Data center and heat recovery system thereof

Abstract

Embodiments of the disclosure provide a data center and a heat recovery system for a data center. The heat recovery system (100) includes: an outdoor refrigeration unit (2) connected to the first branch (11) for cooling refrigerant in the first branch (11); an indoor heat recovery unit (3) arranged in a hot zone of the data center and connected to a second branch (12) connected in parallel with the first branch (11) for heating the refrigerant in the second branch (12) by using heat in the hot zone; a four-way valve (7) including a first port (71), a second port (72), a third port (73) and a fourth port (74), wherin the first port (71) is connected to a first common end (131) of the first branch (11) and the second branch (12), and adapted to be selectively communicated with the outdoor refrigeration unit (2) or the indoor heat recovery unit (3); a compressor (8) having a suction port (81) connected to the second port (72) and an exhaust port (82) connected to the third port (73); a heat exchange unit (9) connected between a second common end (132) of the first branch (11) and the second branch (12) and the fourth port (74) for providing cooling or heating by using the refrigerant.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Chniese Patent Application No. 202310912909.3, filed on July 24, 2023 and entitled "DATA CENTER AND HEAT RECOVERY SYSTEM THEREOF ", the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety .FIELD

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the technical field of data center cooling, and more particularly, to a heat recovery system for a data center and a data center including the heat recovery system.BACKGROUND

[0003] At present, in regions with large temperature differences throughout a year, more and more data centers use indirect evaporation to refrigerate equipment rooms. This refrigerating solution is different from a conventional liquid cooling solution which uses a water system to cool electronic devices in the equipment rooms. Heat generated by the liquid cooling solution can be recovered through a water-loop heat pump unit. Since an indirect evaporative refrigeration unit does not contain the water system, there is no good recovery method for the generated heat, which results in the fact that most of the regions with large temperature differences in the four seasons need to additionally provide heating in the form of boilers, electric heating, multi-split units and the like when the heating is needed, so that energy is additionally consumed.SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a heat recovery system for a data center and a data center including the heat recovery system to efficiently recover heat generated by an indirect evaporative refrigeration unit.

[0005] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a heat recovery system for a data center is provided, including: an outdoor refrigeration unit adapted to be arranged in an outdoor environment, the outdoor refrigeration unit being connected to a first branch and configured to cool refrigerant in the first branch; an indoor heat recovery unit adapted to be arranged in a hot zone of the data center, the indoor heat recovery unit being connected to a second branch connected in parallel with the first branch, and configured to heat the refrigerant in the second branch by using heat in the hot zone; a four-way valve including a first port, a second port, a third port, and a fourth port, wherein the first port is connected to a first common end of the first branch and the second branch, and adapted to be selectively communicated with the outdoor refrigeration unit or the indoor heat recovery unit; a compressor having a suction port connected to the second port, and an exhaust port connected to the third port; and a heat exchange unit connected between a second common end of the first branch and the second branch and the fourth port, and configured to provide cooling by using the refrigerant when the first port is in communication with the outdoor refrigeration unit, and to provide heating by using the refrigerant when the first port is in communication with the indoor heat recovery unit.

[0006] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a data center is provided, including the heat recovery system according to the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0007] It should be understood that the content described in this section is not intended to limit the key features or important features of the embodiments of the present disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will become readily understood from the following description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] The above and other features, advantages, and aspects of various embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same or similar reference numbers refer to the same or similar elements, wherein: FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic structural diagram of a heat recovery system for a data center according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 shows the flow direction of the refrigerant when the heat recovery system shown in FIG. 1 provides heating; FIG. 3 shows the flow direction of the refrigerant when the heat recovery system shown in FIG. 1 provides cooling; FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic structural diagram of a heat recovery system for a data center according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure; and FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic structural diagram of a heat recovery system for a data center according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. While the embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited by the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make this disclosure more thorough and complete, and to fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0010] As used herein, the term "comprising" and variations thereof represent openness, i.e., "including but not limited to". Unless specifically stated, the term "or" means "and / or". The term "based on" means "based at least in part on". The terms "an example embodiment" and "an embodiment" mean "at least one example embodiment". The term "another embodiment" means "at least one further embodiment". The terms "first," "second," and the like may refer to different or identical objects.

[0011] As described above, since the indirect evaporative refrigeration unit does not include the water system, there is no good recovery method for the generated heat, which results in the fact that most of the regions with large temperature differences in the four seasons need to additionally provide heating in the form of boilers, electric heating, multi-split units and the like when heating is needed, so that energy is additionally consumed. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a heat recovery system for a data center and a data center including the heat recovery system, so that heat generated by the indirect evaporative refrigeration unit is effectively recovered, and the heat recovery system can provide heating in winter, and provide cooling in summer, and the use mode is flexible and convenient. embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic structural diagram of a heat recovery system for a data center according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the heat recovery system 100 described herein generally includes an outdoor refrigeration unit 2, an indoor heat recovery unit 3, a four-way valve 7, a compressor 8 and a heat exchange unit 9. The heat recovery system 100 is adapted to operate in both a cooling supply mode and a heating supply mode. The outdoor refrigeration unit 2 is adapted to be arranged in an outdoor environment for providing cold energy to the heat exchange unit 9 via the four-way valve 7 and the compressor 8 in the cooling supply mode of the heat recovery system 100. The indoor heat recovery unit 3 is adapted to be arranged within the hot zone of the data center for providing heat to the heat exchange unit 9 via the four-way valve 7 and the compressor 8 in the heating supply mode of the heat recovery system 100. The hot zone of the data center may also be referred to as a thermal interlayer in embodiments of the present disclosure, and is disposed between a hot aisle and a cooling unit of the data center. The cold air provided by the cooling unit will enter the hot aisle after being heated by an electronic device, the hot air in the hot aisle may be returned to the cooling unit via the hot zone and then supplied to the electronic device again after being cooled. The four-way valve 7 is connected to the outdoor refrigeration unit 2 and the indoor heat recovery unit 3 to selectively connect the outdoor refrigeration unit 2 or the indoor heat recovery unit 3 to the heat exchange unit 9. The compressor 8 adapted to compress the refrigerant sucked through a suction port 81 and discharge through an exhaust port 82. The heat exchange unit 9 is configured to supply the cold energy received from the outdoor refrigeration unit 2 or the heat received from the indoor heat recovery unit 3 to any suitable location in the data center or outside the data center, for example, an office or an operation room in the data center, or another building outside the data center, etc.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the outdoor refrigeration unit 2 is connected to a first branch 11 for cooling the refrigerant in the first branch 11. When the heat recovery system 100 is in the cooling supply mode, the refrigerant in the first branch 11 is cooled when flowing through the outdoor refrigeration unit 2, and the cooled refrigerant will be provided to the heat exchange unit 9.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the indoor heat recovery unit 3 is connected to a second branch 12 connected in parallel with the first branch 11 for heating the refrigerant in the second branch 12 by using heat in the hot zone of the data center. When the heat recovery system 100 is in the heating supply mode, the refrigerant in the second branch 12 is heated and evaporated when flowing through the indoor heat recovery unit 3, and the evaporated refrigerant is provided to the heat exchange unit 9 via the compressor 8.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the four-way valve 7 includes a first port 71, a second port 72, a third port 73, and a fourth port 74. The first port 71 is connected to a first common end 131 of the first branch 11 and the second branch 12. The first port 71 is adapted to be selectively communicated with the outdoor refrigeration unit 2 or the indoor heat recovery unit 3 to connect the outdoor refrigeration unit 2 or the indoor heat recovery unit 3 to the heat exchange unit 9. The second port 72 is connected to the suction port 81 of the compressor 8. The third port 73 is connected to the exhaust port 82 of the compressor 8. The fourth port 74 is connected to the heat exchange unit 9.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the heat exchange unit 9 is connected between a second common end 132 of the first branch 11 and the second branch 12 and the fourth port 74. When the first port 71 is in communication with the outdoor refrigeration unit 2, the heat exchange unit 9 can provide cooling by using the refrigerant. When the first port 71 is in communication with the indoor heat recovery unit 3, the heat exchange unit 9 can provide heating by using the refrigerant.

[0017] In an embodiment, the refrigerant used in the heat recovery system 100 may include Freon. It should be understood that any other type of refrigerant known or available in the future is also feasible, which is not limited in embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] When the indoor heat recovery unit 3 is in communication with the four-way valve 7, the indoor heat recovery unit 3 can absorb heat in the hot zone of the data center, and transfer the heat to the heat exchange unit 9 through the four-way valve 7 and the compressor 8. In this way, heat generated by the indirect evaporative refrigeration scheme can be effectively recycled. In addition, when the outdoor refrigeration unit 2 is in communication with the four-way valve 7, the outdoor refrigeration unit 2 can transfer the cold energy to the heat exchange unit 9 through the four-way valve 7 and the compressor 8. With this arrangement, heat in the hot zone of the data center can be used to provide heating in winter, and the cold energy provided by the outdoor refrigeration unit 2 can be used to provide cooling in summer.

[0019] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the heat recovery system 100 further includes a first electric valve 41 and a second electric valve 42. The first electric valve 41 is disposed in the first branch 11 and is connected in series with the outdoor refrigeration unit 2. The first electric valve 41 is configured to connect or disconnect the first branch 11, thereby communicating the outdoor refrigeration unit 2 with the four-way valve 7 or disconnecting the outdoor refrigeration unit 2 from the four-way valve 7. The second electric valve 42 is disposed in the second branch 12 and connected in series with the indoor heat recovery unit 3. The second electric valve 42 is configured to connect or disconnect the second branch 12, thereby communicating the indoor heat recovery unit 3 with the four-way valve 7 or disconnecting the indoor heat recovery unit 3 from the four-way valve 7. When the first electric valve 41 is opened and the second electric valve 42 is closed, the outdoor refrigeration unit 2 is in communication with the four-way valve 7, and the indoor heat recovery unit 3 is disconnected from the four-way valve 7. When the first electric valve 41 is closed and the second electric valve 42 is opened, the outdoor refrigeration unit 2 is disconnected from the four-way valve 7, and the indoor heat recovery unit 3 is in communication with the four-way valve 7. By controlling the first electric valve 41 and the second electric valve 42, the heat recovery system 100 can be conveniently and reliably switched between the cooling supply mode and the heating supply mode.

[0020] It should be understood that the first electric valve 41 and the second electric valve 42 are merely exemplary implementations for switching the heat recovery system 100 between the cooling supply mode and the heating supply mode, without limiting the scope of the present disclosure in any way. In other embodiments, the heat recovery system 100 may be otherwise switched between the cooling supply mode and the heating supply mode. For example, in some embodiments, instead of the first electric valve 41 and the second electric valve 42, manual valves or other types of valves may be provided in the first branch 11 and the second branch 12, respectively.

[0021] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the first electric valve 41 is disposed between the outdoor refrigeration unit 2 and the first common end 131, and the second electric valve 42 is disposed between the indoor heat recovery unit 3 and the second common end 132. When the first electric valve 41 is closed, the first electric valve 41 can directly disconnect the connection between the outdoor refrigeration unit 2 and the four-way valve 7, and prevent the refrigerant from flowing in the outdoor refrigeration unit 2. When the second electric valve 42 is closed, the second electric valve 42 can disconnect the connection between the indoor heat recovery unit 3 and the heat exchange unit 9, and prevent the refrigerant from flowing between the indoor heat recovery unit 3 and the heat exchange unit 9.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first electric valve 41 may be disposed at other positions in the first branch 11, such that the first branch 11 can be connected or disconnected. In some embodiments, the second electric valve 42 may be disposed at other positions in the second branch 12, such that the second branch 12 can be connected or disconnected.

[0023] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the heat recovery system 100 further includes a first one-way valve 51 and a second one-way valve 52. The first one-way valve 51 is disposed between the outdoor refrigeration unit 2 and the second common end 132 to allow the refrigerant to flow from the outdoor refrigeration unit 2 to the second common end 132 and prevent the refrigerant from flowing from the second common end 132 to the outdoor refrigeration unit 2. When the heat recovery system 100 is in the cooling supply mode, the first one-way valve 51 enables the refrigerant to flow only from the outdoor refrigeration unit 2 to the second common end 132, but not in the opposite direction. The second one-way valve 52 is disposed between the indoor heat recovery unit 3 and the first common end 131 to allow the refrigerant to flow from the indoor heat recovery unit 3 to the first common end 131 and prevent the refrigerant from flowing from the first common end 131 to the indoor heat recovery unit 3. When the heat recovery system 100 is in the heating supply mode, the second one-way valve 52 enables the refrigerant to flow only from the indoor heat recovery unit 3 to the first common end 131, but not in the opposite direction. Through the first one-way valve 51 and the second one-way valve 52, the refrigerant can only flow in the predetermined direction, so that the heat recovery system 100 works reliably in the cooling supply mode or the heating supply mode.

[0024] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the heat recovery system 100 further includes a first expansion valve 61 disposed between the second common end 132 and the heat exchange unit 9 for adjusting the refrigerant flowing therethrough.

[0025] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the indoor heat recovery unit 3 includes a plurality of heat pipes 31 connected in parallel, and the plurality of heat pipes 31 allow the refrigerant to flow from the second common end 132 to the first common end 131 when the indoor heat recovery unit 3 is in communication with the first port 71. An end of each heat pipe 31 away from the first common end 131 is connected with a second expansion valve 62 for adjusting the refrigerant flowing therethrough. In other embodiments, the indoor heat recovery unit 3 may use other structural forms for absorbing heat from the hot zone. For example, the indoor heat recovery unit 3 may use a single heat pipe 31 with a large length to absorb heat, or use a hot plate to absorb heat from the hot zone, etc.

[0026] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the outdoor refrigeration unit 2 includes an outdoor condenser 22 and an outdoor fan 21. The outdoor condenser 22 is connected to the first branch 11. The outdoor condenser 22 allows the refrigerant to flow from the first common end 131 to the second common end 132 when the outdoor refrigeration unit 2 is in communication with the first port 71. The outdoor fan 21 is disposed near the outdoor condenser 22 for driving air through the outdoor condenser 22. When the heat recovery system 100 is in the cooling supply mode, the refrigerant can flow through the outdoor condenser 22, and the outdoor fan 21 can drive the air to flow through the outdoor condenser 22 to cool the refrigerant in the outdoor condenser 22. In other embodiments, the outdoor refrigeration unit 2 may also adopt other structures, as long as the refrigerant can be cooled.

[0027] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the heat exchange unit 9 includes a water-cooled heat exchanger 91 configured to cool or heat water by using the refrigerant. When the heat recovery system 100 is in the cooling supply mode, the water-cooled heat exchanger 91 can use the refrigerant to cool the water, thereby providing cold water to the outside. When the heat recovery system 100 is in the heating supply mode, the water-cooled heat exchanger 91 can use the refrigerant to heat water, thereby providing hot water to the outside.

[0028] The flow directions of the refrigerant in different working modes of the heat recovery system shown in FIG. 1 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0029] FIG. 2 shows the flow direction of the refrigerant when the heat recovery system shown in FIG. 1 provides heating. As shown in FIG. 2, when the heat recovery system 100 is in the heating supply mode, the first electric valve 41 is closed and the second electric valve 42 is opened. At this time, the outdoor refrigeration unit 2 is disconnected from the four-way valve 7, and the indoor heat recovery unit 3 is in communication with the four-way valve 7. The refrigerant may flow through each heat pipe 31 along the direction of the arrow, and flow into the first port 71 of the four-way valve 7 via the second one-way valve 52. Subsequently, the refrigerant flows from the second port 72 of the four-way valve 7 to the suction port 81 of the compressor 8 along the direction of the arrow. The refrigerant is discharged through the exhaust port 82 after being compressed in the compressor 8 and into the third port 73 of the four-way valve 7. Subsequently, the refrigerant flows out of the fourth port 74 of the four-way valve 7 and enters the water-cooled heat exchanger 91. The water-cooled heat exchanger 91 can heat the water by using heat absorbed by the refrigerant from the hot zone, thereby providing hot water to the outside. Subsequently, the refrigerant flows out of the water-cooled heat exchanger 91, and is returned to each heat pipe 31 via the first expansion valve 61, the second electric valve 42 and each second expansion valve 62 to absorb heat again.

[0030] FIG. 3 shows the flow direction of the refrigerant when the heat recovery system shown in FIG. 1 provides cooling. As shown in FIG. 3, when the heat recovery system 100 is in the cooling supply mode, the first electric valve 41 is opened and the second electric valve 42 is closed. At this time, the outdoor refrigeration unit 2 is in communication with the four-way valve 7, and the indoor heat recovery unit 3 is disconnected from the four-way valve 7. The refrigerant may flow through the outdoor condenser 22 along the direction of the arrow, and the outdoor fan 21 can drive the air to flow through the outdoor condenser 22 to cool the refrigerant in the outdoor condenser 22. The cooled refrigerant may flow into the water-cooled heat exchanger 91 via the first one-way valve 51 and the first expansion valve 61 along the direction of the arrow. The water-cooled heat exchanger 91 can use the refrigerant to cool the water, thereby providing cold water to the outside. Subsequently, the refrigerant may flow out of the water-cooled heat exchanger 91 and enter the fourth port 74 of the four-way valve 7. Subsequently, the refrigerant flows from the second port 72 of the four-way valve 7 to the suction port 81 of the compressor 8 along the direction of the arrow. The refrigerant is discharged through the exhaust port 82 after being compressed in the compressor 8 and enters the third port 73 of the four-way valve 7. Subsequently, the refrigerant flows out via the first port 71 of the four-way valve 7 along the direction of the arrow and is returned to the outdoor condenser 22 via the first electric valve 41.

[0031] Through the heat recovery system 100, heat generated by the indirect evaporative refrigeration unit can be effectively recovered, and heating can be provided in winter, cooling can be provided in summer, and the use mode is flexible and convenient.

[0032] FIGS. 4 and 5 show schematic structural diagrams of the heat recovery system for the data center according to other embodiments of the present disclosure. The structure of the heat recovery system 100 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is similar to that of the heat recovery system 100 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, except that the heat exchange unit 9 adopts different structural forms. Hereinafter, only the differences between them will be described in detail, and the same parts will not be repeated.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 4, in some embodiments, the heat exchange unit 9 includes two indoor units 92 configured to heat or cool air by using the refrigeration, thereby providing cold air or hot air for providing cooling or heating. The two indoor units 92 are connected in parallel between the second common port 132 and the fourth port 74 of the four-way valve 7. The first expansion valve 61 is provided between each indoor unit 92 and the second common end 132 for adjusting the refrigerant flowing therethrough. In other embodiments, the heat exchange unit 9 may include a single indoor unit 92, or include more than three indoor units 92, which may be flexibly adjusted as required.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the heat exchange unit 9 includes the water-cooled heat exchanger 91 and the indoor unit 92. The water-cooled heat exchanger 91 is configured to cool or heat water by using the refrigerant, thereby providing cold water or hot water for providing cooling or heating. The indoor unit 92 is configured to heat or cool the air by using the refrigerant, thereby providing cold air or hot air for providing cooling or heating. The water-cooled heat exchanger 91 and the indoor unit 92 are connected in parallel between the second common end 132 and the fourth port 74. In some cases, when providing cooling is required in summer, the indoor unit 92 may be used to provide cold air, and when providing heating is required in winter, the water-cooled heat exchanger 91 may be used to provide hot water. Of course, in other cases, when providing cooling is required in summer, the indoor unit 92 may also be used to provide cold air, while the water-cooled heat exchanger 91 is used to provide cold water. Similarly, when providing heating is required in winter, the water-cooled heat exchanger 91 may also be used to provide hot water, while the indoor unit 92 is used to provide hot air.

[0035] It should be understood that the heat exchange unit 9 may adopt any suitable structural form for providing cooling or heating, which is not limited in embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] An embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a data center, including any one of the foregoing heat recovery systems.

[0037] Embodiments of the present disclosure are also embodied in the following examples.

[0038] Example 1. A heat recovery system for a data center, comprising: an outdoor refrigeration unit adapted to be arranged in an outdoor environment, the outdoor refrigeration unit being connected to a first branch and configured to cool refrigerant in the first branch; an indoor heat recovery unit adapted to be arranged in a hot zone of the data center, the indoor heat recovery unit being connected to a second branch connected in parallel with the first branch, and configured to heat the refrigerant in the second branch by using heat in the hot zone; a four-way valve comprising a first port, a second port, a third port and a fourth port, wherein the first port is connected to a first common end of the first branch and the second branch, and adapted to be selectively communicated with the outdoor refrigeration unit or the indoor heat recovery unit; a compressor having a suction port connected to the second port and an exhaust port connected to the third port; and a heat exchange unit connected between a second common end of the first branch and the second branch and the fourth port, and configured to provide cooling by using the refrigerant when the first port is in communication with the outdoor refrigeration unit, and to provide heating by using the refrigerant when the first port is in communication with the indoor heat recovery unit.

[0039] Example 2. The heat recovery system of example 1, further comprising: a first electric valve disposed in the first branch and connected in series with the outdoor refrigeration unit, the first electric valve being configured to connect or disconnect the first branch; and a second electric valve disposed in the second branch and connected in series with the indoor heat recovery unit, the second electric valve being configured to connect or disconnect the second branch.

[0040] Example 3. The heat recovery system of example 2, wherein the first electric valve is disposed between the outdoor refrigeration unit and the first common end, and the second electric valve is disposed between the indoor heat recovery unit and the second common end.

[0041] Example 4. The heat recovery system of example 1, further comprising: a first one-way valve disposed between the outdoor refrigeration unit and the second common end, and configured to allow the refrigerant to flow from the outdoor refrigeration unit to the second common end, and to prevent the refrigerant from flowing from the second common end to the outdoor refrigeration unit; and a second one-way valve disposed between the indoor heat recovery unit and the first common end and configured to allow the refrigerant to flow from the indoor heat recovery unit to the first common end and to prevent the refrigerant from flowing from the first common end to the indoor heat recovery unit.

[0042] Example 5. The heat recovery system of example 1, further comprising: a first expansion valve disposed between the second common end and the heat exchange unit.

[0043] Example 6. The heat recovery system of example 1, wherein the indoor heat recovery unit comprises a plurality of heat pipes connected in parallel, and the plurality of heat pipes allow the refrigerant to flow from the second common end to the first common end when the indoor heat recovery unit is in communication with the first port, and an end of each heat pipe away from the first common end is connected with a second expansion valve.

[0044] Example 7. The heat recovery system of example 1, wherein the outdoor refrigeration unit comprises: an outdoor condenser connected to the first branch, the outdoor condenser allowing the refrigerant to flow from the first common end to the second common end when the outdoor refrigeration unit is in communication with the first port; and an outdoor fan disposed near the outdoor condenser and configured to drive air to flow through the outdoor condenser.

[0045] Example 8. The heat recovery system of example 1, wherein the heat exchange unit comprises a water-cooled heat exchanger configured to cool or heat water by using the refrigerant.

[0046] Example 9. The heat recovery system of example 1, wherein the heat exchange unit comprises an indoor unit configured to heat or cool air by using the refrigerant.

[0047] Example 10. The heat recovery system of example 9, wherein the heat exchange unit comprises a plurality of indoor units connected in parallel between the second common end and the fourth port.

[0048] Example 11. The heat recovery system of example 9, wherein the heat exchange unit further comprises a water-cooled heat exchanger configured to cool or heat water by using the refrigerant, and the water-cooled heat exchanger and the indoor unit are connected in parallel between the second common end and the fourth port.

[0049] Example 12. A data center, comprising the heat recovery system of any of examples 1-11.

[0050] Various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, which are exemplary, not exhaustive, and are not limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the illustrated embodiments. The selection of the terms used herein is intended to best explain the principles of the embodiments, practical applications, or technical improvements in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Examples

example 3

[0040] The heat recovery system of example 2, wherein the first electric valve is disposed between the outdoor refrigeration unit and the first common end, and the second electric valve is disposed between the indoor heat recovery unit and the second common end.

example 4

[0041] The heat recovery system of example 1, further comprising:

a first one-way valve disposed between the outdoor refrigeration unit and the second common end, and configured to allow the refrigerant to flow from the outdoor refrigeration unit to the second common end, and to prevent the refrigerant from flowing from the second common end to the outdoor refrigeration unit; and a second one-way valve disposed between the indoor heat recovery unit and the first common end and configured to allow the refrigerant to flow from the indoor heat recovery unit to the first common end and to prevent the refrigerant from flowing from the first common end to the indoor heat recovery unit.

example 5

[0042] The heat recovery system of example 1, further comprising: a first expansion valve disposed between the second common end and the heat exchange unit.

[0043]Example 6. The heat recovery system of example 1, wherein the indoor heat recovery unit comprises a plurality of heat pipes connected in parallel, and the plurality of heat pipes allow the refrigerant to flow from the second common end to the first common end when the indoor heat recovery unit is in communication with the first port, and an end of each heat pipe away from the first common end is connected with a second expansion valve.

[0001] This application claims priority to Chniese Patent Application No. 202310912909.3, filed on July 24, 2023 and entitled "DATA CENTER AND HEAT RECOVERY SYSTEM THEREOF ", the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety .FIELD

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the technical field of data center cooling, and more particularly, to a heat recovery system for a data center and a data center including the heat recovery system.BACKGROUND

[0003] At present, in regions with large temperature differences throughout a year, more and more data centers use indirect evaporation to refrigerate equipment rooms. This refrigerating solution is different from a conventional liquid cooling solution which uses a water system to cool electronic devices in the equipment rooms. Heat generated by the liquid cooling solution can be recovered through a water-loop heat pump unit. Since an indirect evaporative refrigeration unit does not contain the water system, there is no good recovery method for the generated heat, which results in the fact that most of the regions with large temperature differences in the four seasons need to additionally provide heating in the form of boilers, electric heating, multi-split units and the like when the heating is needed, so that energy is additionally consumed.SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a heat recovery system for a data center and a data center including the heat recovery system to efficiently recover heat generated by an indirect evaporative refrigeration unit.

[0005] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a heat recovery system for a data center is provided, including: an outdoor refrigeration unit adapted to be arranged in an outdoor environment, the outdoor refrigeration unit being connected to a first branch and configured to cool refrigerant in the first branch; an indoor heat recovery unit adapted to be arranged in a hot zone of the data center, the indoor heat recovery unit being connected to a second branch connected in parallel with the first branch, and configured to heat the refrigerant in the second branch by using heat in the hot zone; a four-way valve including a first port, a second port, a third port, and a fourth port, wherein the first port is connected to a first common end of the first branch and the second branch, and adapted to be selectively communicated with the outdoor refrigeration unit or the indoor heat recovery unit; a compressor having a suction port connected to the second port, and an exhaust port connected to the third port; and a heat exchange unit connected between a second common end of the first branch and the second branch and the fourth port, and configured to provide cooling by using the refrigerant when the first port is in communication with the outdoor refrigeration unit, and to provide heating by using the refrigerant when the first port is in communication with the indoor heat recovery unit.

[0006] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a data center is provided, including the heat recovery system according to the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0007] It should be understood that the content described in this section is not intended to limit the key features or important features of the embodiments of the present disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will become readily understood from the following description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] The above and other features, advantages, and aspects of various embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same or similar reference numbers refer to the same or similar elements, wherein: FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic structural diagram of a heat recovery system for a data center according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 shows the flow direction of the refrigerant when the heat recovery system shown in FIG. 1 provides heating; FIG. 3 shows the flow direction of the refrigerant when the heat recovery system shown in FIG. 1 provides cooling; FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic structural diagram of a heat recovery system for a data center according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure; and FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic structural diagram of a heat recovery system for a data center according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. While the embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited by the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make this disclosure more thorough and complete, and to fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0010] As used herein, the term "comprising" and variations thereof represent openness, i.e., "including but not limited to". Unless specifically stated, the term "or" means "and / or". The term "based on" means "based at least in part on". The terms "an example embodiment" and "an embodiment" mean "at least one example embodiment". The term "another embodiment" means "at least one further embodiment". The terms "first," "second," and the like may refer to different or identical objects.

[0011] As described above, since the indirect evaporative refrigeration unit does not include the water system, there is no good recovery method for the generated heat, which results in the fact that most of the regions with large temperature differences in the four seasons need to additionally provide heating in the form of boilers, electric heating, multi-split units and the like when heating is needed, so that energy is additionally consumed. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a heat recovery system for a data center and a data center including the heat recovery system, so that heat generated by the indirect evaporative refrigeration unit is effectively recovered, and the heat recovery system can provide heating in winter, and provide cooling in summer, and the use mode is flexible and convenient. embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic structural diagram of a heat recovery system for a data center according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the heat recovery system 100 described herein generally includes an outdoor refrigeration unit 2, an indoor heat recovery unit 3, a four-way valve 7, a compressor 8 and a heat exchange unit 9. The heat recovery system 100 is adapted to operate in both a cooling supply mode and a heating supply mode. The outdoor refrigeration unit 2 is adapted to be arranged in an outdoor environment for providing cold energy to the heat exchange unit 9 via the four-way valve 7 and the compressor 8 in the cooling supply mode of the heat recovery system 100. The indoor heat recovery unit 3 is adapted to be arranged within the hot zone of the data center for providing heat to the heat exchange unit 9 via the four-way valve 7 and the compressor 8 in the heating supply mode of the heat recovery system 100. The hot zone of the data center may also be referred to as a thermal interlayer in embodiments of the present disclosure, and is disposed between a hot aisle and a cooling unit of the data center. The cold air provided by the cooling unit will enter the hot aisle after being heated by an electronic device, the hot air in the hot aisle may be returned to the cooling unit via the hot zone and then supplied to the electronic device again after being cooled. The four-way valve 7 is connected to the outdoor refrigeration unit 2 and the indoor heat recovery unit 3 to selectively connect the outdoor refrigeration unit 2 or the indoor heat recovery unit 3 to the heat exchange unit 9. The compressor 8 adapted to compress the refrigerant sucked through a suction port 81 and discharge through an exhaust port 82. The heat exchange unit 9 is configured to supply the cold energy received from the outdoor refrigeration unit 2 or the heat received from the indoor heat recovery unit 3 to any suitable location in the data center or outside the data center, for example, an office or an operation room in the data center, or another building outside the data center, etc.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the outdoor refrigeration unit 2 is connected to a first branch 11 for cooling the refrigerant in the first branch 11. When the heat recovery system 100 is in the cooling supply mode, the refrigerant in the first branch 11 is cooled when flowing through the outdoor refrigeration unit 2, and the cooled refrigerant will be provided to the heat exchange unit 9.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the indoor heat recovery unit 3 is connected to a second branch 12 connected in parallel with the first branch 11 for heating the refrigerant in the second branch 12 by using heat in the hot zone of the data center. When the heat recovery system 100 is in the heating supply mode, the refrigerant in the second branch 12 is heated and evaporated when flowing through the indoor heat recovery unit 3, and the evaporated refrigerant is provided to the heat exchange unit 9 via the compressor 8.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the four-way valve 7 includes a first port 71, a second port 72, a third port 73, and a fourth port 74. The first port 71 is connected to a first common end 131 of the first branch 11 and the second branch 12. The first port 71 is adapted to be selectively communicated with the outdoor refrigeration unit 2 or the indoor heat recovery unit 3 to connect the outdoor refrigeration unit 2 or the indoor heat recovery unit 3 to the heat exchange unit 9. The second port 72 is connected to the suction port 81 of the compressor 8. The third port 73 is connected to the exhaust port 82 of the compressor 8. The fourth port 74 is connected to the heat exchange unit 9.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the heat exchange unit 9 is connected between a second common end 132 of the first branch 11 and the second branch 12 and the fourth port 74. When the first port 71 is in communication with the outdoor refrigeration unit 2, the heat exchange unit 9 can provide cooling by using the refrigerant. When the first port 71 is in communication with the indoor heat recovery unit 3, the heat exchange unit 9 can provide heating by using the refrigerant.

[0017] In an embodiment, the refrigerant used in the heat recovery system 100 may include Freon. It should be understood that any other type of refrigerant known or available in the future is also feasible, which is not limited in embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] When the indoor heat recovery unit 3 is in communication with the four-way valve 7, the indoor heat recovery unit 3 can absorb heat in the hot zone of the data center, and transfer the heat to the heat exchange unit 9 through the four-way valve 7 and the compressor 8. In this way, heat generated by the indirect evaporative refrigeration scheme can be effectively recycled. In addition, when the outdoor refrigeration unit 2 is in communication with the four-way valve 7, the outdoor refrigeration unit 2 can transfer the cold energy to the heat exchange unit 9 through the four-way valve 7 and the compressor 8. With this arrangement, heat in the hot zone of the data center can be used to provide heating in winter, and the cold energy provided by the outdoor refrigeration unit 2 can be used to provide cooling in summer.

[0019] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the heat recovery system 100 further includes a first electric valve 41 and a second electric valve 42. The first electric valve 41 is disposed in the first branch 11 and is connected in series with the outdoor refrigeration unit 2. The first electric valve 41 is configured to connect or disconnect the first branch 11, thereby communicating the outdoor refrigeration unit 2 with the four-way valve 7 or disconnecting the outdoor refrigeration unit 2 from the four-way valve 7. The second electric valve 42 is disposed in the second branch 12 and connected in series with the indoor heat recovery unit 3. The second electric valve 42 is configured to connect or disconnect the second branch 12, thereby communicating the indoor heat recovery unit 3 with the four-way valve 7 or disconnecting the indoor heat recovery unit 3 from the four-way valve 7. When the first electric valve 41 is opened and the second electric valve 42 is closed, the outdoor refrigeration unit 2 is in communication with the four-way valve 7, and the indoor heat recovery unit 3 is disconnected from the four-way valve 7. When the first electric valve 41 is closed and the second electric valve 42 is opened, the outdoor refrigeration unit 2 is disconnected from the four-way valve 7, and the indoor heat recovery unit 3 is in communication with the four-way valve 7. By controlling the first electric valve 41 and the second electric valve 42, the heat recovery system 100 can be conveniently and reliably switched between the cooling supply mode and the heating supply mode.

[0020] It should be understood that the first electric valve 41 and the second electric valve 42 are merely exemplary implementations for switching the heat recovery system 100 between the cooling supply mode and the heating supply mode, without limiting the scope of the present disclosure in any way. In other embodiments, the heat recovery system 100 may be otherwise switched between the cooling supply mode and the heating supply mode. For example, in some embodiments, instead of the first electric valve 41 and the second electric valve 42, manual valves or other types of valves may be provided in the first branch 11 and the second branch 12, respectively.

[0021] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the first electric valve 41 is disposed between the outdoor refrigeration unit 2 and the first common end 131, and the second electric valve 42 is disposed between the indoor heat recovery unit 3 and the second common end 132. When the first electric valve 41 is closed, the first electric valve 41 can directly disconnect the connection between the outdoor refrigeration unit 2 and the four-way valve 7, and prevent the refrigerant from flowing in the outdoor refrigeration unit 2. When the second electric valve 42 is closed, the second electric valve 42 can disconnect the connection between the indoor heat recovery unit 3 and the heat exchange unit 9, and prevent the refrigerant from flowing between the indoor heat recovery unit 3 and the heat exchange unit 9.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first electric valve 41 may be disposed at other positions in the first branch 11, such that the first branch 11 can be connected or disconnected. In some embodiments, the second electric valve 42 may be disposed at other positions in the second branch 12, such that the second branch 12 can be connected or disconnected.

[0023] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the heat recovery system 100 further includes a first one-way valve 51 and a second one-way valve 52. The first one-way valve 51 is disposed between the outdoor refrigeration unit 2 and the second common end 132 to allow the refrigerant to flow from the outdoor refrigeration unit 2 to the second common end 132 and prevent the refrigerant from flowing from the second common end 132 to the outdoor refrigeration unit 2. When the heat recovery system 100 is in the cooling supply mode, the first one-way valve 51 enables the refrigerant to flow only from the outdoor refrigeration unit 2 to the second common end 132, but not in the opposite direction. The second one-way valve 52 is disposed between the indoor heat recovery unit 3 and the first common end 131 to allow the refrigerant to flow from the indoor heat recovery unit 3 to the first common end 131 and prevent the refrigerant from flowing from the first common end 131 to the indoor heat recovery unit 3. When the heat recovery system 100 is in the heating supply mode, the second one-way valve 52 enables the refrigerant to flow only from the indoor heat recovery unit 3 to the first common end 131, but not in the opposite direction. Through the first one-way valve 51 and the second one-way valve 52, the refrigerant can only flow in the predetermined direction, so that the heat recovery system 100 works reliably in the cooling supply mode or the heating supply mode.

[0024] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the heat recovery system 100 further includes a first expansion valve 61 disposed between the second common end 132 and the heat exchange unit 9 for adjusting the refrigerant flowing therethrough.

[0025] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the indoor heat recovery unit 3 includes a plurality of heat pipes 31 connected in parallel, and the plurality of heat pipes 31 allow the refrigerant to flow from the second common end 132 to the first common end 131 when the indoor heat recovery unit 3 is in communication with the first port 71. An end of each heat pipe 31 away from the first common end 131 is connected with a second expansion valve 62 for adjusting the refrigerant flowing therethrough. In other embodiments, the indoor heat recovery unit 3 may use other structural forms for absorbing heat from the hot zone. For example, the indoor heat recovery unit 3 may use a single heat pipe 31 with a large length to absorb heat, or use a hot plate to absorb heat from the hot zone, etc.

[0026] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the outdoor refrigeration unit 2 includes an outdoor condenser 22 and an outdoor fan 21. The outdoor condenser 22 is connected to the first branch 11. The outdoor condenser 22 allows the refrigerant to flow from the first common end 131 to the second common end 132 when the outdoor refrigeration unit 2 is in communication with the first port 71. The outdoor fan 21 is disposed near the outdoor condenser 22 for driving air through the outdoor condenser 22. When the heat recovery system 100 is in the cooling supply mode, the refrigerant can flow through the outdoor condenser 22, and the outdoor fan 21 can drive the air to flow through the outdoor condenser 22 to cool the refrigerant in the outdoor condenser 22. In other embodiments, the outdoor refrigeration unit 2 may also adopt other structures, as long as the refrigerant can be cooled.

[0027] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the heat exchange unit 9 includes a water-cooled heat exchanger 91 configured to cool or heat water by using the refrigerant. When the heat recovery system 100 is in the cooling supply mode, the water-cooled heat exchanger 91 can use the refrigerant to cool the water, thereby providing cold water to the outside. When the heat recovery system 100 is in the heating supply mode, the water-cooled heat exchanger 91 can use the refrigerant to heat water, thereby providing hot water to the outside.

[0028] The flow directions of the refrigerant in different working modes of the heat recovery system shown in FIG. 1 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0029] FIG. 2 shows the flow direction of the refrigerant when the heat recovery system shown in FIG. 1 provides heating. As shown in FIG. 2, when the heat recovery system 100 is in the heating supply mode, the first electric valve 41 is closed and the second electric valve 42 is opened. At this time, the outdoor refrigeration unit 2 is disconnected from the four-way valve 7, and the indoor heat recovery unit 3 is in communication with the four-way valve 7. The refrigerant may flow through each heat pipe 31 along the direction of the arrow, and flow into the first port 71 of the four-way valve 7 via the second one-way valve 52. Subsequently, the refrigerant flows from the second port 72 of the four-way valve 7 to the suction port 81 of the compressor 8 along the direction of the arrow. The refrigerant is discharged through the exhaust port 82 after being compressed in the compressor 8 and into the third port 73 of the four-way valve 7. Subsequently, the refrigerant flows out of the fourth port 74 of the four-way valve 7 and enters the water-cooled heat exchanger 91. The water-cooled heat exchanger 91 can heat the water by using heat absorbed by the refrigerant from the hot zone, thereby providing hot water to the outside. Subsequently, the refrigerant flows out of the water-cooled heat exchanger 91, and is returned to each heat pipe 31 via the first expansion valve 61, the second electric valve 42 and each second expansion valve 62 to absorb heat again.

[0030] FIG. 3 shows the flow direction of the refrigerant when the heat recovery system shown in FIG. 1 provides cooling. As shown in FIG. 3, when the heat recovery system 100 is in the cooling supply mode, the first electric valve 41 is opened and the second electric valve 42 is closed. At this time, the outdoor refrigeration unit 2 is in communication with the four-way valve 7, and the indoor heat recovery unit 3 is disconnected from the four-way valve 7. The refrigerant may flow through the outdoor condenser 22 along the direction of the arrow, and the outdoor fan 21 can drive the air to flow through the outdoor condenser 22 to cool the refrigerant in the outdoor condenser 22. The cooled refrigerant may flow into the water-cooled heat exchanger 91 via the first one-way valve 51 and the first expansion valve 61 along the direction of the arrow. The water-cooled heat exchanger 91 can use the refrigerant to cool the water, thereby providing cold water to the outside. Subsequently, the refrigerant may flow out of the water-cooled heat exchanger 91 and enter the fourth port 74 of the four-way valve 7. Subsequently, the refrigerant flows from the second port 72 of the four-way valve 7 to the suction port 81 of the compressor 8 along the direction of the arrow. The refrigerant is discharged through the exhaust port 82 after being compressed in the compressor 8 and enters the third port 73 of the four-way valve 7. Subsequently, the refrigerant flows out via the first port 71 of the four-way valve 7 along the direction of the arrow and is returned to the outdoor condenser 22 via the first electric valve 41.

[0031] Through the heat recovery system 100, heat generated by the indirect evaporative refrigeration unit can be effectively recovered, and heating can be provided in winter, cooling can be provided in summer, and the use mode is flexible and convenient.

[0032] FIGS. 4 and 5 show schematic structural diagrams of the heat recovery system for the data center according to other embodiments of the present disclosure. The structure of the heat recovery system 100 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is similar to that of the heat recovery system 100 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, except that the heat exchange unit 9 adopts different structural forms. Hereinafter, only the differences between them will be described in detail, and the same parts will not be repeated.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 4, in some embodiments, the heat exchange unit 9 includes two indoor units 92 configured to heat or cool air by using the refrigeration, thereby providing cold air or hot air for providing cooling or heating. The two indoor units 92 are connected in parallel between the second common port 132 and the fourth port 74 of the four-way valve 7. The first expansion valve 61 is provided between each indoor unit 92 and the second common end 132 for adjusting the refrigerant flowing therethrough. In other embodiments, the heat exchange unit 9 may include a single indoor unit 92, or include more than three indoor units 92, which may be flexibly adjusted as required.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the heat exchange unit 9 includes the water-cooled heat exchanger 91 and the indoor unit 92. The water-cooled heat exchanger 91 is configured to cool or heat water by using the refrigerant, thereby providing cold water or hot water for providing cooling or heating. The indoor unit 92 is configured to heat or cool the air by using the refrigerant, thereby providing cold air or hot air for providing cooling or heating. The water-cooled heat exchanger 91 and the indoor unit 92 are connected in parallel between the second common end 132 and the fourth port 74. In some cases, when providing cooling is required in summer, the indoor unit 92 may be used to provide cold air, and when providing heating is required in winter, the water-cooled heat exchanger 91 may be used to provide hot water. Of course, in other cases, when providing cooling is required in summer, the indoor unit 92 may also be used to provide cold air, while the water-cooled heat exchanger 91 is used to provide cold water. Similarly, when providing heating is required in winter, the water-cooled heat exchanger 91 may also be used to provide hot water, while the indoor unit 92 is used to provide hot air.

[0035] It should be understood that the heat exchange unit 9 may adopt any suitable structural form for providing cooling or heating, which is not limited in embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] An embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a data center, including any one of the foregoing heat recovery systems.

[0037] Embodiments of the present disclosure are also embodied in the following examples.

[0038] Example 1. A heat recovery system for a data center, comprising: an outdoor refrigeration unit adapted to be arranged in an outdoor environment, the outdoor refrigeration unit being connected to a first branch and configured to cool refrigerant in the first branch; an indoor heat recovery unit adapted to be arranged in a hot zone of the data center, the indoor heat recovery unit being connected to a second branch connected in parallel with the first branch, and configured to heat the refrigerant in the second branch by using heat in the hot zone; a four-way valve comprising a first port, a second port, a third port and a fourth port, wherein the first port is connected to a first common end of the first branch and the second branch, and adapted to be selectively communicated with the outdoor refrigeration unit or the indoor heat recovery unit; a compressor having a suction port connected to the second port and an exhaust port connected to the third port; and a heat exchange unit connected between a second common end of the first branch and the second branch and the fourth port, and configured to provide cooling by using the refrigerant when the first port is in communication with the outdoor refrigeration unit, and to provide heating by using the refrigerant when the first port is in communication with the indoor heat recovery unit.

[0039] Example 2. The heat recovery system of example 1, further comprising: a first electric valve disposed in the first branch and connected in series with the outdoor refrigeration unit, the first electric valve being configured to connect or disconnect the first branch; and a second electric valve disposed in the second branch and connected in series with the indoor heat recovery unit, the second electric valve being configured to connect or disconnect the second branch.

[0040] Example 3. The heat recovery system of example 2, wherein the first electric valve is disposed between the outdoor refrigeration unit and the first common end, and the second electric valve is disposed between the indoor heat recovery unit and the second common end.

[0041] Example 4. The heat recovery system of example 1, further comprising: a first one-way valve disposed between the outdoor refrigeration unit and the second common end, and configured to allow the refrigerant to flow from the outdoor refrigeration unit to the second common end, and to prevent the refrigerant from flowing from the second common end to the outdoor refrigeration unit; and a second one-way valve disposed between the indoor heat recovery unit and the first common end and configured to allow the refrigerant to flow from the indoor heat recovery unit to the first common end and to prevent the refrigerant from flowing from the first common end to the indoor heat recovery unit.

[0042] Example 5. The heat recovery system of example 1, further comprising: a first expansion valve disposed between the second common end and the heat exchange unit.

[0043] Example 6. The heat recovery system of example 1, wherein the indoor heat recovery unit comprises a plurality of heat pipes connected in parallel, and the plurality of heat pipes allow the refrigerant to flow from the second common end to the first common end when the indoor heat recovery unit is in communication with the first port, and an end of each heat pipe away from the first common end is connected with a second expansion valve.

[0044] Example 7. The heat recovery system of example 1, wherein the outdoor refrigeration unit comprises: an outdoor condenser connected to the first branch, the outdoor condenser allowing the refrigerant to flow from the first common end to the second common end when the outdoor refrigeration unit is in communication with the first port; and an outdoor fan disposed near the outdoor condenser and configured to drive air to flow through the outdoor condenser.

[0045] Example 8. The heat recovery system of example 1, wherein the heat exchange unit comprises a water-cooled heat exchanger configured to cool or heat water by using the refrigerant.

[0046] Example 9. The heat recovery system of example 1, wherein the heat exchange unit comprises an indoor unit configured to heat or cool air by using the refrigerant.

[0047] Example 10. The heat recovery system of example 9, wherein the heat exchange unit comprises a plurality of indoor units connected in parallel between the second common end and the fourth port.

[0048] Example 11. The heat recovery system of example 9, wherein the heat exchange unit further comprises a water-cooled heat exchanger configured to cool or heat water by using the refrigerant, and the water-cooled heat exchanger and the indoor unit are connected in parallel between the second common end and the fourth port.

[0049] Example 12. A data center, comprising the heat recovery system of any of examples 1-11.

[0050] Various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, which are exemplary, not exhaustive, and are not limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the illustrated embodiments. The selection of the terms used herein is intended to best explain the principles of the embodiments, practical applications, or technical improvements in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Examples

example 3

[0040] The heat recovery system of example 2, wherein the first electric valve is disposed between the outdoor refrigeration unit and the first common end, and the second electric valve is disposed between the indoor heat recovery unit and the second common end.

example 4

[0041] The heat recovery system of example 1, further comprising:

a first one-way valve disposed between the outdoor refrigeration unit and the second common end, and configured to allow the refrigerant to flow from the outdoor refrigeration unit to the second common end, and to prevent the refrigerant from flowing from the second common end to the outdoor refrigeration unit; and a second one-way valve disposed between the indoor heat recovery unit and the first common end and configured to allow the refrigerant to flow from the indoor heat recovery unit to the first common end and to prevent the refrigerant from flowing from the first common end to the indoor heat recovery unit.

example 5

[0042] The heat recovery system of example 1, further comprising: a first expansion valve disposed between the second common end and the heat exchange unit.

[0043]Example 6. The heat recovery system of example 1, wherein the indoor heat recovery unit comprises a plurality of heat pipes connected in parallel, and the plurality of heat pipes allow the refrigerant to flow from the second common end to the first common end when the indoor heat recovery unit is in communication with the first port, and an end of each heat pipe away from the first common end is connected with a second expansion valve.

Claims

1. A heat recovery system (100) for a data center, comprising: an outdoor refrigeration unit (2) adapted to be arranged in an outdoor environment, the outdoor refrigeration unit (2) being connected to a first branch (11) and configured to cool refrigerant in the first branch (11); an indoor heat recovery unit (3) adapted to be arranged in a hot zone of the data center, the indoor heat recovery unit (3) being connected to a second branch (12) connected in parallel with the first branch (11), and configured to heat the refrigerant in the second branch (12) by using heat in the hot zone; a four-way valve (7) comprising a first port (71), a second port (72), a third port (73) and a fourth port (74), wherein the first port (71) is connected to a first common end (131) of the first branch (11) and the second branch (12), and adapted to be selectively communicated with the outdoor refrigeration unit (2) or the indoor heat recovery unit (3); a compressor (8) having a suction port (81) connected to the second port (72) and an exhaust port (82) connected to the third port (73); and a heat exchange unit (9) connected between a second common end (132) of the first branch (11) and the second branch (12) and the fourth port (74), and configured to provide cooling by using the refrigerant when the first port (71) is in communication with the outdoor refrigeration unit (2), and to provide heating by using the refrigerant when the first port (71) is in communication with the indoor heat recovery unit (3).

2. The heat recovery system (100) of claim 1, further comprising: a first electric valve (41) disposed in the first branch (11) and connected in series with the outdoor refrigeration unit (2), the first electric valve (41) being configured to connect or disconnect the first branch (11); and a second electric valve (42) disposed in the second branch (12) and connected in series with the indoor heat recovery unit (3), the second electric valve (42) being configured to connect or disconnect the second branch (12).

3. The heat recovery system (100) of claim 2, wherein the first electric valve (41) is disposed between the outdoor refrigeration unit (2) and the first common end (131), and the second electric valve (42) is disposed between the indoor heat recovery unit (3) and the second common end (132).

4. The heat recovery system (100) of claim 1, further comprising: a first one-way valve (51) disposed between the outdoor refrigeration unit (2) and the second common end (132), and configured to allow the refrigerant to flow from the outdoor refrigeration unit (2) to the second common end (132), and to prevent the refrigerant from flowing from the second common end (132) to the outdoor refrigeration unit (2); and a second one-way valve (52) disposed between the indoor heat recovery unit (3) and the first common end (131) and configured to allow the refrigerant to flow from the indoor heat recovery unit (3) to the first common end (131) and to prevent the refrigerant from flowing from the first common end (131) to the indoor heat recovery unit (3).

5. The heat recovery system (100) of claim 1, further comprising: a first expansion valve (61) disposed between the second common end (132) and the heat exchange unit (9).

6. The heat recovery system (100) of claim 1, wherein the indoor heat recovery unit (3) comprises a plurality of heat pipes (31) connected in parallel, and the plurality of heat pipes (31) allow the refrigerant to flow from the second common end (132) to the first common end (131) when the indoor heat recovery unit (3) is in communication with the first port (71), and an end of each heat pipe (31) away from the first common end (131) is connected with a second expansion valve (62).

7. The heat recovery system (100) of claim 1, wherein the outdoor refrigeration unit (2) comprises: an outdoor condenser (22) connected to the first branch (11), the outdoor condenser (22) allowing the refrigerant to flow from the first common end (131) to the second common end (132) when the outdoor refrigeration unit (2) is in communication with the first port (71); and an outdoor fan (21) disposed near the outdoor condenser (22) and configured to drive air to flow through the outdoor condenser (22).

8. The heat recovery system (100) of claim 1, wherein the heat exchange unit (9) comprises a water-cooled heat exchanger (91) configured to cool or heat water by using the refrigerant.

9. The heat recovery system (100) of claim 1, wherein the heat exchange unit (9) comprises an indoor unit (92) configured to heat or cool air by using the refrigerant.

10. The heat recovery system (100) of claim 9, wherein the heat exchange unit (9) comprises a plurality of indoor units (92) connected in parallel between the second common end (132) and the fourth port (74).

11. The heat recovery system (100) of claim 9, wherein the heat exchange unit (9) further comprises a water-cooled heat exchanger (91) configured to cool or heat water by using the refrigerant, and the water-cooled heat exchanger (91) and the indoor unit (92) are connected in parallel between the second common end (132) and the fourth port (74).

12. A data center, comprising the heat recovery system (100) of any of claims 1-11.

Images