A control device for a liquid-cooled circulating pump
By introducing an information acquisition unit and a core control unit into the control device of the liquid-cooled circulating pump, combined with an emergency switching unit and a communication storage unit, the problem of flow fluctuation during circuit switching of the liquid-cooled circulating pump is solved, and stable frequency control is achieved, ensuring the accuracy and stability of the system.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- 东莞吉嘉热控科技有限公司
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-10
AI Technical Summary
The existing liquid-cooled circulating pumps generate severe flow fluctuations during circuit switching, and the standby pump operates at maximum frequency, resulting in a decrease in system control accuracy and stability.
The system employs a control device that includes a frequency converter, a liquid-cooled circulating pump, and a programmable logic controller. PID control is achieved through an information acquisition unit and a core control unit. In the event of a programmable logic controller failure, the system switches to an internally preset speed via an emergency switching unit and continues to control the pump frequency using the control signals stored in the communication storage unit.
In the event of a malfunction, maintain the stable frequency of the liquid-cooled circulating pump, avoid flow fluctuations, maintain the original PID set frequency, and ensure the system control accuracy and stability.
Smart Images
Figure CN224479030U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of liquid cooling cabinet liquid cooling circulating pump control technology, and in particular to a control device for liquid cooling circulating pumps. Background Technology
[0002] As the core power component of a liquid cooling system, the liquid cooling circulation pump's core function is to drive the coolant (such as water, ethylene glycol aqueous solution, etc.) to flow continuously in a closed loop, transferring the heat generated by heat sources (such as CPU, GPU, etc.) to the heat sink for dissipation.
[0003] Currently, the market commonly uses PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) analog modules to control the operating frequency of frequency converters, thereby implementing PID control on the circulating pump (PID control is the core algorithm for intelligent speed regulation of liquid-cooled circulating pumps, dynamically converging temperature / flow error to zero through the coordinated action of proportional, integral, and derivative components). Meanwhile, to address the problem of control interruption, circulating pump shutdown, and liquid cooling delivery stoppage due to PLC failure, potentially causing overheating and damage to critical equipment in data center server rooms, redundant circuits are typically added as a remedy. However, while redundant circuits controlled by AC contactors can start a backup pump to prevent circulating pump shutdown in case of main pump failure, the switch from the original control circuit to the redundant circuit generates severe flow fluctuations, and the started backup pump operates at maximum frequency, failing to maintain the original PID set frequency, thus compromising the system's control accuracy and stability. Utility Model Content
[0004] The main purpose of this invention is to propose a control device for a liquid-cooled circulating pump, which aims to solve the technical problem that existing liquid-cooled circulating pumps use redundant circuits controlled by AC contactors, which cause severe flow fluctuations when switching circuits, and the standby pump that is started will run at the maximum frequency.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention proposes a control device for a liquid-cooled circulating pump, comprising a frequency converter, a liquid-cooled circulating pump, and a programmable logic controller (PLC). The frequency converter includes an information acquisition unit and a core control unit, and the PLC, the information acquisition unit, the core control unit, and the liquid-cooled circulating pump are electrically connected in sequence. The frequency converter also includes an emergency switching unit and a communication storage unit. The emergency switching unit is electrically connected to both the information acquisition unit and the core control unit, and the communication storage unit is electrically connected to both the PLC and the core control unit.
[0006] Optionally, the programmable logic controller includes an analog output module and a digital output module, wherein the analog output module is electrically connected to the information acquisition unit, and the digital output module is electrically connected to the communication storage unit.
[0007] Optionally, it also includes a 24V DC power supply, which powers the programmable logic controller and the emergency switching unit;
[0008] The reference ground of the analog output module, the reference ground of the digital output module, and the common ground of the inverter's control terminals are all connected to the negative terminal of the 24V DC power supply to form a star-shaped single-point grounding network.
[0009] Optionally, the information acquisition unit includes an information detection circuit and an ACD converter, and the programmable logic controller, the information detection circuit, the ACD converter, and the core control unit are electrically connected in sequence.
[0010] Optionally, the communication storage unit includes a pre-stored speed register, which is electrically connected to both the programmable logic controller and the core control unit.
[0011] Optionally, the emergency switching unit includes an LO control circuit and an LI3 receiving circuit, the information acquisition unit is electrically connected to the LO control circuit, and the LI3 receiving circuit is electrically connected to the core control unit;
[0012] The LO control circuit includes a LO- terminal, and the LI3 receiving circuit includes a LI3 terminal, wherein the LO- terminal and the LI3 terminal are shorted together.
[0013] Optionally, the core control unit includes a control source selector, which is electrically connected to the information acquisition unit, the communication storage unit, and the emergency switching unit.
[0014] Optionally, the information acquisition unit includes a fixed first parameter, which is fixed to the value 0x0A, for enabling analog signal loss detection;
[0015] The emergency switching unit includes a fixed second parameter and a fixed third parameter. The second parameter is fixed to the value 0x7B and is used to bind the logic output terminal to the signal loss event. The third parameter is fixed to the value 0xC3 and is used to configure the preset speed trigger logic.
[0016] The technical solution of this utility model has the following beneficial effects:
[0017] This control device for a liquid-cooled circulating pump continuously outputs a first control signal (analog signal) and a second control signal (digital signal) through a programmable logic controller (PLC). The first control signal is received by an information acquisition unit and then transmitted to the core control unit for PID control of the liquid-cooled circulating pump. Simultaneously, the second control signal output by the PLC is received and stored by a communication storage unit. When the PLC malfunctions, the information acquisition unit detects the loss of the first control signal and outputs a switching signal to an emergency switching unit. The emergency switching unit then triggers the core control unit to switch to operating at an internally preset speed and reads the second control signal stored in the communication storage unit. The frequency of the liquid-cooled circulating pump is then controlled according to the second control signal.
[0018] In this utility model, the programmable logic controller (PLC) continuously outputs and writes a real-time updated second control signal to the communication storage unit at a high frequency (e.g., 100ms / time), and the core control unit reads the latest stored second control signal. Therefore, after a PLC failure, the core control unit controls the liquid-cooled circulating pump at the same or essentially the same frequency as before the PLC failure, based on the second control signal. Compared to the redundant circuit controlled by AC contactors in the prior art, this design does not produce drastic flow fluctuations after switching, and the liquid-cooled circulating pump operates at the same or essentially the same frequency as before the PLC failure, thus helping to maintain the original PID set frequency and ensuring the control accuracy and stability of the system. Attached Figure Description
[0019] 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.
[0020] Figure 1 This is a circuit block diagram of a control device for a liquid-cooled circulating pump according to the present invention;
[0021] Figure 2 This is a circuit diagram of a control device for a liquid-cooled circulating pump according to the present invention.
[0022] 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
[0023] 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.
[0024] It should be noted that all directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in this utility model embodiment are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicator will also change accordingly.
[0025] 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 cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.
[0026] This invention proposes a control device for a liquid-cooled circulating pump.
[0027] like Figures 1 to 2 As shown in Embodiment 1 of this utility model, the control device for the liquid-cooled circulating pump includes a frequency converter, a liquid-cooled circulating pump, and a programmable logic controller (PLC). The frequency converter includes an information acquisition unit, a core control unit, an emergency switching unit, and a communication storage unit. Specifically, the PLC, the information acquisition unit, the core control unit, and the liquid-cooled circulating pump are electrically connected in sequence. The emergency switching unit is electrically connected to both the information acquisition unit and the core control unit, and the communication storage unit is electrically connected to both the PLC and the core control unit.
[0028] It is worth noting that the control device for the liquid-cooled circulating pump also includes a first power supply and a second power supply. The first power supply powers the main circuit of the frequency converter and the liquid-cooled circulating pump, while the second power supply powers the programmable logic controller and the control circuit of the frequency converter. Specifically, the first power supply is a 380V three-phase power supply, and the second power supply is a 24V DC power supply. Since the technical principle of supplying power through the first and second power supplies is a mature existing technology, it will not be described in detail in this embodiment.
[0029] This control device for a liquid-cooled circulating pump continuously outputs a first control signal (analog signal) and a second control signal (digital signal) through a programmable logic controller (PLC). The first control signal is received by an information acquisition unit and then transmitted to the core control unit for PID control of the liquid-cooled circulating pump. Simultaneously, the second control signal output by the PLC is received and stored by a communication storage unit. When the PLC malfunctions, the information acquisition unit detects the loss of the first control signal and outputs a switching signal to an emergency switching unit. The emergency switching unit then triggers the core control unit to switch to operating at an internally preset speed and reads the second control signal stored in the communication storage unit. The frequency of the liquid-cooled circulating pump is then controlled according to the second control signal.
[0030] In this embodiment, the programmable logic controller (PLC) continuously outputs and writes a real-time updated second control signal to the communication storage unit at a relatively high frequency (e.g., 100ms / time), and the core control unit reads the latest stored second control signal. Therefore, after a PLC failure, the core control unit controls the liquid-cooled circulating pump at the same or substantially the same frequency as before the PLC failure, based on the second control signal. Compared to the redundant circuit controlled by AC contactors in the prior art, this design does not produce drastic flow fluctuations after switching, and the liquid-cooled circulating pump operates at the same or substantially the same frequency as before the PLC failure, thus helping to maintain the original PID set frequency and ensuring the control accuracy and stability of the system.
[0031] Optionally, the programmable logic controller (PLC) includes an analog output module and a digital output module. The analog output module is electrically connected to the information acquisition unit, and the digital output module is electrically connected to the communication storage unit. Specifically, the analog output module is an AO module, used to output a first control signal (analog signal) to the information acquisition unit; the digital output module is an RS485 communication module, used to output a second control signal (digital signal) to the communication storage unit. In this embodiment, the analog signal is a continuously varying current signal (4-20mA), used to directly drive the frequency setting port of the frequency converter, thereby continuously adjusting the frequency of the liquid-cooled circulating pump. The aforementioned digital signal is a discrete data packet transmitted based on a serial communication protocol, which is a discrete liquid-cooled circulating pump control command generated by the PLC according to a certain frequency.
[0032] like Figure 2As shown, in this embodiment, the aforementioned 24V DC power supply powers the programmable logic controller and the emergency switching unit. Specifically, the reference ground of the analog output module, the reference ground of the digital output module, and the common ground of the inverter's control terminals are all connected to the negative terminal of the 24V DC power supply, forming a star-shaped single-point grounding network. This design allows all reference grounds to converge at a single node (24V negative terminal), forming a zero-impedance path (grounding wire cross-sectional area ≥ 2.5mm²) and Faraday shielding (signal line twisted pair shielding layer grounded at one end), thereby reducing the potential difference between each COM terminal and the 4-20mA signal noise amplitude, reducing the liquid cooling flow fluctuation rate, improving AI signal accuracy, achieving "zero potential reference unification," and eliminating ground loop interference.
[0033] In addition, the programmable logic controller and the frequency converter form a first control signal transmission path by connecting the AI terminal and the AI1 terminal, and form a second control signal transmission path by connecting the 4 terminal and the B terminal and the 5 terminal and the A terminal.
[0034] In this embodiment, the information acquisition unit specifically includes an information detection circuit and an ACD converter. The programmable logic controller, information detection circuit, ACD converter, and core control unit are electrically connected in sequence. The emergency switching unit includes an LO control circuit and an LI3 receiving circuit. The information acquisition unit is electrically connected to the LO control circuit, and the LI3 receiving circuit is electrically connected to the core control unit. The LO control circuit includes an LO- terminal, and the LI3 receiving circuit includes an LI3 terminal. The LO- terminal and the LI3 terminal are shorted. The communication storage unit specifically includes a pre-stored speed register, which is electrically connected to both the programmable logic controller and the core control unit. The core control unit specifically includes a control source selector, a frequency setpoint processor, a PWM generator, and an IGBT switching circuit. The control source selector is electrically connected to the information acquisition unit, the communication storage unit, and the emergency switching unit. The control source selector, frequency setpoint processor, PWM generator, IGBT switching circuit, and liquid-cooled circulating pump are electrically connected in sequence.
[0035] Specifically, the information detection circuit includes a fixed first parameter (204.0), fixed at a value of 0x0A, used to enable analog signal loss detection. The LO control circuit includes a fixed second parameter (206.0), fixed at a value of 0x7B, used to bind the logic output terminal to a signal loss event. The LI3 receiving circuit includes a fixed third parameter (507.0), fixed at a value of 0xC3, used to configure preset speed trigger logic. In this embodiment, the first parameter (204.0) is the signal loss detection enable parameter; the second parameter (206.0) is the fault output mapping parameter; and the third parameter (507.0) is the control source switching trigger parameter. These three parameters are stored in a one-time programmable memory, permanently fixed after being written, and protected by a write protection circuit. Compared to a modifiable parameter design, fixed parameters improve anti-interference capabilities, preventing redundant functions from failing due to misoperation and preventing parameter resets due to electromagnetic interference, thus avoiding system crashes.
[0036] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. All equivalent structural transformations made under the inventive concept of the present utility model using the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A control device for a liquid-cooled circulating pump, comprising a frequency converter, a liquid-cooled circulating pump, and a programmable logic controller (PLC), wherein the frequency converter includes an information acquisition unit and a core control unit, and the PLC, the information acquisition unit, the core control unit, and the liquid-cooled circulating pump are electrically connected in sequence; characterized in that, The frequency converter also includes an emergency switching unit and a communication storage unit. The emergency switching unit is electrically connected to the information acquisition unit and the core control unit, respectively, and the communication storage unit is electrically connected to the programmable logic controller and the core control unit, respectively.
2. The control device for a liquid-cooled circulating pump according to claim 1, characterized in that, The programmable logic controller includes an analog output module and a digital output module. The analog output module is electrically connected to the information acquisition unit, and the digital output module is electrically connected to the communication storage unit.
3. The control device for a liquid-cooled circulating pump according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a 24V DC power supply, which powers the programmable logic controller and the emergency switching unit. The reference ground of the analog output module, the reference ground of the digital output module, and the common ground of the inverter's control terminals are all connected to the negative terminal of the 24V DC power supply to form a star-shaped single-point grounding network.
4. The control device for a liquid-cooled circulating pump according to claim 1, characterized in that, The information acquisition unit includes an information detection circuit and an ACD converter, and the programmable logic controller, the information detection circuit, the ACD converter, and the core control unit are electrically connected in sequence.
5. The control device for a liquid-cooled circulating pump according to claim 1, characterized in that, The communication storage unit includes a pre-stored speed register, which is electrically connected to both the programmable logic controller and the core control unit.
6. The control device for a liquid-cooled circulating pump according to claim 1, characterized in that, The emergency switching unit includes an LO control circuit and an LI3 receiving circuit. The information acquisition unit is electrically connected to the LO control circuit, and the LI3 receiving circuit is electrically connected to the core control unit. The LO control circuit includes a LO- terminal, and the LI3 receiving circuit includes a LI3 terminal, wherein the LO- terminal and the LI3 terminal are shorted together.
7. The control device for a liquid-cooled circulating pump according to claim 1, characterized in that, The core control unit includes a control source selector, which is electrically connected to the information acquisition unit, the communication storage unit, and the emergency switching unit.
8. The control device for a liquid-cooled circulating pump according to claim 1, characterized in that, The information acquisition unit includes a fixed first parameter, which is fixed to the value 0x0A and is used to enable analog signal loss detection. The emergency switching unit includes a fixed second parameter and a fixed third parameter. The second parameter is fixed to the value 0x7B and is used to bind the logic output terminal to the signal loss event. The third parameter is fixed to the value 0xC3 and is used to configure the preset speed trigger logic.