A fluid replenishment device

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of data center microbial prevention and treatment, and discloses a liquid supplementing device which comprises a box body, a sterilization module, a dosing module and a device pipeline system, the sterilization module is arranged on the inner wall of the box body and is used for sterilizing the working medium in the box body; one end of the device pipeline system is in communication with the box body, and the other end is in communication with a device; water supplementing pumps and one-way valves are arranged on the two sides of the dosing module, and the water supplementing pumps and the one-way valves are arranged on the device pipeline system. The application has the effects of preventing and treating the liquid supplementing device, and improving the reliability of data center operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of microbial control in data centers, and more specifically, to a fluid replenishment device. Background Technology

[0002] The rapid development of computer technology has increased the heat flux density per unit area of ​​chips, creating new demands for the heat dissipation capabilities of devices. Currently, the most efficient heat dissipation method is liquid cooling, which involves delivering coolant to the server through pipes to exchange heat and remove it.

[0003] In the process of developing this invention, the inventors discovered that the prior art has at least the following problems: During the replenishment process, the addition of new liquid working fluid can easily cause changes in the concentration of the liquid working fluid; secondly, microorganisms can grow during the operation of the liquid working fluid, which can seriously clog filters and server cold plates, causing the system to malfunction and resulting in huge economic losses. Existing replenishment devices have relatively simple functions, only meeting the function of replenishing and supplying liquid, and rarely considering convenient chemical dosing and microbial control measures, which is not conducive to the continuous and reliable operation of data center systems. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides a liquid replenishment device that can maintain the concentration of the liquid working medium in the replenishment device during the replenishment process, while simultaneously preventing microbial contamination of the liquid working medium, thereby improving the reliability of data center operation.

[0005] The fluid replenishment device provided in this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A fluid replenishment device, comprising:

[0007] The container is used to store the working fluid;

[0008] A sterilization module is installed on the inner wall of the box and is used to sterilize the working fluid inside the box.

[0009] The equipment piping system has one end connected to the housing and the other end connected to the equipment.

[0010] The dosing module is equipped with a water supply pump and a one-way valve on both sides, and the water supply pump and the one-way valve are installed in the equipment piping system.

[0011] Optionally, the equipment piping system is provided with a first branch located between the water supply pump and the one-way valve, the dosing module is provided on the first branch, a first control valve is provided at both ends of the first branch, and a second control valve is provided on the side of the equipment piping system away from the water supply pump.

[0012] Optionally, the equipment piping system is provided with a second branch, and the end of the one-way valve away from the equipment is connected to the second branch. The second branch is provided with a drain solenoid valve for draining the stagnant water in the equipment piping system.

[0013] Optionally, the housing is equipped with a first liquid level sensor for detecting the internal low liquid level, a second liquid level sensor for detecting the internal middle liquid level, and a third liquid level sensor for detecting the internal high liquid level. The first liquid level sensor, the second liquid level sensor, and the third liquid level sensor are used to connect to the equipment for timely feedback.

[0014] Optionally, it also includes a replenishment pipeline, which is equipped with a replenishment solenoid valve. The housing is equipped with an automatic replenishment port, which is connected to the replenishment pipeline. The replenishment solenoid valve is connected to the first liquid level sensor, the second liquid level sensor, and the third liquid level sensor to control the opening and closing of the replenishment pipeline.

[0015] Optionally, it also includes a first residual liquid recovery pipeline connected to the bottom of the tank, the first residual liquid recovery pipeline being equipped with a drain solenoid valve, the drain solenoid valve being connected to the first liquid level sensor and the replenishment solenoid valve.

[0016] Optionally, the housing is provided with a manual liquid replenishment port, which is located on the top of the housing. The size of the manual liquid replenishment port is adapted to the cleaning equipment for convenient operation.

[0017] Optionally, it also includes a second residual liquid recovery pipeline, wherein an overflow port is provided on the side wall of the tank, the overflow port is located at a position higher than the position of the third liquid level sensor, and the overflow port is connected to the second residual liquid recovery pipeline.

[0018] Optionally, the outer wall of the tank is also provided with a sight glass and a float. The sight glass is connected to the inside of the tank, and the float is disposed inside the sight glass to facilitate observation of the liquid level.

[0019] Optionally, the sterilization module is configured as a UV lamp, and the long-term sterilization effect can be achieved by adjusting different light source wavelengths of the UV lamp.

[0020] As can be seen from the above technical solutions, the embodiments of this application have the following advantages:

[0021] When the pressure in the liquid supply device is insufficient or there is a water shortage, the water replenishment pump is activated to replenish the liquid. The newly added liquid working fluid flows through the equipment piping system to the dosing module. The quantitative distribution of the liquid working fluid by the dosing module ensures that the concentration of the liquid working fluid remains constant, thus maintaining the concentration of the liquid working fluid in the replenishment device. At the same time, the newly added liquid working fluid can be sterilized by the sterilization module. The sterilization of the working fluid by the sterilization module can significantly reduce the number of bacteria and other organic pollutants and active microbial components present, thereby inhibiting the trend of microbial growth and spreading and reducing the possibility of blockage. The sterilized liquid working fluid, which maintains a certain concentration, flows to the equipment through the equipment piping system, which can improve the reliability of data center operation and help maintain the entire cooling system in a healthy operating condition to serve the target customer group for a long time. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an overall fluid replenishment device disclosed in an embodiment of this application.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0025] 1. Housing; 11. First liquid level sensor; 12. Second liquid level sensor; 13. Third liquid level sensor; 14. Automatic replenishment port; 15. Manual replenishment port; 16. Overflow port; 17. Sight glass; 18. Float; 2. Equipment piping system; 21. First branch; 211. First control valve; 22. Second branch; 221. Drain solenoid valve; 23. Second maintenance valve; 24. Second control valve; 3. Sterilization module; 4. Dosing module; 5. Water replenishment pump; 6. Check valve; 7. Replenishment pipeline; 71. Replenishment solenoid valve; 8. First residual liquid recovery pipeline; 81. Drain solenoid valve; 82. First maintenance valve; 9. Second residual liquid recovery pipeline. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] This application provides a liquid replenishment device that can prevent microbial contamination of the liquid replenishment device, thereby improving the reliability of data center operation.

[0028] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present application. Furthermore, the technical solutions of various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by the present application.

[0029] The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments described herein can be implemented in a sequence other than that illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0030] Please see Figure 1 This is one embodiment of the liquid replenishment device in this application. The liquid replenishment device includes a housing 1, a pipeline system 2, a replenishment pipeline 7, and a sterilization module 3. The housing 1 is used to store the working fluid. The pipeline system 2 is located at the bottom of the housing 1, with one end connected to the housing 1 and the other end connected to the equipment, for transporting the working fluid to the equipment. The replenishment pipeline 7 is located at the top of the housing 1 for supplying and replenishing the housing 1 with liquid. The sterilization module 3 is located on the inner wall of the housing 1 for sterilizing the working fluid in the housing 1, which can significantly reduce the number of organic pollutants such as bacteria and active microbial components present therein, thereby curbing the trend of microbial growth and spread. After sterilization, most of the active microbial components have been removed before the working fluid flows into the equipment through the pipeline system 2, reducing the possibility of blockage. This can greatly alleviate the troublesome downtime maintenance and associated economic losses caused by dirt blockage, and improve the reliability of data center operation.

[0031] In this embodiment, the sterilization module 3 is fixed or suspended on the inner wall of the housing 1, which effectively utilizes the internal space of the housing 1, avoids occupying too much central area, and allows other components to be arranged normally. Secondly, the working fluid (such as liquid or other media) in the replenishment tank usually flows or circulates. Placing the sterilization module 3 near the side wall allows the working fluid to come into contact with the sterilization device more efficiently, thereby improving the sterilization effect. The sterilization module 3 is configured as a UV lamp, and different light source wavelengths of the UV lamp are adjusted to achieve a long-term sterilization effect. It is understood that the UV lamp inhibits the replication function of microorganisms by destroying their DNA / RNA molecular structure. This physical killing method is not affected by drug resistance and can quickly eliminate almost all known types of bacteria, viruses, and some molds. Compared with chemical reagents such as chlorine or ozone, there is no need to worry about corrosion hazards caused by excessive addition of reagents or environmental pressure caused by the generation of by-products. At the same time, it will not change the original properties of the working fluid, such as pH fluctuations.

[0032] In other embodiments, when setting up the sterilization module 3, it is necessary to consider the material compatibility between the working fluid and the sterilization module 3, as well as whether the sterilization method affects the performance of the working fluid. If there is a chemical reaction between the material of the sterilization module 3 and the working fluid, or if the sterilization method may change the physical or chemical properties of the working fluid, such as an increase in temperature or a change in pH value, it may cause the sterilization module 3 itself to fail, affecting the final application effect. Ensuring a good match between the two helps to improve the durability and reliability of the entire replenishment device, reduce the need for frequent replacements due to incompatibility, ensure safe and stable operation, and maximize the functional advantages of each part.

[0033] Please continue reading. Figure 1The housing 1 can be made of a transparent material, such as acrylic sheet or glass, which facilitates easy observation of the interior of the housing 1 during daily maintenance. The housing 1 is equipped with a first liquid level sensor 11 for detecting the low liquid level, a second liquid level sensor 12 for detecting the middle liquid level, and a third liquid level sensor 13 for detecting the high liquid level. These sensors are connected to the equipment for timely feedback. In this embodiment, the first liquid level sensor 11, the second liquid level sensor 12, and the third liquid level sensor 13 are all fixedly installed on the inner wall of the housing 1. The first liquid level sensor 11 is located at the bottom of the housing 1, the third liquid level sensor 13 is located at the top of the housing 1, and the second liquid level sensor 12 is located between the first liquid level sensor 11 and the third liquid level sensor 13 and in the middle of the housing 1. The data collected by the first liquid level sensor 11, the second liquid level sensor 12, and the third liquid level sensor 13 will be converted into standard digital / analog signals, then transmitted to the device for analysis and processing, and presented intuitively on the display screen for easy observation and reading. At the same time, if the line is unexpectedly interrupted or the component itself ages and fails to operate normally, the built-in self-test program will capture this event and report it to the superior monitoring platform in real time through the pre-configured network link, issuing an alarm to prompt the operation and maintenance personnel to take action to repair the hidden danger.

[0034] Furthermore, a sight glass 17 and a float 18 are also provided on the outer wall of the housing 1. The sight glass 17 is connected to the inside of the housing 1, and the float 18 is located inside the sight glass 17 to facilitate observation of the liquid level. Understandably, this device, by providing a sight glass 17 on the side of the housing 1, allows staff to directly observe the internal conditions of the equipment. The sight glass 17 contains a float 18, which floats or sinks as the liquid level changes, thus providing a clear indication of the liquid level. Secondly, maintenance personnel do not need complex testing tools or procedures; they can quickly understand the current liquid level by simply observing the position change of the float 18 inside the sight glass 17. This is especially beneficial when frequent liquid level monitoring is required, improving work efficiency and reducing the probability of human error.

[0035] To meet the replenishment needs in different scenarios and provide a more flexible operating method, the water replenishment tank 1 is equipped with an automatic replenishment port 14 and a manual replenishment port 15. The automatic replenishment port 14 and the manual replenishment port 15 are respectively located at both ends of the top of the tank 1. The design of combining automatic and manual replenishment methods not only ensures the efficient operation of the tank 1, but also increases the reliability and safety of the device.

[0036] Specifically, the automatic replenishment port 14 is connected to the replenishment pipeline 7, which is equipped with a replenishment solenoid valve 71. The solenoid valve 71 is connected to the first liquid level sensor 11, the second liquid level sensor 12, and the third liquid level sensor 13 to control the opening and closing of the replenishment pipeline 7. It can be understood that the first liquid level sensor 11, the second liquid level sensor 12, and the third liquid level sensor 13 can monitor the working fluid level inside the tank 1 in real time. When the first liquid level sensor 11 detects that the liquid level is lower than a preset value, i.e., the tank 1 is short of water, the replenishment solenoid valve 71 is controlled to open the replenishment pipeline 7 to replenish the fluid in a timely manner. When the third liquid level sensor 13 detects that the liquid level is higher than the preset value, i.e., the tank 1 is not short of water, the replenishment solenoid valve 71 is controlled to close the replenishment pipeline 7 to end the replenishment, thus realizing the automatic replenishment function. Automatic replenishment reduces the need for manual intervention and is suitable for long-term operation or applications requiring precise liquid level control, improving the stability and efficiency of the device.

[0037] The manual replenishment port 15 is designed to address situations where the automatic system cannot be relied upon, such as power outages, equipment malfunctions, or other unforeseen problems that cause automatic replenishment to fail. In such cases, operators can manually replenish the fluid. Furthermore, manual replenishment is more convenient for initial fluid additions or minor level adjustments. The manual replenishment port 15 can be closed when no manual maintenance is required to prevent external dust and bacteria from entering the tank 1 and contaminating the working fluid. In this embodiment, the opening size of the manual replenishment port 15 is designed to accommodate cleaning equipment for ease of operation. It is understood that the size of the manual replenishment port 15 not only needs to be large enough for hands or tools to reach in, but also should consider the convenience of cleaning work. For example, when dirt or residue accumulates inside the tank 1, cleaning tools such as brushes and cloths can be easily inserted for cleaning without causing operational difficulties due to an excessively small opening.

[0038] To prevent contamination and impurity accumulation of the working medium inside the tank 1, it is necessary to periodically drain the working medium to maintain its quality. Therefore, the device also includes a first residual liquid recovery pipeline 8 connected to the bottom of the tank 1. The first residual liquid recovery pipeline 8 is equipped with a drain solenoid valve 81, which is connected to a first liquid level sensor 11 and a replenishment solenoid valve 71. The drain solenoid valve 81 controls the opening and closing of the first residual liquid recovery pipeline 8, allowing for the periodic draining of the working medium inside the tank 1. Furthermore, the drain solenoid valve 81 can be linked with the first liquid level sensor 11 and the replenishment solenoid valve 71. When periodic draining is required to replace the stagnant water inside the tank 1, the bottom drain solenoid valve 81 can be opened to the first residual liquid recovery pipeline 8. Under the control of the first liquid level sensor 11, the top replenishment solenoid valve 71 can open the replenishment pipeline 7 to release a certain amount of liquid. Through repeated draining and replenishing, the inside of the tank 1 is kept clean. Furthermore, the first residual liquid recovery pipeline 8 is also equipped with a first maintenance valve 82. The first maintenance valve 82 is normally open. When the discharge solenoid valve 81 fails, the first maintenance valve 82 can be manually closed to ensure the normal operation of the device.

[0039] An overflow port 16 is provided on the side wall of the tank 1. The overflow port 16 is positioned higher than the position of the third liquid level sensor 13. The overflow port 16 is normally open and is connected to the second residual liquid recovery pipeline 9 to ensure that the working fluid in the tank 1 can be released in a timely manner when the third liquid level sensor 13 fails, thereby reducing the pressure inside the tank 1. In this embodiment, the overflow port 16 is positioned approximately 5 mm vertically above the position of the third liquid level sensor 13.

[0040] Please continue reading. Figure 1 To maintain a constant concentration of the working fluid, the replenishment device also includes a second maintenance valve 23, a water replenishment pump 5, a chemical dosing module 4, and a check valve 6. The second maintenance valve 23, water replenishment pump 5, and check valve 6 are located within the equipment piping system 2. The second maintenance valve 23 is located at the end of the equipment piping system 2 closest to the housing 1 and is used to control the opening and closing of the equipment piping system 2 to isolate or connect the entire system. Closing this valve during maintenance or shutdown cuts off the supply of working fluid from the equipment piping system 2 to the equipment. The water replenishment pump 5 is activated when the supply system pressure is insufficient or there is a water shortage. It is responsible for introducing external working fluid into the system and providing sufficient power to drive the water flow into subsequent stages. The chemical dosing module 4 is used to quantitatively distribute and adjust the proportions of the flowing working fluid components (such as antifreeze or other chemicals) to maintain the working fluid concentration at the point of inflow to the equipment. The check valve 6 is located at the end of the equipment piping system 2 closest to the equipment to prevent backflow, thereby improving the reliability of the data center operation.

[0041] The equipment piping system 2 is provided with a first branch 21, which is located between the water supply pump 5 and the one-way valve 6. The dosing module 4 is located on the first branch 21. In this embodiment, the first branch 21 is provided with a first control valve 211 at both ends of the dosing module 4, and a second control valve 24 is provided on the side of the equipment piping system 2 away from the water supply pump 5. When insufficient pressure or water shortage is detected in the equipment piping system 2, the second control valve 24 is closed, and the first control valves 211 at both ends of the dosing module 4 are opened. The water supply pump 5 starts and draws external working fluid along the first branch 21 and sends it into the dosing module 4. The dosing module 4 adds the necessary chemicals according to a preset ratio to ensure that the mixed working medium maintains the ideal concentration. The prepared solution flows into the equipment through the one-way valve 6 to participate in heat exchange and other operations. If dosing is not required, the first control valves 211 at both ends of the dosing module 4 are closed, and the second control valve 24 is opened, so that the working fluid in the tank 1 flows into the equipment through the equipment piping system 2 and the one-way valve 6.

[0042] If no liquid replenishment is performed for an extended period, a certain amount of stagnant water may accumulate in front of the one-way valve 6. This stagnant water can easily become a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to corrosion or reduced heat exchange efficiency. Therefore, it is necessary to periodically clean the stagnant water in the equipment piping system 2. The equipment piping system 2 is also equipped with a second branch 22, with the end of the one-way valve 6 furthest from the equipment connected to the second branch 22. The second branch 22 is equipped with a drain solenoid valve 221 to drain the stagnant water in the equipment piping system 2. By periodically opening the drain solenoid valve 221, this stagnant water is drained through the second branch 22, maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene of the equipment piping system 2.

[0043] The above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A fluid replenishment device, characterized by, include: The container is used to store the working fluid; A sterilization module is installed on the inner wall of the box and is used to sterilize the working fluid inside the box. The equipment piping system has one end connected to the housing and the other end connected to the equipment. The dosing module is equipped with a water supply pump and a one-way valve on both sides, and the water supply pump and the one-way valve are installed in the equipment piping system.

2. The fluid replenishment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The equipment piping system is provided with a first branch located between the water supply pump and the one-way valve. The dosing module is located on the first branch. The first branch is provided with a first control valve at both ends of the dosing module. The equipment piping system is provided with a second control valve on the side away from the water supply pump.

3. The fluid replenishment device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The equipment piping system is provided with a second branch, and the end of the one-way valve away from the equipment is connected to the second branch. The second branch is provided with a drain solenoid valve for draining the stagnant water in the equipment piping system.

4. The fluid replenishment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing is equipped with a first liquid level sensor for detecting the internal low liquid level, a second liquid level sensor for detecting the internal middle liquid level, and a third liquid level sensor for detecting the internal high liquid level. The first liquid level sensor, the second liquid level sensor, and the third liquid level sensor are used to connect to the equipment for timely feedback.

5. The fluid replenishment device according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes a replenishment pipeline, which is equipped with a replenishment solenoid valve. The housing is equipped with an automatic replenishment port, which is connected to the replenishment pipeline. The replenishment solenoid valve is connected to the first liquid level sensor, the second liquid level sensor, and the third liquid level sensor to control the opening and closing of the replenishment pipeline.

6. The fluid replenishment device according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a first residual liquid recovery pipeline connected to the bottom of the tank, the first residual liquid recovery pipeline is equipped with a drain solenoid valve, the drain solenoid valve is connected to the first liquid level sensor and the replenishment solenoid valve.

7. The fluid replenishment device according to claim 1 or 5, characterized in that, The housing is equipped with a manual liquid replenishment port, which is located on the top of the housing. The size of the manual liquid replenishment port is adapted to the cleaning equipment for convenient operation.

8. The fluid replenishment device according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a second residual liquid recovery pipeline, and the side wall of the tank is provided with an overflow port. The overflow port is located higher than the location of the third liquid level sensor, and the overflow port is connected to the second residual liquid recovery pipeline.

9. The fluid replenishment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer wall of the tank is also equipped with a sight glass and a float. The sight glass is connected to the inside of the tank, and the float is placed inside the sight glass to facilitate observation of the liquid level.

10. The fluid replenishment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sterilization module is configured as a UV lamp, and the long-term sterilization effect can be achieved by adjusting different light source wavelengths of the UV lamp.

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