A data center wide temperature cooling system

Abstract

This utility model discloses a wide-temperature cooling source system for a data center, relating to the field of refrigeration system technology. It includes a first refrigeration unit and a second refrigeration unit. The first refrigeration unit outputs a natural cooling source; the second refrigeration unit outputs a mechanical cooling source. Temperatures t1 and t2 are set, where t1 < t2. When the ambient temperature is less than t1, only the first refrigeration unit cools the cooling capacity receiving end of the system. When the ambient temperature is greater than t2, the first refrigeration unit cools the condenser section of the second refrigeration unit. The second refrigeration unit cools the cooling capacity receiving end. When the ambient temperature is between t1 and t2, both the first and second refrigeration units cool the cooling capacity receiving end. The first refrigeration unit also cools the condenser section of the second refrigeration unit. This utility model provides a wide-temperature cooling source system for a data center that uses both natural and mechanical cooling sources, adjusting the cooling method according to different ambient temperatures to achieve energy savings.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of refrigeration system technology, and in particular to a wide-temperature cold source system for data centers. Background Technology

[0002] In data center applications, cooling distribution units (CDUs) are needed to connect to heat-generating devices (such as server units) via a cold source, forming a cooling circulation system. The cooling distribution unit acts as a cold energy receiver in the cold source system, transferring cold energy to the heat-generating devices. The primary side of the cooling distribution unit is connected to the cold source to form a loop, while the secondary side is connected to the heat-generating devices to form another loop. The heat generated by the heat-generating devices is transported to the secondary side of the cooling distribution unit via a medium, where it exchanges heat with the medium on the primary side. The cold source then cools the medium on the primary side.

[0003] Currently, the cooling systems used in data centers, communication equipment rooms, and other similar settings have relatively small temperature ranges for their cold sources. However, ambient temperatures vary significantly over time. Using a cold source with a small temperature range can result in the adjustable temperature range not being able to cover both low and high ambient temperatures. In low ambient temperatures, this can cause the cooling system to over-output cooling capacity, increasing energy consumption. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the high energy consumption of existing data center cooling systems, this invention provides a wide-temperature cold source system for data centers. By setting up natural and mechanical cold sources and adjusting the cooling method according to different ambient temperatures, it achieves energy savings.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows: This utility model provides a wide-temperature cold source system for a data center, including a first refrigeration unit and a second refrigeration unit; The first refrigeration unit outputs a natural cold source; The second refrigeration unit outputs a mechanical cold source; The first refrigeration unit includes a cooler, a first water pump, and a first heat exchanger; the second refrigeration unit includes a compressor, a second heat exchanger, a third heat exchanger, and an expansion valve; the cooling capacity receiving end is equipped with a second water pump; The hot side of the first heat exchanger, the hot side of the third heat exchanger, the second water pump, and the cold energy receiving end are connected in sequence to form a first circulation loop; The cold side of the first heat exchanger, the cooler, and the first water pump are connected in sequence to form a second circulation loop; The compressor, the hot side of the second heat exchanger, the expansion valve, and the cold side of the third heat exchanger are connected in sequence to form a third circulation loop; The cold side of the second heat exchanger, the cooler, and the first water pump are connected in sequence to form a fourth circulation loop.

[0006] The present invention provides a wide-temperature cold source system for a data center. Preferably, the outlet of the first water pump is connected to the cold side of the first heat exchanger via a first pipe; the first pipe is equipped with a first regulating valve; the outlet of the first water pump is connected to the cold side of the second heat exchanger via a second pipe; the second pipe is equipped with a second regulating valve; the first regulating valve is used to open or close the first pipe; the second regulating valve is used to open or close the second pipe.

[0007] The present invention provides a wide-temperature cold source system for a data center, wherein, preferably, the heat exchange medium of the second circulation loop is cooling water.

[0008] The present invention provides a wide-temperature cold source system for a data center, wherein, preferably, the heat exchange medium of the third circulation loop is a refrigerant.

[0009] The present invention provides a wide-temperature cold source system for a data center, wherein, preferably, the heat exchange medium of the fourth circulation loop is cooling water.

[0010] The present invention provides a wide-temperature cold source system for a data center, wherein the cooler is preferably a dry cooler.

[0011] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: This utility model provides a wide-temperature cold source system for data centers, relating to the field of refrigeration system technology. It includes a first refrigeration unit and a second refrigeration unit. The first refrigeration unit outputs a natural cold source; the second refrigeration unit outputs a mechanical cold source. Temperatures t1 and t2 are set, where t1 < t2. When the ambient temperature is less than t1, only the first refrigeration unit cools the cold energy receiving end of the system. When the ambient temperature is greater than t2, the first refrigeration unit cools the condenser section of the second refrigeration unit. The second refrigeration unit cools the cold energy receiving end. When the ambient temperature is between t1 and t2, both the first and second refrigeration units cool the cold energy receiving end. Simultaneously, the first refrigeration unit also cools the condenser section of the second refrigeration unit. This utility model provides a wide-temperature cold source system for data centers that achieves energy savings by setting both natural and mechanical cold sources and adjusting the cooling method according to different ambient temperatures. Attached Figure Description

[0012] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0013] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a wide-temperature cold source system for a data center provided by this utility model; Figure 1 Includes: 1. Cold energy receiving end; 11. Second water pump; 2. Cooler; 21. First water pump; 22. First heat exchanger; 23. First regulating valve; 24. Second regulating valve; 3. Compressor; 31. Second heat exchanger; 32. Third heat exchanger; 33. Expansion valve. Detailed Implementation

[0014] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0015] In data center applications, cooling distribution units (CDUs) are needed to connect to heat-generating devices (such as server units) via a cold source, forming a cooling circulation system. The CDU acts as a cold energy receiver in the cold source system, transferring cold energy to the heat-generating devices. The primary side of the CDU connects to the cold source to form a loop, while the secondary side connects to the heat-generating devices to form another loop. The heat generated by the heat-generating devices is transported to the secondary side of the CDU via a medium, exchanging heat with the medium on the primary side, and then cooled by the cold source. Currently, the temperature range of the cold sources used in cooling systems in data centers and communication equipment rooms is relatively small, while ambient temperatures vary significantly at different times. Using a cold source with a small temperature range can result in the adjustable temperature range not covering both low and high ambient temperatures. In low ambient temperatures, this can lead to the cooling system over-outputting cold energy, increasing energy consumption.

[0016] like Figure 1 As shown: To address the technical problem of excessive energy consumption in existing data center cooling systems, this invention provides a wide-temperature cold source system for data centers, comprising a first refrigeration unit and a second refrigeration unit. The cold energy receiving end 1, which serves the cold source system, is used to deliver low-temperature coolant from the cold source to the heat-generating equipment. In the cooling system used for data centers, it belongs to the cold energy distribution unit (CDU). The cold energy distribution unit has a primary side and a secondary side. The primary side of the cold energy distribution unit is the cold energy receiving end 1. The cold energy receiving end 1 is connected to the cooling ends of the first refrigeration unit and the second refrigeration unit to form a circulation loop. The secondary side of the cold energy distribution unit is connected to the heat-generating equipment to form a circulation loop. The coolant on the secondary side of the cooling distribution unit absorbs the heat generated by the heating device and then circulates to the primary side. The heat transferred to the primary side is then transferred to the first and second refrigeration units via the circulation loop of the primary side, thereby releasing the heat.

[0017] The first refrigeration unit outputs a natural cold source; the first refrigeration unit achieves its refrigeration function by dissipating heat into the atmospheric environment; in specific implementation schemes, a dry cooler or a cooling tower can be selected.

[0018] The second refrigeration unit outputs a mechanical cold source. In specific implementation schemes, the second refrigeration unit can be a compression refrigeration device. Its core principle is to use a compressor to provide power, enabling the refrigerant (coolant) to switch between gaseous and liquid states. When the refrigerant changes from a gaseous state to a liquid state, it releases heat, and when it changes from a liquid state to a gaseous state, it absorbs heat.

[0019] Since the cooling efficiency required by heat-generating equipment varies with different ambient temperatures, it is necessary to expand the cooling temperature range to achieve energy savings. The specific solution is as follows: The first refrigeration unit includes a cooler 2, a first water pump 21, and a first heat exchanger 22; the second refrigeration unit includes a compressor 3, a second heat exchanger 31, a third heat exchanger 32, and an expansion valve 33; the cooling capacity receiving end 1 is equipped with a second water pump 11; The hot side of the first heat exchanger 22, the hot side of the third heat exchanger 32, the second water pump 11, and the cold energy receiving end 1 are connected in sequence to form the first circulation loop; The cold side of the first heat exchanger 22, the cooler 2 and the first water pump 21 are connected in sequence to form a second circulation loop; The compressor 3, the hot side of the second heat exchanger 31, the expansion valve 33 and the cold side of the third heat exchanger 32 are connected in sequence to form a third circulation loop; The cold side of the second heat exchanger 31, the cooler 2 and the first water pump 21 are connected in sequence to form the fourth circulation loop; The outlet of the first water pump 21 is connected to the cold side of the first heat exchanger 22 via a first pipe; the first pipe is equipped with a first regulating valve 23; the outlet of the first water pump 21 is connected to the cold side of the second heat exchanger 31 via a second pipe; the second pipe is equipped with a second regulating valve 24; the first regulating valve 23 is used to open or close the first pipe; the second regulating valve 24 is used to open or close the second pipe.

[0020] Set temperatures t1 and t2, where t1 < t2.

[0021] This utility model provides a data center wide-temperature cold source system with three modes based on different ambient temperature ranges: Mode 1: When the ambient temperature is less than t1, only the first refrigeration unit cools the cold energy receiving end 1, specifically the second circulation loop cools the hot side of the first heat exchanger 22. In this mode, compressor 3 is not working, first regulating valve 23 is open, and second regulating valve 24 is closed; at this time, the first circulation loop and the second circulation loop participate in the cooling cycle. The cold energy receiving end 1 transfers heat to the hot side of the first heat exchanger 22 through the first circulation loop, and then transfers the heat to the cold side of the first heat exchanger 22 through heat conduction, and then transfers the heat to the cooler 2 through the second circulation loop to dissipate the heat.

[0022] The above scheme is a pure natural cooling source mode. It utilizes the natural condition that the ambient temperature is lower than the set cooling temperature of the cooling receiver 1, achieving heat exchange through the first heat exchanger 22. It eliminates the need for mechanical refrigeration to consume electrical energy, relying entirely on natural cooling to remove heat from the heating equipment. When the ambient temperature is lower than t1, the cooling demand of the heating equipment is considered low; therefore, the pure natural cooling source mode can meet the cooling requirements, avoiding the use of the more energy-intensive second refrigeration unit and thus reducing energy consumption.

[0023] Mode 2: When the ambient temperature is greater than t2, the first refrigeration unit is used to cool the condenser section of the second refrigeration unit; the second refrigeration unit is used to cool the cold energy receiving end 1; specifically, the fourth circulation loop cools the hot side of the second heat exchanger 31. In this mode, compressor 3 operates, first regulating valve 23 is closed, and second regulating valve 24 is open; at this time, the first, third, and fourth circulation loops participate in the cooling cycle. The cold energy receiving end 1 transfers heat through the first circulation loop to the hot side of the third heat exchanger 32; compressor 3 compresses the refrigerant inside the third circulation loop into a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous state and transfers it to the hot side of the second heat exchanger 31, which then acts as a condenser; the heat of the refrigerant is conducted to the cold side of the second heat exchanger 31 via thermal conduction and cooled by the fourth circulation loop; the heat of the refrigerant is finally dissipated into the atmosphere by cooler 2; after condensation, the refrigerant changes from a high-temperature, high-pressure state to a high-pressure liquid state, passes through expansion valve 33, becomes a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid state, and enters the third heat exchanger 32; the third heat exchanger 32 acts as an evaporator, and the low-temperature refrigerant on the cold side of the third heat exchanger 32 absorbs the heat from the hot side of the third heat exchanger 32.

[0024] The above solution is a purely mechanical cooling mode. t2 is the critical temperature at which the natural cooling source completely fails. When the ambient temperature is greater than t2, such as in extreme high temperatures during summer, the natural cooling source cannot meet the cooling requirements, and a second cooling unit is needed to provide forced cooling to prevent the data center from overheating.

[0025] Mode 3: When the ambient temperature is between t1 and t2, both the first refrigeration unit and the second refrigeration unit cool the cold energy receiving end 1; at the same time, the first refrigeration unit also cools the condenser section of the second refrigeration unit; specifically, the second circulation loop cools the hot side of the first heat exchanger 22, the third circulation loop cools the hot side of the third heat exchanger 32, and the fourth circulation loop cools the hot side of the second heat exchanger 31.

[0026] In this mode, the first and second refrigeration units operate simultaneously, and both the first regulating valve 23 and the second regulating valve 24 are open. At this time, the first, second, third, and fourth circulation loops participate in the cooling cycle. The cold energy receiving end 1 transfers heat through the first circulation loop to the hot side of the first heat exchanger 22 and the hot side of the third heat exchanger 32. The heat from the hot side of the first heat exchanger 22 is transferred to the cooler 2 and dissipated into the atmosphere through the second circulation loop. The low-temperature refrigerant in the third circulation loop exchanges heat between the cold and hot sides of the third heat exchanger 32.

[0027] The above scheme is a hybrid refrigeration mode, specifically, the cooling ends of the first refrigeration unit and the second refrigeration unit are connected in series. The coolant from the primary side of the cold energy receiving end 1 in the first circulation loop is first pre-cooled by the first heat exchanger 22, and then cooled by the third heat exchanger 32. Since the first refrigeration unit, to which the first heat exchanger 22 belongs, is a natural cold source, its energy consumption is lower than that of the second refrigeration unit, to which the third heat exchanger 32 belongs. Therefore, the second refrigeration unit, which uses mechanical refrigeration, requires less heat absorption to cool the pre-cooled coolant, and the compressor 3 of the second refrigeration unit does not need to operate at full power, reducing the load and thus lowering energy consumption. In this mode, while the first refrigeration unit pre-cools the first circulation loop, it also exchanges heat with the condenser of the second refrigeration unit; its working process and principle are consistent with the relevant parts of Mode Two.

[0028] In a wide-temperature cold source system for a data center provided by this utility model, the first heat exchanger 22, the second heat exchanger 31 and the third heat exchanger 32 are preferably plate heat exchangers.

[0029] This utility model provides a wide-temperature cold source system for data centers. By distinguishing different temperature ranges, the first and second refrigeration units can be cooled individually or in series, maximizing the utilization of natural cold sources. Mechanical refrigeration can be started and stopped on demand, effectively reducing energy consumption while meeting cooling requirements.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the heat exchange medium of the second circulation loop is cooling water.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the heat exchange medium of the third circulation loop is a refrigerant.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the heat exchange medium of the fourth circulation loop is cooling water.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, cooler 2 is a dry cooler. As a heat exchange device, the dry cooler essentially transfers heat from the system to the atmosphere; it cools only through air, without moisture evaporation, thus meeting general heat dissipation requirements. If t1 and t2 in the wide-temperature cold source system for a data center provided by this invention have higher thresholds, then higher heat dissipation efficiency is required. In this case, the dry cooler can be replaced with a cooling tower. The cooling tower adds a moisture evaporation cooling function, achieving higher heat absorption efficiency through evaporation, effectively improving the system's heat dissipation efficiency.

[0034] Other embodiments of this application will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the application filed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this application that follow the general principles of this application and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not claimed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this application are indicated by the appended claims.

[0035] It should be understood that this application is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this application is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A data center wide-temperature cold source system, comprising: Includes a first refrigeration unit and a second refrigeration unit; The first refrigeration unit outputs a natural cold source; The second refrigeration unit outputs a mechanical cold source; The first refrigeration unit includes a cooler, a first water pump, and a first heat exchanger; the second refrigeration unit includes a compressor, a second heat exchanger, a third heat exchanger, and an expansion valve; the cooling capacity receiving end is equipped with a second water pump; The hot side of the first heat exchanger, the hot side of the third heat exchanger, the second water pump, and the cold energy receiving end are connected in sequence to form a first circulation loop; The cold side of the first heat exchanger, the cooler, and the first water pump are connected in sequence to form a second circulation loop; The compressor, the hot side of the second heat exchanger, the expansion valve, and the cold side of the third heat exchanger are connected in sequence to form a third circulation loop; The cold side of the second heat exchanger, the cooler, and the first water pump are connected in sequence to form a fourth circulation loop.

2. The data center wide temperature cold source system of claim 1, wherein, The outlet of the first water pump is connected to the cold side of the first heat exchanger via a first pipe; the first pipe is equipped with a first regulating valve; the outlet of the first water pump is connected to the cold side of the second heat exchanger via a second pipe; the second pipe is equipped with a second regulating valve.

3. The data center wide temperature cold source system of claim 1, wherein, The heat exchange medium in the second circulation loop is cooling water.

4. The data center wide temperature cold source system of claim 1, wherein, The heat exchange medium in the third circulation loop is a refrigerant.

5. The data center wide temperature cold source system of claim 1, wherein, The heat exchange medium in the fourth circulation loop is cooling water.

6. The data center wide temperature cold source system of claim 1, wherein, The cooler is a dry cooler.

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