An automatic liquid supplement system for rack-mounted CDUs

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of automatic liquid supplementing system of rack type CDU, be located in rack, including liquid supplementing pipeline, secondary side circulation pipeline, control module, liquid supplementing pipeline is equipped with liquid supplementing water tank, liquid supplementing pump, liquid supplementing pipe, liquid supplementing water tank is equipped with liquid level sensor of detecting liquid level, the liquid outlet end of liquid supplementing pump is connected with secondary side circulation pipeline, and liquid inlet end is connected with liquid supplementing water tank or liquid supplementing pipe, corresponding built-in liquid supplementing mode or external liquid supplementing mode, liquid supplementing pipe is connected with the liquid storage device being located in the outside of rack by quick plug connector;Pressure detection mechanism is equipped on secondary side circulation pipeline, control module can control automatic liquid supplementing or stop liquid supplementing according to the pressure value detected by pressure detection mechanism and the liquid level value detected by liquid level sensor, and liquid supplementing mode.The utility model can automatically switch in external liquid supplementing mode and built-in liquid supplementing mode by real-time monitoring to the pressure and liquid level of cooling medium, realizes automatic liquid supplementing, and improves system stability and operation efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of heat dissipation equipment technology, and in particular to an automatic liquid replenishment system for a rack-mounted CDU. Background Technology

[0002] As the power density of data centers (IDCs) continues to increase, liquid cooling technology has become a mainstream solution due to its high-efficiency heat dissipation capabilities. Rack-mounted cooling distribution units (CDUs), as the core equipment of liquid cooling systems, must ensure stable circulation and pressure control of the cooling medium. Traditional CDU replenishment systems often rely on manual operation or simple mechanical control, which presents the following problems:

[0003] High dependence on manual operation: It requires regular checks of liquid level and manual replenishment, which is inefficient and prone to system pressure fluctuations due to operational delays.

[0004] Insufficient reliability: It lacks real-time monitoring and adaptive adjustment functions, and cannot respond quickly in case of abnormal liquid level or leakage. Utility Model Content

[0005] The present invention aims to provide an automatic fluid replenishment system for rack-mounted CDUs to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution of this utility model is: an automatic liquid replenishment system for a rack-mounted CDU, located inside the rack, including a liquid replenishment pipeline, a secondary circulation pipeline, and a control module. The liquid replenishment pipeline is equipped with a liquid replenishment tank, a liquid replenishment pump, and a liquid replenishment tube. The liquid replenishment tank is equipped with a level sensor for detecting the liquid level in the tank. The outlet end of the liquid replenishment pump is connected to the secondary circulation pipeline via a connecting pipe, and the inlet end is connected to the liquid replenishment tank or the liquid replenishment tube via a connecting pipe, corresponding to either a built-in liquid replenishment mode or an external liquid replenishment mode. The end of the liquid replenishment tube is equipped with a quick-connect connector located on the rack housing, and is connected to a liquid storage device located outside the rack via the quick-connect connector. The secondary circulation pipeline is equipped with a pressure detection mechanism. The control module is used to control the liquid replenishment, and can control the liquid replenishment pipeline to automatically replenish or stop replenishing based on the pressure value detected by the pressure detection mechanism, and can control the liquid replenishment pipeline to start either the built-in liquid replenishment mode or the external liquid replenishment mode based on the liquid level value detected by the level sensor.

[0007] Furthermore, in the aforementioned rack-mounted CDU automatic liquid replenishment system, the secondary circulation pipeline includes a supply pipeline and a return pipeline, and a zero-load conduction pipeline is provided between the supply pipeline and the return pipeline, and a solenoid valve is provided on the zero-load conduction pipeline.

[0008] Furthermore, in the aforementioned rack-mounted CDU automatic fluid replenishment system, the pressure detection mechanism includes pressure sensor one and pressure sensor two. Pressure sensor one and pressure sensor two are located on the fluid supply line of the secondary circulation pipeline and are arranged sequentially along the fluid flow direction of the fluid supply line.

[0009] Furthermore, in the aforementioned rack-mounted CDU automatic fluid replenishment system, the pressure detection mechanism further includes a pressure sensor three, which is located on the return fluid line of the secondary circulation pipeline.

[0010] Furthermore, the aforementioned rack-mounted CDU automatic replenishment system also includes a circulating water tank, which is located on the replenishment pipeline and connected to the replenishment pump and the supply pipeline of the secondary circulation pipeline.

[0011] Furthermore, the aforementioned rack-mounted CDU automatic liquid replenishment system also includes an air nozzle and a buffer tank. The air nozzle is fixed to the rack housing and connected to the air outlet of the circulating water tank via a pipe. The buffer tank is connected to the circulating water tank.

[0012] Furthermore, the automatic liquid replenishment system of the rack-mounted CDU mentioned above also includes a circulation pump one and a circulation pump two, which are connected in parallel. One end of the circulation pump one and the circulation pump two are connected to the circulating water tank, and the other end is connected to the liquid supply pipeline of the secondary circulation pipeline.

[0013] Furthermore, in the aforementioned rack-mounted CDU automatic replenishment system, a replenishment valve is also provided on the replenishment pipeline. The replenishment valve is located between the replenishment tank and the replenishment pump, and the replenishment valve, the replenishment pump, and the replenishment pipeline are connected by a T-junction.

[0014] Furthermore, in the aforementioned rack-mounted CDU automatic replenishment system, the replenishment tank is also provided with a liquid inlet. The liquid inlet is connected to the supply line of the secondary circulation line through an external replenishment line. The external replenishment line is provided with a ball valve and a pressure relief valve arranged in sequence.

[0015] Furthermore, the aforementioned rack-mounted CDU automatic fluid replenishment system also includes a breather valve. The fluid replenishment tank is equipped with an air outlet, and the breather valve is fixed to the rack housing and connected to the air outlet of the fluid replenishment tank via a pipe.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are: by real-time monitoring of the pressure and replenishment level of the secondary side circulation pipeline, the control module adjusts the replenishment volume and pressure in real time according to the monitoring data, and can automatically switch between external replenishment mode and internal replenishment mode to achieve automatic replenishment, reduce manual intervention, improve system stability and operation and maintenance efficiency, reduce the risk of server downtime, reduce the waste of cooling medium, and save system operation and maintenance costs. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic fluid replenishment system for the rack-mounted CDU of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic fluid replenishment system of the rack-mounted CDU of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the automatic fluid replenishment system of the rack-mounted CDU of this utility model;

[0021] In the diagram: 100, rack;

[0022] 1. Fluid replenishment tubing;

[0023] 2. Secondary circulation pipeline; 21. Liquid supply pipeline; 22. Liquid return pipeline;

[0024] 3. Replenishment tank; 31. Liquid level sensor; 32. Breathing valve; 4. Replenishment pump; 5. Replenishment tubing; 51. Quick-connect fitting;

[0025] 61. Pressure sensor one; 62. Pressure sensor two; 63. Pressure sensor three;

[0026] 7. Circulating water tank; 71. Air nozzle; 72. Buffer tank;

[0027] 81. Circulating pump one; 82. Circulating pump two;

[0028] 9. Fluid replenishment valve; 10. Tee; 11. Zero-load connection pipeline;

[0029] 12. External fluid replenishment line; 121. Ball valve; 122. Pressure relief valve;

[0030] 13. Primary circulation piping; 14. Heat exchanger; 15. Temperature sensor; 16. Flow meter; 17. Filter. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0032] Example 1

[0033] like Figure 1-3 As shown, an automatic liquid replenishment system for a rack-mounted CDU is installed within a rack 100. It includes a liquid replenishment pipeline 1, a secondary circulation pipeline 2, and a control module. The liquid replenishment pipeline 1 is equipped with a liquid replenishment tank 3, a liquid replenishment pump 4, and a liquid replenishment pipe 5. The liquid replenishment tank 3 is equipped with a level sensor 31 for detecting the liquid level within the tank. The outlet of the liquid replenishment pump 4 is connected to the secondary circulation pipeline 2 via a connecting pipe, and the inlet is connected to either the liquid replenishment tank 3 or the liquid replenishment pipe 5 via a connecting pipe, corresponding to either an internal liquid replenishment mode or an external liquid replenishment mode. The end of the liquid replenishment pipe 5 is equipped with a quick-connect connector 51 located on the outer shell of the rack 100, and is connected via the quick-connect connector 51 to a liquid storage device (not shown in the figure) located outside the rack 100. The liquid storage device is a device for storing cooling media, such as a liquid storage tank or liquid storage vessel. When the inlet of the replenishment pump 4 is connected to the replenishment tank 3, the system operates in built-in replenishment mode; when the inlet of the replenishment pump 4 is connected to the replenishment pipe 5, the system operates in external replenishment mode. A pressure detection mechanism is installed on the secondary circulation pipeline 2. The control module controls the replenishment, automatically replenishing or stopping replenishment based on the pressure value detected by the pressure detection mechanism, and activating either the built-in or external replenishment mode based on the liquid level value detected by the liquid level sensor 31. This replenishment system is integrated into a 4U rack, resulting in a compact structure and small footprint. Real-time monitoring of the pressure and replenishment level in the secondary circulation pipeline enables automatic replenishment, reducing manual intervention, avoiding misoperation, and improving system stability and maintenance efficiency.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the secondary circulation pipeline 2 includes a supply pipeline 21 and a return pipeline 22. The pressure detection mechanism includes a pressure sensor 61 and a pressure sensor 62. The pressure sensor 61 and pressure sensor 62 are installed on the supply pipeline 21 of the secondary circulation pipeline 2 and are arranged sequentially along the liquid flow direction of the supply pipeline 21. The pressure sensor 61 and pressure sensor 62 are redundant to ensure real-time pressure monitoring.

[0035] like Figure 1As shown, the pressure detection mechanism also includes a pressure sensor 63, which is located on the return line 22 of the secondary circulation line 2.

[0036] like Figure 1 , 3 As shown, the replenishment pipeline 1 is also equipped with a replenishment valve 9, which is located between the replenishment water tank 3 and the replenishment pump 4, and the replenishment valve 9, the replenishment pump 4 and the replenishment pipeline 5 are connected by a tee 10.

[0037] like Figure 1 , 3 As shown, the automatic replenishment system of the rack-mounted CDU also includes a circulating water tank 7, which is located on the replenishment pipeline 1 and connected to the replenishment pump 4 and the supply pipeline 21 of the secondary circulation pipeline 2.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, the automatic liquid replenishment system of the rack-mounted CDU also includes a first circulation pump 81 and a second circulation pump 82. The first circulation pump 81 and the second circulation pump 82 are connected in parallel, with one end connected to the circulating water tank 7 and the other end connected to the liquid supply line 21 of the secondary side circulation line 2. The first circulation pump 81 and the second circulation pump 82 are connected in parallel, with one serving as a backup. The circulating water tank 7, together with the first circulation pump 81 and the second circulation pump 82, achieves continuous and efficient heat dissipation control, preventing overheating that could lead to performance degradation or safety hazards, and ensuring the stable operation of the liquid cooling system.

[0039] like Figure 1 , 3 As shown, the replenishment tank 3 is also provided with a liquid inlet. The liquid inlet is connected to the liquid supply line 21 of the secondary circulation line through an external replenishment line 12. The external replenishment line 12 is provided with a ball valve 121 and a pressure relief valve 122 arranged in sequence.

[0040] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown, the automatic replenishment system of the rack-mounted CDU also includes a breather valve 32. The breather valve 32 is fixed on the outer shell of the rack 100 and connected to the air outlet of the replenishment tank 3 through a pipe. It has the functions of venting and depressurizing, which is used to deal with the volume changes caused by the expansion of water temperature, and to ensure the pressure inside the replenishment tank is stable.

[0041] like Figure 1-3 As shown, the automatic liquid replenishment system of the rack-mounted CDU also includes an air nozzle 71 and a buffer tank 72. The air nozzle 71 is fixed on the housing of the rack 100 and connected to the air outlet of the circulating water tank 7 through a pipe to discharge residual air in the system. The buffer tank 72 is connected to the circulating water tank 7 and has the function of stabilizing the flow rate.

[0042] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, a zero-load conduction pipeline 11 is provided between the liquid supply pipeline 21 and the liquid return pipeline 22, and a solenoid valve is provided on the zero-load conduction pipeline 11. When the system is unloaded, the solenoid valve of the zero-load conduction pipeline 11 is opened, making the liquid supply pipeline 21 and the liquid return pipeline 22 internally connected, thereby reducing the pressure difference.

[0043] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, the secondary circulation pipeline 2 is also equipped with a temperature sensor 15, a flow meter 16, a filter 17, etc. The circulation pump can automatically adjust the pump speed and flow rate according to the temperature signal from the temperature sensor 15 to adapt to different operating conditions.

[0044] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown, the liquid cooling system of this utility model also includes a primary side circulation pipeline 13 and a heat exchanger 14. The heat exchanger 14 connects the primary side circulation pipeline 13 and the secondary side circulation pipeline 2, and the primary side circulation pipeline 13 and the secondary side circulation pipeline 2 exchange heat in the heat exchanger 14.

[0045] Example 2

[0046] Based on the structure of Example 1, this utility model also provides a fluid replenishment method, including the following steps:

[0047] S1. When the pressure sensor 1 61 and pressure sensor 2 62 of the pressure detection mechanism detect that the pressure of the liquid supply line 21 of the secondary side circulation pipeline is lower than the pressure set value, the control module issues a liquid replenishment command.

[0048] S2. The control module determines whether the liquid level of the replenishment tank 3 is lower than the set liquid level 1. If it is not lower than the set liquid level 1, the replenishment pipeline 1 is started and replenishes liquid according to the built-in replenishment mode. If it is lower than the set liquid level 1, the replenishment pipeline is started and replenishes liquid according to the external replenishment mode.

[0049] The fluid replenishment method for the built-in fluid replenishment mode is as follows:

[0050] S31. When liquid replenishment is required, the control module sends a liquid replenishment command, the liquid replenishment valve 9 opens, and the cooling medium in the liquid replenishment tank is replenished to the liquid supply pipeline 21 of the secondary side circulation pipeline 2 through the liquid replenishment valve 9, the three-way valve 10, the liquid replenishment pump 4, and the circulating water tank 7.

[0051] S32. When pressure sensor 1 61 and pressure sensor 2 62 detect that the pressure of the liquid supply line 21 of the secondary circulation line reaches the pressure set value, the control module issues a stop liquid replenishment command, and the liquid replenishment pump 4 and liquid replenishment valve 9 are closed.

[0052] The fluid replenishment method in external fluid replenishment mode is as follows:

[0053] S41. When the liquid level sensor 31 detects that the liquid level in the replenishment tank 3 is lower than the set liquid level 1, the control module controls the system to switch to external replenishment mode, the replenishment valve 9 is closed, the ball valve 121 is opened, and a warning is issued, indicating that external replenishment is required. Manually connect the quick-connect connector 51 at the end of the replenishment pipe 5 to the liquid storage device. The cooling medium in the liquid storage device is replenished to the supply pipe 21 of the secondary circulation pipeline through the replenishment pipe 5, the three-way valve 10, the replenishment pump 4, the circulating water tank 7, the circulating pump 1 81 or the circulating pump 2 82.

[0054] S42. When the pressure of the liquid supply line 31 and the liquid return line 22 of the secondary circulation pipeline both reach the pressure set value, that is, when the pressure sensor 1 61, pressure sensor 2 62, and pressure sensor 3 63 all reach the pressure set value, the circulating water tank 7 and the circulating pump will work in circulation. At the same time, when the pressure on the liquid supply line 21 of the secondary circulation pipeline is greater than the pressure of the pressure relief valve 122, the cooling medium is discharged to the liquid replenishment tank 3 through the external liquid replenishment line 12. When the external liquid replenishment is used, the liquid supply line is replenished first, and the liquid replenishment tank is replenished at the same time.

[0055] S43. When the liquid level sensor 31 detects that the liquid level of the replenishment tank 3 has reached the set liquid level 2, the control module switches the external replenishment mode to the internal replenishment mode, and the replenishment valve 9 opens.

[0056] Among them, the first liquid level is set to 10%-20% of the capacity of the replenishing water tank 3, and the second liquid level is set to 70%-80% of the capacity of the replenishing water tank 3.

[0057] In addition, it should be noted that when the system is used for the first time, external fluid replenishment mode is also used for fluid replenishment.

[0058] The automatic liquid replenishment system of the rack-mounted CDU of this invention has a system pressure fluctuation range of ±0.1 bar and a response time of <3 seconds under rated load (50kW) (refer to national standard GB / T 13384-2008), and good operational stability.

[0059] The replenishment tank can be filled from the lower limit (20%) to the upper limit (80%) in ≤2 minutes with a flow error of <3%, resulting in high replenishment efficiency.

[0060] After 1000 hours of continuous operation, the fluid replenishment system remained fault-free, and the sensor signal drift was less than 0.5%, demonstrating high operational reliability.

[0061] In summary, this utility model enables real-time monitoring of the pressure and level of the cooling medium. The control module adjusts the replenishment volume and pressure in real time based on the monitoring data. It can automatically switch between external and internal replenishment modes to achieve automatic replenishment, reduce manual intervention, improve system stability and operation and maintenance efficiency, reduce the risk of server downtime, reduce cooling medium waste, and save system operation and maintenance costs.

[0062] This utility model is mainly applicable to liquid-cooled CDU systems in scenarios such as data centers and high-performance computing clusters, and is compatible with cooling media such as deionized water, ethylene glycol (EG25), and propylene glycol (PG25).

[0063] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that it can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of this invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered illustrative and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of this invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, it is intended that all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims be included within this invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0064] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. An automated rehydration system for a rack-mounted CDU, characterized by: The system, housed within a frame, includes a replenishment pipeline, a secondary circulation pipeline, and a control module. The replenishment pipeline includes a replenishment tank, a replenishment pump, and a replenishment tube. The replenishment tank is equipped with a level sensor to detect the liquid level within it. The outlet of the replenishment pump is connected to the secondary circulation pipeline via a connecting pipe, and the inlet is connected to either the replenishment tank or the replenishment tube via a connecting pipe, corresponding to either a built-in replenishment mode or an external replenishment mode. The end of the replenishment tube has a quick-connect fitting located on the frame housing, which connects to a liquid storage device located outside the frame. The secondary circulation pipeline is equipped with a pressure detection mechanism. The control module controls the replenishment process, automatically replenishing or stopping replenishment based on the pressure value detected by the pressure detection mechanism, and activating either the built-in or external replenishment mode based on the liquid level value detected by the level sensor.

2. The automated rehydration system for a rack-mounted CDU of claim 1, wherein: The secondary circulation pipeline includes a liquid supply pipeline and a liquid return pipeline. A zero-load conduction pipeline is provided between the liquid supply pipeline and the liquid return pipeline, and a solenoid valve is provided on the zero-load conduction pipeline.

3. The automated rehydration system for a rack CDU of claim 1 or 2, wherein: The pressure detection mechanism includes pressure sensor one and pressure sensor two. Pressure sensor one and pressure sensor two are located on the liquid supply pipeline of the secondary side circulation pipeline and are arranged sequentially along the liquid flow direction of the liquid supply pipeline.

4. The automated rehydration system for a rack-mounted CDU of claim 3, wherein: The pressure detection mechanism also includes a third pressure sensor, which is located on the return line of the secondary circulation pipeline.

5. The automated rehydration system for a rack-mounted CDU of claim 1, wherein: It also includes a circulating water tank, which is located on the replenishment pipeline and connected to the replenishment pump and the supply pipeline of the secondary circulation pipeline.

6. The automated rehydration system for a rack-mounted CDU of claim 5, wherein: It also includes an air nozzle and a buffer tank. The air nozzle is fixed on the outer shell of the frame and connected to the air outlet of the circulating water tank through a pipe. The buffer tank is connected to the circulating water tank.

7. The automated rehydration system for a rack-mounted CDU of claim 5, wherein: It also includes circulation pump one and circulation pump two, which are connected in parallel. One end of circulation pump one and circulation pump two are connected to the circulating water tank, and the other end is connected to the liquid supply pipeline of the secondary side circulation pipeline.

8. The automatic fluid replenishment system for a rack-mounted CDU according to claim 1, characterized in that: The replenishment pipeline is also equipped with a replenishment valve, which is located between the replenishment tank and the replenishment pump. The replenishment valve, the replenishment pump, and the replenishment pipeline are connected by a T-junction.

9. The automated rehydration system of a rack-based CDU of claim 1, wherein: The replenishment tank is also equipped with a liquid inlet, which is connected to the supply line of the secondary circulation line through an external replenishment line. The external replenishment line is equipped with a ball valve and a pressure relief valve arranged in sequence.

10. The automated rehydration system of a rack-based CDU of claim 1, wherein: It also includes a breathing valve. The replenishment tank is equipped with an air outlet. The breathing valve is fixed on the outer shell of the frame and connected to the air outlet of the replenishment tank through a pipe.

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