A water separator and liquid cooling system

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of liquid cooling system, disclose a kind of water segregator and liquid cooling system. Water segregator includes total inlet pipe, branch inlet pipe, first flow divider and backwater component. One end of total inlet pipe is communicated with the output end of external cooling equipment, and the other end is communicated with the first inlet of first flow divider. Branch inlet pipe is at least provided with two, and the one end of each branch inlet pipe is communicated with the first outlet of first flow divider, and the other end is communicated with the cooling inlet of server. First flow divider is configured to distribute the flow of cooling medium entering its interior, to make the flow of cooling medium distributed to each branch inlet pipe uniform. Backwater component is configured to transport back to external cooling equipment after the cooling medium after completing heat exchange of server is gathered. By first flow divider, the flow of cooling medium entering its interior is distributed, the flow of cooling medium obtained by each branch inlet pipe can be ensured uniform, to adapt to the use demand of high power density server to reliable cooling.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of liquid cooling system technology, and in particular to a water distributor and a liquid cooling system. Background Technology

[0002] As a core component in liquid cooling systems for distributing and recovering cooling media, the water distributor's performance directly affects the server's heat dissipation stability and is widely used in scenarios such as internet data centers, cloud computing centers, and high-performance computing centers.

[0003] Traditional water distributors typically have a main cooling medium inlet channel, multiple branch channels connecting various modules within the same server that require cooling, and a main heat medium recovery channel. During operation, the cooling medium enters through the main inlet channel, is then transported to each module within the server through the branch channels, and after completing the heat exchange, the heat medium is collected again through the branch channels and returned to the main recovery channel, ultimately being sent to the cooling equipment for further cooling.

[0004] However, existing traditional water distributors still have room for improvement in the distribution and control of cooling media. Their distribution effect is difficult to fully guarantee the consistency of cooling conditions for each cooling module inside the server, which may lead to differences in the heat dissipation status of different modules, thereby affecting the overall heat dissipation stability of the server and making it difficult to fully adapt to the reliable cooling requirements of high power density servers.

[0005] Therefore, the above problems urgently need to be solved. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a water distributor and liquid cooling system to ensure that the cooling medium flow rate obtained by each water inlet pipe is uniform, thereby adapting to the reliable cooling requirements of high power density servers.

[0007] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] A water distributor, disposed between an external cooling device and a server, is used to distribute the cooling medium output from the external cooling device to the server, and to collect the cooling medium after the server has completed heat exchange and return it to the external cooling device. The water distributor includes a main inlet pipe, branch inlet pipes, a first branch block, and a return water assembly, wherein:

[0009] One end of the main water inlet pipe is connected to the output end of the external cooling equipment, and the other end is connected to the first inlet of the first diversion block;

[0010] At least two water inlet pipes are provided, and one end of each water inlet pipe is connected to the first outlet of the first distribution block, and the other end is connected to the cooling inlet of the server.

[0011] The first flow divider is configured to distribute the flow of cooling medium entering its interior so that the flow of cooling medium distributed to each of the branch inlet pipes is uniform.

[0012] The water return component is configured to collect the cooling medium after the server has completed its heat exchange and then return it to the external cooling equipment.

[0013] Preferably, the water return assembly includes a main water return pipe, branch water return pipes, and a second diversion block, wherein:

[0014] One end of the main return water pipe is connected to the second outlet of the second branch block, and the other end is connected to the input end of the external cooling equipment;

[0015] At least two distribution and return water pipes are provided, with one end of each distribution and return water pipe connected to the cooling outlet of the server and the other end connected to the second inlet of the second distribution block;

[0016] The second diversion block is configured to receive the cooling medium delivered by each of the branch return pipes and collect it into the main return pipe.

[0017] Preferably, the first diverter block is provided with a distribution cavity, the first inlet is connected to the bottom of the distribution cavity, and the end of the main water inlet pipe away from the external cooling equipment is connected to the first inlet, so that the cooling medium is filled from the bottom of the distribution cavity upwards.

[0018] The first diversion block has at least two first outlets spaced at intervals along the vertical direction, and each first outlet is connected to the distribution cavity. Each water inlet pipe is connected to each first outlet in a corresponding manner.

[0019] Preferably, the two adjacent first outlets are located on opposite sides of the distribution cavity.

[0020] Preferably, the first diverter block and the second diverter block are connected as one unit by a fastener.

[0021] Preferably, the fixing component is a heat insulation pad, which is disposed between the first diversion block and the second diversion block, and the two sides of the heat insulation pad are respectively bonded to the first diversion block and the second diversion block to connect the first diversion block and the second diversion block into one unit.

[0022] Preferably, the first diverter block is provided with an exhaust valve, which is connected to the distribution chamber and is used to discharge the gas in the distribution chamber.

[0023] Preferably, the outer surface of the main water inlet pipe and the outer surface of each of the branch water inlet pipes are provided with a first mark, which is used to mark the water inlet path;

[0024] The outer surface of the main return water pipe and the outer surface of each of the branch return water pipes are provided with a second mark, which is used to mark the return water path.

[0025] Preferably, the water distributor further includes multiple quick-release connectors, each of which corresponds to the main water inlet pipe and each of the branch water inlet pipes, to achieve the connection between the main water inlet pipe, each of the branch water inlet pipes and the first diversion block.

[0026] A liquid cooling system is provided for cooling a server. The liquid cooling system includes an external cooling device and the aforementioned water distributor. The external cooling device provides a cooling medium. The water distributor is connected between the external cooling device and the server to distribute the cooling medium output by the external cooling device to the server and collect the cooling medium after heat exchange from the server and return it to the external cooling device, thereby cooling the server.

[0027] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0028] This invention distributes the flow of cooling medium entering its interior through a first flow divider block, ensuring that the cooling medium flow obtained by each branch water inlet pipe is uniform, thereby adapting to the reliable cooling requirements of high power density servers. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the water distributor provided by this utility model.

[0030] In the picture:

[0031] 1. Main water inlet pipe; 2. Branch water inlet pipe; 3. First diversion block; 4. Return water assembly; 41. Main return water pipe; 42. Branch return water pipe; 43. Second diversion block; 5. Air vent valve; 6. Quick-release connector. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Before explaining any implementation of this application in detail, it should be understood that this application is not limited to its application to the structural details and component arrangements set forth in the following description or shown in the above drawings.

[0033] In this application, the terms "comprising," "including," "having," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0034] In this application, the term "and / or" describes a relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, a centrifugal vortex magnetic pump and / or a centrifugal vortex magnetic pump can represent: the existence of only one centrifugal vortex magnetic pump, the simultaneous existence of one centrifugal vortex magnetic pump and a centrifugal vortex magnetic pump, or the existence of only one centrifugal vortex magnetic pump. Additionally, the character " / " in this application generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "and / or" relationship.

[0035] In this application, the terms "connection," "combination," "coupling," and "installation" can refer to direct connection, combination, coupling, or installation, or indirect connection, combination, coupling, or installation. For example, a direct connection refers to two parts or components being connected together without the need for an intermediary, while an indirect connection refers to two parts or components each being connected to at least one intermediary, with the connection achieved through the intermediary. Furthermore, "connection" and "coupling" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couplings, but can also include electrical connections or couplings.

[0036] In this application, those skilled in the art will understand that relative terms (e.g., “about,” “approximately,” “basically,” etc.) used in conjunction with quantities or conditions are to include the values ​​and have the meaning indicated by the context. For example, such relative terms include at least the degree of error associated with the measurement of a particular value, tolerances associated with the particular value due to manufacturing, assembly, use, etc. Such terms should also be considered as disclosing a range defined by the absolute values ​​of the two endpoints. Relative terms may refer to a certain percentage (e.g., 1%, 5%, 10% or more) of the indicated value. Numerical values ​​not using relative terms should also be disclosed as specific values ​​with tolerances. Furthermore, “basically” when expressing relative angular relationships (e.g., substantially parallel, substantially perpendicular) may refer to a certain degree (e.g., 1 degree, 5 degrees, 10 degrees or more) added to or subtracted from the indicated angle.

[0037] In this application, those skilled in the art will understand that the function performed by a component can be performed by one component, multiple components, one part, or multiple parts. Similarly, the function performed by a part can also be performed by one part, one component, or a combination of multiple parts.

[0038] In this application, the directional terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," and "rear" are used to describe the orientation and positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of this application. Furthermore, in the context, it should be understood that when an element is mentioned as being connected "upper" or "lower" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element "upper" or "lower," or indirectly connected through an intermediate element. It should also be understood that directional terms such as upper side, lower side, left side, right side, front side, and rear side not only represent positive orientation but can also be understood as lateral orientation. For example, "below" can include directly below, lower left, lower right, lower front, and lower rear.

[0039] Please see Figure 1 This embodiment provides a water distributor, installed between an external cooling device and a server, for distributing the cooling medium output from the external cooling device to the server, and collecting the cooling medium after the server has completed its heat exchange and returning it to the external cooling device. The water distributor includes a main inlet pipe 1, branch inlet pipes 2, a first diversion block 3, and a return water assembly 4. One end of the main inlet pipe 1 is connected to the output end of the external cooling device, and the other end is connected to the first inlet of the first diversion block 3. At least two branch inlet pipes 2 are provided, each connected at one end to the first outlet of the first diversion block 3 and at the other end to the cooling inlet of the server. The first diversion block 3 is configured to distribute the flow of cooling medium entering it, ensuring a uniform flow rate to each branch inlet pipe 2. The return water assembly 4 is configured to collect the cooling medium after the server has completed its heat exchange and return it to the external cooling device.

[0040] During operation, the cooling medium output from the external cooling equipment first enters the first distribution block 3 through the main inlet pipe 1 of the distributor. The first distribution block 3 then distributes the cooling medium's flow rate and, through at least two branch inlet pipes 2 connected at one end to their first outlet, synchronously delivers the cooling medium to the server's cooling inlet and flows to the various cooling modules inside the server. After the cooling medium exchanges heat with the server's heat-generating modules, it flows back to the distributor's return water component 4 through the corresponding server outlet. The return water component 4 collects multiple groups of heat media and finally directs the collected heat media back to the external cooling equipment, completing the entire cooling cycle. This configuration, with the first distribution block 3 distributing the flow rate of the cooling medium entering its interior, ensures a uniform flow rate to each branch inlet pipe 2, thus meeting the reliable cooling requirements of high-power-density servers.

[0041] In this embodiment, the server includes two modules that need to be cooled. To achieve precise matching between the cooling medium and the two modules, two water inlet pipes 2 of the water distributor are provided. The other end of the two water inlet pipes 2 are respectively connected to the cooling inlets of the two cooling modules of the server to form a directional delivery structure.

[0042] Specifically, the return water assembly 4 includes a main return water pipe 41, branch return water pipes 42, and a second distribution block 43. One end of the main return water pipe 41 is connected to the second outlet of the second distribution block 43, and the other end is connected to the input of an external cooling device. At least two branch return water pipes 42 are provided, each with one end connected to the server's cooling outlet and the other end connected to the second inlet of the second distribution block 43. The second distribution block 43 is configured to receive the cooling medium delivered by each branch return water pipe 42 and collect it into the main return water pipe 41.

[0043] Understandably, since at least two distribution and return water pipes 42 are set up and one end is connected to the cooling outlet of each cooling module of the server, the heat medium after each module completes the heat exchange can flow back through an independent distribution and return water pipe 42. This avoids the problem of mixing and mutual interference of the cooling medium output by multiple modules in the initial stage of return flow, ensuring that the heat medium discharge path of each module is clear and does not affect the return flow efficiency of each other.

[0044] It is also understandable that by receiving and collecting the heat medium transported by each branch return water pipe 42 through the second diversion block 43, the situation of eddy currents or impacts caused by the difference in flow rate and pressure of the heat medium in different branch return water pipes 42 during the convergence can be avoided, the return resistance can be reduced, and the cooling medium can be smoothly and efficiently merged into the main return water pipe 41, thereby improving the heat medium recovery efficiency.

[0045] In this embodiment, the first diversion block 3 has a distribution cavity inside, the first inlet is connected to the bottom of the distribution cavity, and the end of the main water inlet pipe 1 away from the external cooling equipment is connected to the first inlet, so that the cooling medium fills the distribution cavity from the bottom upward. The first diversion block 3 has at least two first outlets spaced at intervals along the vertical direction, and each first outlet is connected to the distribution cavity. Each branch water inlet pipe 2 is connected to each first outlet in a corresponding manner.

[0046] When the distribution chamber is in full flow state, the static pressure, flow velocity and other parameters of the cooling medium at each height position in the chamber are relatively balanced, and there is no sudden increase or decrease in local flow velocity. As a result, the output pressure of the medium at each first outlet is consistent with the initial flow conditions. The flow rate of the cooling medium flowing through each first outlet into the corresponding water inlet pipe 2 naturally tends to be uniform, thereby ensuring that each cooling module of the server can obtain a stable supply of cooling medium and ensuring consistent heat dissipation effect.

[0047] Furthermore, flow equalization can be achieved without complex additional control components. Compared to flow equalization schemes that rely on precision valves or sensors, this reduces the risk of vulnerable components and control failures, while also lowering structural complexity and improving the long-term reliability of the first diversion block 3. This makes it suitable for scenarios such as data centers that require stable operation of the water distributor. It should be noted that the structure of the second diversion block 43 can be designed with reference to the structure of the first diversion block 3, so it will not be described in detail here.

[0048] Specifically, the two adjacent first outlets are located on opposite sides of the distribution chamber. If the adjacent first outlets are on the same side of the distribution chamber, when the cooling medium flows continuously from that side, it is easy for the cooling medium in a local area to be rapidly extracted, forming a local supply gap. This will cause fluctuations in the flow rate and pressure of the medium at the subsequent outlets on the same side, affecting the flow stability. However, by having the adjacent outlets located on opposite sides of the chamber, the medium can flow out from two opposite directions within the chamber. When the medium is extracted from one outlet, the medium in the other chamber area can be replenished in time, avoiding the problem of excessively rapid consumption and insufficient supply of medium on one side. This ensures that the medium supply at each first outlet is always balanced, further improving the flow consistency of each branch inlet pipe 2.

[0049] To improve the compactness of the water distributor, the first diversion block 3 and the second diversion block 43 are connected as one unit by fasteners. This integration eliminates the need for separate installation space for each block, effectively reducing the overall volume. This is especially beneficial in space-constrained environments such as server racks and data centers, allowing for more flexible adaptation to equipment layouts.

[0050] In this embodiment, the fixing component is a heat insulation pad, which is disposed between the first diversion block 3 and the second diversion block 43. The two sides of the heat insulation pad are respectively bonded to the first diversion block 3 and the second diversion block 43 to connect the first diversion block 3 and the second diversion block 43 into one unit.

[0051] It is worth noting that the first shunt block 3 contains the low-temperature cooling medium that is about to enter the server, while the second shunt block 43 contains the high-temperature cooling medium that has absorbed the heat from the server. The two are physically very close. If there is no effective heat insulation, the high temperature will be directly conducted to the low-temperature side through the metal body of the shunt block. This will cause the low-temperature medium to heat up before it comes into contact with the server, which will greatly weaken its heat absorption capacity and ultimately reduce the heat dissipation effect.

[0052] The heat insulation pad (such as silicone heat insulation pad or polyurethane heat insulation pad) has a low thermal conductivity, which cuts off the heat conduction path between the first diverter block 3 and the second diverter block 43 at the source. At the same time, the bonding method achieves surface contact and bonding between the heat insulation pad and the two diverter blocks, eliminating the risk of heat leakage and effectively maintaining the initial low temperature state of the medium in the first diverter block 3, ensuring that the cooling efficiency does not decrease.

[0053] Generally, when the cooling medium flows in the distribution chamber, if there is residual air or other gas in the chamber, the gas will accumulate in the distribution chamber because its density is much less than that of the liquid, forming an air block. To address this, the first distribution block 3 is equipped with an exhaust valve 5, which is connected to the distribution chamber and is used to discharge the gas in the distribution chamber, thereby completely removing flow obstacles and ensuring that the cooling medium can smoothly fill the distribution chamber and be stably delivered to the server through each first outlet.

[0054] It should be noted that the specific model of the exhaust valve 5 can be selected according to the actual application scenario, and this embodiment does not impose specific requirements or restrictions on it.

[0055] To improve the ease of use of the water distributor, a first mark is provided on the outer surface of the main inlet pipe 1 and the outer surface of each branch inlet pipe 2. The first mark is used to mark the water inlet path. A second mark is provided on the outer surface of the main return pipe 41 and the outer surface of each branch return pipe 42. The second mark is used to mark the return path.

[0056] Understandably, the first and second labels serve as functional tags for each pipe. Construction workers don't need complex drawings; they can quickly match them using only visual identification. This significantly improves construction efficiency and reduces labor and rework costs, especially in batch installations. It's important to note that the first label is primarily blue, corresponding to the inlet water path, visually indicating that the medium flowing inside the pipe is a low-temperature cooling medium that hasn't yet entered the server and undergone heat exchange. The second label is primarily red, corresponding to the return water path, visually indicating that the medium flowing inside the pipe is a high-temperature heat medium that has completed heat exchange with the server and carries heat. This clear distinction between blue and red allows for quick identification of the temperature state and flow path of the medium within the pipe.

[0057] To improve the installation efficiency of the manifold, it also includes multiple quick-release connectors 6, each corresponding to the main inlet pipe 1 and each branch inlet pipe 2, to connect the main inlet pipe 1, each branch inlet pipe 2, and the first diversion block 3. The quick-release connectors 6 require no complicated tools; connection is completed simply by manually aligning the interfaces, thus significantly improving overall installation efficiency. It should be noted that the quick-release connectors 6 are existing technology; the specific type can be selected according to the actual application scenario, such as snap-fit, plug-in, or locking types.

[0058] In this embodiment, the main return water pipe 41 and each branch return water pipe 42 are also connected to the second diversion block 43 using quick-release connectors 6, so they will not be described in detail.

[0059] This embodiment also provides a liquid cooling system for cooling a server. The liquid cooling system includes an external cooling device and a water distributor as described above. The external cooling device provides a cooling medium, and the water distributor is connected between the external cooling device and the server to distribute the cooling medium output by the external cooling device to the server and collect the cooling medium after heat exchange from the server and return it to the external cooling device, thereby cooling the server.

[0060] As shown above, the external cooling equipment is responsible for providing the low-temperature cooling medium and receiving the hot medium returned by the distributor for cooling and circulation. The server receives the low-temperature cooling medium through the distributor to dissipate heat, and then sends the heat-exchanged medium back to the distributor. The two form a closed loop of cooling medium supply and recovery through the distributor. It can be understood that the liquid cooling system including the aforementioned distributor can stably adapt to the server's cooling needs, ensure that the cooling efficiency does not decrease, simplify the system installation and maintenance process, reduce the risk of medium leakage and equipment overheating, and achieve efficient and reliable cooling of the server. It should be noted that the external cooling equipment is existing technology and will not be described in detail.

[0061] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the protection scope of this utility model. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A water distributor, disposed between an external cooling device and a server, for distributing the cooling medium output from the external cooling device to the server, and collecting the cooling medium after the server has completed heat exchange and returning it to the external cooling device, characterized in that, The water distributor includes a main inlet pipe (1), branch inlet pipes (2), a first diversion block (3), and a return water assembly (4), wherein: One end of the main water inlet pipe (1) is connected to the output end of the external cooling equipment, and the other end is connected to the first inlet of the first diverter block (3); At least two water inlet pipes (2) are provided, one end of each water inlet pipe (2) is connected to the first outlet of the first diversion block (3), and the other end is connected to the cooling inlet of the server. The first diverter block (3) is configured to distribute the flow of cooling medium entering it so that the flow of cooling medium distributed to each of the branch inlet pipes (2) is uniform. The water return component (4) is configured to collect the cooling medium after the server has completed its heat exchange and then transport it back to the external cooling equipment.

2. A water distributor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The return water assembly (4) includes a main return water pipe (41), branch return water pipes (42), and a second branch block (43), wherein: One end of the main return water pipe (41) is connected to the second outlet of the second diversion block (43), and the other end is connected to the input end of the external cooling equipment; At least two distribution and return water pipes (42) are provided, one end of each distribution and return water pipe (42) is connected to the cooling outlet of the server, and the other end is connected to the second inlet of the second distribution block (43); The second diversion block (43) is configured to receive the cooling medium delivered by each of the branch return pipes (42) and collect it into the main return pipe (41).

3. A water distributor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first diverter block (3) has a distribution cavity inside. The first inlet is connected to the bottom of the distribution cavity. The end of the main water inlet pipe (1) away from the external cooling equipment is connected to the first inlet, so that the cooling medium is filled from the bottom of the distribution cavity upward. The first diversion block (3) is provided with at least two first outlets at intervals along the vertical direction, and each first outlet is connected to the distribution cavity. Each water inlet pipe (2) is connected to each first outlet in a corresponding manner.

4. A water distributor according to claim 3, characterized in that, The two adjacent first outlets are located on opposite sides of the distribution cavity.

5. A water distributor according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first diverter block (3) and the second diverter block (43) are connected as one unit by a fastener.

6. A water distributor according to claim 5, characterized in that, The fixing component is a heat insulation pad, which is disposed between the first diversion block (3) and the second diversion block (43). The two sides of the heat insulation pad are respectively bonded to the first diversion block (3) and the second diversion block (43) to connect the first diversion block (3) and the second diversion block (43) into one unit.

7. A water distributor according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first diverter block (3) is provided with an exhaust valve (5), which is connected to the distribution chamber and is used to discharge the gas in the distribution chamber.

8. A water distributor according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outer surface of the main water inlet pipe (1) and the outer surface of each of the branch water inlet pipes (2) are provided with a first mark, which is used to mark the water inlet path; The outer surface of the main return water pipe (41) and the outer surface of each of the branch return water pipes (42) are provided with a second mark, which is used to mark the return water path.

9. A water distributor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water distributor also includes multiple quick-release connectors (6), which correspond one-to-one with the main water inlet pipe (1) and each of the branch water inlet pipes (2) to achieve the connection between the main water inlet pipe (1), each of the branch water inlet pipes (2) and the first diversion block (3).

10. A liquid cooling system for cooling a server, characterized in that, The liquid cooling system includes an external cooling device and a water distributor as described in any one of claims 1-9. The external cooling device is used to provide a cooling medium. The water distributor is connected between the external cooling device and the server to distribute the cooling medium output by the external cooling device to the server and collect the cooling medium after heat exchange by the server and return it to the external cooling device to achieve cooling of the server.

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