Thermal regulation device, and device comprising a thermal regulation device

Abstract

The invention relates to a fluid distribution device (1) forming a collector for a fluid / fluid cooling system (100) for electronic components, in particular for electronic components of at least one computer server, the device comprising: - A base plate (2), forming the base of the collector, - a cover plate (3) for the collector and comprising fluid distribution ports (30), - an intermediate plate (4) comprising at least two channel ports (40), said intermediate plate being interposed between said base plate and said cover plate so that each port (40) of the intermediate plate (4) is arranged opposite at least two fluid distribution ports so as to form with the base plate and the cover plate a fluid channel (5) configured to convey the fluid from one fluid distribution port to another,The device is characterized in that each plate is flat. Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 1,

Description

Title of the invention: Thermal regulation device, and device comprising a thermal regulation device

[0001] The present invention relates to a thermal regulation device, and a device comprising a thermal regulation device for electrical and / or electronic components, in particular in the field of computer servers.

[0002] The components that may be concerned by the present invention may be components of computer servers.

[0003] The invention finds an advantageous application in the field of thermal regulation devices for a power electronics device or module, i.e. comprising power electronic components.

[0004] Computer hardware is equipment capable of receiving, transmitting, storing or processing digital and / or analog information. This computer hardware is now used by a very large number of infrastructures to ensure, for example, data management. This computer hardware is brought together within computer data centers centralizing the information. These computer data centers are commonly referred to as server racks. Such server racks are generally in the form of cabinets comprising a plurality of rails or drawers on which computer hardware is arranged parallel to each other.

[0005] During operation, computer hardware produces heat. The heat emitted by the various computer hardware in the computer data center must be removed to maintain optimal operation of the various equipment in the computer data center. Indeed, insufficient heat removal can cause overheating of the computer hardware. This overheating can cause irreversible damage to the computer hardware, for example, by expanding certain internal components. Furthermore, some computer hardware includes an integrated battery that can be damaged by the effect of heat.

[0006] In the field of computer servers, it is known to implement means for evacuating this heat generated by the computer hardware, for example, by means of an air flow circulating within each of the compartments of the server rack in which the computer hardware is arranged, the air flow operating an exchange of calories directly with the computer hardware. Although equipping a wide range of computer data centers, this technique does not, however, allow sufficient cooling of installations producing a large quantity of heat. Furthermore, this technique is very energy-intensive.

[0007] It is also known to cool electrical or electronic components, and in particular computer servers, by means of a cooling system using a liquid such as water, for example glycolated water, or a system in which a dielectric liquid is sprayed onto the computer hardware. The fluid directed towards the computer hardware is intended to recover calories produced by the computer hardware in operation, this fluid possibly being dielectric to avoid short circuits with the electrical or electronic components of the computer hardware.

[0008] A cooling device dedicated to cooling the fluid can then be integrated within the computer installation in order to cool it effectively.

[0009] These known installations cooling computer hardware by means of a liquid fluid directed towards the computer hardware involve elements for guiding the fluid to the computer hardware such as hoses. The installation of such installations is complex and tedious since it is necessary to position each of the hoses in relation to the computer hardware whose temperature must be regulated, and this can result in an unreliable positioning of the hoses guiding the dielectric fluid. Furthermore, these hoses can be damaged during this installation or when the various constituent elements of the installation are handled.

[0010] Furthermore, these installations have a large footprint which in particular prevents good efficiency / space performance.

[0011] The present invention aims to at least partially overcome one or more of the aforementioned drawbacks by proposing a compact and reliable fluid distribution device for an electronic component cooling system.

[0012] This problem is solved by a fluid distribution device forming a collector for a fluid / fluid cooling system for electronic components, in particular electronic components of at least one computer server, the device comprising: - A bottom plate, forming the bottom of the collector, - a plate forming a cover for the collector and comprising fluid distribution orifices, - an intermediate plate comprising at least two channeling orifices, said intermediate plate being interposed between said bottom plate and said cover plate so that each orifice of the intermediate plate is arranged opposite at least two fluid distribution orifices so as to form with the bottom plate and the cover plate a fluid channel configured to convey the fluid from one fluid distribution orifice to another, the device being characterized in that each plate is flat.

[0013] Advantageously, this makes it possible to distribute the various fluids of the cooling system by a particularly compact and easy-to-produce device.

[0014] Particularly advantageously, this device is assembled by soldering.

[0015] This advantageously makes it possible to assemble the device particularly easily.

[0016] The fluid dispensing device may further comprise one or more of the following features described below, taken separately or in combination.

[0017] The two channel orifices each form a channel configured to be traversed by a first fluid and by a second fluid.

[0018] The base plate and the cover plate each have a thickness of between 0.5 mm and 3 mm, in particular 1 mm.

[0019] The intermediate plate has a thickness of between 2mm and 12mm, in particular 5mm.

[0020] The intermediate plate has walls around the orifices having a width of at least 3 mm, preferably at least 12 mm.

[0021] This advantageously makes it possible to reduce the risk of leakage and to improve the pressure resistance and thus reduce the risk of deformation of the device.

[0022] The intermediate plate is fixed to the base plate and to the cover plate by brazing.

[0023] The distribution device further comprises for each pipe orifice (40) a fluid inlet connector and a fluid outlet connector communicating with fluid distribution orifices opposite the same pipe orifice.

[0024] The collector cover plate comprises a bypass orifice facing and communicating with a pipe orifice, the device further comprising a bypass connector communicating with said bypass orifice and the pipe orifice.

[0025] Advantageously, the bypass orifice allows for better management of flow and pressure. The use of a bypass valve, for example a solenoid valve that opens and operates according to the cooling needs of the server, allows for improved management of the cooling parameters.

[0026] The dispensing device comprises a valve support interposed between the cover plate on one side, and at least one connector, preferably a fluid outlet / inlet connector and a bypass connector and / or a bypass valve, on the other side,

[0027] Advantageously, the bypass valve is in particular connected to the bypass connector.

[0028] The intermediate plate comprises at least one appendage which extends at least partially into at least one, preferably each, channel orifice of the intermediate plate.

[0029] The appendage makes it possible to at least partially separate the pipe orifice into two channels, which advantageously makes it possible to significantly improve the pressure resistance and thus reduce the risk of deformation of the device.

[0030] At least one appendage extends over the entire length of the pipe orifice. The same fluid circulates in the two channels formed by the appendage separating said pipe orifice in two. Advantageously, this makes it possible to significantly improve the pressure resistance.

[0031] At least one appendage extends only partially into the pipe orifice. Advantageously, one of the pipe orifices, particularly a pipe orifice connected with a bypass valve, has an appendage that extends only partially into said pipe orifice, which makes it possible to have good pressure resistance while maintaining an area having only one channel, the area in which the valve is then connected rather than in the area where the channels are divided. It is indeed simpler and more reliable to tap fluid in the single channel area than in the area comprising several channels.

[0032] The appendage is in contact with the bottom plate and the cover plate.

[0033] The appendage has a width of at least 0.5 mm, preferably at least 7.5 mm.

[0034] The appendage has a width of at most 60% of the width of the orifice.

[0035] The invention relates in particular to a cooling system comprising a cooling device as described above.

[0036] The invention also provides a method of assembling a distribution device forming a collector as described above, which comprises the following steps: 1. Provide a base plate, a cover plate and an intermediate plate, 2. Superimpose the different plates so that the intermediate plate is interposed between said bottom plate and said cover plate and so that each orifice of the intermediate plate faces at least two fluid distribution orifices so as to form with the bottom plate and the cover plate a fluid channel configured to convey the fluid from one fluid distribution orifice to another, 3. Fix the 3 plates irreversibly, the fixing being carried out preferably by soldering or laser welding, even more preferably by brazing.

[0037] Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, and the appended drawings among which:

[0038] [Fig-1] schematically illustrates a fluid distribution device according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0039] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates a detail of the fluid distribution device according to the first embodiment of the invention.

[0040] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates a detail of a part of the dis fluid delivery in top view according to the first embodiment of the invention.

[0041] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates another detail of a part of the dis fluid delivery according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0042] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates in exploded view the distribution device of fluid according to the first embodiment of the invention.

[0043] [Fig.6] schematically illustrates a thermal regulation system comprising the fluid distribution device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0044] In these figures, like elements have like reference numerals.

[0045] The following embodiments are examples. Although the description refers to one or more embodiments, this does not necessarily mean that each reference relates to the same embodiment, or that the features apply only to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined or interchanged to provide other embodiments.

[0046] In the description, certain elements may be indexed, for example first element or second element. In this case, it is a simple indexing to differentiate and name close but not identical elements. This indexing does not imply a priority of one element over another and such names can easily be interchanged without departing from the scope of the present invention. This indexing also does not imply an order in time.

[0047] [Fig.l] schematically represents an embodiment of a distribution device (1) forming a collector for a fluid / fluid cooling system (100) of electronic components, in particular of electronic components of at least one computer server, the device comprising: - A bottom plate (2), forming the bottom of the collector, - a plate forming a cover (3) of the collector and comprising fluid distribution orifices (30), - an intermediate plate (4) comprising at least two channeling orifices (40), said intermediate plate being interposed between said bottom plate and said cover plate so that each orifice (40) of the intermediate plate median (4) is arranged opposite at least two fluid distribution orifices so as to form with the bottom plate and the cover plate a fluid channel (5) configured to convey the fluid from one fluid distribution orifice to another, the device being characterized in that each plate is flat.

[0048] In some embodiments, the two channel orifices each form a channel configured to be traversed by a first fluid and by a second fluid.

[0049] In certain embodiments, the base plate (2) and the cover plate (3) each have a thickness (el) of between 0.5 mm and 3 mm, in particular 1 mm.

[0050] In certain embodiments, the intermediate plate (4) has a thickness (e2) of between 2mm and 12mm, in particular 5mm.

[0051] In certain embodiments, the intermediate plate (4) has walls around the orifices (40) having a width (L1) of at least 3mm, preferably at least 12mm.

[0052] In some embodiments, the intermediate plate (4) is attached to the bottom plate (2) and the cover plate (3) by brazing.

[0053] In certain embodiments, the distribution device (1) further comprises for each pipe orifice (40) a fluid inlet connector (6) and a fluid outlet connector (7) communicating with fluid distribution orifices (30) opposite the same pipe orifice.

[0054] In some embodiments, the cover plate (3) of the collector comprises a bypass orifice (31) facing and communicating with a pipe orifice (40), the device further comprising a bypass connector (310) communicating with said bypass orifice (31) and the pipe orifice (40).

[0055] Advantageously, the bypass orifice allows for better management of flow and pressure. The use of a bypass valve, for example a solenoid valve that opens and operates according to the cooling needs of the server, allows for improved management of the cooling parameters.

[0056] In some embodiments, the dispensing device (1) comprises a valve support (8) interposed between the cover plate (3) on one side, and at least one connector, preferably a fluid outlet / inlet connector (6, 7) and a bypass connector (310) and / or a bypass valve, on the other side,

[0057] Advantageously, the bypass valve is in particular connected to the bypass connector (310).

[0058] In some embodiments, the intermediate plate comprises at least one appendage (41) which extends at least partially into at least one, preferably each, channel orifice (40) of the intermediate plate (4).

[0059] In some embodiments, the appendage (41) is in contact with the bottom plate (2) and the cover plate (3).

[0060] In some embodiments, the appendage (41) has a width of at least 0.5mm, preferably at least 7.5mm.

[0061] In some embodiments, a cooling system (100) comprises a cooling device as described above.

[0062] In certain embodiments, a method of assembling a manifold-forming distribution device (1) as described above comprises the following steps: - Provide a base plate (2), a cover plate (3) and an intermediate plate (4), - Superimpose the different plates so that the intermediate plate (4) is interposed between said bottom plate (2) and said cover plate (3) and so that each orifice (40) of the intermediate plate (4) faces at least two fluid distribution orifices (30) so as to form with the bottom plate (2) and the cover plate (3) a fluid channel (5) configured to convey the fluid from one fluid distribution orifice (30) to another, - Fix the 3 plates irreversibly, the fixing being carried out preferably by brazing or laser welding, even more preferably by soldering.

[0063] The distribution device has a through orifice (9) separating the channeling orifices of the first and second fluid.

[0064] This advantageously makes it possible to reduce the weight of the device while making it easier to grip the various plates and the complete device before, during and after assembly of said plates.

[0065] Another advantage of this orifice is to ensure that the two fluids do not mix. Thus, advantageously, if the device has a leak, this will cause a fluid leak outside the device but the fluids will not be mixed. This advantageously makes it possible to maintain good thermal regulation despite the leak. Furthermore, in the case of the use of a dielectric fluid, an external leak does not pose a safety problem because there can be no short circuit caused by the contact of the fluid with an electronic component.

[0066] As shown by way of non-limiting example in [Fig.l] and [Fig.6] in exploded view, the distribution device may comprise a certain number of connections allowing it to connect and distribute several fluid circuits. The different components of the distribution device may for example be fixed assembled by brazing or by laser welding, and may thus be easily assembled in a cooling device.

[0067] [Fig.2] represents an embodiment of the intermediate plate 4 which is the plate which allows the channels (5) to be defined by the shape of the channel orifices (40). This plate can, for example, be machined, milled, or laser cut in order to form these orifices.

[0068] The plate is then assembled with the cover plate (3), as shown in [Fig.4], and with the bottom plate (2).

[0069] An embodiment of the intermediate plate 4 of the distribution device 1 is shown [Fig.3] so as to show the direction of the fluid within the device. Advantageously, in certain embodiments, the fluids circulating in the channels have an opposite direction.

[0070] In the embodiment shown in [Fig.3], an appendage 41 extends only partially into the pipe orifice 40 so as to form two channels 5 which join before the inlet (or outlet) connector.

[0071] A second appendage 41 extends completely into the channel orifice 40 so as to form two completely separate channels 5.

[0072] As shown by way of non-limiting example in [Fig. 6], the distribution device is preferably configured to be placed at the bottom of a housing comprising the cooling device. Thus, even in cases where the fluid is not a dielectric fluid, a leak outside the device presents little risk because only the bottom of the housing will be affected by the fluid, unlike conventional situations where a distribution tube brings the fluid, and is therefore necessarily more cumbersome in the vertical axis, with leaks being able to be located higher up, therefore closer to the electronic components.

[0073] The device further comprises guide pins and / or guide-forming openings (10) configured to allow the alignment of the three plates together to allow their assembly.

[0074] Legend Fluid distribution device (1) bottom plate (2) cover plate (3) fluid distribution ports (30) bypass port (31) intermediate plate (4) channel ports (40) appendage (41) fluid channel (5) fluid inlet connector (6) fluid outlet connector (7) valve holder (8) through hole (9) guide pins and / or guide-forming openings (10) thickness of the base plate and the cover plate (el) thickness of the intermediate plate (e2)

Claims

Claims

1. Fluid distribution device (1) forming a collector for a fluid / fluid cooling system (100) of electronic components, in particular of electronic components of at least one computer server, the device comprising: - A bottom plate (2), forming the bottom of the collector, - a cover plate (3) of the collector and comprising fluid distribution orifices (30), - an intermediate plate (4) comprising at least two channeling orifices (40), said intermediate plate being interposed between said bottom plate and said cover plate so that each orifice (40) of the intermediate plate (4) is arranged opposite at least two fluid distribution orifices so as to form with the bottom plate and the cover plate a fluid channel (5) configured to convey the fluid from one fluid distribution orifice to another,the device being characterized in that each plate is flat.,

2. Device according to the preceding claim, in which the two channeling orifices each form a channel configured to be crossed by a first fluid and by a second fluid.

3. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the base plate (2) and the cover plate (3) each have a thickness (el) of between 0.5mm and 3mm, in particular 1mm.

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the intermediate plate (4) has a thickness (e2) of between 2mm and 12mm, in particular 5mm.

5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the intermediate plate (4) has walls around the orifices (40) having a width (L1) of at least 3mm, preferably at least 12mm.

6. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the intermediate plate (4) is fixed to the base plate (2) and the cover plate (3) by brazing.

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the distribution device (1) further comprises for each pipe orifice (40) a fluid inlet connector (6) and a fluid outlet connector (7) communicating with fluid distribution orifices (30) opposite the same pipe orifice.

8. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the cover plate (3) of the collector comprises a bypass orifice (31) facing and communicating with a pipe orifice (40), the device further comprising a bypass connector (310) communicating with said bypass orifice (31) and the pipe orifice (40).

9. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein the dispensing device (1) comprises a valve support (8) interposed between the cover plate (3) on one side, and at least one connector, preferably a fluid outlet / inlet connector (6, 7) and a bypass connector (310) and / or a bypass valve, on the other side. Advantageously, the bypass valve is in particular connected to the bypass connector (310).

10. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the intermediate plate comprises at least one appendage (41) which extends at least partially into at least one, preferably each, channel orifice (40) of the intermediate plate (4).

11. Device according to the preceding claim, in which the appendage (41) is in contact with the bottom plate (2) and the cover plate (3).

12. Device according to one of claims 10 to 11, in which the appendage (41) has a width of at least 0.5mm, preferably at least 7.5mm.

13. Cooling system (100) comprising a cooling device according to one of the preceding claims.

14. A method of assembling a distribution device (1) forming a collector according to one of claims 1 to 12, which comprises the following steps:

1. Providing a bottom plate (2), a cover plate (3) and an intermediate plate (4), 2. Superimposing the different plates so that the intermediate plate (4) is interposed between said bottom plate (2) and said cover plate (3) and so that each orifice (40) of the intermediate plate (4) faces at least one of the holes (40) of the intermediate plate (4). at least two fluid distribution orifices (30) so as to form with the bottom plate (2) and the cover plate (3) a fluid channel (5) configured to convey the fluid from one fluid distribution orifice (30) to another, 3. Fix the 3 plates irreversibly, the fixing being carried out preferably by soldering or laser welding, even more preferably by brazing.

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