

[0030] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the partially enlarged structure of part A in the middle.

[0031] Figure 4 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the partially enlarged structure of part B in the middle.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a server cooling system according to a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] In the accompanying drawings: 1. First regulating valve, 2. Second regulating valve, 3. First three-way valve, 4. Cold storage tank, 41. Cold storage tank shell, 42. Cold storage tank inlet pipe, 43. Cold storage tank outlet pipe, 44. Main shaft, 441. Boss, 45. Support rod, 46. Cold storage ball, 47. First main shaft positioning seat, 471. First connecting rod, 472. First positioning seat shell, 473. First through hole, 48. Second main shaft positioning seat, 481. Second connecting rod, 482. Second positioning seat shell, 483. Second through hole, 49. Cold storage tank cover, 5. Second three-way valve, 6. Server unit, 7. Refrigeration unit, 8. Computer room, 9. Circulating pump, 10. Heat exchange unit, 11. Third three-way valve, 12. First temperature detector, 13. Second temperature detector, 14. Flow regulating valve, 15. Uninterruptible power supply. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] In order to make the purpose, features, and advantages of the present invention more obvious and easy to understand, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the specific embodiments. Obviously, the embodiments described below are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. Based on the embodiments in this patent, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of this patent.

[0035] like Figure 1-4 As shown, the utility model discloses a cold storage tank, wherein the cold storage tank 4 is a cylindrical shell structure as a whole, comprising:

[0036] The cold storage tank shell 41 is a cylindrical shell structure with an open top, and a cold storage tank outlet pipe 43 is provided in the middle of its bottom surface;

[0037] The cold storage tank cover 49 is detachably and sealably mounted on the upper open end of the cold storage tank shell 41, and a cold storage tank inlet pipe 42 is provided in the middle of the top surface thereof;

[0038] The main shaft 44 is positioned and installed in the cold storage tank 4 along the axis of the cold storage tank 4 (vertically);

[0039] A plurality of cold storage balls 46 are connected and installed via a support rod 45 vertically connected to the main shaft 44 ; the cold storage balls 46 are filled with a cold storage medium, which can undergo phase change following the temperature change of the refrigerant in the cold storage tank 4 .

[0040] During operation, when the temperature of the refrigerant (such as ethylene glycol or alcohol) flowing through cold storage tank 4 (outside cold storage balls 46) is lower than the freezing point of the refrigerant (a high-specific-heat medium, typically water) within cold storage balls 46, the refrigerant undergoes a phase change from liquid to solid, storing a large amount of cold. When the temperature of the refrigerant within cold storage tank 4 is higher (above the melting point of the refrigerant), the refrigerant undergoes a phase change from solid to liquid, releasing the stored cold. This significantly increases the cold storage capacity compared to traditional water-based cold storage methods, significantly reducing the size and footprint of the equipment, and consuming virtually no energy. Cold storage balls 46 are connected to main shaft 44 via support rods 45, effectively ensuring a dispersed and fixed distribution of the balls, preventing them from being squeezed and ruptured, and achieving uniform heat exchange.

[0041] The cold storage ball 46 is made of a material with good thermal conductivity such as copper, and can be installed on the support rod 45 by plugging or nesting.

[0042] The cold storage balls 46 are arranged in multiple layers along the main axis 44, with several cold storage balls 46 connected to each support rod 45. The cold storage balls 46 in each layer are arranged annularly (or / and radially) spaced, effectively achieving a dispersed arrangement of the cold storage balls 46 and improving heat exchange uniformity and efficiency.

[0043] Furthermore, the volume of the cold storage balls 46 increases gradually from the middle of the cold storage tank 4 toward the ends. That is, the cold storage balls 46 near the ends (cold storage tank inlet pipe 42 and cold storage tank outlet pipe 43) have a larger diameter, which can increase the inlet and outlet flow resistance and provide better heat exchange.

[0044] like Figure 1 、 3 As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the cold storage tank further includes a first spindle locating seat 47 and a second spindle locating seat 48 for positioning and mounting the two ends of the spindle 44. The first spindle locating seat 47 is connected to the end of the cold storage tank inlet pipe 42 via a plurality of annularly spaced first connecting rods 471. The first spindle locating seat 47 defines a first notch for connection to one end of the spindle 44. The second spindle locating seat 48 is connected to the end of the cold storage tank outlet pipe 43 via a plurality of annularly spaced second connecting rods 481. The second spindle locating seat 48 defines a second notch for connection to the other end of the spindle 44. This ensures reliable positioning and installation of the spindle 44, as well as convenient assembly and disassembly, facilitates maintenance and component replacement, offers flexible upgrades, and significantly reduces costs.

[0045] Further, such as Figure 3-4 As shown, the first notch is threadedly connected to the main shaft 44, and the second notch is slidably positioned and inserted into the main shaft 44, thereby achieving reliable positioning and installation and convenient disassembly of the main shaft 44.

[0046] Among them, such as Figure 4 As shown, a boss 441 is provided on the main shaft 44. When the main shaft 44 is screwed into the first notch, the boss 441 stops the main shaft 44, thereby achieving accuracy and reliability in the installation of the main shaft 44.

[0047] Further, such as Figure 3 As shown, one end of the spindle 44 close to the second spindle positioning seat 48 is chamfered, which serves as a guide when the spindle 44 is inserted into the second slot.

[0048] Further, such as Figure 3-4 As shown, the first spindle locating seat 47 is connected to the outside of a first locating seat housing 472 connected to the inner wall of the bottom surface of the cold storage tank shell 41. The first locating seat housing 472 is located outside the first connecting rod 471 and is provided with a plurality of first through holes 473. The second spindle locating seat 48 is connected to the outside of a second spindle locating seat housing 482 connected to the inner wall of the top surface of the cold storage tank cover 49. The second locating seat housing 482 is located outside the second connecting rod 481 and is provided with a plurality of second through holes 483. The first locating seat housing 472 and the second locating seat housing 482 ensure a reliable and secure connection and installation between the first spindle locating seat 47 and the second spindle locating seat 48, and the first through holes 473 and the second through holes 483 allow a certain degree of filtering of the refrigerant.

[0049] Furthermore, the bottom surface of the second positioning seat shell 482 is effectively realized by the uniform outward diffusion of the refrigerant, thereby improving the uniformity of heat exchange; the top surface of the first positioning seat shell 472 is an internally convex inclined surface, thereby realizing the uniformity of the outflow of the refrigerant.

[0050] The support rod 45 is connected to the main shaft 44 by a threaded connection. The support rod 45 and the main shaft 44 are easy to disassemble and assemble, which can realize convenient inspection, maintenance and replacement.

[0051] like Figure 5As shown, the present invention also discloses a server cooling system, comprising a circulating pump 9, a refrigeration unit 7, and the aforementioned cold storage tank. The cold storage tank outlet pipe 43 is connected to the inlet of the refrigeration component of the server unit 6, and the inlet of the circulating pump 9 is connected to the outlet of the refrigeration component (cold plate, etc.) of the server unit 6. The outlet of the circulating pump 9 is connected to the inlet of the refrigeration unit 7, and the outlet of the refrigeration unit 7 is connected to the cold storage tank inlet pipe 42 and the cold storage tank outlet pipe 43, respectively, and is respectively equipped with a first regulating valve 1 and a second regulating valve 2. The inlet of the refrigeration unit 7 is provided with a third three-way valve 11 connected to the cold storage tank inlet pipe 42, the cold storage tank inlet pipe 42 is connected to the first three-way valve 3, and the cold storage tank outlet pipe 43 is connected to the second three-way valve 5. A first temperature detector 12 is installed at the outlet of the circulating pump 9.

[0052] The refrigerant temperature is detected by a first temperature detector 12. When the temperature has not reached the cold storage value, the third three-way valve 11 is adjusted to open the passage to the refrigeration unit 7 and close the passage to the cold storage tank 4. Furthermore, the first and second regulating valves 1 and 2 can be adjusted to optimize operation based on peak and valley electricity prices. During peak electricity usage, the first regulating valve 1 is closed and the second regulating valve 2 is opened to directly cool the server unit 6. During low-peak electricity usage at night, the first and second regulating valves 1 and 2 can be opened simultaneously to achieve simultaneous cold storage and cooling. The refrigerant flows through the refrigeration unit 7 for deep cooling. A portion of the cooled refrigerant first enters the cold storage tank 4 for cold storage and then flows into the heat dissipation channels of the server unit 6, while the remaining portion directly enters the heat dissipation channels of the server unit 6. Once the first temperature detector 12 detects that the refrigerant temperature has reached the cold storage standard value, the refrigeration unit 7 automatically shuts down. At this time, the refrigerant can flow directly to the cold storage tank 4 and the server unit 6, achieving efficient energy utilization. In addition, when the refrigeration unit 7 stops working due to sudden situations such as power outages and failures, the system can quickly switch to standby mode, and the cold storage tank releases cold energy to provide stable cold source support for the server unit 6 until the refrigeration unit 7 resumes normal operation; this process ensures that the system can maintain efficient, stable and continuous operation when facing various challenges.

[0053] The circulating pump 9 is powered by an uninterruptible power supply 15 (UPS), thereby ensuring the reliability of cooling and heat dissipation of the server unit 6.

[0054] The server units 6 are installed in the computer room 8. The inlet of the refrigeration component of each server unit 6 is equipped with a flow control valve 14 to adjust the flow of the refrigerant. The outlet of the refrigeration component of each server unit 6 is equipped with a second temperature detector 13 to accurately detect the refrigeration and achieve precise control. The inlet of the circulating pump 9 is connected to the heat exchange unit 10 installed on the top of the computer room 8. The heat exchange unit 10 is equipped with a first temperature detector 12 to determine whether the ambient temperature meets the cold storage requirement. When the ambient temperature reaches the cold storage temperature requirement, the system can control the refrigeration unit 7 to shut down, and the refrigerant flows directly from the heat exchange unit 10 to the cold storage tank for cold storage. The cold storage method can be flexibly switched to obtain cold energy from the outdoor environment more efficiently. In addition, the heat exchange unit 10 is designed to be installed on the top of the computer room. The refrigerant can better utilize the natural convection of cold and heat to flow, thereby reducing pump work and further achieving energy-saving effects. At the same time, the newly added equipment will not take up too much space and will not have a negative impact on the floor space and overall layout of the data center.

[0055] In this cold storage tank and server cooling system, when the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the cold storage tank 4 is lower than the solidification temperature of the cold storage medium in the cold storage ball 46, the cold storage medium undergoes a phase change from liquid to solid, storing a large amount of cold energy; when the temperature of the refrigerant in the cold storage tank 4 is higher, the cold storage medium undergoes a phase change from solid to liquid, releasing the stored cold energy. The cold storage capacity is much higher than that of traditional water cold storage methods, which can greatly reduce the size of the equipment, reduce the floor space, and basically no energy consumption. The cold storage ball 46 is connected to the main shaft 44 through the support rod 45 and installed, which effectively ensures that the cold storage ball 46 is dispersed and fixed, avoids the cold storage ball 46 from being squeezed and broken, and realizes uniform heat exchange. It ensures that the system can maintain efficient, stable and continuous operation in the face of various challenges, saving energy consumption.

[0056] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments. The same and similar parts between the various embodiments can be referenced to each other.

[0057] The terms "upper," "lower," "outer," "inner," and the like, if used in the specification and claims of the present invention and the accompanying drawings, are used to distinguish relative positions and do not necessarily define them. It should be understood that the terms used in this manner are interchangeable where appropriate, such that the embodiments of the present invention described herein can be implemented in sequences other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "including," "having," and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions.

[0058] The above description of the disclosed embodiments will enable one skilled in the art to implement or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown herein but is intended to conform to the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A cold storage tank, characterized in that: include: The cold storage tank shell (41) is a cylindrical shell structure with one end open, and a cold storage tank outlet pipe (43) is provided on its bottom surface; A cold storage tank cover (49) is sealed and mounted on the open end of the cold storage tank shell (41), and is provided with a cold storage tank inlet pipe (42); A main shaft (44) is positioned and installed in the cold storage tank (4) along the axis of the cold storage tank (4); A plurality of cold storage balls (46) are connected and installed via a support rod (45) vertically connected to the main shaft (44); the cold storage balls (46) are filled with a cold storage medium, and the cold storage medium can undergo phase change following the temperature change of the refrigeration medium in the cold storage tank (4).

2. The cold storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cold storage balls (46) are arranged in multiple layers along the main axis (44), and a plurality of cold storage balls (46) are connected and mounted on each support rod (45).

3. The cold storage tank according to claim 2, characterized in that: The volumes of the cold storage balls (46) are arranged in a progressively increasing manner from the middle portion of the cold storage tank (4) toward both ends.

4. The cold storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support rod (45) is installed with the main shaft (44) through a threaded connection.

5. The cold storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that: The invention also includes a first main shaft positioning seat (47) and a second main shaft positioning seat (48); the first main shaft positioning seat (47) is connected to the end of the cold storage tank inlet pipe (42) through a plurality of first connecting rods (471) arranged at intervals, and the first main shaft positioning seat (47) is provided with a first notch connected to one end of the main shaft (44); the second main shaft positioning seat (48) is connected to the end of the cold storage tank outlet pipe (43) through a plurality of second connecting rods (481) arranged at intervals, and the second main shaft positioning seat (48) is provided with a second notch connected to the other end of the main shaft (44).

6. The cold storage tank according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first notch is threadedly connected and installed with the main shaft (44); the second notch is slidably positioned and inserted with the main shaft (44).

7. The cold storage tank according to claim 6, characterized in that: One end of the main shaft (44) close to the second main shaft positioning seat (48) is chamfered.

8. The cold storage tank according to claim 5, characterized in that: The outer side of the first main shaft positioning seat (47) is connected to a first positioning seat shell (472) connected to the cold storage tank shell (41), and the first positioning seat shell (472) is provided with a plurality of first through holes (473); the outer side of the second main shaft positioning seat (48) is connected to a second positioning seat shell (482) connected to the cold storage tank cover (49), and the second positioning seat shell (482) is provided with a plurality of second through holes (483).

9. A server cooling system, characterized in that: The invention comprises a circulating pump (9), a refrigeration unit (7) and a cold storage tank according to any one of claims 1 to 8; the cold storage tank outlet pipe (43) is connected to the inlet end of the refrigeration component of the server unit (6), and the inlet end of the circulating pump (9) is connected to the outlet end of the refrigeration component of the server unit (6); the outlet end of the circulating pump (9) is connected to the inlet end of the refrigeration unit (7), and the outlet end of the refrigeration unit (7) is respectively connected to the cold storage tank inlet pipe (42) and the cold storage tank outlet pipe (43), and is respectively installed with a first regulating valve (1) and a second regulating valve (2); the inlet end of the refrigeration unit (7) is provided with a third three-way valve (11) connected to the cold storage tank inlet pipe (42); and the outlet end of the circulating pump (9) is installed with a first temperature detector (12).

10. The server cooling system according to claim 9, wherein: A heat exchange unit (10) is connected and installed at the inlet end of the circulation pump (9).

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