COOLANT DISTRIBUTION UNIT CONTROL SYSTEM

Abstract

A coolant distribution unit comprises a heat exchanger, a primary circuit fluidically connected to a first side of the heat exchanger and configured to circulate a first coolant, a secondary circuit fluidically connected to a second side of the heat exchanger, wherein the secondary circuit includes one or more pumps configured to circulate a second coolant through the secondary circuit, and a control device configured to operate the one or more pumps in a plurality of modes, wherein the plurality of modes includes a first mode in which each of the one or more pumps operates at a maximum speed stage, and a second mode in which at least one of the pumps operates at a speed below the maximum speed stage.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED REGISTRATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority over the preliminary US patent application No. 63 / 709,257 filed on October 18, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. SUMMARY

[0002] Computer systems / data centers use various cooling / heat dissipation methods to maintain environmental conditions suitable for the operation of IT equipment (such as servers, network switches, routers, storage devices, and other computer hardware). Some data centers may use a liquid cooling system, which employs a liquid coolant to absorb the heat generated by high-performance equipment.

[0003] Liquid cooling systems include one or more coolant distribution units (CDUs) configured to actively distribute liquid coolant to the various components within the data center. CDUs include a primary flow loop configured to deliver liquid coolant to a heat-absorbing side of a heat exchanger (such as a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger) located inside or outside the CDU itself, and a secondary flow loop configured to receive heated ("used") liquid coolant at a heat-dissipating side of the heat exchanger and return cooled liquid coolant to a liquid cooling network for equipment.Within the cooling network of the secondary flow circuit, the liquid coolant is fed via one or more supply lines, through which it absorbs heat from the equipment, to a cooling module (for example, a single or multiple cooling plates or heat sinks) located near or inside the information technology equipment. The heated liquid coolant then flows through one or more return lines, through a heat dissipation side of the heat exchange technology inside or outside the CDU, and releases the heat from the liquid coolant. The cooled liquid coolant is then returned to the information technology equipment via one or more supply lines.

[0004] Within the primary flow circuit, the used liquid coolant from the heat exchanger is cooled via one or more secondary cooling methods (for example, a cooler, cooling towers, etc.). The cooled liquid coolant is then returned through the heat dissipation side of the heat exchanger.

[0005] Cooling distribution systems (CDS) operate with a pump system that circulates the liquid coolant through a network of pipes or channels. CDUs integrate additional components such as valves, filters, and monitoring mechanisms to optimize cooling efficiency and system reliability. Precisely calibrated valves allow for dynamic adjustment of the coolant distribution to meet the specific requirements of the equipment / components, while filters (for example, within the primary flow circuit) are used to remove impurities and contaminants. Equipped with sensors, CDUs continuously monitor coolant parameters such as temperature, flow rate, and pressure levels, enabling real-time intervention to maintain maximum thermal performance and reliability in complex environments.

[0006] In larger data centers, reliable CDU operation can be crucial to prevent overheating and ensure the performance and longevity of the equipment. Accordingly, the embodiments described here offer various control methods and systems for CDU fault detection and correction.

[0007] The present disclosure relates in one aspect to a coolant distribution unit (CDU) comprising: a heat exchanger; a primary circuit fluidically connected to a first side of the heat exchanger and configured to convey a first coolant; a secondary circuit fluidically connected to a second side of the heat exchanger, wherein the secondary circuit comprises one or more pumps configured to convey a second coolant through the secondary circuit; a control device configured to operate the one or more pumps in a plurality of modes, wherein the plurality of modes includes a first mode in which each of the one or more pumps operates at a maximum speed level, and a second mode in which at least one of the pumps operates at a speed below the maximum speed level.

[0008] According to a further aspect of a disclosure, the present disclosure relates to a coolant distribution unit (CDU) electrically connected to a building information management system (BIM system) that monitors the condition of a building via a building automation and control network (BAC network), wherein the CDU includes: a heat exchanger system with a heat exchanger; a primary circuit fluidically connected to a first side of the heat exchanger and configured to circulate a first coolant; a secondary circuit fluidically connected to a second side of the heat exchanger, wherein the secondary circuit includes one or more pumps configured to circulate a second coolant through the secondary circuit;and a control device configured to operate one or more pumps and configured to send and receive one or more signals from the BIM system and to control the operation of the heat exchanger system based on the one or more signals.

[0009] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling a coolant distribution unit (CDU) and one or more systems of a building information management system (BIM system), comprising: receiving information from the BIM system via a control device; determining the efficiency of one or more systems via the control device; and adjusting the operation of one or more components of the CDU via the control device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1A shows a coolant distribution unit (CDU) according to some embodiments. Fig. 1B shows the CDU Fig. 1A according to some embodiments. Fig. 2A is the first section of a schematic diagram of the CDU's liquid cooling system. Fig. 1A according to some embodiments. Fig. 2B is a second section of the schematic diagram of the liquid cooling system from Fig. 2A according to some embodiments. Fig. Figure 3 is a block diagram of an electronic control device of the CDU according to some embodiments. Fig. Figure 4 shows a device cooling network and the CDU from Fig. 1A according to some embodiments. Fig. 5 is a communication network for cooling data centers, which the CDU [Christian Democratic Union] Fig. 1A includes, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] The embodiments described here refer to a coolant distribution unit (CDU).

[0011] Before the embodiments are explained in detail, it is understood that their application is not limited to the details of the configuration and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments can be implemented or carried out in various ways. Furthermore, it is understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein serve the purpose of description and should not be considered restrictive. The use of "including," "comprising," or "featuring," and variations thereof, is intended to encompass the elements and equivalents listed below, as well as additional elements.Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "attached", "connected", "supported" and "coupled" and variations thereof are used broadly and include both direct and indirect fixings, connections, supports and couplings.

[0012] Furthermore, it is understood that embodiments may include hardware, software, and electronic components or modules, which may be illustrated and described for the purposes of discussion as if the majority of the components were implemented exclusively in hardware. However, a person skilled in the art would recognize, based on a reading of this detailed description, that in at least one embodiment, the electronically based aspects may be implemented in software (for example, stored on a non-volatile, computer-readable medium) that is executable by one or more processing units, such as a microprocessor and / or application-specific integrated circuits (“ASICs”). It should therefore be noted that a variety of hardware- and software-based devices, as well as a variety of different structural components, may be used to implement the embodiments.For example, “servers”, “computing devices”, “controllers”, “processors”, etc., described in the specification may include one or more processing units, one or more computer-readable media modules, one or more input / output interfaces, and various connections (such as a system bus) that connect the components.

[0013] Relative terminology, such as "about," "approximately," "essentially," etc., used in conjunction with a quantity or condition, would be understood by an average person skilled in the art to include the stated value and to carry the meaning given by the context (for example, the term includes at least the degree of error associated with the accuracy of the measurement, tolerances [e.g., manufacturing, assembly, use, etc.] associated with the stated value, etc.). Such terminology should also be considered to reveal the range defined by the absolute values ​​of the two endpoints. For example, the expression "from about 2 to about 4" also reveals the range "from 2 to 4." Relative terminology may refer to plus or minus a percentage (e.g., 1%, 5%, 10%, or more) of a stated value.

[0014] It is understood that, although certain drawings illustrate hardware and software located within specific devices, these representations are for illustrative purposes only. Functionality described herein as being performed by a single component may be performed by multiple components in a distributed manner. Likewise, functionality performed by multiple components may be consolidated and performed by a single component. In some embodiments, the illustrated components may be combined or subdivided into separate software, firmware, and / or hardware. For example, instead of being located within and performed by a single electronic processor, logic and processing may be distributed among multiple electronic processors.Regardless of how they are combined or subdivided, hardware and software components may reside on the same computing device or may be distributed across different computing devices connected by one or more networks or other suitable communication links. Likewise, a component described as performing a particular functionality may also perform additional functionality not described herein. For example, a device or structure that is “configured” in a certain way is configured at least in that way, but may also be configured in ways not explicitly stated.

[0015] To simplify the description, some or all of the exemplary systems presented herein are illustrated with a single instance of each of their component parts. Some examples may not describe or illustrate all components of the systems. Other examples may include more or less of each of the illustrated components, may combine some components, or may include additional or alternative components.

[0016] Further aspects of the embodiments become clear by considering the detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

[0017] Fig. 1A and Fig. Figure 1B illustrates an example of a coolant distribution unit (CDU) 100. The CDU 100 includes, among other things, an electronic control device 300 (described below in relation to Fig. 3 (described in more detail below), a variety of pumps (for example, filling and refilling pumps 102, a variable frequency drive (VFD) pump 104, and secondary pumps 106), a variety of valves (for example, a primary control valve 108, a pump shut-off valve 110, and shut-off valves 112), and a variety of sensors (for example, temperature sensors 114, pressure sensors 116, and flow meters 118). The CDU 100 also includes a reservoir 120, expansion tanks 122, and a liquid-liquid heat exchanger 124. The CDU also includes a housing (not shown).

[0018] Fig. Figures 2A-2B are schematic representations of a liquid coolant flow system 200 of the CDU 100 according to some embodiments. The system 200 comprises a primary liquid flow path (here referred to as primary circuit 202A) of a liquid coolant on a first (heat absorption) side of the heat exchanger 124 and a secondary flow path (here referred to as secondary circuit 202B) of a liquid coolant on a second (heat emission) side of the heat exchanger 124. The primary circuit 202A includes an inlet valve J3 and an outlet valve J2 (shut-off valves 112 in the Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B). The secondary circuit 202B includes an inlet valve J1 and an outlet valve J4 (shut-off valves 112 in the Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B). The heat exchanger 124 receives cooled coolant from the primary circuit 202A to dissipate the heat from the coolant of the secondary circuit 202B, which is absorbed on the heat-receiving side of the heat exchanger 124. The cooled coolant of the secondary circuit 202B is then discharged (at valve J4) (for example, to a device cooling network 400, which is described below in relation to Fig. 4) to provide the recirculated coolant for heat dissipation from one or more information technology (IT) devices (e.g., servers, network switches, routers, storage devices, and other computer hardware). The heated liquid coolant from network 400 is then returned to system 200 (at valve J1). Meanwhile, the heated liquid coolant from the primary circuit 202A is returned and cooled (e.g., via a secondary cooling / heat transfer system (not shown) that receives the heated liquid coolant discharged at valve J2 and returns cooled liquid coolant to the CDU 100 at the inlet of valve J3). In some embodiments, the CDU 100 may include additional components / subsystems for further cooling of the liquid coolant.

[0019] Fig. Figure 4 is an example of an equipment cooling network 400 for cooling a variety of IT equipment according to some embodiments. The equipment cooling network 400 includes a supply line 402A configured to supply cooled coolant from the CDU 100 (i.e., the outlet of valve J4 in Fig. 2B). The supply line 402A is connected to one or more secondary tubes (not shown) of equipment racks / enclosures 404, each rack / enclosure containing one or more IT devices. The secondary tubes of the racks / enclosures 404 may run along one or more heat transfer surfaces of the rack / enclosure 404 (or the IT devices themselves) to absorb the heat generated by the respective IT devices. From each of the racks / enclosures 404, the heated coolant is returned via the return line 402B to the CDU 100 (at the inlet of valve J3 in Fig. 2B) returned to be cooled again and recirculated within the device cooling network 400.

[0020] Back to the Fig. The primary circuit 202A, as shown, comprises a variety of valves V17, V19, J2, and J3 and sensors (for example, temperature sensors T4 and T5, pressure sensors P10, P12, and P13, and flow meter FM1). The secondary circuit 202B also comprises a variety of valves V1-V16, V18, V20, J1, and J4, pumps PMP1-PMP4, and sensors (for example, temperature sensors T1-T3 and T6-T8, pressure sensors P1-P9, P11, and P14, and flow meter FM2). The control device 300 is communicatively coupled to each of the variety of valves V1-V20 and each of the pumps PMP1-PMP4 and controls their operation based on sensor information from one or more of the various sensors of the system 200.The control device 300 can also receive sensor information regarding environmental information inside the housing of the CDU 100 (for example, via a relative humidity sensor RH1 and an ambient temperature sensor T9) and outside the housing of the CDU 100 (for example, via a relative humidity sensor RH2 and a temperature sensor T10). For the sake of simplicity, the sensors of the flow system 200 are referred to collectively herein as the plurality of sensors 204, the valves of the flow system 200 are referred to collectively herein as the plurality of valves 208, and the pumps of the flow system 200 are referred to collectively herein as the plurality of pumps 206.In some embodiments, one or more different types of sensors of the System 200 (and their functionality) can be combined into a single sensor (for example, a combined temperature and humidity sensor, a combined pressure and water flow sensor, and the like). The System 200 can accommodate additional or fewer sensors than those described in the [reference to be added]. Fig. 2A - 2B shown include.

[0021] The liquid coolant flow system 200 may include additional components (for example, filters FIL1 - FIL3, strainers ST1 - ST4, automatic venting valves and pressure relief valves), which are not described in detail here for the sake of brevity.

[0022] Fig. Figure 3 is a block diagram of the electronic control device 300 of the CDU 100 according to some embodiments. The electronic control device 300 includes a variety of electrical and electronic components that provide power, control, and protection for the components and modules within the electronic control device 300. The electronic control device 300 includes, among other things, an electronic processor 305 (such as a programmable electronic microprocessor, a microcontroller, or a similar device), a memory 310 (such as non-volatile, computer-readable memory), and an input / output interface 315. The electronic processor 305 communicates with the memory 310 and the input / output interface 315.The electronic processor 305, in conjunction with the memory 310 and the input / output interface 315, is configured to implement, among other things, the procedures described here. It is understood that some or all components, including additional components, of the control device 300 may be located / distributed within the CDU 100 and / or remotely from the CDU 100.

[0023] The memory 310 can be composed of one or more non-volatile, computer-readable media and includes at least a program memory area and a data memory area. The program memory area and the data memory area can include combinations of different memory types, such as read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), flash memory, or other suitable storage devices. The electronic processor 305 is connected to the memory 310 and the input / output interface 315.

[0024] The electronic processor 305 sends and receives information (for example, from memory 310 and / or input / output interface 315) and processes the information by executing one or more software instructions or modules, which may be stored in memory 310 or on another non-volatile, computer-readable medium. The software may include firmware, one or more applications, program data, filters, rules, one or more program modules, and other executable instructions. The electronic processor 305 is configured, among other things, to receive and execute software for the automatic detection / prediction of an anomaly within the CDU 100 from memory 310 and to perform the procedures described herein.

[0025] In some cases, the electronic control device 300 may be implemented in several independent control devices (for example, programmable electronic control devices), each configured to perform specific functions or sub-functions. For example, one or more components of the control device 300 may be located remotely from the CDU 100 (for example, part of a remote server, not shown, that communicates with the CDU 100). Additionally, the electronic control device 300 may include submodules containing additional electronic processors, memory, or circuitry for handling input / output functions, processing signals, and applying the procedures described below. In other cases, the electronic control device 300 includes additional, fewer, or different components.Therefore, the programs can be distributed across one or more processors.

[0026] The input / output interface 315 transmits and receives information from devices outside the electronic control device 300 (for example, via one or more wired and / or wireless connections), such as components of the CDU 100. The input / output interface 315 receives inputs (for example, from the multitude of sensors 204) and provides system outputs (for example, to one or more of the multitude of valves 208 and / or the multitude of pumps 206, the transceiver 325, and / or the HMI 330, etc.). The input / output interface 315 may also include other input and output mechanisms, which are not described here for the sake of brevity and which may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both.

[0027] In some cases, the control device 300 additionally includes the transceiver 325 and / or the human-machine interface (HMI) 330. The transceiver 325 includes a radio transceiver that transmits data over one or more wireless communication networks (for example, cellular networks, satellite networks, land mobile networks, etc.). The transceiver 325 also provides wireless communication within the vehicle using suitable network modalities (for example, Bluetooth™, near field communication (NFC), Wi-Fi™, and the like). Accordingly, the transceiver 325 connects the electronic control device 300 and other components of the CDU 100 to networks or electronic devices both inside and outside the CDU 100. For example, the electronic control device 300 can communicate with one or more devices (e.g.,Other CDUs (100) communicate via a communication system (not shown) to send and receive data, commands, and other information. The transceiver 325 includes additional components (e.g., amplifiers, antennas, baseband processors, and the like) that enable wireless communication, which for brevity are not described here and may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both. In some cases, instead of a combined transceiver, multiple transceivers or separate transmit and receive components (e.g., a transmitter and a receiver) are provided.

[0028] The HMI 330 provides visual outputs, such as graphic displays (i.e., static or animated icons), lights, colors, text, images, combinations of the aforementioned elements, and the like. The HMI 330 includes a suitable display mechanism for showing the visual output, such as an instrument cluster, a center console screen (e.g., a touchscreen or other suitable mechanism), etc. In some cases, the HMI 330 displays a graphical user interface (GUI) (generated, for example, by the 305 electronic processor and displayed on a screen) that allows a driver or passenger to interact with the CDU 100. The HMI 330 can also provide the driver with audio output, such as a beep, buzzer, voice output, or other suitable sound, through a speaker included with or separate from the HMI 330.In some cases, the HMI 330 provides a combination of visual and acoustic output.

[0029] As described in more detail below, memory 310 in some cases contains, among other things, computer-executable instructions for detecting and correcting component and measurement errors. In some cases, the computer-executable instructions include instructions for training a deep learning system to detect / predict one or more anomalies relating to one or more components of the CDU 100.

[0030] In some cases, the electronic control device 300 uses one or more machine learning techniques (for example, artificial intelligence algorithms) to analyze sensor information from the sensors 204 in order to identify / predict anomalies within the CDU 100 (as described herein). Machine learning generally refers to the ability of a computer program to learn without explicit programming. In some cases, a computer program (for example, a machine learning program) is configured to create an algorithm based on inputs. Supervised learning involves providing a computer program with example inputs and the desired outputs. The computer program is configured to learn a general rule that maps the inputs to the outputs from the received training data.Examples of machine learning machines include decision tree learning, association rule learning, artificial neural networks, classifiers, edge computing, inductive logic programming, support vector machines, clustering, Bayesian networks, reinforcement learning, representational learning, similarity and metric learning, sparse dictionary learning, and genetic algorithms. These approaches allow a computer program to ingest, analyze, and understand data and incrementally refine algorithms for data analysis.

[0031] The system performance of the flow system 200 depends, among other things, on the proper operation of the pumps 206. In some embodiments, each pump includes a corresponding pump fault sensor (for example, a fault sensor integrated into the pump). In cases where the pump fault sensor indicates a fault, the sensor is configured to send a fault signal to the electronic control device 300. The electronic control device 300 can then issue a warning to a user (e.g., via the HMI 330), stop or adjust the operation of one or more pumps 206, or both. However, there may be cases in which the pump fault sensor itself is faulty. In such cases, the pump fault sensor can send the fault signal to the control device 300 even if the respective pump is functioning normally.This can cause the control device 300 to issue false warnings and / or make unnecessary changes / shutdowns of one or more operations of the system 200.

[0032] Therefore, it may be desirable for the electronic control device 300 to perform additional steps to verify whether one or more of the pumps are functioning properly or not, including evaluating the accuracy of a measurement from one or more of the sensors 204.

[0033] In some embodiments, the electronic control device 300 is configured to operate one or more of the pumps 206 in different operating modes. For example, in some embodiments, the control device 300 is configured to operate one or more of the pumps 206 in an environmentally friendly or efficient mode. For example, the control device 300 can evaluate a variety of different pump operating configurations of the multiple pumps 206 for a given device cooling network 400 at a specific operating point (e.g., a specific flow rate and pressure). Each of the different pump operating configurations includes one or more of the pumps 206 operating at one or more different operating stages (e.g., multiple different pump speed levels).The control device 300 determines, from a multitude of different pump operating configurations, a pump operating configuration with the lowest energy consumption that meets the specified operating point. For example, the control device 300 can evaluate whether the system 200 is capable of achieving the specified operating point while operating two or more pumps at a speed below the maximum speed (a first pump operating configuration), instead of operating a single pump at the maximum speed (a second pump operating configuration), which may require more energy than the first pump operating configuration. As another example, in some embodiments, the control device 300 is configured to operate at least one of the pumps 206 in a service life extension mode.For example, the control device 300 can be configured to determine and control pump operation in order to extend the pump's service life. The service life can be determined by the control device 300, for example, based on the pump's operating time and the speed at which it has been running. Other conditions, such as temperature, pump current, etc., can also be taken into account. In some embodiments, the control device 300 can, for example, send a signal to a human-machine interface indicating that pump maintenance is required, regardless of the sensor information received from one or more sensors.

[0034] In some embodiments, the control device 300 is configured to operate the CDU 100 in an energy-saving mode. For example, the electronic control device 300 can be configured to determine when no coolant is circulating to the secondary circuit 202B through the equipment cooling network 400 (for example, due to a shutdown of the IT equipment, a shutdown for maintenance purposes, etc.). In response, the electronic control device 300 can be configured to stop or reduce the pumping of coolant through the secondary circuit 202B (for example, via one or more of the pumps 106). The control valve V17 of the primary circuit 202A can close in response to the reduced pumping of the secondary circuit 202B.In energy-saving mode, the electronic control device 300 can operate one or more of the pumps 106 intermittently while the CDU 100 is operating in energy-saving mode (for example, to prevent the accumulation of impurities and / or chemical deposits in the secondary circuit 202B).

[0035] In some embodiments, the CDU 100 can be configured in an enclosure with a plurality of CDUs. The control device 300 of a CDU can be configured to communicate with the control devices of each of the CDUs in the enclosure to coordinate the control of the CDUs in the enclosure so that all CDUs operate in an environmentally friendly mode or in an efficiency mode to save energy, optimize efficiency, etc.

[0036] In some embodiments, the electronic processor 305 is configured to monitor the total runtime / operating time of one or more components (for example, one or more of the pumps 206 and / or valves 208 of the system 200). If the measured operating time exceeds a predetermined time limit, the electronic processor 305 can be configured to generate a warning to a user (for example, via the HMI 330) to indicate that the component may need to be replaced. In some embodiments, the operating time is reduced or increased by a factor derived from the component's operating performance. For example, if a pump runs for X hours at 55% of its maximum speed, the operating time counted / determined by the electronic processor 305 can be reduced by a predetermined factor corresponding to 55% of the maximum speed.

[0037] As described above (for example, in relation to Fig. 3), in some embodiments the electronic control device 300 is configured to communicate with one or more electronic devices / components outside the CDU 100 (for example, via a wired communication link or a wireless connection via the transceiver 325). Fig. Figure 5 is an example of a Communications Network 800 for cooling a data center, which includes the CDU 100, IT equipment 802A, and a Building Information Management (BIM) system 802B. Both the IT equipment 802A and the BIM system 802B are connected to the CDU 100 via a suitable wired connection, a wireless connection, or a combination of both. Wireless communication can be implemented via a wide area network, such as the Internet (including public and private IP networks), a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) network, a 4G network, a 5G network, and one or more local area networks, such as a Bluetooth™ network or a Wi-Fi network, as well as combinations or derivatives thereof.

[0038] The IT devices 802A are electronic devices that are connected via the device cooling network 400 (for example, via the one mentioned above in relation to Fig.The communication network 800 is described in the four described racks / enclosures 404) and is connected to the CDU 100. For the sake of simplicity, the description is based on a single IT device 802A. It is understood that in some embodiments, the network 800 includes more than one IT device 802A that is communicatively coupled to the CDU 100. It is also understood that the network 800 can include more than one CDU 100, with each CDU 100 being communicatively connected to one or more corresponding IT devices 802A.

[0039] The BIM system 802B includes one or more building automation and control networks (BAC networks) that enable communication between them. Such systems can include, for example, communication related to heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) control, lighting control, access control, and fire alarm systems for the data center.

[0040] In some embodiments, the CDU 100 is configured to receive information from the IT devices 802A (e.g., temperature information, operating information, etc.) and to adjust the operation of one or more of the pumps 206 and / or valves 208 in order to optimize, for example, the energy consumption of the CDU 100 based on the received information. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the CDU 100 is configured to adjust the operation of one or more of the pumps 206 and / or valves 208 based on information received from the BIM system 802B.

[0041] In some embodiments, the electronic control device 300 (and its components) is arranged on a single printed circuit board.

[0042] In some embodiments, the CDU 100 includes one or more harmonic filters arranged between a power supply system (not shown) of the system 200 and at least one component of the system 200 (for example, one or more motors (not shown), one or more pumps 206). In some embodiments, the control device 300 is configured to monitor an electrical characteristic of one or more components of the system 200 (for example, a voltage, a current, etc.) across the harmonic filter. Based on the monitored electrical characteristic, the control device 300 is configured to detect a noise factor (including one or more harmonic signals) within a power signal between the power supply system and the component.The control device 300 is configured to generate an inverse signal (inverse to the noise factor) based on the monitored electrical characteristic and to apply the inverse signal to the power signal in order to reduce or eliminate the noise factor within the power signals.

[0043] In some embodiments, the control device 300 is further configured to operate one or more of the pumps 206 (for example, one or more EPICV pumps) of the system 200 according to a proportional-integral-differential control loop (PID control loop) (for example, based on a detected pressure within the system 200). QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 63 / 709,257

[0001]

Claims

[1] A coolant distribution unit (CDU), comprising: a heat exchanger; a primary circuit fluidically connected to a first side of the heat exchanger and configured to convey a first coolant; a secondary circuit fluidically connected to a second side of the heat exchanger, wherein the secondary circuit comprises one or more pumps configured to circulate a second coolant through the secondary circuit; a control device configured to operate the one or more pumps in a plurality of modes, wherein the plurality of modes includes a first mode in which each of the one or more pumps operates at a maximum speed level, and a second mode in which at least one of the pumps operates at a speed below the maximum speed level. [2] The CDU according to claim 1, wherein in the second mode each of the pumps runs at a speed below the maximum speed level. [3] The CDU according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the control device switches the operation from the first mode to the second mode based on an operating state of the primary circuit or the secondary circuit. [4] The CDU according to claim 3, wherein the operating state is a temperature of the coolant. [5] The CDU according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control device determines a lifetime of one or more pumps and changes the mode from the first mode to the second mode to extend the lifetime of the pump. [6] The CDU according to claim 5, wherein the lifetime is determined based on a time the pump has been running and a speed at which the pump has been running. [7] The CDU according to claim 6, wherein the control device sends a signal indicating that the pump requires maintenance when a service life is reached. [8] The CDU according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control device determines the efficiency of the CDU and switches from the first mode to the second mode based on the efficiency. [9] The CDU according to claim 8, wherein the efficiency of the CDU is based on the energy consumption of the one or more pumps. [10] The CDU according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the control device determines a first energy consumption of the pumps in the first mode and a second energy consumption of the pumps in the second mode and selects either the first mode or the second mode based on the lower value of the first energy consumption and the second energy consumption. [11] A coolant distribution unit (CDU) electrically coupled to a building information management (BIM) system that monitors the condition of a building via a building automation and control (BAC) network, wherein the CDU comprises: a heat exchanger system with a heat exchanger; a primary circuit which is fluidically connected to a first side of the heat exchanger and configured to convey a first coolant; a secondary circuit fluidically connected to a second side of the heat exchanger, the secondary circuit including one or more pumps configured to circulate a second coolant through the secondary circuit; and a control device configured to operate one or more pumps and configured to send and receive one or more signals from the BIM system and to control the operation of the heat exchanger system based on the one or more signals. [12] The CDU according to claim 11, wherein the control device receives one or more signals indicating the state of the building and controls the operation of one or more pumps based on the received signal. [13] The CDU according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the control device sends a signal to the BIM to control the operation of another system in the building when a secondary coolant flow through the secondary circuit changes. [14] The CDU according to claim 12, wherein the state is one of the following states: a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) control state, a lighting control state, an access control state and a fire alarm system state. [15] The CDU according to one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the control device receives a power supply from the building, monitors a characteristic of the power supply and applies a filter to the power supply. [16] The CDU according to claim 15, wherein the filter is a harmonic filter. [17] The CDU according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the BIM system comprises an information technology device with one or more servers and the control device is configured to control the operation of the heat exchanger system based on information received from the information technology device. [18] A method for controlling a coolant distribution unit (CDU) and one or more systems of a building information management system (BIM), comprising: Receiving information from the BIM system via a control device; Determining the efficiency of one or more systems via the control device; and Adjusting the operation of one or more components of the CDU via the control device. [19] The method according to claim 18, wherein the information is a state of an IT device. [20] The method according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the state is a temperature state.

Images