Liquid cooling system

Abstract

The utility model discloses a liquid cooling system which comprises a direct liquid cooling loop, a system board and a cooling distribution unit. The direct liquid cooling loop comprises a flexible pipe section, a near-end connector, a far-end connector and a cold plate. The proximal connection end of the flexible tube section is coupled to the proximal joint engagement end of the proximal joint by a proximal lap joint. The distal connection end of the flexible tube section is coupled to the distal joint engagement end of the distal joint through a distal lap joint. The flexible tube section is in fluid communication with at least one of the inlet and the outlet of the cold plate. A first integrated circuit element of the system board passes through the cold plate entity and is thermally coupled to the direct liquid cooling loop. The cooling distribution unit is in fluid communication with the direct liquid cooling circuit to provide working fluid to the direct liquid cooling circuit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to thermal management of electronic systems, and more particularly to, but not limited to, liquid cooling systems. Background Technology

[0002] Liquid cooling systems are used for thermal management in electronic systems in industries such as computing, data centers, electric vehicle (EV) fast charging, telecommunications, lasers, and medical devices. In data centers, in addition to air cooling, servers also use two liquid cooling technologies: cold plate cooling (or direct-to-chip cooling, DTC or direct liquid cooling) and immersion cooling.

[0003] Cold plate cooling involves directly mounting a cold plate onto a heat source such as a CPU or GPU. The working fluid within the cold plate cavity absorbs and conducts heat away from the integrated circuit components. Immersion cooling immerses the integrated circuit components in a dielectric immersion fluid, allowing heat to dissipate into the immersion fluid through direct contact.

[0004] The basic components of a liquid cooling system are cooling lines (or pipes or tubing). However, leaks of the working fluid can cause server malfunctions, failures, and data center downtime. The increasing heat generated by increasingly faster integrated circuit components also increases the pressure and flow rate requirements of the working fluid, thus exacerbating the risks.

[0005] To meet increasing cooling demands, larger and more durable cooling lines, such as rigid copper tubing or reinforced rubber tubing, can be used. However, when servers are positioned close together in a server rack, larger cooling lines can obstruct airflow, reducing the rack's cooling efficiency. Furthermore, heavier and bulkier connectors and joints can further obstruct airflow and hinder server access and maintenance. Dedicated servers are expensive, and rigid cooling lines make upgrading components and rewiring extremely difficult. Utility Model Content

[0006] This invention provides a high-efficiency and scalable liquid cooling system comprising at least one direct liquid cooling loop, at least one system board, and a cooling distribution unit. The cooling distribution unit is in fluid communication with the at least one direct liquid cooling loop to provide working fluid to the at least one direct liquid cooling loop. The at least one direct liquid cooling loop includes at least one flexible tube segment, at least one near-end connector, and at least one far-end connector. The at least one flexible tube segment is made of stainless steel and is coupled to the at least one near-end connector via a near-end lap joint and to the at least one far-end connector via a far-end lap joint. The footprint of the cooling circuit is reduced by the robust and lightweight stainless steel and the lap joints and connectors of the at least one flexible tube segment. Various variations of rigid and flexible cooling circuits can be used, making component upgrades and rewiring of the cooling circuit simpler and more feasible.

[0007] In at least one embodiment, the liquid cooling system includes at least one direct liquid cooling loop, at least one system board, and a cooling distribution unit. The at least one direct liquid cooling loop includes at least one flexible tube segment, at least one proximal connector, and at least one distal connector. The proximal connector of the at least one flexible tube segment is coupled to the proximal connector mating end of the at least one proximal connector via a proximal lap joint. The distal connector of the at least one flexible tube segment is coupled to the distal connector mating end of the at least one distal connector via a distal lap joint. At least one first integrated circuit element of the at least one system board is physical and thermally coupled to the at least one direct liquid cooling loop. At least one second integrated circuit element of the at least one system board is not physical and is not thermally coupled to the at least one direct liquid cooling loop. The cooling distribution unit is in fluid communication with the at least one direct liquid cooling loop to provide working fluid to the at least one direct liquid cooling loop.

[0008] In at least one embodiment, the liquid cooling system further includes a supply manifold and a return manifold. A cooling distribution unit is fluidly coupled to the supply manifold and the return manifold, with the supply manifold further fluidly connected to the at least one direct liquid cooling circuit and the return manifold further fluidly connected to the at least one direct liquid cooling circuit.

[0009] In at least one embodiment, the at least one flexible tube segment is made of corrugated stainless steel. In at least one embodiment, the outer diameter of the at least one flexible tube segment is between 12 mm (inclusive) and 16 mm (inclusive). In at least one embodiment, the thickness of the at least one flexible tube segment is 0.5 mm.

[0010] In at least one embodiment, the at least one direct liquid cooling circuit further includes at least one cold plate, and the at least one first integrated circuit element is thermally coupled to the at least one cold plate. In at least one embodiment, the at least one cold plate includes a first cold plate and a second cold plate, and the at least one first integrated circuit element includes two first integrated circuit elements, one of which is thermally coupled to the second cold plate. In at least one embodiment, the at least one cold plate includes an inlet and an outlet, and the at least one flexible tube segment is in fluid communication with at least one of the inlet and the outlet. In at least one embodiment, the at least one flexible tube segment includes a first flexible tube segment and a second flexible tube segment. The first flexible tube segment is in fluid communication with the outlet, and the second flexible tube segment is in fluid communication with the inlet. In at least one embodiment, the at least one flexible pipe segment includes a first flexible pipe segment, a second flexible pipe segment, and a third flexible pipe segment, wherein the first flexible pipe segment is in fluid communication with the outlet of the first cold plate, the second flexible pipe segment is in fluid communication with the inlet of the second cold plate, and the third flexible pipe segment is in fluid communication with both the inlet of the first cold plate and the outlet of the second cold plate.

[0011] In at least one embodiment, the at least one proximal connector includes at least one of a straight rigid pipe section, a bent rigid pipe section, a barbed connector, a fluid connector, a sleeve, a push-in adapter, an angled adapter fitting, and a spacer. In at least one embodiment, the at least one distal connector includes at least one of a straight rigid pipe section, a bent rigid pipe section, a barbed connector, a fluid connector, a sleeve, a push-in adapter, an angled adapter fitting, and a spacer.

[0012] In at least one embodiment, the proximal lap joint is defined by at least one of a proximal lap socket at the proximal lap joint end and a proximal connecting socket at the proximal connecting end, wherein the proximal lap socket overlaps with the proximal connecting end, and the proximal connecting socket overlaps with the proximal lap joint end. In at least one embodiment, the proximal lap socket depth is between 3 mm (inclusive) and 5 mm (inclusive), and the proximal connecting socket depth is between 3 mm (inclusive) and 5 mm (inclusive). In at least one embodiment, the proximal lap socket thickness is 5 mm and the proximal connecting socket thickness is 5 mm.

[0013] In at least one embodiment, the distal lap joint is defined by at least one of a distal lap socket at the distal lap end and a distal connection socket at the distal connection end, wherein the distal lap socket overlaps with the distal connection end, and the distal connection socket overlaps with the distal lap end. In at least one embodiment, the distal lap socket depth is between 3 mm (inclusive) and 5 mm (inclusive), and the distal connection socket depth is between 3 mm (inclusive) and 5 mm (inclusive). In at least one embodiment, the distal lap socket thickness is 5 mm and the distal connection socket thickness is 5 mm.

[0014] In at least one embodiment, the liquid cooling system further includes a proximal filler metal and a distal filler metal. The proximal filler metal defines a proximal capillary space of a proximal lap joint located between a proximal connector end and a proximal connector mating end. The distal filler metal defines a distal capillary space of a distal lap joint located between a distal connector end and a distal connector mating end. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Unless otherwise stated, the drawings illustrate the appearance of the novel object described in this utility model. Referring to the drawings, where the same element symbols denote similar parts in multiple views, examples of multiple liquid cooling systems, cooling circuits, and flexible tubes incorporating the principles currently disclosed are illustrated by way of example rather than limitation.

[0016] Figure 1 A liquid cooling system according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a direct liquid cooling circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3A This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a flexible tube segment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3B According to an embodiment of the present utility model Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of the flexible pipe section along line AA.

[0020] Figure 3C According to an embodiment of the present utility model Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of the flexible pipe section along line BB.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a cold plate according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of a direct cooling circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 6This is a perspective view of another direct cooling circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of another direct cooling circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] In the attached figures, the following labels are used:

[0026] 10: Liquid cooling system

[0027] 100: Direct liquid cooling circuit

[0028] 200: Direct liquid cooling circuit

[0029] 210A: Flexible pipe section

[0030] 210B: Flexible pipe section

[0031] 210C: Flexible pipe section

[0032] 211A: Proximity connector

[0033] 211B: Near-end fitting, straight rigid pipe section

[0034] 213A: Proximal connector

[0035] 213B: Proximal connector

[0036] 217A: Remote connection terminal

[0037] 217B: Remote connection terminal

[0038] 219A: Remote connector

[0039] 219B: Remote connector, second barbed connector

[0040] 290D: Straight Rigid Pipe Section

[0041] 2111A: Proximal connector mating end

[0042] 2111B: Proximal connector mating end

[0043] 2199A: Remote connector mating end

[0044] 2199B: Remote connector mating end

[0045] 300: Direct liquid cooling circuit

[0046] 510A: Rubber hose

[0047] 510B: Rubber hose

[0048] 60: Rack

[0049] 600: System Board

[0050] 610: Cold Plate

[0051] 611: Entrance

[0052] 619: Export

[0053] 620: Cold Plate

[0054] 621: Entrance

[0055] 629: Exports

[0056] 650: First integrated circuit element

[0057] 670: Second integrated circuit element

[0058] 71: Supply Manifold

[0059] 79: Return manifold

[0060] 710: Water Flow Chamber

[0061] 720: Water Flow Chamber

[0062] 80: Cooling Distribution Unit

[0063] 90: Water source Detailed Implementation

[0064] The following description of various principles related to liquid cooling systems, with reference to specific examples of direct liquid cooling circuits, includes specific configurations and examples of cooling lines embodying novel concepts. More specifically, but not exclusively, these novel principles are described with respect to selected examples of flexible tubing segments and coupling methods of flexible tubing segments via joints and connector assemblies, and conventional functions or constructions are not described in detail for the sake of brevity and clarity. Nevertheless, one or more of the disclosed principles can be incorporated into various other embodiments of the coupling methods of flexible tubing segments and flexible tubing segments via joints and connector assemblies to achieve any of a variety of desired results, characteristics, and / or performance criteria.

[0065] Therefore, liquid cooling systems with properties different from those specific examples discussed in this utility model may embody one or more novel principles and can be used in applications not described in detail in this utility model. Thus, embodiments of liquid cooling systems not described in detail in this utility model also fall within the scope of this utility model, and will be understood by those skilled in the art upon reading this utility model.

[0066] The embodiments disclosed in this utility model address the heat dissipation of packaged and unpackaged integrated circuit components in servers within data centers. Packaged integrated circuit components may comprise one or more integrated circuits mounted on a package substrate. Unpackaged integrated circuit components may comprise an integrated circuit die directly bonded to a printed circuit board. Integrated circuit components may include system-on-a-chip (SOC), central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), accelerator, I / O controller, chipset processor, memory, and network interface controller. Liquid cooling plates allow working fluid to circulate within the metal plate. The working fluid is typically a mixture of water and ethylene glycol, but fluids such as oil or insulating oil may also be used. Liquid cooling plates may include friction stir welding (FSW) aluminum liquid cooling plates, vacuum brazed aluminum or stainless steel liquid cooling plates, embedded copper, aluminum, or stainless steel tube aluminum liquid cooling plates, copper brazed liquid cooling plates, and gun-drilled or deep-drilled liquid cooling plates. A liquid cooling circuit may include a liquid cooling plate, cooling lines (pipes and tubing), manifold, fan, pump, expansion tank, and cooling distribution unit.

[0067] Figures 1 to 3C At least one embodiment includes a liquid cooling system 10. The liquid cooling system 10 includes at least one direct liquid cooling loop 100, 200, at least one system board 600, and a cooling distribution unit 80. The at least one direct liquid cooling loop 100, 200 includes at least one flexible tube segment 210A, at least one proximal connector 211A, and at least one distal connector 219A. The proximal connection end 213A of the at least one flexible tube segment 210A is coupled to the proximal connector engagement end 2111A of the at least one proximal connector 211A via a proximal lap joint. The distal connection end 217A of the at least one flexible tube segment 210A is coupled to the distal connector engagement end 2199A of the at least one distal connector 219A via a distal lap joint. At least one first integrated circuit element 650 of the at least one system board 600 is physically and thermally coupled to the at least one direct liquid cooling loop 100, 200. At least one second integrated circuit element 670 of the at least one system board 600 is neither physically nor thermally coupled to the at least one direct liquid cooling circuit 100, 200. The cooling distribution unit 80 is in fluid communication with the at least one direct liquid cooling circuit 100, 200 to provide working fluid (not shown) to the at least one direct liquid cooling circuit 100, 200.

[0068] In at least one embodiment, the liquid cooling system 10 further includes a supply manifold 71 and a return manifold 79. A cooling distribution unit 80 is fluidly coupled to the supply manifold 71 and the return manifold 79. The supply manifold 71 and the return manifold 79 are fluidly connected to the at least one direct liquid cooling circuit 100, 200. In at least one embodiment, the cooling distribution unit 80 supplies working fluid to the supply manifold 71 via a pump (not shown). The working fluid flows through the at least one direct liquid cooling circuit 100, 200 and absorbs heat generated by the at least one first integrated circuit element 650. The heated working fluid flows out of the at least one direct liquid cooling circuit 100, 200 and into the return manifold 79. The cooling distribution unit 80 receives the heated working fluid from the return manifold 79 and cools the working fluid, and then returns the working fluid to the supply manifold 71. The working fluid can be single-phase or two-phase.

[0069] In at least one embodiment, the liquid cooling system 10 further includes a facility (or building) water source 90. The facility water source 90 is in fluid communication with the cooling distribution unit 80. In at least one embodiment, the number of the at least one system board 600 is greater than one, and it is mounted in the system board (or server) rack 60 by fasteners and brackets.

[0070] Figure 4 At least one embodiment includes a plurality of cold plates 610, 620 comprising the at least one direct liquid cooling circuit 100, 200. The at least one cold plate 610, 620 of the at least one direct liquid cooling circuit 100, 200 may be similar in some respects to… Figures 1 to 2The at least one cold plate 610, 620 of the at least one direct liquid cooling circuit 100, 200 is therefore best understood with reference to these figures, in which similar element symbols represent similar elements and will not be described in detail further. The at least one first integrated circuit element 650 is thermally coupled to the cold plate 610 of the at least one direct liquid cooling circuit 100, 200. In at least one embodiment, the at least one first integrated circuit element 650 is thermally coupled to the cold plate 610 via a thermal interface material (TIM) layer (not shown) disposed between the at least one first integrated circuit element 650 and the at least one cold plate 610, 620. In at least one embodiment, the at least one cold plate 610 may further include a thermally conductive base 690. The at least one first integrated circuit element 650 is thermally coupled to the thermally conductive base 690 of the at least one cold plate 610. The thermal interface material layer can be any suitable material, such as a silver thermal compound, thermal paste, phase change material, indium foil, or graphite sheet. Cold plates 610 and 620 can be any suitable type of cold plate, such as tubular cold plates or cold plates 610 and 620 containing internal fins or channels (e.g., microchannels), and can be made of any chemically compatible material with the working fluid, such as copper, aluminum, or stainless steel. In at least one embodiment, the at least one cold plate 610 includes an inlet 611 and an outlet 619. The at least one flexible conduit segment 210A is in fluid communication with the at least one inlet 611 and the outlet 619.

[0071] The at least one direct liquid cooling circuit 100, 200 may include a plurality of flexible tube segments 210A forming the at least one direct liquid cooling circuit 100, 200 from the supply manifold 71 to the return manifold 79. In at least one embodiment, the at least one flexible tube segment 210A includes a first flexible tube segment 210A and a second flexible tube segment 210B. The first flexible tube segment 210A is in fluid communication with an outlet 619 and the second flexible tube segment 210B is in fluid communication with an inlet 621.

[0072] The at least one direct liquid cooling circuit 100, 200 may include a plurality of cold plates 610 forming at least one direct liquid cooling circuit 100, 200 from the supply manifold 71 to the return manifold 79. In at least one embodiment, the at least one cold plate 610 includes a first cold plate 610 and a second cold plate 620, and the at least one first integrated circuit element 650 includes two first integrated circuit elements 650. One of the first integrated circuit elements 650 is thermally coupled to the second cold plate 620.

[0073] In at least one embodiment, the at least one flexible conduit segment 210A includes a first flexible conduit segment 210A, a second flexible conduit segment 210B, and a third flexible conduit segment 210C. The first flexible conduit segment 210A is in fluid communication with the outlet 619 of the first cold plate 610, and the second flexible conduit segment 210B is in fluid communication with the inlet 621 of the second cold plate 620. In at least one embodiment, the second cold plates 620 are arranged in series, and the third flexible conduit segment 210C is in fluid communication with the inlet 611 of the first cold plate 610 and the outlet 629 of the second cold plate 620. By wiring the working fluid to the system board 600 containing the two first integrated circuit elements 650, at least one direct liquid cooling circuit 100, 200 is formed from the supply manifold 71 to the return manifold 79. The working fluid may contain a subcooled single-phase liquid coolant at a predetermined pressure and temperature at the inlet 621 of the second cold plate 620. The predetermined temperature may be lower than the saturation temperature of the subcooled single-phase liquid coolant at a predetermined pressure. The working fluid flows through the second heat-conducting base 680 of the second cold plate 620 to absorb a first portion of the heat generated by one of the first integrated circuit elements 650. The working fluid that has absorbed the first portion of the heat flows out of the second cold plate 620 from the outlet 629 and is delivered to the inlet 611 of the first cold plate 610 through the third flexible pipe section 210C. Although the working fluid has absorbed the first portion of the heat, the temperature of the working fluid at the inlet 611 of the first cold plate 610 remains lower than the saturation temperature of the subcooled single-phase liquid coolant at a predetermined pressure. The working fluid flows through the heat-conducting base 690 of the first cold plate 610 to absorb a second portion of the heat generated by the other first integrated circuit element 650. The heated working fluid flows out of the first cold plate 610 from the outlet 619 and returns to the return manifold 79 along the return path. The cooling distribution unit 80 receives the heated working fluid from the return manifold 79, cools the working fluid, and then sends the working fluid back to the supply manifold 71. The working fluid can be a single-phase or two-phase working fluid.

[0074] In at least one embodiment, the at least one flexible tubing segment 210A, 210B, 210C is made of corrugated stainless steel. The at least one flexible tubing segment 210A, 210B, 210C may comprise corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST), the ends of which can be hard-welded to joints and connectors. As an example, the corrugated stainless steel tubing may comprise 304L and 316L stainless steel. The corrugated stainless steel tubing is a flexible, low-kink, lightweight, pressure-resistant, fatigue-resistant, temperature-resistant, and corrosion-resistant cylindrical stainless steel tube (or cooling line, hose, or conduit) with a corrugated surface structure. The corrugated stainless steel tubing may comprise helical annular corrugations, U-shaped annular corrugations, or Ω-shaped annular corrugations. Alternatively, it may be a braided or non-braided stainless steel mesh tubing; braided corrugated stainless steel mesh tubing may comprise flat wire braiding or strip braiding and non-braided stainless steel tubing. In at least one embodiment, the outer diameter of the at least one flexible tube segment 210A, 210B, 210C is between 12 mm (inclusive) and 16 mm (inclusive). In at least one embodiment, the thickness of the at least one flexible tube segment 210A, 210B, 210C is 0.5 mm.

[0075] In at least one embodiment, the at least one proximal connector 211A, 211B includes at least one of a straight rigid pipe section, a bent rigid pipe section, a barbed connector, a fluid connector, a sleeve, a push-in adapter, an angled adapter fitting, and a spacer connector. In at least one embodiment, the at least one distal connector 219A, 219B includes at least one of a straight rigid pipe section, a bent rigid pipe section, a barbed connector, a fluid connector, a sleeve, a push-in adapter, an angled adapter fitting, and a spacer connector.

[0076] In at least one embodiment, a direct liquid cooling circuit 100, 200 includes a flexible tube segment 210A. The at least one direct liquid cooling circuit 100, 200 may further include multiple flexible tube segments 210A, 210B, 210C. In at least one embodiment, the at least one direct liquid cooling circuit 100, 200 includes a flexible tube segment 210B and a straight rigid tube segment 211B. The at least one direct liquid cooling circuit 100, 200 may further include one or more of the at least one flexible tube segment 210A, 210B, straight rigid tube segment 211B, and bent rigid tube segment, or a combination of any of the above. For example, a bent rigid tube segment with a fluid connector at one end may be coupled to one end of a second cold plate 620 and to the other end of the at least one flexible tube segment. Another bent rigid pipe segment with another fluid connector at one end can be coupled to one end of the first cold plate 610 and to a usable end of the at least one flexible pipe segment. The bent rigid pipe segment and the other bent rigid pipe segment ensure that the working fluid flows in a bent manner as it flows out of and into the second cold plate 620 and the first cold plate 610. The at least one flexible pipe segment 210A, 210B, 210C allows for adjustment of the size or arrangement of the first cold plate 610 and the second cold plate 620. Various variations of the rigid and flexible cooling circuits can be used, making component upgrades and rewiring of cooling lines simpler and more feasible.

[0077] Figure 5 At least one embodiment of a direct cooling line including the at least one direct liquid cooling circuit 100, 200. The at least one direct liquid cooling circuit 100, 200 includes a straight rigid pipe section 211B with a fluid connector at one end, wherein the straight rigid pipe section 211B is coupled to an inlet 621 at one end of the second cold plate 620 and to the other end of a second flexible pipe section 210B. The usable end of the at least one flexible pipe section 210B is coupled to a second barbed connector 219B, and the second barbed connector 219B is coupled to a rubber hose 510B. A quick-connect coupling 500B is coupled to the rubber hose 510B to connect to the supply manifold 71.

[0078] Figure 6 At least one embodiment includes another direct liquid cooling circuit 300. This other direct liquid cooling circuit 300 may be similar in some respects to... Figures 1 to 2The at least one direct liquid cooling circuit 100, 200 described herein is therefore best understood with reference to these figures, in which similar element symbols denote similar elements and will not be described in detail further. The at least one direct liquid cooling circuit 300 may include at least one flexible tube segment 210A, a straight rigid tube segment 211B, at least one near-end connector 211A, 211B, at least one far-end connector 219A, 219B, and at least one water flow chamber 710. In at least one embodiment, the at least one flexible tube segment 210A includes a first flexible tube segment 210A and a second flexible tube segment 210B, and the at least one water flow chamber 710 includes a first water flow chamber 710 and a second water flow chamber 720. Working fluid is delivered through the second flexible tube segment 210B and flows into the second water flow chamber 720 from the inlet of the second water flow chamber 720. The working fluid flows through the second water flow chamber 720 and exits from the outlet of the second water flow chamber 720. The working fluid is also supplied to the inlet of the first water flow chamber 710 via a second straight rigid pipe section 290D. The working fluid flows through the first water flow chamber 710 and exits from the outlet of the first water flow chamber 710. The flow of the working fluid is continuous and cyclical. Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of another direct liquid cooling circuit. This other direct liquid cooling circuit may be similar in some respects to... Figure 6 The other direct liquid cooling circuit 300 described herein is therefore best understood with reference to these diagrams, where similar element symbols represent similar elements and will not be described in detail further. Two of the at least one water flow chamber 710, 720 can be connected via the at least one flexible pipe section 210A.

[0079] In at least one embodiment, the proximal lap joint is defined by at least one of the proximal lap sockets of the proximal lap joint ends 2111A and 2111B and the proximal connection socket of the proximal connection end, wherein the proximal lap socket overlaps with the proximal connection ends 213A and 213B, and the proximal connection socket overlaps with the proximal lap joint ends. In at least one embodiment, the proximal lap socket depth is between 3 mm (inclusive) and 5 mm (inclusive), and the proximal connection socket depth is between 3 mm (inclusive) and 5 mm (inclusive). In at least one embodiment, the proximal lap socket thickness is 5 mm and the proximal connection socket thickness is 5 mm.

[0080] In at least one embodiment, the distal lap joint is defined by at least one of the distal lap sockets of the distal lap joint ends 2199A and 2199B and the distal connection socket of the distal connection end, wherein the distal lap socket overlaps with the distal connection ends 217A and 217B, and the distal connection socket overlaps with the distal lap joint ends. In at least one embodiment, the distal lap socket depth is between 3 mm (inclusive) and 5 mm (inclusive), and the distal connection socket depth is between 3 mm (inclusive) and 5 mm (inclusive). In at least one embodiment, the thickness of the distal lap socket is 5 mm and the thickness of the distal connection socket is 5 mm.

[0081] In at least one embodiment, the liquid cooling system 10 further includes a proximal filler metal (not shown) and a distal filler metal (not shown). The proximal filler metal defines the proximal capillary space of a proximal lap joint located between proximal connection ends 213A, 213B and proximal connector mating ends 2111A, 2111B. The distal filler metal defines the distal capillary space of a distal lap joint located between distal connection ends 217A, 217B and distal connector mating ends 2199A, 2199B. The filler metal may comprise a metal alloy having a melting point lower than that of the at least one flexible tube segment 210A, 210B, 210C, the at least one proximal connector 211A, 211B, and / or the at least one distal connector 219A, 219B.

[0082] In at least one embodiment, the proximal lap joint is a butt joint with a sleeve and / or the distal lap joint is a butt joint with a sleeve. In at least one embodiment, the proximal and distal lap joints use brazed coupling. In at least one embodiment, the proximal and distal lap joints use welded coupling. Therefore, heavier and bulkier joints and connectors, such as flange ends, threaded ends, and clamp ends, are minimized, thereby opening up airflow that would otherwise be obstructed by larger joints and connectors and allowing easier access and maintenance of the at least one system plate 600. Because only small gaps are exposed to the atmosphere, the brazed proximal and distal lap joints resist corrosive media. Furthermore, the brazed stainless steel connection has strong tensile and shear strength due to the capillary action generated when the filler metal fills the gaps.

[0083] The liquid cooling system 10 in the embodiments of this invention provides a highly efficient and scalable liquid cooling system. The combination of flexible tube segments 210A, 210B, 210C, straight rigid tube segment 211B, and bent rigid tube segments allows for various cooling circuit designs, making component upgrades and rewiring of cooling circuits simpler and more feasible. As an example, if it is necessary to replace or upgrade the size or configuration of a dedicated cold plate, and / or if efficient rewiring or installation of dedicated cooling circuits is not possible, the cooling circuits can be coupled to a dedicated cold plate. The liquid cooling system 10 is suitable for retrofitting existing server designs or can be integrated into new server or processor designs. The stainless steel material of at least one flexible tube segment 210A, 210B, 210C makes it flexible, with minimal kinks, lightweight, pressure-resistant, fatigue-resistant, temperature-resistant, and corrosion-resistant. The brazed lap joints of the at least one flexible conduit segment 210A, 210B, 210C reduce the coverage area of ​​the cooling lines compared to flanged, threaded, and clamped ends, thereby opening up airflow that would otherwise be obstructed by larger joints and connectors and allowing for easier access and maintenance of the at least one system board 600. Furthermore, the absence of large joints and connectors in the at least one system board 600 results in a lower profile, allowing it to be mounted adjacent to adjacent system boards 600 within the same system board rack 60, thus enabling the installation and cooling of more system boards 600 per square foot of space in the data center. Additionally, the brazed stainless steel connections possess strong tensile and shear strength due to the capillary action generated when the filler metal fills the gaps. Moreover, the stainless steel flexible conduit segments 210A, 210B, 210C can be brazed not only to copper plates but also to aluminum plates.

[0084] Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein are well adapted to achieve the stated purposes and advantages, as well as those inherent therein. The specific embodiments disclosed above are merely illustrative, as those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains can modify and implement the embodiments disclosed herein in different but equivalent ways, benefiting from the teachings of this invention. Furthermore, no limitation is intended to be made on the details of the construction or design shown in this invention, except as described in the following claims. It is therefore apparent that the specific illustrative embodiments disclosed above can be altered, combined, or modified, and all such changes are considered to be within the scope and spirit of this invention. Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may be practiced without any elements not specifically disclosed herein and / or any optional elements disclosed herein. While compositions and methods are described using the terms “comprising,” “containing,” or “including” various elements or steps, compositions and methods may also “consist substantially of” or “comprise” various elements and steps. All numbers and ranges disclosed above may vary. Whenever a numerical range with a lower and upper limit is disclosed, any number falling within that range and any included range is specifically disclosed. In particular, each numerical range disclosed in this utility model (in the form of "from about a to about b" or equivalently "from about a to b" or equivalently "about a to b") should be understood to list each number and range contained within a broader numerical range. Furthermore, unless the patentee explicitly and clearly defines otherwise, the terms in the claims have their simple, ordinary meaning. Additionally, the indefinite article "a" or "an" used in the claims are defined in this utility model to indicate one or more elements introduced therein.

Claims

1. A liquid cooling system, characterized in that, Include: At least one direct liquid cooling circuit, each of the at least one direct liquid cooling circuit comprising: At least one flexible tube segment has a proximal connection end and a distal connection end; At least one proximal connector, having a proximal connector mating end, the proximal connection end being coupled to the proximal connector mating end via a proximal lap joint; and At least one distal connector has a distal connector engagement end, the distal connector being coupled to the distal connector engagement end via a distal lap joint. At least one system board, each of the at least one system board comprising: At least one first integrated circuit element, physically and thermally coupled to the at least one direct liquid cooling circuit; and At least one second integrated circuit element, not physically and not thermally coupled to the at least one direct liquid cooling circuit; and A cooling distribution unit is in fluid communication with the at least one direct liquid cooling circuit to provide a working fluid to the at least one direct liquid cooling circuit.

2. The liquid cooling system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The proximal lap joint is defined by at least one of a proximal lap socket at the proximal lap joint end and a proximal connection socket at the proximal connection end, wherein the proximal lap socket overlaps with the proximal connection end and the proximal connection socket overlaps with the proximal lap joint end.

3. The liquid cooling system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The depth of one of the proximal connector sockets is between 3 mm and 5 mm, and the depth of one of the proximal connection sockets is between 3 mm and 5 mm.

4. The liquid cooling system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The thickness of the near-end connector socket is 5 mm and the thickness of the near-end connection socket is 5 mm.

5. The liquid cooling system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The distal lap joint is defined by at least one of a distal lap socket at the distal lap joint end and a distal connection socket at the distal connection end, wherein the distal lap socket overlaps with the distal connection end and the distal connection socket overlaps with the distal lap joint end.

6. The liquid cooling system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes a proximal filler metal and a distal filler metal, the proximal filler metal defining a proximal capillary space of the proximal lap joint located between the proximal connection end and the proximal joint mating end, and the distal filler metal defining a distal capillary space of the distal lap joint located between the distal connection end and the distal joint mating end.

7. The liquid cooling system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes a supply manifold and a return manifold, the cooling distribution unit being fluidly coupled to the supply manifold and the return manifold, the supply manifold being fluidly connected to the at least one direct liquid cooling circuit and the return manifold being fluidly connected to the at least one direct liquid cooling circuit.

8. The liquid cooling system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the at least one direct liquid cooling circuits further includes at least one cold plate, and the at least one first integrated circuit element is thermally coupled to the at least one cold plate.

9. The liquid cooling system as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The at least one cold plate includes an inlet and an outlet, and the at least one flexible pipe segment is in fluid communication with at least one of the inlet and the outlet.

10. The liquid cooling system as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The at least one flexible tube segment includes a first flexible tube segment and a second flexible tube segment, the first flexible tube segment being in fluid communication with the outlet and the second flexible tube segment being in fluid communication with the inlet.

11. The liquid cooling system as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The at least one cold plate includes a first cold plate and a second cold plate, and the at least one first integrated circuit element includes two first integrated circuit elements, wherein one of the first integrated circuit elements is thermally coupled to the second cold plate.

12. The liquid cooling system as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The at least one flexible pipe segment includes a first flexible pipe segment, a second flexible pipe segment, and a third flexible pipe segment. The first flexible pipe segment is in fluid communication with the outlet of the first cold plate, the second flexible pipe segment is in fluid communication with the inlet of the second cold plate, and the third flexible pipe segment is in fluid communication with both the inlet of the first cold plate and the outlet of the second cold plate.

13. The liquid cooling system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one proximal connector includes at least one of a straight rigid pipe section, a bent rigid pipe section, a barbed connector, a fluid connector, a sleeve, a push-in adapter, an angled adapter connector, and a spacer connector.

14. The liquid cooling system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one distal connector includes at least one of a straight rigid pipe section, a bent rigid pipe section, a barbed connector, a fluid connector, a sleeve, a push-in adapter, an angled adapter connector, and a spacer connector.

15. The liquid cooling system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, At least one flexible section is made of corrugated stainless steel pipe.

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