Heat exchange system for data center and sewage treatment plant

Abstract

This utility model discloses a heat exchange system for a data center and a wastewater treatment plant, relating to the fields of waste heat recovery and wastewater treatment technology. The heat exchange system includes data cabinets, a liquid cooling system, a comprehensive heat exchange system, and a heating and drying system. The liquid cooling system includes a heat exchanger and an internal circulation loop connected to each other, the internal circulation loop being used to cool the heat-generating elements within the data cabinets. The comprehensive heat exchange system includes an external circulation loop passing through the heat exchanger for heat exchange with the internal circulation loop. The heating and drying system includes drying equipment, a high-temperature heat pump, and a heating loop. The high-temperature heat pump is used to increase the cooling water temperature of the heating loop, and the drying equipment is located in the heating loop to dissipate heat to the external sludge. The technical solution provided by this utility model aims to construct a complementary system for comprehensive heat exchange between the data center and the wastewater treatment plant, recovering waste heat from the data center for sludge drying, thereby improving energy utilization efficiency and reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of waste heat recovery and sewage treatment technology, and in particular to a heat exchange system for data centers and sewage treatment plants. Background Technology

[0002] Wastewater treatment plants generate a large amount of sludge during the wastewater treatment process. This sludge needs to be dried to reduce its volume. However, the sludge drying process requires a large amount of heat energy. The existing heat source supply methods of wastewater treatment plants are energy-intensive and costly, which is not conducive to energy conservation and emission reduction. Utility Model Content

[0003] The main purpose of this invention is to propose a heat exchange system for data centers and wastewater treatment plants, which aims to build a complementary system for integrated heat exchange between data centers and wastewater treatment plants. By recovering waste heat from data centers, the system can be used to dry sludge, thereby improving energy efficiency and reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the heat exchange system for data centers and wastewater treatment plants proposed in this utility model includes:

[0005] A data cabinet and a liquid cooling system, wherein the liquid cooling system includes a heat exchanger and an internal circulation loop, the internal circulation loop passing through the data cabinet to cool the heat-generating elements inside the data cabinet, and the heat exchanger being disposed in the internal circulation loop;

[0006] An integrated heat exchange system, comprising an external circulation loop that passes through the heat exchanger for heat exchange with the internal circulation loop; and

[0007] A heating and drying system includes a drying device, a high-temperature heat pump, and a heating circuit. The high-temperature heat pump is located in the heating circuit and the external circulation circuit to increase the cooling water temperature of the heating circuit. The drying device is located in the heating circuit and is used to dissipate heat to the external sludge.

[0008] In one embodiment, the integrated heat exchange system further includes a heat storage tank, which is disposed in the external circulation loop and located on the flow path from the heat exchanger to the high-temperature heat pump. The heat storage tank is used to store cooling water in the external circulation loop.

[0009] In one embodiment, the integrated heat exchange system further includes a reflux pool, which is disposed in the external circulation loop and located on the flow path from the high-temperature heat pump to the heat exchanger. The reflux pool is used at least to recover the cooling water flowing through the high-temperature heat pump.

[0010] In one embodiment, the heat exchange system of the data center and wastewater treatment plant further includes a waste heat recovery system, which includes an inter-row air conditioner and a cold water storage tank. The inter-row air conditioner is installed in the data cabinet and is connected to the cold water storage tank.

[0011] In one embodiment, the waste heat recovery system further includes a low-temperature heat pump and a recovery flow path. The low-temperature heat pump and the cold water storage tank are located in the recovery flow path, which is connected to the return pool. The low-temperature heat pump is used to reduce the cooling water temperature of the cold water storage tank and is located in the flow path from the cold water storage tank to the return pool.

[0012] In one embodiment, the integrated heat exchange system further includes a replenishment flow path, the two ends of which can be connected to the reclaimed water tank of the wastewater treatment plant and the return flow tank, respectively.

[0013] In one embodiment, the integrated heat exchange system further includes a liquid level detector, which is disposed in the external circulation loop and used to detect the liquid level of the reflux pool and / or the heat storage pool. The on / off state of the replenishment flow path is adapted to the detection signal of the liquid level detector.

[0014] In one embodiment, the integrated heat exchange system further includes a circulating water pump, which is disposed in the external circulation loop and located on the flow path from the reflux pool to the heat exchanger.

[0015] In one embodiment, the reflux tank and the heat storage tank have equal or similar volumes.

[0016] In one embodiment, the liquid cooling system further includes a cooling distribution unit disposed in the inner circulation loop, and the heat exchanger is disposed in the cooling distribution unit.

[0017] In one embodiment, the liquid cooling system is configured as at least one of a plate liquid cooling system, an immersion liquid cooling system, and a spray liquid cooling system.

[0018] In one embodiment, the heat exchange system for the data center and wastewater treatment plant further includes a backup heat source system, and the integrated heat exchange system and the backup heat source system are connected in parallel to the high-temperature heat pump.

[0019] The technical solution of this utility model utilizes a liquid cooling system for heat dissipation in data center cabinets. The inner circulation loop directly surrounds the heat-generating elements, rapidly absorbing and transferring the large amount of heat generated during the operation of servers and other equipment to a heat exchanger. The outer circulation loop exchanges heat with the inner circulation loop in the heat exchanger, recovering heat energy that would otherwise be released into the environment into the cooling water flowing in the outer circulation loop. Subsequently, a high-temperature heat pump intervenes, collecting heat from the cooling water in the outer circulation loop and raising the temperature of the cooling water in the heating loop to a suitable range for sludge drying. This cooling water is then transported to the drying equipment via the heating loop to heat and dry the dewatered sludge, thereby achieving efficient sludge reduction treatment.

[0020] In the heat exchange system between data centers and wastewater treatment plants, this system not only reduces the energy consumption required by traditional air-cooled or chiller units in data centers, improving the overall energy efficiency of the system and lowering the data center's PUE value, but also provides wastewater treatment plants with a stable, inexpensive, and sustainable heat source alternative, significantly reducing their dependence on high-cost, high-carbon-emission energy sources such as natural gas and steam. Simultaneously, the system possesses excellent modular design and intelligent control capabilities, dynamically adjusting the energy flow efficiency of each component according to actual operational needs, ensuring the safe, stable, and efficient operation of the entire system. Thus, by constructing a highly efficient energy synergy system between data centers and wastewater treatment plants, the system effectively solves the dual technical challenges of high cooling energy consumption and severe energy waste in data centers, and high cost and large carbon emissions from sludge drying heat sources in wastewater treatment plants. It achieves efficient resource recycling, promotes green synergy between data centers and wastewater treatment plants, and has significant advantages in energy saving, emission reduction, environmental protection, and economic benefits. Attached Figure Description

[0021] 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 of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of the heat exchange system for a data center and a wastewater treatment plant provided by this utility model;

[0023] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the heat exchange system for data centers and wastewater treatment plants provided by this utility model;

[0024] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of the heat exchange system for a data center and wastewater treatment plant provided by this utility model;

[0025] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of the heat exchange system for data centers and wastewater treatment plants provided by this utility model.

[0026] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0027] 100. Liquid cooling system; 110. Internal circulation loop; 120. Heat exchanger; 130. Cooling distribution unit; 200. Integrated heat exchange system; 210. External circulation loop; 220. Thermal storage tank; 230. Return tank; 240. Liquid level detector; 250. Circulating water pump;

[0028] 300. Heating and drying system; 310. Heating circuit; 320. Drying equipment; 330. High-temperature heat pump; 400. Waste heat recovery system; 410. Recovery flow path; 420. In-row air conditioning; 430. Low-temperature heat pump; 440. Cold water storage tank;

[0029] 501. Data cabinet; 502. Supply path.

[0030] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. 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 scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0032] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0033] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the 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 impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0034] This utility model proposes a heat exchange system for data centers and sewage treatment plants.

[0035] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 4 In one embodiment of this utility model, the heat exchange system for the data center and wastewater treatment plant includes:

[0036] The data cabinet 501 and the liquid cooling system 100 include a heat exchanger 120 and an internal circulation loop 110. The internal circulation loop 110 passes through the data cabinet 501 and is used to cool the heat-generating elements inside the data cabinet 501. The heat exchanger 120 is located in the internal circulation loop 110.

[0037] Integrated heat exchange system 200, including external circulation loop 210, which passes through heat exchanger 120 for heat exchange with internal circulation loop 110; and

[0038] The heating and drying system 300 includes a drying device 320, a high-temperature heat pump 330, and a heating circuit 310. The high-temperature heat pump 330 is located in the heating circuit 310 and the external circulation circuit 210 to increase the cooling water temperature of the heating circuit 310. The drying device 320 is located in the heating circuit 310 and is used to dissipate heat to the external sludge.

[0039] The technical solution of this utility model utilizes a liquid cooling system 100 to dissipate heat from the data center cabinet 501. The inner circulation loop 110 is directly installed around the heat-generating elements, rapidly absorbing and transferring the large amount of heat generated during the operation of servers and other equipment to the heat exchanger 120. The outer circulation loop 210 exchanges heat with the inner circulation loop 110 in the heat exchanger 120, recovering the heat energy that would otherwise be released into the environment into the cooling water flowing in the outer circulation loop 210. Subsequently, a high-temperature heat pump 330 intervenes, collecting heat from the cooling water in the outer circulation loop 210 and raising the temperature of the cooling water in the heating loop 310 to a suitable range for sludge drying. This cooling water is then transported through the heating loop 310 to the drying equipment 320 for heating and drying the dewatered sludge, thereby achieving efficient sludge reduction treatment.

[0040] In the heat exchange system between data centers and wastewater treatment plants, this system not only reduces the energy consumption required by traditional air-cooled or chiller units in data centers, improving the overall energy efficiency of the system and lowering the data center's Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE), but also provides wastewater treatment plants with a stable, inexpensive, and sustainable alternative heat source, significantly reducing their dependence on high-cost, high-carbon-emission energy sources such as natural gas and steam. Simultaneously, the system possesses excellent modular design and intelligent control capabilities, dynamically adjusting the energy flow efficiency of each component according to actual operational needs, ensuring the safe, stable, and efficient operation of the entire system. Thus, by constructing a highly efficient energy synergy system between data centers and wastewater treatment plants, this system effectively solves the dual technical challenges of high cooling energy consumption and severe energy waste in data centers, as well as high cost and large carbon emissions from sludge drying heat sources in wastewater treatment plants. It achieves efficient resource recycling, promotes green collaborative development between data centers and wastewater treatment plants, and has significant advantages in energy conservation, emission reduction, environmental protection, and economic benefits.

[0041] It should be noted that the heat exchange medium flowing in the inner circulation loop 110 is adapted to the characteristics of the heating elements in the data cabinet 501. For example, if the heating elements are circuit boards or other circuit components, the heat exchange medium in the inner circulation loop 110 needs to have properties such as insulation and high specific heat capacity. The heat exchange medium flowing in the outer circulation loop 210 and the heating loop 310 can use wastewater from a sewage treatment plant as cooling water, or it can use ordinary coolant. The heat exchanger 120 is used for heat exchange between the inner circulation loop 110 and the outer circulation loop 210. The heat exchanger 120 can be installed independently or in other components, such as the cooling distribution unit 130. The high-temperature heat pump 330 can use the cooling water in the outer circulation loop 210 as a heat source to increase the temperature of the cooling water in the heating loop 310 with better heat exchange efficiency, so that the cooling water in the heating loop 310 can dry the sludge from the sewage treatment plant, such as reducing the moisture content to less than 40%.

[0042] Among them, the high-temperature heat pump 330 and the low-temperature heat pump 430 (hereinafter referred to as the low-temperature heat pump 430), as devices for achieving efficient energy conversion, mainly include five core components: compressor, evaporator, condenser, expansion valve (or throttling device), and refrigerant. Taking the high-temperature heat pump 330 as an example, firstly, the compressor compresses the low-pressure gaseous refrigerant, which has absorbed heat from a low-temperature heat source, into a high-pressure, high-temperature gas, thereby significantly increasing its temperature and pressure. Subsequently, these high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gases enter the condenser, where they release the heat they carry to the heating medium (such as water or air), cooling themselves and liquefying. Next, the liquid refrigerant is depressurized and cooled through the expansion valve, returning to a low-pressure state and preparing to enter the evaporator. In the evaporator, the refrigerant again absorbs heat from the low-temperature heat source (such as waste heat discharged from a data center or low-grade heat energy in the environment), converting it into low-pressure vapor, completing a complete thermodynamic cycle. The selection of refrigerant depends on the specific application scenario requirements, and it must have good thermal conductivity, environmental friendliness, and safety. Common refrigerants include R134a and CO2. Furthermore, to ensure efficient and stable operation, heat pump systems are typically equipped with advanced control systems for real-time monitoring and adjustment of the operating status of various components, such as compressor frequency, valve opening, temperature, and pressure. This optimizes overall performance and extends equipment lifespan. Consequently, high-temperature heat pumps (330) or low-temperature heat pumps (430) not only achieve efficient energy recovery and utilization but also flexibly adapt to various complex operating conditions, meeting the needs of different application scenarios.

[0043] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2The integrated heat exchange system 200 also includes a heat storage tank 220, which is located in the external circulation loop 210 and in the flow path from the heat exchanger 120 to the high-temperature heat pump 330. The heat storage tank 220 is used to store the cooling water in the external circulation loop 210. By introducing the heat storage tank 220 into the integrated heat exchange system 200 between the data center and the wastewater treatment plant, the overall energy flow matching relationship of waste heat recovery and utilization is further optimized. The heat storage tank 220 is located in the external circulation loop 210 and in the flow path from the heat exchanger 120 to the high-temperature heat pump 330, temporarily storing the cooling water carrying waste heat. This serves as a buffer and regulator, balancing the time difference between the continuous heat generation of the data center and the intermittent heat use in the sludge drying process. This not only avoids energy waste caused by supply and demand mismatch but also provides stable operating conditions for the high-temperature heat pump 330, enabling it to raise the temperature of the cooling water in the heating loop 310 to a suitable temperature range for sludge drying in a more efficient and stable manner. This enhances the flexibility and stability of heat exchange systems in data centers and wastewater treatment plants, reduces energy consumption fluctuations and equipment wear caused by frequent start-ups and shutdowns of the high-temperature heat pump 330, extends the service life of critical equipment, and provides basic support for future thermal energy scheduling across multiple wastewater treatment plants, multiple data centers, and multiple time periods.

[0044] Furthermore, in this embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 4 The integrated heat exchange system 200 also includes a return pool 230, which is located in the external circulation loop 210 and in the flow path from the high-temperature heat pump 330 to the heat exchanger 120. The return pool 230 is used to recover at least the cooling water flowing through the high-temperature heat pump 330. By introducing the return pool 230 into the integrated heat exchange system 200 between the data center and the wastewater treatment plant, and by placing the return pool 230 in the external circulation loop 210 and in the flow path from the high-temperature heat pump 330 to the heat exchanger 120, at least the cooling water flowing out of the high-temperature heat pump 330 can be recovered, forming a complete circulation path. This not only ensures the orderly flow and reuse of cooling water in the system, guarantees the stability of the cooling water flow in the external circulation loop 210, and the heat exchange efficiency with the internal circulation loop 110, but also provides an initial temperature advantage for the subsequent absorption of waste heat from the data center when the cooling water at the outlet of the high-temperature heat pump 330 enters the heat exchanger 120 by recovering the cooling water with a certain temperature, thus reducing the need for additional energy replenishment and improving the overall thermal energy utilization efficiency. Meanwhile, the reflux pool 230 can also play a certain buffering role, stabilize the flow and temperature fluctuations of cooling water, improve the system's operational stability and responsiveness, and reduce the frequency of equipment start-up and shutdown and energy consumption.

[0045] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 4The heat exchange system for the data center and wastewater treatment plant also includes a waste heat recovery system 400, which comprises an in-row air conditioner 420 and a chilled water tank 440. The in-row air conditioner 420 is installed in the data rack 501, and the in-row air conditioner 420 and the chilled water tank 440 are connected. By introducing the waste heat recovery system 400 into the heat exchange system for the data center and wastewater treatment plant, the heat collection and regulation capabilities within the data center are further expanded, and the complete energy utilization chain from local to overall heat dissipation of the data rack 501 to the supply of heat energy for sludge drying is improved, thereby enhancing the heat dissipation efficiency of the data center.

[0046] In this system, in addition to the existing liquid cooling system 100, integrated heat exchange system 200, and heating and drying system 300, the waste heat recovery system 400 includes inter-row air conditioners 420 installed between data racks 501 and a chilled water storage tank 440 connected to them. The inter-row air conditioners 420 are used to efficiently cool the densely packed data racks 501. The waste heat absorbed by the data center during their operation is transferred to the chilled water storage tank 440 for storage through circulating water. The chilled water storage tank 440 not only plays a role in regulating the cooling load fluctuations of the inter-row air conditioners 420, but also serves as a supplementary heat source to participate in the energy enhancement process of the subsequent heat pump system. This incorporates the localized heat that is easily overlooked or directly emitted into the entire waste heat recovery system, achieving more comprehensive energy cascade utilization. This improves the overall thermal management efficiency of the data center, reduces the operational pressure on traditional centralized air conditioning systems, and decreases the energy consumption required for cooling. Simultaneously, by integrating the heat recovered by the inter-row air conditioner 420 with the heat recovered by the liquid cooling system 100, a more stable and continuous low-temperature heat source input is provided for the high-temperature heat pump 330. This further improves the heating efficiency of the integrated heat exchange system 200 and the heat output capacity of the heating circuit 310, ensuring higher stability and sustainability of the heat energy delivered to the sludge drying equipment 320. Through the above integrated optimization, this solution achieves "multi-point recovery, segmented utilization, and tiered upgrading" of data center waste heat. It not only significantly reduces the cooling energy consumption and PUE value of the data center but also provides a more economical and environmentally friendly alternative heat source for sludge drying in wastewater treatment plants, promoting green collaborative development across industries and demonstrating significant energy-saving and emission-reduction effects and engineering application value.

[0047] Further, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 4The waste heat recovery system 400 also includes a low-temperature heat pump 430 and a recovery flow path 410. The low-temperature heat pump 430 and the cold water storage tank 440 are located in the recovery flow path 410. The recovery flow path 410 is connected to the return pool 230. The low-temperature heat pump 430 is used to reduce the cooling water temperature of the cold water storage tank 440 and is located on the flow path from the cold water storage tank 440 to the return pool 230. It is understood that the liquid cooling system 100 is responsible for efficiently absorbing the heat generated by heat-generating components such as servers in the data rack 501, and transferring the heat to the external circulation loop 210 through the heat exchanger 120; the waste heat recovery system 400 includes an inter-row air conditioner 420, a cold water tank 440, a low-temperature heat pump 430, and a recovery flow path 410 installed between the data racks 501. The inter-row air conditioner 420 is used to precisely cool local high-temperature areas. The heat it absorbs is transported to the cold water tank 440 for temporary storage through circulating cooling water, realizing the centralized collection of low-grade waste heat; after the cooling water temperature in the cold water tank 440 rises above the threshold, the cooling water flows through the low-temperature heat pump 430 set on the recovery flow path 410, where it is further cooled to restore its cooling capacity, thereby ensuring the operational stability of the inter-row air conditioner 420. Meanwhile, the cooling water in the return pool 230 also flows in the return flow path 410 at the other end of the low temperature heat pump 430 to exchange heat with the cooling water in the cold water storage tank 440, and then flows back to the return pool 230 to participate in the cooling water circulation process of the system.

[0048] Thus, the low-temperature heat pump 430 not only improves the reuse efficiency of cooling water but also achieves "graded recovery and tiered utilization" of heat—that is, while meeting the local heat dissipation needs of the data center, the recovered heat is converted into a low-temperature heat source that can be used by the subsequent high-temperature heat pump 330 for heating, thereby providing a stable and sustainable heat energy supply for the sludge drying system. Through this integrated and optimized design, the system improves the overall thermal management efficiency of the data center, reduces the energy consumption of traditional air-cooled or chiller units, and improves the PUE index. At the same time, it also enhances the heat energy output capacity and operational stability of the external heating drying system 300, significantly reduces the wastewater treatment plant's dependence on high-carbon energy sources such as natural gas and steam, promotes the efficient matching and cross-industry resource recycling between data center waste heat and sludge drying heat, and has good advantages in energy saving, emission reduction, environmental protection, and economic benefits, with broad application prospects and promotion value.

[0049] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4The integrated heat exchange system 200 also includes a replenishment flow path 502, whose two ends can be connected to the reclaimed water tank of the wastewater treatment plant and the return flow tank 230, respectively. By introducing the replenishment flow path 502 into the heat exchange system between the data center and the wastewater treatment plant, the water replenishment mechanism and water resource utilization path of the cooling water circulation system are further improved, enhancing the overall system's operational stability, environmental adaptability, and energy efficiency. Specifically, the replenishment flow path 502 connects the reclaimed water tank of the wastewater treatment plant and the system's return flow tank 230, automatically introducing pre-treated reclaimed water as a supplementary water source when the cooling water volume is insufficient due to evaporation, leakage, or maintenance, thereby ensuring the continuous and stable operation of the entire external circulation loop 210. This not only effectively mitigates the adverse effects of cooling water loss on the continuity of system operation but also achieves efficient reuse of reclaimed water resources from the wastewater treatment plant, avoiding excessive reliance on fresh water resources in traditional cooling systems and significantly reducing the overall water cost and environmental burden of the system. Furthermore, since greywater itself possesses a certain degree of temperature stability, its introduction can also regulate the thermal balance of the cooling water system to some extent, enhancing the system's adaptability to external environmental fluctuations. Thus, this solution constructs a complete energy synergy chain from waste heat recovery and heat cascade enhancement in data centers to sludge drying and heating in wastewater treatment plants. Simultaneously, it achieves closed-loop recycling of water resources, significantly reducing cooling energy consumption and operating costs for data centers, and providing wastewater treatment plants with a stable, inexpensive, and low-carbon alternative heat energy solution. This promotes the green and synergistic utilization of resources across industries, demonstrating significant advantages in energy conservation, emission reduction, environmental protection, and economic benefits.

[0050] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4The integrated heat exchange system 200 also includes a level detector 240, which is installed in the external circulation loop 210 to detect the liquid level in the return pool 230 and / or the heat storage pool 220. The on / off state of the supply flow path 502 is adapted to the detection signal of the level detector 240. It can be understood that the level detector 240 and the supply flow path 502 form a linkage control mechanism. The controller can open or close the supply flow path 502 based on the water level detected by the level detector 240 in the return pool 230 or the heat storage pool 220 to replenish cooling water to the external circulation loop 210. Thus, to ensure the continuous and stable flow of cooling water in the external circulation loop 210, the level detector 240 installed in the external circulation loop 210 monitors the liquid level in the return pool 230 and / or the heat storage pool 220 in real time, thereby accurately determining whether the water volume inside the system is within the normal operating range. When the level detector 240 detects that the liquid level is below the set threshold, it indicates that there is a risk of insufficient cooling water in the integrated heat exchange system 200 (such as due to evaporation, leakage, or maintenance). At this time, the controller automatically opens the replenishment flow path 502 connecting the wastewater treatment plant's water tank and return tank 230 based on the detection signal, introducing reclaimed water for replenishment, ensuring uninterrupted cooling water circulation and maintaining stable system operation. This not only effectively avoids risks such as decreased heat exchange efficiency, equipment overheating, or even system shutdown due to insufficient water, but also achieves intelligent control of the cooling water circulation path, improving the system's automation level and operational safety. Simultaneously, the strategy of using reclaimed water as a supplementary water source further reduces the system's dependence on fresh water resources, reduces water waste, and improves the utilization rate of reclaimed water from the wastewater treatment plant.

[0051] In one embodiment, for the case where cooling water flows along the external circulation loop 210 in the heat storage tank 220 and the return flow tank 230, please refer to... Figure 1 and Figure 3The integrated heat exchange system 200 also includes a circulating water pump 250, which is located in the external circulation loop 210 and on the flow path from the return pool 230 to the heat exchanger 120. It can be understood that, to ensure stable circulation of cooling water in the external circulation system, the circulating water pump 250 is positioned on the flow path from the return pool 230 to the heat exchanger 120, responsible for pressurizing and delivering the recovered or replenished cooling water to the inlet of the heat exchanger 120, thereby establishing a continuous and controllable cooling water flow field. This not only ensures that the cooling water can stably and efficiently complete the complete cycle process from heat absorption, heat storage, recovery, replenishment to re-heat absorption, avoiding problems such as decreased heat exchange efficiency and localized overheating caused by unstable flow rate or insufficient flow, but also enhances the system's adaptability to changes in external load and improves the energy conversion efficiency of the entire waste heat recovery and heating drying chain. Furthermore, combined with the intelligent linkage mechanism between the previously established liquid level detector 240 and the replenishment flow path 502, the circulating water pump 250 can also dynamically adjust its operating frequency or start / stop status according to the system's water volume status, achieving energy-saving operation and intelligent management. Thus, this embodiment constructs a high-efficiency collaborative system integrating liquid cooling of the data cabinet 501, waste heat recovery, cascaded heat enhancement, water resource recycling, and intelligent control. This reduces the cooling energy consumption and operating costs of the data center, provides a low-carbon and sustainable thermal energy alternative for wastewater treatment plants, and promotes the green and collaborative development of cross-industry resources.

[0052] In this embodiment, please continue to refer to... Figure 1 and Figure 2The volumes of the return pool 230 and the heat storage pool 220 are equal or similar. This volume relationship between the return pool 230 and the heat storage pool 220 optimizes the dynamic balance of energy and water volume in the heat exchange system between the data center and the wastewater treatment plant. By matching their volumes, efficient scheduling and coordinated operation of the cooling water during circulation can be achieved, avoiding problems such as water stagnation, uneven heat distribution, or system response lag caused by volume differences. During system operation, the heat storage pool 220 stores the waste heat cooling water recovered from the data center, acting as a heat buffer and regulator, while the return pool 230 collects the cooling water after the high-temperature heat pump 330 releases heat, preparing it to re-enter the circulation path. When their volumes are similar, it not only helps maintain the stability of the total cooling water volume in the external circulation loop 210 but also improves the system's adaptability to load fluctuations, ensuring the continuity and consistency of the high-temperature heat pump 330's inlet temperature, thereby improving heat pump efficiency and the reliability of the heating drying system 300. Furthermore, this design simplifies the system control logic, reduces the frequency of water replenishment and the difficulty of pump adjustment, improves the overall operational coordination and energy-saving effect, and further promotes the efficient and stable utilization of data center waste heat in sludge drying scenarios. The volumes of the return tank 230 and the heat storage tank 220 can be configured to 2000 cubic meters or 1500 cubic meters, depending on the scale of the data center and wastewater treatment plant. Of course, in other embodiments, the capacities of the heat storage tank 220 and the return tank 230 can be adjusted according to the actual heat supply and demand.

[0053] For the internal circulation loop 110 of the liquid cooling system 100, in one embodiment, please refer to... Figure 1 and Figure 4The liquid cooling system 100 also includes a cooling distribution unit 130, which is located within the inner circulation loop 110, and a heat exchanger 120 is located within the cooling distribution unit 130. As the core control node in the inner circulation loop 110, the cooling distribution unit 130 is responsible for distributing the cooling medium as needed to the heat-generating elements in each data cabinet 501, and guiding it to the heat exchanger 120 for heat exchange after heat absorption. Integrating the heat exchanger 120 into the cooling distribution unit 130 not only shortens the heat transfer path and reduces thermal resistance and energy loss, but also achieves a compact structural layout and rapid system response. This significantly improves the heat dissipation efficiency and operational stability of the liquid cooling system 100, helping to reduce the overall cooling load and PUE value of the data center. At the same time, it also provides a high-quality low-temperature heat source input for the efficient recovery of waste heat in the external circulation loop 210 and the stable operation of the subsequent high-temperature heat pump 330, which enhances the continuous and efficient transmission capacity of waste heat from the data center to the sludge drying system, thereby improving the coordinated operation performance of the entire data center and the wastewater treatment plant heat exchange system, and effectively solving the technical problems of high data center cooling energy consumption, serious energy waste, and high cost of heat source and large carbon emissions required for sludge drying.

[0054] Regarding the type of liquid cooling system 100, in one embodiment, please refer to... Figure 1 and Figure 4 The liquid cooling system 100 is configured as a plate-type liquid cooling system 100. In other embodiments, the liquid cooling system 100 is configured as an immersion liquid cooling system 100 or a spray liquid cooling system 100, or the liquid cooling system 100 is configured as one of a combination of a plate-type liquid cooling system 100, an immersion liquid cooling system 100, and a spray liquid cooling system 100.

[0055] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 4The heat exchange system for the data center and wastewater treatment plant also includes a backup heat source system. The integrated heat exchange system 200 and the backup heat source system are connected in parallel to the high-temperature heat pump 330. By adding a backup heat source system to the heat exchange system for the data center and wastewater treatment plant, and connecting it in parallel with the integrated heat exchange system 200 to the high-temperature heat pump 330, a heat boosting and supply system with redundancy and operational flexibility is constructed. This effectively solves the technical problem that unstable operation of the data center cooling system may lead to interruption of waste heat supply, thereby affecting the continuous heating of the sludge drying system. Under normal operating conditions, the high-temperature heat pump 330 mainly recovers the waste heat emitted by the liquid cooling system 100 of the data center through the integrated heat exchange system 200 and raises it to a temperature range suitable for sludge drying, achieving efficient cascade utilization of energy. In abnormal situations such as reduced data center load, cooling system shutdown, or insufficient waste heat recovery, the backup heat source system can serve as a supplementary heat source, independently or collaboratively providing low-temperature heat source input to the high-temperature heat pump 330 to ensure its continuous and stable operation and maintain the heat output to the drying equipment 320. This not only improves the reliability and continuity of the entire heating and drying system 300, avoiding the risk of decreased drying efficiency or system downtime caused by fluctuations in waste heat supply, but also enhances the system's adaptability to changes in the external environment and uncertainties in operating conditions. This achieves the dual goals of maximizing waste heat utilization from the data center and stabilizing heating for sludge drying in the wastewater treatment plant. Specifically, the backup heat source system can utilize air heat sources, greywater heat sources from the wastewater treatment plant, natural gas boilers, etc.

[0056] For the operation of heat exchange systems in data centers and wastewater treatment plants, such as Figure 4 As shown in the illustration, in one embodiment, the heat exchange medium in the inner circulation loop 110 of the liquid cooling system 100 exchanges heat with the heating element of the data cabinet and flows into the heat exchanger 120, which is also the cooling distribution unit 130, at 51°C. It then exchanges heat with the cooling water in the outer circulation loop 210 of the integrated heat exchange system 200, thereby reducing its temperature to 41°C. Meanwhile, the temperature of the cooling water in the outer circulation loop 210 increases from 36°C before flowing into the heat exchanger 120 to 46°C. Subsequently, the cooling water in the outer circulation loop 210 flows to the heat storage tank 220 to accumulate heat and becomes a high-temperature heat pump 3. The heat source 30, under the action of the high-temperature heat pump 330, the cooling water of the external circulation loop 210 flows into the high-temperature heat pump 330 at 46°C, and then flows out of the high-temperature heat pump 330 at 38°C, and accumulates in the return pool 230. In the return pool 230, the water from the replenishment flow path 502 and the cooling water from the recovery flow path 410 converge to form cooling water at 36°C. At the same time, the temperature of the cooling water in the heating loop 310 of the heating drying system 300 rises from 72°C before flowing into the high-temperature heat pump 330 to 80°C, thereby meeting the drying temperature requirements of the drying equipment 320 for sludge.

[0057] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the scope of protection of the present utility model. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the technical concept of the present utility model and the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A heat exchange system for a data center and a sewage treatment plant, characterized in that, include: A data cabinet and a liquid cooling system, wherein the liquid cooling system includes a heat exchanger and an internal circulation loop, the internal circulation loop passing through the data cabinet to cool the heat-generating elements inside the data cabinet, and the heat exchanger being disposed in the internal circulation loop; An integrated heat exchange system, comprising an external circulation loop that passes through the heat exchanger for heat exchange with the internal circulation loop; and A heating and drying system includes a drying device, a high-temperature heat pump, and a heating circuit. The high-temperature heat pump is located in the heating circuit and the external circulation circuit to increase the cooling water temperature of the heating circuit. The drying device is located in the heating circuit and is used to dissipate heat to the external sludge.

2. The data center and sewage treatment plant heat exchange system of claim 1, wherein, The integrated heat exchange system also includes a heat storage tank, which is located in the external circulation loop and on the flow path from the heat exchanger to the high-temperature heat pump. The heat storage tank is used to store cooling water in the external circulation loop.

3. The data center and sewage treatment plant heat exchange system of claim 2, wherein, The integrated heat exchange system also includes a reflux pool, which is located in the external circulation loop and on the flow path from the high-temperature heat pump to the heat exchanger. The reflux pool is used at least to recover the cooling water flowing through the high-temperature heat pump.

4. The data center and sewage treatment plant heat exchange system of claim 3, wherein, The heat exchange system of the data center and wastewater treatment plant also includes a waste heat recovery system, which includes an inter-row air conditioner and a cold water storage tank. The inter-row air conditioner is installed in the data cabinet and is connected to the cold water storage tank.

5. The data center and sewage treatment plant heat exchange system of claim 4, wherein, The waste heat recovery system further includes a low-temperature heat pump and a recovery flow path. The low-temperature heat pump and the cold water storage tank are located in the recovery flow path, which is connected to the return pool. The low-temperature heat pump is used to reduce the cooling water temperature of the cold water storage tank and is located in the flow path from the cold water storage tank to the return pool.

6. The data center and sewage treatment plant heat exchange system of claim 3, wherein, The integrated heat exchange system also includes a replenishment flow path, the two ends of which can be connected to the reclaimed water tank and the return flow tank of the sewage treatment plant, respectively.

7. The data center and sewage treatment plant heat exchange system of claim 6, wherein, The integrated heat exchange system also includes a liquid level detector, which is installed in the external circulation loop and used to detect the liquid level in the return pool and / or the heat storage pool. The on / off state of the supply flow path is adapted to the detection signal of the liquid level detector.

8. The data center and sewage treatment plant heat exchange system of claim 3, wherein, The integrated heat exchange system also includes a circulating water pump, which is installed in the external circulation loop and located on the flow path from the return pool to the heat exchanger; And / or, the volumes of the reflux tank and the heat storage tank are equal or similar.

9. The data center and sewage treatment plant heat exchange system of claim 1, wherein, The liquid cooling system further includes a cooling distribution unit, which is disposed in the inner circulation loop, and the heat exchanger is disposed in the cooling distribution unit; And / or, the liquid cooling system is configured as at least one of a plate liquid cooling system, an immersion liquid cooling system, and a spray liquid cooling system.

10. The data center and sewage treatment plant heat exchange system of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The heat exchange system for the data center and wastewater treatment plant also includes a backup heat source system, and the integrated heat exchange system and the backup heat source system are connected in parallel to the high-temperature heat pump.

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