Liquid leakage detection device and liquid cooling cabinet

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of liquid leakage detection device and liquid cooling cabinet, it belongs to distributed technical field, and liquid leakage detection device includes liquid cooling circuit and monitoring component, liquid cooling circuit is provided with liquid storage tank, liquid storage tank is used to accommodate coolant from liquid outlet, liquid storage tank is equipped with driving element, for the coolant in liquid storage tank is delivered to liquid inlet;Detection component includes central control unit and respectively with the first flow detection meter, second flow detection meter and control valve of central control unit signal connection, first flow detection meter is set between liquid storage tank and liquid inlet, second flow detection meter is set between liquid outlet and liquid storage tank, control valve is set between liquid storage tank and liquid inlet, for controlling the size of flow through itself. Liquid cooling cabinet includes cabinet main body, and cabinet main body is equipped with above-mentioned liquid leakage detection device. The liquid leakage detection device is matched through liquid cooling circuit, liquid storage tank and detection component, realizes the accurate, fast detection of liquid cooling cabinet leakage condition.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of distributed technology, and in particular to a leakage detection device and a liquid cooling cabinet. Background Technology

[0002] Liquid cooling technology utilizes liquid as a heat dissipation medium, using its circulating flow to remove heat generated by servers, thus achieving efficient heat dissipation. It is widely used in distributed data centers, cloud computing, edge computing, and other technological fields with extremely high requirements for server performance and heat dissipation. In a liquid cooling system, the heat dissipation medium (such as coolant) typically flows through the heat-generating components inside the server, such as the CPU and GPU, absorbing heat and then transferring it to the external environment through a heat exchanger, thereby cooling the server.

[0003] However, liquid cooling systems are prone to leakage. Generally, all IT equipment, cabinets, and liquid cooling pipes within a server are in a common fault domain. If any cabinet or pipe leaks, the entire system will become unusable. This can not only cause localized server cooling failures and disrupt the normal operation of IT equipment, but in severe cases, it can even lead to serious consequences such as data loss and business interruption, posing a significant security risk to the stable operation of the data center.

[0004] To address liquid leakage issues, existing technologies often employ leakage rope monitoring solutions. A leakage rope is typically a specially designed rope-like sensor. Its outer layer is made of a material with highly absorbent properties and conductivity that changes with humidity, while the interior contains two or more insulated wires. The leakage rope is placed in critical areas where leakage may occur, such as under liquid cooling pipes or at the bottom of server racks. When coolant leaks and comes into contact with the leakage rope, the rope absorbs the liquid, changing the humidity of the outer material and consequently altering its conductivity. This changes the electrical parameters, such as resistance or capacitance, between the internal wires. The connected detection circuit monitors and analyzes these changes in electrical parameters to determine if a leak has occurred and its approximate location.

[0005] However, existing leak detection rope systems suffer from poor accuracy in locating leaks. They can only roughly delineate the area where the leak occurs, but cannot pinpoint the exact location of the leak. Furthermore, leak detection ropes are quite insensitive to minute leaks. A certain amount of liquid needs to be absorbed before the leak detection circuitry can detect the change in its electrical parameters. In cases where extremely minor leaks are just beginning to appear at pipe joints, the amount of leakage is so small in a short time that it is insufficient to trigger a significant change in the leak detection rope's electrical parameters, leading to a delay in detection. This causes operators to miss the optimal opportunity to address the problem in its early stages, allowing the leak to worsen. In addition, leak detection ropes have poor environmental adaptability. When the ambient humidity is high, even without an actual leak, the leak detection rope may absorb moisture from the environment, causing changes in its electrical parameters and triggering false alarms. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a leakage detection device and a liquid cooling cabinet to solve the technical problems of low accuracy, slow response and poor adaptability of existing liquid cooling system leakage detection methods.

[0007] Based on the above concept, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:

[0008] On one hand, this utility model provides a leakage detection device for use in a liquid-cooled cabinet, the liquid-cooled cabinet having a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet, the leakage detection device comprising:

[0009] A liquid cooling circuit is provided between the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet. A liquid storage tank is provided on the liquid cooling circuit. The liquid storage tank is used to contain the coolant from the liquid outlet. The liquid storage tank is equipped with a driving component for transporting the coolant in the liquid storage tank to the liquid inlet.

[0010] The detection component includes a central control unit and a first flow meter, a second flow meter, and a control valve, which are respectively signal-connected to the central control unit. The first flow meter is disposed between the liquid storage tank and the liquid inlet, the second flow meter is disposed between the liquid outlet and the liquid storage tank, and the control valve is disposed between the liquid storage tank and the liquid inlet to control the flow rate passing through it.

[0011] Preferably, the liquid cooling circuit is provided with an exhaust valve, which is used to discharge air from the liquid cooling circuit.

[0012] Preferably, two vent valves are provided, one of which is located between the liquid storage tank and the liquid inlet, and the other of which is located between the liquid outlet and the liquid storage tank.

[0013] Preferably, a pressure sensor is provided on the liquid cooling circuit, and the pressure sensor is signal-connected to the exhaust valve. The pressure sensor is used to detect the pressure in the liquid cooling circuit and control the operation of the exhaust valve based on the pressure.

[0014] Preferably, a temperature sensor is provided on the liquid cooling circuit, and the temperature sensor is signal-connected to the central control unit. The temperature sensor is used to monitor the temperature of the coolant flowing through it.

[0015] Preferably, the liquid cooling circuit is provided with an intercooler, which is used to reduce the temperature of the coolant flowing through it.

[0016] Preferably, the intercooler is disposed between the liquid storage tank and the liquid inlet.

[0017] Preferably, the storage tank is also equipped with a liquid level sensor, which is signal-connected to the central control unit and is used to detect the liquid level of the coolant in the storage tank.

[0018] Preferably, the detection component also includes an alarm, which is signal-connected to the central control unit and can generate an alarm response based on the control commands of the central control unit.

[0019] On the other hand, this utility model also provides a liquid-cooled cabinet, including a cabinet body, wherein the cabinet body is equipped with the above-mentioned leakage detection device.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0021] This invention proposes a leakage detection device that establishes a closed-loop liquid cooling circuit between the inlet and outlet of a liquid-cooled cabinet. A storage tank within this circuit serves as a transfer and storage unit for the coolant, and a drive mechanism propels the coolant to circulate within the circuit. The detection component uses a first flow meter and a second flow meter to collect real-time data on the output flow from the storage tank to the inlet and the input flow from the outlet to the storage tank. A central control unit dynamically calculates the instantaneous difference between the input and output flow rates. This instantaneous difference directly reflects the liquid loss in the liquid cooling circulation system. When the instantaneous difference consistently exceeds a preset threshold, it indicates a leakage in the liquid cooling circuit. Based on this instantaneous difference, the central control unit controls the operation of the control valve, adjusting it to reduce or even shut down the coolant delivery process, thereby quickly isolating the fault and effectively controlling the impact radius of any liquid cooling system malfunction. Compared to passive detection methods relying on liquid contact sensors, this device actively monitors the flow balance, identifying leaks in real-time without waiting for liquid accumulation. Furthermore, the flow data is unaffected by ambient humidity, effectively avoiding false alarms. The linkage mechanism between the control valve and the central control unit further optimizes the system response speed, quickly adjusting the coolant delivery process when an abnormal flow difference is detected, thereby delaying the spread of leakage in a timely manner. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the leakage detection device provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0023] In the picture:

[0024] 101. Liquid inlet; 102. Liquid outlet; 200. Liquid cooling circuit;

[0025] 1. Storage tank; 11. Return port; 12. Supply port; 13. Level sensor; 14. Drive unit;

[0026] 2. Detection components; 21. Central control unit; 22. First flow meter; 23. Second flow meter; 24. Control valve; 25. Exhaust valve; 26. Pressure sensor; 27. Temperature sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0028] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0029] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0030] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0031] Example 1

[0032] This utility model provides a leakage detection device for use in liquid-cooled cabinets. The liquid-cooled cabinets have a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet. This leakage detection device can monitor the leakage of coolant from the liquid-cooled cabinets.

[0033] See Figure 1 The leakage detection device provided in this embodiment includes a liquid-cooled circuit 200 and a detection component 2 disposed between an inlet 101 and an outlet 102. The liquid-cooled circuit 200 is equipped with a storage tank 1, which holds the coolant from the outlet 102. The storage tank 1 is equipped with a drive component 14 for transporting the coolant from the storage tank 1 to the inlet 101. The detection component 2 includes a central control unit 21 and a first flow meter 22, a second flow meter 23, and a control valve 24, all signal-connected to the central control unit 21. The first flow meter 22 is disposed between the storage tank 1 and the inlet 101, the second flow meter 23 is disposed between the outlet 102 and the storage tank 1, and the control valve 24 is disposed between the storage tank 1 and the inlet 101 to control the flow rate passing through it.

[0034] The leakage detection device proposed in this utility model establishes a closed-loop liquid cooling circuit 200 between the liquid inlet 101 and the liquid outlet 102 of the liquid cooling cabinet. A storage tank 1 is configured within the liquid cooling circuit 200 as a transfer and storage unit for the coolant, and a drive unit 14 propels the coolant to circulate within the circuit. The detection component 2 uses a first flow meter 22 and a second flow meter 23 to collect the output flow rate from the storage tank 1 to the inlet 101 and the input flow rate from the outlet 102 to the storage tank 1 in real time, respectively. A central control unit 21 dynamically calculates the instantaneous difference between the input and output flow rates. This instantaneous difference directly reflects the liquid loss in the liquid cooling circulation system. When the instantaneous difference continuously exceeds a preset threshold, it indicates that a leakage has occurred in the liquid cooling circuit 200. Based on this instantaneous difference, the central control unit 21 controls the operation of the control valve 24, reducing or even shutting down the coolant delivery process by adjusting the control valve 24, thereby quickly isolating the fault and effectively controlling the impact radius of the liquid cooling facility failure. Compared to passive detection methods that rely on liquid contact sensors, this device actively monitors the flow balance, enabling real-time leak detection without waiting for liquid accumulation. Furthermore, the flow data is unaffected by ambient humidity, effectively preventing false alarms. The linkage mechanism between control valve 24 and central control unit 21 further optimizes the system response speed, rapidly adjusting the coolant delivery process upon detecting abnormal flow differences, thereby promptly delaying leak propagation.

[0035] It is understood that in this embodiment, the central control unit 21 is a general-purpose controller for flow data processing and valve control. It collects, compares, and calculates the difference in flow data fed back by the first flow meter 22 and the second flow meter 23 through a built-in standard algorithm module, and outputs an adjustment signal to the control valve 24 based on preset logic. Those skilled in the art can select an appropriate controller type according to actual needs. Its internal circuit structure, data processing flow, and control program are all related technical means in the field and are not the focus of innovation in this application; therefore, they will not be described in detail here.

[0036] The specific structure of this leakage detection device will be described below.

[0037] The storage tank 1 is used to contain coolant. The storage tank 1 includes a return port 11 connected to the outlet port 102 and a supply port 12 connected to the inlet port 101. The storage tank 1 is equipped with a drive unit 14 for delivering coolant to the inlet port 101.

[0038] The drive component 14 can be a centrifugal pump, a plunger pump, or a gear pump, all of which are technologies related to this field. Its working principle and specific structure will not be elaborated here.

[0039] Optionally, the liquid storage tank 1 is also equipped with a liquid level sensor 13, which is connected to the central control unit 21. The liquid level sensor 13 is used to detect the liquid level of the coolant in the liquid storage tank 1. By monitoring the coolant level in the liquid storage tank 1 in real time, further reference is provided for determining whether the liquid cooling circuit 200 is operating normally. Once an abnormal drop in the liquid level in the liquid storage tank 1 is detected, it indicates that there may be a leak in the liquid cooling circuit 200. After receiving the feedback signal from the liquid level sensor 13, the central control unit 21 can respond quickly. Combined with the detection data from other components such as the first flow meter 22 and the second flow meter 23, it can more accurately determine whether a leak has occurred and the approximate location of the leak, thereby improving the timeliness and accuracy of leak detection. In addition, the liquid level sensor 13 helps to maintain the stable operation of the liquid cooling system. If the liquid level in the liquid storage tank 1 is too low, it may cause the drive component 14 to run idle, affecting the coolant circulation, reducing the heat dissipation effect, or even damaging the drive component 14; if the liquid level in the liquid storage tank 1 is too high, it may cause problems such as abnormal internal pressure in the liquid storage tank 1. The liquid level sensor 13 transmits the liquid level information in the liquid storage tank 1 to the central control unit 21 in a timely manner. The central control unit 21 can adjust the working status of the drive component 14 or issue an alarm accordingly to ensure that the coolant level is always within a reasonable range and to ensure the stable operation of the liquid cooling system.

[0040] During the operation of the liquid cooling system, if air is present in the liquid cooling circuit 200, it will create air resistance, hindering the smooth flow of coolant and affecting heat dissipation efficiency. Therefore, an air vent valve 25 is installed on the liquid cooling circuit 200 to expel air from the liquid cooling circuit 200, ensuring that the coolant circulates evenly and efficiently in the liquid cooling circuit 200.

[0041] Optionally, two vent valves 25 are provided. One vent valve 25 is located between the liquid storage tank 1 and the liquid inlet 101, thereby venting air from the section of the liquid cooling circuit 200 flowing from the liquid storage tank 1 to the liquid inlet 101, preventing air from entering the liquid inlet 101 and flowing into servers or other equipment with the coolant, interfering with the heat dissipation process. The other vent valve 25 is located between the liquid outlet 102 and the liquid storage tank 1, so as to vent air from the section of the liquid cooling circuit 200 before flowing out of the liquid outlet 102 and into the liquid storage tank 1, preventing air from accumulating in the liquid storage tank 1 and affecting the storage and transportation of coolant. This arrangement of vent valves 25 ensures smooth flow of coolant at both the inlet and outlet stages of the liquid cooling circuit 200, minimizing the impact of air resistance on coolant circulation.

[0042] Furthermore, a pressure sensor 26 is installed on the liquid cooling circuit 200. The pressure sensor 26 is connected to the exhaust valve 25 and is used to detect the pressure within the liquid cooling circuit 200, controlling the operation of the exhaust valve 25 based on the pressure condition. When air accumulates in the liquid cooling circuit 200, it causes abnormal pressure changes. The pressure sensor 26 can acquire the pressure change signal within the liquid cooling circuit 200, convert it into a feedback signal, and transmit it to the exhaust valve 25. After receiving the feedback signal, the exhaust valve 25 responds according to a preset pressure threshold. If the pressure exceeds the normal range, the exhaust valve 25 opens to expel the air from the liquid cooling circuit 200 and reduce the pressure; when the pressure returns to the normal range, the exhaust valve 25 closes, maintaining the normal operating state of the liquid cooling circuit 200, thereby effectively avoiding air resistance problems caused by air accumulation and ensuring smooth circulation of the coolant.

[0043] A temperature sensor 27 is installed on the liquid cooling circuit 200. The temperature sensor 27 is connected to the central control unit 21 and is used to monitor the temperature of the coolant flowing through it. By monitoring the coolant temperature, it is possible to know whether the liquid cooling system is effectively removing heat. If the temperature rises abnormally, it may indicate that the server load is too high, the coolant flow is insufficient, or the heat dissipation components are malfunctioning. This helps operators to detect problems in advance and take measures to ensure the normal operation of the equipment. At the same time, if a leak occurs in the liquid cooling circuit 200, it may cause changes in the coolant circulation volume, which in turn causes temperature changes. By combining the data from the first flow meter 22 and the second flow meter 23 with the abnormal changes in coolant temperature monitored by the temperature sensor 27, the central control unit 21 can provide more comprehensive judgment criteria for leak detection, improving the accuracy and timeliness of leak detection.

[0044] To maintain the cooling effect of the liquid cooling circuit 200, an intercooler is installed on it. The intercooler is used to lower the temperature of the coolant flowing through it, ensuring that the coolant always has sufficient heat absorption capacity. When the server is running under continuous high load and generating a large amount of heat, the coolant cooled by the intercooler can absorb heat more efficiently, preventing a decrease in heat dissipation efficiency due to excessively high coolant temperature. This ensures that servers and other equipment operate stably within a suitable temperature range, improving equipment performance and lifespan.

[0045] Optionally, an intercooler is positioned between the liquid storage tank 1 and the liquid inlet 101. In the liquid cooling circuit 200, after the coolant flows out from the outlet 102, it first enters the liquid storage tank 1. Before flowing from the liquid storage tank 1 to the liquid inlet 101 to perform a new round of heat dissipation for the server and other equipment, the intercooler ensures that the temperature of the coolant entering the liquid inlet 101 is within a low and suitable range. This ensures that the coolant entering the server operates in an optimal heat dissipation state, maximizing the absorption of heat generated by the server, effectively improving heat dissipation efficiency, and ensuring stable server operation.

[0046] The detection component 2 also includes an alarm, which is signal-connected to the central control unit 21. The alarm can generate an alarm response based on the control commands from the central control unit 21. During the operation of the leak detection device, the central control unit 21 collects the output flow rate from the storage tank 1 to the inlet 101 and the input flow rate from the outlet 102 to the storage tank 1 in real time through the first flow meter 22 and the second flow meter 23, and dynamically calculates the instantaneous difference between the input and output flow rates. When the instantaneous difference continuously exceeds the preset threshold, or when combined with other detection data (such as abnormal data from the level sensor 13, temperature sensor 27, etc.) to determine that there may be a leak in the liquid cooling circuit 200, the central control unit 21 will immediately issue a control command to the alarm. After receiving the command, the alarm will quickly activate the corresponding alarm mechanism, such as an audible alarm or a flashing light alarm, to attract the attention of the operator. The alarm completes the functional system of the entire leak detection device. From data monitoring, analysis and judgment to alarm prompts, a complete fault early warning chain is formed, improving the reliability and practicality of the leak detection device.

[0047] Among them, the alarm can be an audible and visual alarm, a strobe alarm, or a voice alarm, all of which are related technologies in this field. Their working principles and specific structures will not be elaborated here.

[0048] Example 2

[0049] This embodiment also provides a liquid-cooled cabinet, including a cabinet body. The cabinet body is equipped with the leakage detection device provided in Embodiment 1. Through the coordinated operation of various components such as the detection component 2, pressure sensor 26, and liquid level sensor 13, it can quickly and accurately determine whether there is a leakage in the liquid cooling circuit 200, thus providing high safety. At the same time, the intercooler effectively reduces the temperature of the coolant in the liquid cooling circuit 200, and the exhaust valve 25 ensures the stability of the pressure in the liquid cooling circuit 200, thereby ensuring the stability and reliability of the equipment operation within the liquid-cooled cabinet.

[0050] The above embodiments merely illustrate the basic principles and characteristics of this utility model. This utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claimed utility model. The scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A leakage detection device, applied to a liquid-cooled cabinet, the liquid-cooled cabinet having a liquid inlet (101) and a liquid outlet (102), characterized in that, The leakage detection device includes: A liquid cooling circuit (200) is provided between the liquid inlet (101) and the liquid outlet (102). A liquid storage tank (1) is provided on the liquid cooling circuit (200). The liquid storage tank (1) is used to contain the coolant from the liquid outlet (102). The liquid storage tank (1) is equipped with a drive unit (14) for transporting the coolant in the liquid storage tank (1) to the liquid inlet (101). The detection component (2) includes a central control unit (21) and a first flow meter (22), a second flow meter (23), and a control valve (24) respectively connected to the central control unit (21). The first flow meter (22) is located between the liquid storage tank (1) and the liquid inlet (101). The second flow meter (23) is located between the liquid outlet (102) and the liquid storage tank (1). The control valve (24) is located between the liquid storage tank (1) and the liquid inlet (101) and is used to control the flow rate passing through it.

2. The leakage detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, An exhaust valve (25) is provided on the liquid cooling circuit (200), and the exhaust valve (25) is used to discharge the air in the liquid cooling circuit (200).

3. The leakage detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, There are two exhaust valves (25), one of which is located between the liquid storage tank (1) and the liquid inlet (101), and the other is located between the liquid outlet (102) and the liquid storage tank (1).

4. The leakage detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, A pressure sensor (26) is provided on the liquid cooling circuit (200). The pressure sensor (26) is connected to the exhaust valve (25) and is used to detect the pressure in the liquid cooling circuit (200) and control the operation of the exhaust valve (25) based on the pressure.

5. The leakage detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A temperature sensor (27) is provided on the liquid cooling circuit (200). The temperature sensor (27) is connected to the central control unit (21) and is used to monitor the temperature of the coolant flowing through it.

6. The leakage detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, An intercooler is provided on the liquid cooling circuit (200), which is used to reduce the temperature of the coolant flowing through it.

7. The leakage detection device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The intercooler is located between the liquid storage tank (1) and the liquid inlet (101).

8. The leakage detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage tank (1) is also equipped with a liquid level sensor (13), which is connected to the central control unit (21) for signal detection of the liquid level of the coolant in the storage tank (1).

9. The leakage detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection component (2) also includes an alarm, which is signal-connected to the central control unit (21) and can generate an alarm response based on the control commands of the central control unit (21).

10. A liquid-cooled cabinet, characterized in that, It includes a cabinet body, wherein the cabinet body is equipped with a leakage detection device as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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