Cooling system
A single cooling device system with a dual-line heat medium loop reduces power consumption by optimizing flow rates and cooling capacities for both room and local cooling needs, addressing the inefficiencies of separate devices in conventional systems.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2023108617
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-06-30
- Publication Date
- 2025-01-17
AI Technical Summary
Conventional cooling systems require separate heat source devices for air conditioners and local cooling devices, leading to increased power consumption due to idle operation even in standby states.
A cooling system design with a single cooling device that includes a heat medium loop with a first line for air conditioners and a second line for local cooling devices, where the first line has a smaller pressure loss than the second, allowing for adjusted flow rates and reduced power consumption.
The system effectively cools both rooms and load equipment with a simple configuration, minimizing power usage by optimizing flow rates and cooling capacities based on load demands.
Smart Images
Figure 2025007316000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present disclosure relates to cooling systems. [Background technology]
[0002] For example, in a data center or other facility where a large number of heat-generating load devices such as IT equipment (servers, etc.) are installed, a cooling system is provided which includes a heat source device (chiller) that cools an indoor heat medium, and an air conditioner that cools the room with the heat medium supplied from the heat source device (see Patent Documents 1 to 3). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6001375 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6125836 [Patent Document 3] JP 2022-181304 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0004] In recent years, cooling systems may further include a local cooling device (such as chip cooling) that cools high heat generating elements such as CPUs and GPUs of load equipment, in addition to an air conditioner that cools the room. Conventional technology requires both a heat source device for the air conditioner and a heat source device for the local cooling device, and the air conditioner and the local cooling device must be controlled separately. This results in an increase in the power consumption of the entire cooling system, as each device consumes power even in a standby state (idling state).
[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a cooling system that can cool both the room and the load equipment with a simple configuration and can reduce power consumption. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a cooling system includes a cooling device that cools a heat medium, an air conditioning means that cools a room in which a load device is installed by supplying the heat medium, a local cooling device that cools the load device by supplying the heat medium, and a heat medium loop including a first line that circulates the heat medium from the cooling device via the air conditioning means, and a second line that branches off from the first line and circulates the heat medium via the local cooling device, wherein the first line has a smaller pressure loss than the second line. Effect of the Invention
[0007] According to the above aspect, it is possible to cool both the room and the load equipment with a simple configuration, and to reduce power consumption. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a cooling system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a control device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a control command value of the control device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a cooling system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a control command value of the control device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a cooling system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a cooling system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of a second line and a local cooling device according to a fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0009] <First embodiment> The first embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS.
[0010] (Overall configuration of the cooling system) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a cooling system according to a first embodiment. 1, the cooling system 1 is a system for cooling a room of a facility (such as a server room or a data center) in which multiple load devices L (L1, L2, L3, L4, ...) are installed and the load devices L. The load devices L are devices having heat generating elements (such as CPUs and GPUs), such as servers and communication devices.
[0011] The cooling system 1 includes a cooling device 2, an air conditioning means 3, a local cooling device 4, a heat medium loop 5, a control device 6, and a power source 10.
[0012] The cooling device 2 is, for example, an air-cooled chiller or a free-cooling cooling tower, and is installed outdoors. The cooling device 2 is equipped with a fan 21. The cooling device 2 takes in low-temperature outside air with the fan 21 and cools the heat medium R to be supplied to the air-conditioning means 3 and the local cooling device 4. The heat medium R may be in any form, such as brine.
[0013] The air conditioning means 3 is an air conditioner 3A that cools the air in the room. The air conditioner 3A includes a heat exchanger 31 and an air conditioner fan 32. The heat exchanger 31 exchanges heat between the heat medium R cooled by the cooling device 2 and the air in the room that is warmed by the load equipment L. The air conditioner fan 32 blows the air cooled by the heat exchanger 31 into the room. Note that, although FIG. 1 shows an example in which only one air conditioning means 3 is provided in the room, this is not limiting. In other embodiments, a plurality of air conditioning means 3 may be provided in the room.
[0014] The local cooling device 4 is a chip cooling device that cools each of the multiple load devices L. The local cooling device 4 is equipped with a local cooling loop 41. The local cooling loop 41 takes in the heat medium R cooled by the cooling device 2 from the heat medium loop 5 and distributes it to each load device L, and also returns the heat medium R discharged from each load device L to the heat medium loop 5. The heat medium R distributed and supplied to each load device L removes heat from the heat generating elements of the load devices L, thereby cooling the load devices L.
[0015] The heat medium loop 5 is composed of a first line 51 and a second line 52. The first line 51 is a flow path that circulates the heat medium R via the air conditioner 3A. The second line 52 is a flow path that branches off from the first line 51 and circulates the heat medium R via the local cooling device 4. In addition, a pump 53 is provided in the first line 51, which sucks in the heat medium R cooled by the cooling device 2 and sends it out to the downstream side of the first line 51 (the air conditioner 3A side).
[0016] The first line 51 has a first low-temperature line 51a that supplies the heat medium R to the air conditioner 3A, and a first high-temperature line 51b that flows the heat medium R downstream after heat exchange in the heat exchanger 31 of the air conditioner 3A. The second line 52 has a second low-temperature line 52a that supplies the heat medium R to the local cooling device 4, and a second high-temperature line 52b that flows the heat medium R warmed by the heat generating element of the load device L downstream. The second line 52 according to this embodiment is connected in series with the first line 51. The second low-temperature line 52a of the second line 52 branches off from the first high-temperature line 51b of the first line 51 at a branch point P1. Then, the second high-temperature line 52b of the second line 52 merges with the first high-temperature line 51b of the first line 51 at a merging point P2 downstream of the branch point P1. Normally, the heat generating element of the load equipment L reaches a temperature higher than the room temperature, so even if the heat medium R after heat exchange by the heat exchanger 31 of the air conditioner 3A is reused, the local cooling device 4 can sufficiently remove heat from the heat generating element of the load equipment L. Therefore, by further utilizing the heat medium R used in the air conditioner 3A in the downstream local cooling device 4, it is not necessary to provide multiple cooling devices 2 for each of the air conditioner 3A and the local cooling device 4, and the heat medium R cooled by one cooling device 2 can be utilized to the maximum extent.
[0017] As described above, the second line 52 according to this embodiment has the local cooling loop 41 in which the local cooling device 4 branches into a plurality of flow paths. The local cooling loop 41 uses a pipe having a smaller diameter than the pipe of the first line 51. By making the diameters of the pipes different in this way, the pressure loss is unbalanced between the first line 51 and the second line 52. In other words, the first line 51 is designed to have a smaller pressure loss than the second line 52. By adjusting the difference in pressure loss between the first line 51 and the second line 52 by making the diameters of the pipes different, the flow rate of the heat medium R bypassed from the first line 51 to the second line 52 can be adjusted. As long as it is possible to make the pressure losses of the first line 51 and the second line 52 unbalanced, the second line 52 is not limited to the configuration in which the local cooling loop 41 is made small in diameter, and may have various other configurations. For example, in another embodiment, instead of or in addition to the local cooling loop 41, the diameter of the piping of at least one of the second low temperature line 52a and the second high temperature line 52b of the second line 52 may be made smaller than the piping of the first line 51. In still another embodiment, the length of the piping of the second line 52 (the local cooling loop 41, the second low temperature line 52a, and the second high temperature line 52b) may be made longer than the first line 51, or the piping may have more bends than the first line 51, so that a larger pressure loss occurs in the second line 52 than in the first line 51.
[0018] In addition, in this embodiment, an adjustment valve 54 is provided in the first line 51 having a small pressure loss as a means for further adjusting the flow rate of the heat medium R bypassed to the second line 52. In this embodiment, the adjustment valve 54 is provided in the first line 51 between the branch point P1 and the junction point P2.
[0019] The opening of the adjustment valve 54 may be two values, maximum (for example, fully open) or minimum (for example, fully closed), or may be adjustable to any value in the range from maximum to minimum. Since the first line 51 has a smaller pressure loss than the second line 52 and the heat medium R flows more easily through it, the larger the opening of the adjustment valve 54, the larger the flow rate of the heat medium R flowing downstream of the first line 51 (first high temperature line 51b). The flow rate of the heat medium R bypassed from the branch point P1 of the first line 51 to the second line 52 decreases accordingly. When the opening of the adjustment valve 54 is maximum, only the heat medium R with a minimum flow rate according to the difference in pressure loss is bypassed to the second line 52. On the other hand, the smaller the opening of the adjustment valve 54, the smaller the flow rate of the heat medium R flowing downstream of the first line 51 (first high temperature line 51b). The flow rate of the heat medium R bypassed from the branch point P1 of the first line 51 to the second line 52 increases accordingly. In other words, the flow rates in the first line 51 and the second line 52 can be adjusted by opening and closing the adjustment valve 54.
[0020] The control device 6 outputs control signals for controlling the operations of the cooling device 2, the air conditioner 3A, the pump 53, and the adjustment valve 54. The control device 6 may be installed in the same room as the air conditioner 3A and the local cooling device 4, or may be installed in another room in the facility. The control device 6 may also be built into the cooling device 2. A detailed functional configuration of the control device 6 will be described later.
[0021] The power source 10 supplies power for operating each component of the cooling system 1. The power source 10 is, for example, a power system. Note that in other embodiments, the power source 10 may be a power generation device that utilizes natural energy (such as a solar power generation device, a wind power generation device, a hydroelectric power generation device, or a geothermal power generation device).
[0022] (Functional configuration of the control device) FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the control device according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 6 includes a processor 60, a memory 61, a storage 62, and a communication interface (I / F) 63.
[0023] The processor 60 operates according to a predetermined program to thereby fulfill the functions of an air conditioning load acquisition unit 601, a cooling load acquisition unit 602, and a control unit 603.
[0024] The air conditioning load acquisition unit 601 acquires the air conditioning load of the air conditioner 3A based on the temperature in the room in which the air conditioner 3A is installed (room temperature). The room temperature is measured by a first thermometer T1 installed near the air conditioner 3A, for example, as shown in FIG.
[0025] The cooling load acquisition unit 602 acquires the load (cooling load) of the local cooling device 4 based on the temperature of the load equipment L or the temperature of the second line 52. For example, as shown in Fig. 1, a second thermometer T2 is installed near the load equipment L indoors (such as a server rack) to measure the temperature of the load equipment L. In another embodiment, the second thermometer T2 may be installed at each of the inlet (second low temperature line 52a) and outlet (second high temperature line 52b) of the local cooling device 4 to measure the temperature of the second line 52.
[0026] The control unit 603 controls the opening degree of the adjustment valve 54 based on the air conditioning load and the cooling load. The control unit 603 may also control the pump 53 and the air conditioner fan 32 of the air conditioner 3A based on the air conditioning load and the cooling load.
[0027] The predetermined program executed by the processor 60 is stored in a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium refers to a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a semiconductor memory, etc. The computer program may be distributed to a computer via a communication line, and the computer that receives the program may execute the program. The program may be for implementing part of the above-mentioned functions. The program may be a so-called difference file (difference program) that can realize the above-mentioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.
[0028] The memory 61 has a memory area necessary for the operation of the processor 60 .
[0029] The storage 62 is a so-called auxiliary storage device, such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), etc. The storage 62 stores data that each part of the processor 60 acquires, generates, and refers to during processing.
[0030] The communication I / F 63 transmits and receives signals (control command values, measurement values, etc.) to and from each device.
[0031] (Control device processing flow) FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing by the control device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a control command value of the control device according to the first embodiment. The flow of processing by the control device 6 will be described below with reference to FIGS.
[0032] First, the air conditioning load acquisition unit 601 acquires the air conditioning load of the air conditioner 3A (step S01). For example, the air conditioning load according to this embodiment is the indoor temperature measured by the first thermometer T1.
[0033] Next, the cooling load acquisition unit 602 acquires the cooling load of the local cooling device 4 (step S02). For example, the cooling load according to this embodiment is the temperature of the load device L measured by the second thermometer T2.
[0034] In other embodiments, the cooling load may be the rate of increase in the temperature of the load device L per unit time, the difference between the temperature of the load device L and the room temperature, etc. In still other embodiments, the cooling load may be the temperature difference of the heat medium R at the inlet and outlet of the local cooling device 4, the rate of increase in the temperature difference of the heat medium R per unit time, etc.
[0035] Next, the control unit 603 controls the opening of the adjustment valve 54, the pumping flow rate of the heat medium R from the pump 53, and the airflow rate of the air conditioner fan 32 of the air conditioner 3A based on the air conditioning load and the cooling load (step S03).
[0036] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 603 determines the control command value for each unit based on the combination of the air conditioning load and the cooling load (load state).
[0037] (A1) Low room temperature and low load When the air conditioning load is less than the air conditioning low-load threshold (low room temperature) and the cooling load is less than the cooling low-load threshold (low load), the control unit 603 increases the opening of the adjustment valve 54. At this time, the control unit 603 reduces the pumping flow rate of the pump 53 and the airflow rate of the air conditioner fan 32. For example, the control unit 603 adjusts the opening of the adjustment valve 54 to be larger and the pumping flow rate of the pump 53 and the airflow rate of the air conditioner fan 32 to be smaller as the cooling load becomes smaller. Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the opening of the adjustment valve 54 may be maximized, the pumping flow rate of the pump 53 may be minimized, and the airflow rate of the air conditioner fan 32 may be minimized. In this way, the pressure loss of the entire cooling system 1 can be reduced, and the power consumption of the entire cooling system 1 can be reduced.
[0038] (A2) Low room temperature and medium load When the air conditioning load is less than the low air conditioning load threshold (low room temperature) and the cooling load is equal to or greater than the low cooling load threshold and less than the high cooling load threshold (medium load), the control unit 603 increases the flow rate of the heat medium R bypassed to the second line 52 by decreasing the opening of the adjustment valve 54. For example, when the opening of the adjustment valve 54 is a binary value of maximum or minimum, the control unit 603 minimizes the opening of the adjustment valve 54. When the opening of the adjustment valve 54 can be adjusted to an arbitrary value, the control unit 603 may adjust the opening so that the opening of the adjustment valve 54 decreases as the cooling load increases. In addition, the control unit 603 adjusts the pump pressure delivery flow rate so that the pump pressure delivery flow rate increases as the cooling load increases. On the other hand, the control unit 603 does not increase the airflow rate of the air conditioner fan 32. In addition, the airflow rate of the air conditioner fan 32 may be minimized as shown in FIG. 4. This makes it possible to increase or decrease the cooling capacity of the local cooling device 4 in accordance with the cooling load while suppressing increases in the cooling capacity and power consumption of the air conditioner 3A.
[0039] (A3) Low room temperature and high load When the air conditioning load is less than the low air conditioning load threshold (low room temperature) and the cooling load is equal to or greater than the high cooling load threshold (high load), the control unit 603 reduces the opening of the adjustment valve 54 as the cooling load increases. In this way, the control unit 603 reduces the difference in pressure loss between the first line 51 and the second line 52, and increases the flow rate of the heat medium R bypassed to the second line 52. The control unit 603 also increases the pump pressure delivery flow rate and reduces the air flow rate of the air conditioner fan 32. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4, the opening of the adjustment valve 54 may be minimized, the pump pressure delivery flow rate of the pump 53 may be maximized, and the air conditioner fan 32 may be stopped. This can reduce the amount of power used by the air conditioner 3A. In addition, the cooling capacity of the local cooling device 4 can be increased by the amount of the reduction in the flow rate of the heat medium R used by the air conditioner 3A.
[0040] (B1) Medium room temperature and low load When the air conditioning load is equal to or greater than the low-load air conditioning threshold and less than the high-load air conditioning threshold (medium room temperature), and the cooling load is less than the low-load cooling threshold (low load), the control unit 603 increases the opening of the adjustment valve 54. For example, the control unit 603 may adjust the opening of the adjustment valve 54 so that the smaller the cooling load, the larger the opening of the adjustment valve 54, or may maximize the opening of the adjustment valve 54 as in the example of FIG. 4. In addition, at this time, the control unit 603 adjusts the control command values so that the pumping flow rate of the pump 53 and the air flow rate of the air conditioner fan 32 are increased as the air conditioning load increases. This reduces the pressure loss of the entire cooling system 1, and reduces the load of the pump 53 by the amount of the reduced flow rate of the heat medium R to the local cooling device 4. In addition, the cooling capacity and power consumption of the air conditioner 3A can be appropriately adjusted according to the room temperature.
[0041] (B2) Medium room temperature and medium load When the air conditioning load is equal to or greater than the low air conditioning load threshold and less than the high air conditioning load threshold (medium room temperature), and when the cooling load is equal to or greater than the low cooling load threshold and less than the high cooling load threshold (medium load), the control unit 603 increases the flow rate of the heat medium R bypassed to the second line 52 by decreasing the opening of the adjustment valve 54. For example, when the opening of the adjustment valve 54 is a binary value of maximum or minimum, the control unit 603 minimizes the opening of the adjustment valve 54. When the opening of the adjustment valve 54 can be adjusted to an arbitrary value, the control unit 603 may adjust the opening of the adjustment valve 54 so that the opening of the adjustment valve 54 decreases as the cooling load increases. In addition, the control unit 603 adjusts the pump pressure delivery flow rate to be greater as the air conditioning load or cooling load increases, and adjusts the air flow rate of the air conditioner fan 32 to be greater as the air conditioning load increases. This makes it possible to appropriately adjust the cooling capacity of the air conditioner 3A and the local cooling device 4 while reducing the power used by the entire cooling system 1.
[0042] (B3) Medium temperature and high load When the air conditioning load is equal to or greater than the low air conditioning load threshold and less than the high air conditioning load threshold (medium room temperature), and the cooling load is equal to or greater than the high cooling load threshold (high load), the control unit 603 reduces the opening of the adjustment valve 54 to reduce the difference in pressure loss between the first line 51 and the second line 52, thereby increasing the flow rate of the heat medium R bypassed to the second line 52. The control unit 603 also adjusts the pumping flow rate of the pump 53 and the air flow rate of the air conditioner fan 32 so that the larger the air conditioning load, the larger the flow rate. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4, the opening of the adjustment valve 54 may be minimized and the pumping flow rate of the pump 53 may be maximized. This can increase the cooling capacity of the local cooling device 4, and can appropriately adjust the cooling capacity of the air conditioner 3A and the local cooling device 4.
[0043] (C1) High room temperature and low load When the air conditioning load is equal to or greater than the high air conditioning load threshold (high room temperature) and the cooling load is less than the low cooling load threshold (low load), the control unit 603 increases the opening of the adjustment valve 54. For example, the control unit 603 adjusts the opening of the adjustment valve 54 so that the smaller the cooling load is, the larger the opening becomes. The control unit 603 also increases the pumping flow rate of the pump 53 to increase the air flow rate of the air conditioner fan 32. Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the opening of the adjustment valve 54 may be maximized. This reduces the pressure loss of the entire cooling system 1, and reduces the load on the pump 53 by the amount of the reduction in the flow rate of the heat medium R to the local cooling device 4. Also, the cooling capacity of the air conditioner 3A can be increased.
[0044] (C2) High room temperature and medium load When the air conditioning load is equal to or greater than the high air conditioning load threshold (high room temperature) and the cooling load is equal to or greater than the low cooling load threshold and less than the high cooling load threshold (medium load), the control unit 603 increases the flow rate of the heat medium R bypassed to the second line 52 by decreasing the opening of the adjustment valve 54. For example, when the opening of the adjustment valve 54 is a binary value of maximum or minimum, the control unit 603 minimizes the opening of the adjustment valve 54. When the opening of the adjustment valve 54 can be adjusted to an arbitrary value, the control unit 603 may adjust the opening so that the opening of the adjustment valve 54 decreases as the cooling load increases. In addition, the control unit 603 increases the compression flow rate of the pump 53 to increase the air flow rate of the air conditioner fan 32. As shown in FIG. 4, the compression flow rate of the pump 53 and the air flow rate of the air conditioner fan 32 may be maximized. This can increase the cooling capacity of the air conditioner 3A and appropriately adjust the cooling capacity of the local cooling device 4.
[0045] (C3) High room temperature and high load When the air conditioning load is equal to or higher than the high air conditioning load threshold (high room temperature) and the cooling load is equal to or higher than the high cooling load threshold (high load), the control unit 603 reduces the aperture of the adjustment valve 54 to reduce the difference in pressure loss between the first line 51 and the second line 52 and increase the flow rate of the heat medium R bypassed to the second line 52. The control unit 603 also increases the pressure delivery flow rate of the pump 53 and increases the air blowing volume of the air conditioner fan 32. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4, the aperture of the adjustment valve 54 may be minimized and the pressure delivery flow rate of the pump 53 and the air blowing volume of the air conditioner fan 32 may be maximized. This can increase the cooling capacity of the air conditioner 3A and the local cooling device 4.
[0046] While the cooling system 1 is operating, the control device 6 executes the series of processes shown in FIG. 3 at predetermined intervals, thereby enabling appropriate control of the power consumption of the entire cooling system 1 and the cooling capacity of the air conditioner 3A and the local cooling device 4.
[0047] (Action, effect) As described above, the cooling system 1 according to this embodiment includes the cooling device 2 that cools the heat medium R, an air conditioning means (air conditioner 3A) that receives the heat medium R and cools the interior of a room in which a load device L is installed, a local cooling device 4 that receives the heat medium R and cools the load device L, and a heat medium loop 5 that includes a first line 51 that circulates the heat medium R from the cooling device 2 via the air conditioner 3A, and a second line 52 that branches off from the first line 51 and circulates the heat medium R via the local cooling device 4. The first line 51 has a smaller pressure loss than the second line 52.
[0048] Normally, the heat generating element of the load equipment L becomes hotter than the room temperature, so even if the heat medium R after heat exchange by the heat exchanger 31 of the air conditioner 3A is reused, the local cooling device 4 can sufficiently take heat from the heat generating element of the load equipment L. Therefore, by further using the heat medium R used by the air conditioner 3A in the downstream local cooling device 4, it is not necessary to provide multiple cooling devices 2 for each of the air conditioner 3A and the local cooling device 4, and the heat medium R cooled by one cooling device 2 can be used to the maximum. In other words, with a simple configuration in which only one cooling device 2 is installed, both the room and the load equipment L can be cooled, and the power consumption of the entire cooling system 1 can be reduced. Furthermore, the flow rate of the heat medium R bypassed from the first line 51 to the second line 52 can be adjusted by adjusting the difference in pressure loss by making a difference in the diameter of the pipes used in the first line 51 and the second line 52 depending on the number of load equipment L and the load (heat generation amount), etc. In other words, the cooling system 1 has a simple configuration having a first line 51 and a second line 52 with different pressure losses, and is capable of adjusting the flow rate and cooling capacity of the heat medium R supplied from one cooling device 2 to the air conditioner 3A and the local cooling device 4.
[0049] Further, the first line 51 is provided with an adjustment valve 54 capable of adjusting the flow rate of the heat medium R in the first line 51 and the second line 52.
[0050] In this manner, the cooling system 1 can adjust the flow rates in the first line 51 and the second line 52 by opening and closing the adjustment valve 54, and can adjust the cooling capacities of the air conditioner 3A and the local cooling device 4.
[0051] In addition, the cooling system 1 further includes an air conditioning load acquisition unit 601 that acquires the air conditioning load of the air conditioner 3A based on the indoor temperature, a cooling load acquisition unit 602 that acquires the cooling load of the local cooling device 4 based on the temperature of the load equipment L or the temperature of the second line 52, and a control unit 603 that controls the opening degree of the adjustment valve 54 based on the air conditioning load and the cooling load.
[0052] In this way, the cooling system 1 can appropriately adjust the flow rate of the heat medium R bypassed to the second line 52 according to the air conditioning load required by the air conditioner 3A to cool the room and the cooling load required by the local cooling device 4 to cool the load equipment L.
[0053] Furthermore, the control unit 603 reduces the opening of the adjustment valve 54 when the air conditioning load is less than the air conditioning low load threshold (low room temperature) and the cooling load is equal to or greater than the cooling high load threshold (high load).
[0054] In this way, the cooling system 1 can increase the flow rate of the heat medium R bypassed to the second line 52, and increase the cooling capacity of the local cooling device 4.
[0055] The control unit 603 increases the opening degree of the adjustment valve 54 when the air conditioning load is equal to or greater than the air conditioning high load threshold (high room temperature) and the cooling load is less than the cooling low load threshold (low load).
[0056] In this way, the cooling system 1 can reduce pressure loss in the entire system and increase the cooling capacity of the air conditioner 3A.
[0057] In addition, the air conditioning means is an air conditioner 3A having an air conditioner fan 32, and the control unit 603 stops the air conditioner fan 32 when the air conditioning load is less than the air conditioning low load threshold (low room temperature) and the cooling load is equal to or greater than the cooling high load threshold (high load).
[0058] In this way, the cooling system 1 can minimize the amount of power used by the air conditioner 3A when cooling of the room is not required.
[0059] <Second embodiment> Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 6. Components common to the above-mentioned embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and detailed description will be omitted.
[0060] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a cooling system according to the second embodiment. In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the heat medium loop 5 has a first line 51 and a second line 52 that are connected directly to each other. In contrast, in the second embodiment, an example will be described in which the heat medium loop 5 has a first line 51 and a second line 52 that are connected in parallel to each other.
[0061] 5, the second low temperature line 52a of the second line 52 branches off from the first low temperature line 51a of the first line 51 at a branch point P1. Then, the second high temperature line 52b of the second line 52 merges with the first high temperature line 51b of the first line 51 at a merge point P2.
[0062] The adjustment valve 54 is provided between the branch point P1 and the junction point P2, similarly to the first embodiment. When the adjustment valve 54 is fully closed, the heat medium R stops flowing through the first line 51 and flows only through the second line 52. That is, all of the heat medium R is supplied to the local cooling device 4.
[0063] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a control command value of the control device according to the second embodiment. Moreover, the control unit 603 of the control device 6 according to this embodiment determines the control command value as shown in FIG. 6 instead of FIG.
[0064] 6, when the air conditioning load is less than the low air conditioning load threshold (low room temperature), the control unit 603 minimizes the opening of the adjustment valve 54 (fully closed). In addition, the control unit 603 stops the air conditioner fan 32.
[0065] In this way, when cooling of the room is not required, for example, in winter, the cooling system 1 can supply the heat medium R only to the local cooling device 4, without supplying it to the air conditioner 3A. This eliminates the need to flow the heat medium R to unnecessary locations (air conditioner 3A), thereby reducing the power consumption of the pump 53 and the like. Moreover, by stopping the air conditioner fan 32, the power consumption can be further reduced. In addition, since the heat medium R cooled by the cooling device 2 is directly supplied to the local cooling device 4, the cooling capacity of the local cooling device 4 can be greatly improved compared to the first embodiment.
[0066] <Third embodiment> Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Components common to the above-mentioned embodiments are given the same reference numerals and detailed description will be omitted.
[0067] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a cooling system according to a third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the air conditioning means 3 according to this embodiment is a fin tube 3B.
[0068] 7 shows an example in which the air conditioner 3A in the first embodiment is replaced with fin tubes 3B, but the present invention is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the air conditioner 3A in the second embodiment (FIG. 5) may be replaced with fin tubes 3B.
[0069] Moreover, the control unit 603 of the control device 6 according to this embodiment does not perform the process of determining the control command value for the air conditioner fan 32 shown in FIG. 4 and FIG.
[0070] For example, in facilities located in high latitude regions, the indoor temperature may be low throughout the year. In such cases, it is assumed that equipment with high cooling capacity such as the air conditioner 3A will not be necessary. In this case, by replacing the air conditioner 3A with the fin tubes 3B in the air conditioning means 3, the power consumption of the cooling system 1 can be significantly reduced while ensuring the cooling capacity of the room with the flow rate of the heat medium R flowing through the fin tubes 3B.
[0071] <Fourth embodiment> Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Components common to the above-mentioned embodiments are given the same reference numerals and detailed description will be omitted.
[0072] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a cooling system according to a fourth embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, the opening degree of the adjustment valve 54 has two values, maximum (fully open) and minimum (fully closed). Also, as shown in Fig. 8, the first line 51 is provided with a first valve 55 capable of adjusting the flow rate of the heat medium R flowing through the first line 51 (supplied to the air conditioning means 3). The second line 52 is provided with a second valve 56 capable of adjusting the flow rate of the heat medium R flowing through the second line 52 (supplied to the local cooling device 4).
[0073] 8 shows an example in which the first valve 55 and the second valve 56 are added to the configuration of the first embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the first valve 55 and the second valve 56 may be added to the configuration of the second embodiment (FIG. 5) or the third embodiment (FIG. 7).
[0074] In addition, in the cases of (A2), (B2), and (C2) in Figure 4 or (B2) and (C2) in Figure 6, the control unit 603 of the control device 6 adjusts the opening of the first valve 55 and the second valve 56 in accordance with the air conditioning load and the cooling load while minimizing the opening of the adjustment valve 54.
[0075] In this manner, the cooling system 1 can finely adjust the flow rates of the heat medium R in the first line 51 and the second line 52 while the adjustment valve 54 has a simple configuration.
[0076] <Fifth embodiment> Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Components common to the above-mentioned embodiments are given the same reference numerals and detailed description will be omitted.
[0077] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of a second line and a local cooling device according to the fifth embodiment. As shown in Fig. 9, one local cooling device 4 may be provided for each load device L. Fig. 9 shows an example in which one local cooling device 4A to 4D is provided for each of four load devices L1 to L4.
[0078] The second low-temperature line 52a of the second line 52 branches off and is connected to each of the local cooling devices 4 (4A to 4D). A local cooling valve 42 (42A to 42D) is provided on each branch of the second low-temperature line 52a to each of the local cooling devices 4. The local cooling valve 42 adjusts the flow rate of the heat medium R supplied from the second line 52 (second low-temperature line 52a) to each of the local cooling devices 4.
[0079] Further, the second high temperature line 52b of the second line 52 joins with the heat medium R discharged from each of the local cooling devices 4A to 4D.
[0080] In this way, the cooling system 1 can appropriately and efficiently cool each load device L by using the multiple local cooling devices 4. In this way, when the heat generation amount differs for each load device L, it is possible to prevent some load devices L from being overcooled or some load devices L from being insufficiently cooled.
[0081] <Other embodiments> Although one embodiment has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to the above, and various design changes are possible. That is, in other embodiments, the order of the above-mentioned processes may be changed as appropriate. Also, some of the processes may be executed in parallel.
[0082] <Additional Notes> The cooling system described in the above embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows.
[0083] (1) According to a first aspect, a cooling system 1 includes a cooling device 2 that cools a heat medium R, an air conditioning means 3 that is supplied with the heat medium R to cool a room in which a load device L is installed, a local cooling device 4 that is supplied with the heat medium R to cool the load device L, and a heat medium loop 5 including a first line 51 that circulates the heat medium R from the cooling device 2 via the air conditioning means 3, and a second line 52 that branches off from the first line 51 and circulates the heat medium R via the local cooling device 4. The first line 51 has a smaller pressure loss than the second line 52.
[0084] As described above, since the heat source of the load equipment L is usually at a higher temperature than the room temperature, even if the heat medium R after heat exchange by the heat exchanger 31 of the air conditioner 3A is reused, the local cooling device 4 can sufficiently remove heat from the heat source of the load equipment L. Therefore, by further using the heat medium R used by the air conditioner 3A in the downstream local cooling device 4, it is not necessary to provide multiple cooling devices 2 for each of the air conditioner 3A and the local cooling device 4, and the heat medium R cooled by one cooling device 2 can be used to the maximum. In other words, with a simple configuration in which only one cooling device 2 is installed, both the room and the load equipment L can be cooled, and the power consumption of the entire cooling system 1 can be reduced. Furthermore, the flow rate of the heat medium R bypassed from the first line 51 to the second line 52 can be adjusted by adjusting the difference in pressure loss by making a difference in the diameter of the pipes used in the first line 51 and the second line 52 depending on the number of load equipment L and the load (heat generation amount), etc. In other words, the cooling system 1 has a simple configuration having a first line 51 and a second line 52 with different pressure losses, and is capable of adjusting the flow rate and cooling capacity of the heat medium R supplied from one cooling device 2 to the air conditioner 3A and the local cooling device 4.
[0085] (2) According to the second aspect, in the cooling system 1 of the first aspect, the first line 51 is provided with an adjustment valve 54 that, when the opening degree is reduced, increases the ratio of the flow rate of the heat medium R branched off into the second line 52 to the flow rate of the heat medium R flowing without branching off into the second line 52.
[0086] In this way, the cooling system 1 can adjust the proportion of the heat medium R flowing to the second line 52 out of the total amount of heat medium R by increasing or decreasing the opening degree of the adjustment valve 54, and thereby adjust the cooling capacity of the air conditioning means 3 and the local cooling device 4.
[0087] (3) According to a third aspect, the cooling system 1 related to the second aspect further includes an air conditioning load acquisition unit 601 that acquires the air conditioning load of the air conditioning means 3 based on the room temperature, a cooling load acquisition unit 602 that acquires the cooling load of the local cooling device 4 based on the temperature of the load equipment L or the temperature of the second line 52, and a control unit 603 that controls the opening degree of the adjustment valve 54 based on the air conditioning load and the cooling load.
[0088] In this way, the cooling system 1 can appropriately adjust the flow rate of the heat medium R bypassed to the second line 52 according to the air conditioning load required by the air conditioner 3A to cool the room and the cooling load required by the local cooling device 4 to cool the load equipment L.
[0089] (4) According to the fourth aspect, in the cooling system 1 related to the third aspect, the control unit 603 reduces the opening degree of the adjustment valve 54 when the air conditioning load is less than the air conditioning low load threshold and the cooling load is equal to or greater than the cooling high load threshold.
[0090] In this way, the cooling system 1 can increase the flow rate of the heat medium R bypassed to the second line 52, and increase the cooling capacity of the local cooling device 4.
[0091] (5) According to the fifth aspect, in the cooling system 1 according to the third or fourth aspect, the control unit 603 increases the opening degree of the adjustment valve 54 when the air conditioning load is equal to or greater than the high air conditioning load threshold and the cooling load is less than the low cooling load threshold.
[0092] In this way, the cooling system 1 can reduce pressure loss in the entire system and increase the cooling capacity of the air conditioner 3A.
[0093] (6) According to the sixth aspect, in the cooling system 1 relating to any one of the third to fifth aspects, the first line 51 and the second line 52 are connected in parallel, and the control unit 603 closes the adjustment valve 54 to stop the supply of the heat medium R to the air conditioning means 3.
[0094] In this way, when cooling of the room is not required, for example, in winter, the cooling system 1 can supply the heat medium R only to the local cooling device 4, without supplying it to the air conditioning means 3. This eliminates the need to flow the heat medium R to unnecessary locations (air conditioning means 3), thereby reducing the amount of power used by the pump 53, etc. Also, by stopping the air conditioner fan 32, the amount of power used can be further reduced. In addition, since the heat medium R cooled by the cooling device 2 is directly supplied to the local cooling device 4, the cooling capacity of the local cooling device 4 can be greatly improved.
[0095] (7) According to the seventh aspect, in the cooling system 1 relating to any one of the third to sixth aspects, the air conditioning means 3 is an air conditioner 3A having an air conditioner fan 32, and the control unit 603 stops the air conditioner fan 32 when the air conditioning load is less than the air conditioning low load threshold and the cooling load is equal to or greater than the cooling high load threshold.
[0096] In this way, the cooling system 1 can minimize the amount of power used by the air conditioner 3A when cooling of the room is not required.
[0097] (8) According to an eighth aspect, in the cooling system 1 according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the air conditioning means 3 is a fin tube 3B.
[0098] For example, in facilities located in high latitude regions, the indoor temperature may be low throughout the year. In such cases, it is assumed that equipment with high cooling capacity such as the air conditioner 3A will not be necessary. In this case, by replacing the air conditioner 3A with the fin tubes 3B in the air conditioning means 3, the power consumption of the cooling system 1 can be significantly reduced while ensuring the cooling capacity of the room with the flow rate of the heat medium R flowing through the fin tubes 3B.
[0099] (9) According to a ninth aspect, in the cooling system 1 according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, a plurality of local cooling devices 4 are provided corresponding to a plurality of load devices L.
[0100] In this way, the cooling system 1 can appropriately and efficiently cool each load device L by using the multiple local cooling devices 4. In this way, when the heat generation amount differs for each load device L, it is possible to prevent some load devices L from being overcooled or some load devices L from being insufficiently cooled. [Explanation of symbols]
[0101] 1 Cooling system 2 Cooling device 21 Fan 3 Air conditioning means 3A air conditioner 31 Heat exchanger 32 Air conditioner fan 3B Fin Tube 4,4A~4D Local cooling device 41 Local cooling loop 42, 42A~42D Local cooling valve 5 Heat transfer medium loop 51 First Line 51a First low temperature line 51b First high temperature line 52 2nd Line 52a Second low temperature line 52b Second high temperature line 53 Pump 54 Adjustment valve 55 First valve 56 Second Valve 6. Control device 60 processors 61 Memory 62 Storage 63 Communication Interface (I / F) 601 Air conditioning load acquisition section 602 Cooling load acquisition section 603 Control Unit 10 Power supply L,L1~L4 Load equipment R Heat medium T1 1st thermometer T2 2nd thermometer
Claims
1. A cooling device that cools the heat medium; an air conditioning unit that receives the heat medium and cools a room in which a load device is installed; a local cooling device that is supplied with the heat medium and cools the load device; a heat medium loop including a first line for circulating the heat medium from the cooling device via the air conditioning means, and a second line branching from the first line for circulating the heat medium via the local cooling device; Equipped with The first line has a smaller pressure loss than the second line. Cooling system.
2. The first line is provided with an adjustment valve that, when its opening degree decreases, increases a ratio of a flow rate of the heat medium branched to the second line to a flow rate of the heat medium not branched to the second line. The cooling system of claim 1 .
3. an air conditioning load acquisition unit that acquires an air conditioning load of the air conditioning means based on the indoor temperature; a cooling load acquisition unit that acquires a cooling load of the local cooling device based on a temperature of the load device or a temperature of the second line; A control unit that controls an opening degree of the adjustment valve based on the air conditioning load and the cooling load; The cooling system of claim 2 further comprising:
4. The control unit reduces an opening degree of the adjustment valve when the air conditioning load is less than an air conditioning low load threshold and the cooling load is equal to or greater than a cooling high load threshold. The cooling system of claim 3.
5. The control unit increases an opening degree of the adjustment valve when the air conditioning load is equal to or greater than an air conditioning high-load threshold and the cooling load is less than a cooling low-load threshold. The cooling system of claim 3.
6. the first line and the second line are connected in parallel, The control unit closes the adjustment valve to stop the supply of the heat medium to the air conditioning means. The cooling system of claim 3.
7. the air conditioning means is an air conditioner having an air conditioner fan, The control unit stops the air conditioner fan when the air conditioning load is less than the air conditioning low-load threshold and the cooling load is equal to or greater than the cooling high-load threshold. The cooling system of claim 4.
8. The air conditioning means is a fin tube. The cooling system of claim 1 .
9. A plurality of the local cooling devices are provided corresponding to a plurality of the load devices. A cooling system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
Citation Information
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