A hybrid refrigeration system for a data center

Abstract

This utility model discloses a composite cooling system for data centers, including an outdoor cold source module, an indoor air-cooled module, and an indoor liquid-cooled module. The outlet of the outdoor cold source module is connected in parallel to the inlets of the indoor air-cooled module and the indoor liquid-cooled module. The outlets of the indoor air-cooled module and the indoor liquid-cooled module are connected together to the inlet of the outdoor cold source module. The outdoor cold source module includes a condenser, a liquid receiver, a first compressor, a second compressor, a refrigerant pump, and a water-fluorine heat exchanger. The outlet of the condenser is connected to the liquid receiver, and the outlet of the liquid receiver is connected to the water-fluorine heat exchanger through a refrigerant transfer pipe. The water-side outlet of the water-fluorine heat exchanger is connected to the indoor air-cooled module through an air-side water supply pipe. The refrigerant pump is connected to the refrigerant transfer pipe. The purpose of this utility model is to overcome the shortcomings of existing systems and provide a composite cooling system for data centers that simultaneously meets multiple cooling needs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a composite cooling system for data centers. Background Technology

[0002] Data center air conditioning systems consume a lot of energy. Liquid cooling technology is becoming the choice for cooling server chips in more and more high heat density computer rooms. High heat power density chips can generally be cooled by liquid cooling, but 20 to 30% of low heat density power electronic components and auxiliary rooms still need to be cooled by traditional air cooling systems or chilled water.

[0003] Most existing data center cooling solutions are single solutions with either liquid cooling or air cooling. These separate solutions have drawbacks such as multiple devices, difficult maintenance, and poor flexibility. Another solution is one where liquid and air cooling are from the same source, which can provide both liquid and air cooling. However, this solution also has problems such as the inability to operate the liquid and air cooling systems simultaneously.

[0004] Therefore, a composite cooling system for data centers is proposed to address the above issues. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of existing systems and provide a composite cooling system for data centers that can simultaneously meet multiple cooling needs.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a composite cooling system for data centers, comprising an outdoor cold source module, an indoor air-cooled module, and an indoor liquid-cooled module;

[0007] The outlet of the outdoor cold source module is connected in parallel to the inlet of the indoor air-cooled module and the indoor liquid-cooled module; the outlets of the indoor air-cooled module and the indoor liquid-cooled module are connected together to the inlet of the outdoor cold source module.

[0008] The outdoor cold source module includes a condenser, a liquid receiver, a first compressor, a second compressor, a refrigerant pump, and a water-fluorine heat exchanger.

[0009] The outlet of the condenser is connected to the liquid receiver, the outlet of the liquid receiver is connected to the water-fluorine heat exchanger through a refrigerant transfer pipe, and the water-side outlet of the water-fluorine heat exchanger is connected to the indoor air-cooled module through an air-side water supply pipe; the refrigerant pump is connected to the refrigerant transfer pipe.

[0010] The inlet of the condenser is connected to the return gas main pipe, and the other end of the return gas main pipe is connected in parallel to the outlets of the first compressor and the second compressor;

[0011] The inlet of the first compressor is connected to the outlet of the indoor air-cooled module via a return water pipe on the air side, which passes through the water-fluoride heat exchanger.

[0012] The second compressor inlet is connected to the indoor liquid cooling module via a suction pipe;

[0013] The refrigerant transmission pipe is connected to the liquid supply pipe, and the other end of the liquid supply pipe is connected to the indoor liquid cooling module.

[0014] Preferably, the indoor liquid cooling module includes a liquid cooling plate heat exchanger, the shell side inlet and outlet of which are connected to the side water supply assembly; the tube side outlet of the liquid cooling plate heat exchanger is connected to the suction pipe, and the inlet is connected to the liquid supply pipe.

[0015] Preferably, it also includes a heat exchanger and a transfer liquid pipe, wherein the heat exchanger is connected to the side water supply assembly, the shell-side inlet of the heat exchanger is connected to the air-side water supply pipe through the transfer liquid pipe, and the shell-side outlet of the heat exchanger is connected to the air-side return water pipe.

[0016] Preferably, a first compressor bypass pipe is connected between the air-side return water pipe and the return air main pipe.

[0017] Preferably, a second compressor bypass pipe is connected between the intake pipe and the return main pipe.

[0018] Preferably, a first electronic expansion valve is provided at the refrigerant inlet of the water-fluorine heat exchanger.

[0019] Preferably, a second electronic expansion valve is provided at the tube inlet of the liquid-cooled plate heat exchanger.

[0020] Preferably, a first electric regulating valve is connected to the inlet of the indoor air-cooled module.

[0021] Preferably, a second electric regulating valve is connected to the shell-side inlet of the heat exchanger.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are: the composite cooling system of this data center allows users to use multiple working modes, such as using only the air cooling system for heat dissipation, using only the liquid cooling module for heat dissipation, or running both the air cooling module and the liquid cooling module for heat dissipation, according to actual usage conditions, so as to adapt to diverse application scenarios.

[0023] The system employs two separate compressor systems for liquid cooling and air cooling, allowing simultaneous operation of both. This eliminates the limitation of operating only in either air or liquid cooling mode, thus meeting diverse cooling needs. Each compressor is oil-free, improving efficiency and preventing oil return issues during operation. The system supports early entry into natural cooling mode for the liquid-cooled module. When set requirements are met, the liquid-cooled compressor can be stopped prematurely, allowing the air-cooled module to supply the load exceeding its natural cooling capacity, resulting in excellent energy savings. The outdoor cooling module uses evaporative, air-cooled, or water-cooled condensers to adapt to different outdoor environments, significantly expanding the system's application range. The indoor air-cooled module allows for flexible configurations based on various terminal scenarios, enhancing system flexibility and application scope. The outdoor cooling module features dual compressors, increasing the cooling capacity range of the refrigeration system, and the air-liquid ratio in the dual-compressor system's data center is adjustable. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the present invention and form part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of the present invention to explain the present invention, but do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 This is a connection diagram of Embodiment 1 of the present utility model;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a connection diagram of Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0027] In the diagram: 101, Outdoor cold source module; 102, Indoor air-cooled module; 103, Indoor liquid-cooled module; 1, Condenser; 2, Liquid receiver; 3, First compressor; 4, Second compressor; 5, Refrigerant pump; 6, Water-fluorine heat exchanger; 71, First electronic expansion valve; 72, Second electronic expansion valve; 8, Air-side water supply pipe; 91, First electric regulating valve; 92, Second electric regulating valve; 10, Air-side return water pipe; 11, Liquid supply pipe; 12, Suction pipe; 13, First compressor bypass pipe; 14, Liquid-cooled plate heat exchanger; 15, Make-up cooling plate heat exchanger; 16, Return main pipe; 17, Refrigerant transfer pipe; 18, Transfer liquid pipe; 19, Second compressor bypass pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0028] 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.

[0029] Example 1

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, a composite cooling system for a data center includes an outdoor cold source module 101, an indoor air-cooled module 102, and an indoor liquid-cooled module 103. The outlet of the outdoor cold source module 101 is connected in parallel to the inlets of the indoor air-cooled module 102 and the indoor liquid-cooled module 103. The outlets of the indoor air-cooled module 102 and the indoor liquid-cooled module 103 are mixed and connected to the inlet of the outdoor cold source module 101. The outdoor cold source module 101 includes a condenser 1, a liquid receiver 2, a first compressor 3, a second compressor 4, and a refrigerant pump. 5 and water-fluorine heat exchanger 6; the outlet of condenser 1 is connected to liquid receiver 2, the outlet of liquid receiver 2 is connected to water-fluorine heat exchanger 6 through refrigerant transmission pipe 17, the water side outlet of water-fluorine heat exchanger 6 is connected to indoor air-cooled module 102 through air side water supply pipe 8; refrigerant pump 5 is connected to refrigerant transmission pipe 17; the inlet of condenser 1 is connected to return gas main pipe 16, the other end of return gas main pipe 16 is connected in parallel to the outlet of first compressor 3 and second compressor 4; a first electronic expansion valve 71 is provided at the refrigerant inlet of water-fluorine heat exchanger 6.

[0031] Specifically, the inlet of the first compressor 3 is connected to the outlet of the indoor air-cooled module 102 through the air-side return water pipe 10 and the water-fluorine heat exchanger 6; a bypass pipe 13 for the first compressor is connected between the air-side return water pipe 10 and the return gas main pipe 16.

[0032] Specifically, the inlet of the second compressor 4 is connected to the indoor liquid cooling module 103 through the suction pipe 12; a bypass pipe 19 for the second compressor is connected between the suction pipe 12 and the return main pipe 16.

[0033] Specifically, the first compressor 3 and the second compressor 4 are oil-free compressors; the condenser 1 is an evaporative condenser, an air-cooled condenser, or a water-cooled condenser.

[0034] Specifically, the indoor air-cooled module 102 adopts a direct expansion evaporative indoor terminal, including but not limited to rack-mounted air conditioners, in-row air conditioners, computer room air conditioners, air walls, and back panel air conditioners.

[0035] Specifically, the refrigerant transmission pipe 17 is connected to the liquid supply pipe 11, and the other end of the liquid supply pipe 11 is connected to the indoor liquid cooling module 103.

[0036] Specifically, the indoor liquid-cooled module 103 includes a liquid-cooled plate heat exchanger 14. The shell-side inlet and outlet of the liquid-cooled plate heat exchanger 14 are connected to the side water supply assembly; the tube-side outlet of the liquid-cooled plate heat exchanger 14 is connected to the suction pipe 12, and the inlet is connected to the liquid supply pipe 11. A second electronic expansion valve 72 is installed at the tube-side inlet of the liquid-cooled plate heat exchanger 14. The liquid-cooled plate heat exchanger 14 adopts a cold plate type liquid cooling system with fluorine-liquid heat exchange.

[0037] Specifically, the inlet of the indoor air-cooled module 102 is connected to a first electric regulating valve 91.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, when the outdoor ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the set value, the system operates in compressor mode, with both the first compressor 3 and the second compressor 4 being on. The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor is condensed by the condenser 1 and enters the liquid storage tank 2. Then, the refrigerant pump 5 provides power to deliver the refrigerant to the water-fluorine heat exchanger 6 and the indoor liquid cooling module 103 for evaporation and heat absorption. The refrigerant pump 5 can adjust the refrigerant flow rate by using a variable frequency output based on the inlet and outlet pressure difference. A portion of the liquid refrigerant expands through the first electronic expansion valve 71 and enters the water-fluorine heat exchanger 6 to evaporate and absorb heat. The resulting gaseous refrigerant is then drawn into the first compressor 3. The low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant is heated and pressurized by the first compressor 3 and returns to the condenser 1 for condensation and heat exchange, forming a refrigeration cycle on the fluorine side of the water-fluorine heat exchanger 6. The water outlet from the water-fluorine heat exchanger 6 enters the indoor air-cooled module 102 to absorb heat, returning the air-cooled load in the machine room to the water-fluorine heat exchanger 6. The first electric regulating valve 91 can control the indoor air supply temperature by adjusting the chilled water flow rate. Another portion of the liquid refrigerant, after exiting the refrigerant pump 5, expands through the second electronic expansion valve 72 and enters the liquid-cooled plate heat exchanger 14 to evaporate and absorb heat, carrying away the heat in the liquid-cooled machine room. The resulting low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant reaches the second compressor 4 through the suction pipe 12, and after being heated and pressurized by the compressor, returns to the condenser 1 for condensation and heat exchange, forming a complete refrigeration cycle on the liquid-cooled side.

[0039] When the outdoor ambient temperature is lower than one set value but higher than another set value, the system operates in hybrid mode. The first compressor 3 is on, while the second compressor 4 is off. The refrigerant, after being condensed by the condenser 1, enters the liquid storage tank 2. Then, via the refrigerant pump 5, the refrigerant is delivered to the water-fluorine heat exchanger 6 and the liquid-cooled module 103 for evaporation and heat absorption. The chilled water generated by the water-fluorine heat exchanger 6 is supplied to the indoor air-cooled module 102 via the air-side water supply pipe 8. The gaseous refrigerant exiting the water-fluorine heat exchanger 6 is collected by the first compressor 3 and the second compressor bypass pipe 19 and then returns to the outdoor condenser 1 for condensation and heat dissipation. The first compressor 3 can be frequency-controlled to increase or decrease load based on the total load on the air-cooled and liquid-cooled sides. When the capacity of the first compressor 3 is insufficient, the system returns to compressor mode.

[0040] When the outdoor ambient temperature drops below the set value, the system operates in natural cooling mode. After being condensed by the condenser 1, the refrigerant enters the liquid storage tank 2, and is then pumped by the refrigerant pump 5 to the indoor water-fluorine heat exchanger 6 and the indoor liquid cooling module 103 for evaporation and heat absorption. The chilled water generated by the water-fluorine heat exchanger 6 is supplied to the indoor air-cooled module 102 by the air-side water supply pipe 8. The first electric regulating valve 91 can regulate the air supply temperature in the machine room by controlling the chilled water flow. The gaseous refrigerant coming out of the refrigerant side of the water-fluorine heat exchanger 6 and the gaseous refrigerant coming out of the indoor liquid cooling module 103 are combined and then return to the outdoor condenser 1 for condensation and heat dissipation, forming a complete refrigeration cycle.

[0041] Example 2

[0042] like Figure 2 As shown, this connection method is used when the application scenario involves long-term high-temperature environments or significant changes in indoor liquid cooling load. It also includes a heat exchanger plate 15 and a transfer liquid pipe 18. The heat exchanger plate 15 is connected to the side water supply assembly. The shell-side inlet of the heat exchanger plate 15 is connected to the ventilation-side water supply pipe 8 via the transfer liquid pipe 18, and the secondary-side outlet of the heat exchanger plate 15 is connected to the ventilation-side return water pipe 10. A second electric regulating valve 92 is connected to the secondary-side inlet of the heat exchanger plate 15.

[0043] The system compressor mode, hybrid mode, and natural cooling mode are similar to those in Example 1, and will not be described in detail here.

[0044] When the indoor liquid cooling secondary side supply water temperature is higher than the set value or the liquid cooling plate heat exchanger 14 circuit fails and cannot supply cooling, the system operates in emergency cooling mode. That is, when the cooling capacity of natural cooling is insufficient to remove the heat inside the liquid cooling room or the liquid cooling plate heat exchanger 14 circuit fails, the cooling plate heat exchanger 15 takes over the load inside the liquid cooling room. The second electric regulating valve 92 can adjust the chilled water flow rate according to the cooling load demand. The cooling plate heat exchanger 15 is provided with mechanical cooling capacity by the refrigeration cycle of the first compressor 3.

[0045] The data center's hybrid cooling system allows users to operate in various modes, such as using only the air-cooling system, using only the liquid-cooling module, or operating both the air-cooling and liquid-cooling modules simultaneously, to adapt to diverse application scenarios.

[0046] The system employs two separate compressor systems for liquid cooling and air cooling, allowing simultaneous operation of both. This eliminates the limitation of operating only in either air or liquid cooling mode, thus meeting diverse cooling needs. Each compressor is oil-free, improving efficiency and preventing oil return issues during operation. The system supports early entry into natural cooling mode for the liquid-cooled module. When set requirements are met, the liquid-cooled compressor can be stopped prematurely, allowing the air-cooled module to supply the load exceeding its natural cooling capacity, resulting in excellent energy savings. The outdoor cooling module uses evaporative, air-cooled, or water-cooled condensers to adapt to different outdoor environments, significantly expanding the system's application range. The indoor air-cooled module allows for flexible configurations based on various terminal scenarios, enhancing system flexibility and application scope. The outdoor cooling module features dual compressors, increasing the cooling capacity range of the refrigeration system, and the air-liquid ratio in the dual-compressor system's data center is adjustable.

[0047] Finally, it should be noted that the above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model and are not intended to limit the utility model. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A hybrid refrigeration system for a data center, comprising: It includes an outdoor cold source module (101), an indoor air-cooled module (102), and an indoor liquid-cooled module (103); The outlet of the outdoor cold source module (101) is connected in parallel to the inlet of the indoor air-cooled module (102) and the indoor liquid-cooled module (103); the outlets of the indoor air-cooled module (102) and the indoor liquid-cooled module (103) are connected in combination to the inlet of the outdoor cold source module (101). The outdoor cold source module (101) includes a condenser (1), a liquid receiver (2), a first compressor (3), a second compressor (4), a refrigerant pump (5), and a water-fluorine heat exchanger (6); The outlet of the condenser (1) is connected to the liquid receiver (2), and the outlet of the liquid receiver (2) is connected to the water-fluorine heat exchanger (6) through the refrigerant transmission pipe (17). The water-side outlet of the water-fluorine heat exchanger (6) is connected to the indoor air-cooled module (102) through the air-side water supply pipe (8). The refrigerant pump (5) is connected to the refrigerant transmission pipe (17). The inlet of the condenser (1) is connected to the return gas main pipe (16), and the other end of the return gas main pipe (16) is connected in parallel to the outlets of the first compressor (3) and the second compressor (4); The inlet of the first compressor (3) is connected to the outlet of the indoor air-cooled module (102) through the water-fluorine heat exchanger (6) via the air-side return water pipe (10); The inlet of the second compressor (4) is connected to the indoor liquid cooling module (103) through the suction pipe (12); The refrigerant transmission pipe (17) is connected to the liquid supply pipe (11), and the other end of the liquid supply pipe (11) is connected to the indoor liquid cooling module (103).

2. The hybrid chiller system for a data center of claim 1, wherein, The indoor liquid cooling module (103) includes a liquid cooling plate heat exchanger (14), the shell side inlet and outlet of the liquid cooling plate heat exchanger (14) are connected to the side water supply assembly; the tube side outlet of the liquid cooling plate heat exchanger (14) is connected to the air suction pipe (12), and the inlet is connected to the liquid supply pipe (11).

3. The hybrid chiller system for a data center of claim 2, wherein, It also includes a heat exchanger (15) and a transfer liquid pipe (18). The heat exchanger (15) is connected to the side water supply assembly. The shell-side inlet of the heat exchanger (15) is connected to the air-side water supply pipe (8) through the transfer liquid pipe (18). The shell-side outlet of the heat exchanger (15) is connected to the air-side return water pipe (10).

4. The hybrid chiller system for a data center of claim 1, wherein, A first compressor bypass pipe (13) is connected between the air-side return water pipe (10) and the return air main pipe (16).

5. The hybrid chiller system for a data center of claim 1, wherein, A second compressor bypass pipe (19) is connected between the intake pipe (12) and the return main pipe (16).

6. The hybrid chiller system for a data center of claim 1, wherein, The water-fluorine heat exchanger (6) is equipped with a first electronic expansion valve (71) at the refrigerant inlet.

7. The hybrid chiller system for a data center of claim 2, wherein, A second electronic expansion valve (72) is provided at the tube inlet of the liquid-cooled plate heat exchanger (14).

8. The hybrid chiller system for a data center of claim 1, wherein, The indoor air-cooled module (102) is connected to a first electric regulating valve (91) at its inlet.

9. The hybrid chiller system for a data center of claim 3, wherein, A second electric regulating valve (92) is connected to the shell-side inlet of the heat exchanger (15).

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