Refrigerant circulation device

By positioning the heat exchanger alongside the pump in a refrigerant circulation device, the device's cooling performance is improved through increased heat exchanger size and efficient refrigerant exchange, addressing the space constraints posed by other components.

JP2025009926APending Publication Date: 2025-01-20NIDEC CORP(JP)
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024099434
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-07-05
Filing Date
2024-06-20
Publication Date
2025-01-20

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The challenge of improving cooling performance in refrigerant circulation devices is hindered by the limited space available for the heat exchanger due to the presence of other components such as pumps within the casing.

Method used

The refrigerant circulation device is designed with a housing that accommodates the primary and secondary flow paths, heat exchanger, and pump, where the heat exchanger is positioned on one side of the pump, allowing for an increased size of the heat exchanger without obstructing the pump's placement, and the flow paths are arranged to minimize interference.

Benefits of technology

This configuration enhances the cooling performance by increasing the surface area of the heat exchanger, leading to improved thermal contact points and efficient refrigerant exchange, thus enhancing the cooling capability of the device.

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Abstract

To improve a cooling performance of a refrigerant circulation device.SOLUTION: A refrigerant circulation device comprises: a primary flow channel 1 that becomes a flow channel of a primary coolant; a secondary flow channel that becomes a secondary flow channel; a thermal exchanger 3 that is connected to the primary and secondary flow channels; a pump 4 that is connected to the secondary flow channel; and a housing that has a housing region 90. The housing region 90 is expanded to a first direction X and a second direction Y that are crossed each other, and includes a dimension that is longer to the first direction X than that of the second direction Y. The housing houses the primary flow channel 1, the secondary flow channel, the thermal exchanger 3, and the pump 4 into the housing region 90. The whole thermal exchanger 3 is positioned to one side of the second direction Y from the pump 4.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5
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Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerant circulation device. [Background technology]

[0002] The refrigerant circulating device includes a heat exchanger that is housed in a housing (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] US2022 / 0248570A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Increasing the size of the heat exchanger can improve the cooling performance of the refrigerant circulation device. However, the housing of the refrigerant circulation device contains various components, such as a pump that circulates the refrigerant, in addition to the heat exchanger. For this reason, it may be difficult to increase the size of the heat exchanger.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to improve the cooling performance of a refrigerant circulation device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An exemplary refrigerant circulation device of the present invention includes a primary flow path for a primary refrigerant, a secondary flow path for a secondary refrigerant, a heat exchanger connected to the primary flow path and the secondary flow path, a pump connected to the secondary flow path, and a housing having an accommodation area. The accommodation area extends in a first direction and a second direction intersecting each other and has a dimension longer in the first direction than in the second direction. The housing accommodates the primary flow path, the secondary flow path, the heat exchanger, and the pump in the accommodation area. The heat exchanger is located entirely on one side of the pump in the second direction. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to an exemplary refrigerant circulation device of the present invention, the cooling performance of the refrigerant circulation device can be improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a cooling system including a refrigerant circulating device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the refrigerant circulating device according to the embodiment, seen from above. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the refrigerant circulating device according to the embodiment, seen from below. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the inside of the refrigerant circulating device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a primary flow path of a refrigerant circulating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the secondary flow path (inlet side) of the refrigerant circulating device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the secondary flow path (outlet side) of the refrigerant circulating device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger of the refrigerant circulating device according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a pump of the refrigerant circulation device according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger and a tank of the refrigerant circulating device according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the heat exchanger and the pump in the refrigerant circulation device according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a plan view of the refrigerant circulation device according to the embodiment, seen from one side in the first direction. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the primary flow path and the secondary flow path of the refrigerant circulating device according to the embodiment, viewed from the side opposite to the heat exchanger side. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0010] In this specification, for ease of understanding, the configuration and arrangement of each member will be described using an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system. In the following description, the direction along the X-axis will be referred to as the X-direction, the side toward which the X-axis arrow points will be referred to as one side of the X-direction, and the opposite side will be referred to as the other side of the X-direction. The direction along the Y-axis will be referred to as the Y-direction, the side toward which the Y-axis arrow points will be referred to as one side of the Y-direction, and the opposite side will be referred to as the other side of the Y-direction. The direction along the Z-axis will be referred to as the Z-direction, the side toward which the Z-axis arrow points will be referred to as one side of the Z-direction, and the opposite side will be referred to as the other side of the Z-direction.

[0011] The X direction corresponds to the "first direction", the Y direction corresponds to the "second direction", and the Z direction corresponds to the "third direction". For example, the X direction and the Y direction are horizontal directions. The X direction is the front-back direction, and the Y direction is the left-right direction. The Z direction is the up-down direction, with one side of the Z direction being the upper side and the other side of the Z direction being the lower side.

[0012] In the following description, the X, Y, and Z directions are assumed to include an allowable error range in the technical field to which the present invention pertains (for example, a range of about ±45°). As an example, "connected in the X direction" not only means connected in the X direction in the strict sense, but also includes connection from a direction within a range of about ±45° with respect to the X direction. As another example, "extending in the X direction" not only means extending in the X direction in the strict sense, but also includes extending in a direction deviated within a range of about ±45° with respect to the X direction.

[0013] In the following description, the term "intersection" includes lines, surfaces, and lines and surfaces that intersect at right angles. The term "intersection" also includes lines, surfaces, and lines and surfaces that intersect at non-right angles within a small difference range. The small difference includes tolerance and error.

[0014] <1. Cooling system configuration> 1 is a schematic diagram of a cooling system 1000 including a CDU 100 according to an embodiment. Note that "CDU" is an abbreviation for "Coolant Distribution Unit."

[0015] The cooling system 1000 cools the heat source HS. For example, the heat source HS is a rack mount server, a blade server, or the like, and is arranged inside a server rack SR. The heat source HS may be an electronic device other than a server, such as a projector, a personal computer, or a display. The heat source HS may also be an electronic component such as a CPU, an electrolytic capacitor, a power semiconductor module, or a printed circuit board.

[0016] The cooling system 1000 includes a CDU 100. The CDU 100 corresponds to a "refrigerant circulating device." The CDU 100 is disposed inside a server rack SR. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The CDU 100 may be disposed outside the server rack SR.

[0017] The CDU 100 draws in a primary refrigerant into the CDU 100 and pumps the primary refrigerant out of the CDU 100. The CDU 100 draws in a secondary refrigerant into the CDU 100 and pumps the secondary refrigerant out of the CDU 100. Since no pump for the primary refrigerant is provided inside the CDU 100, the primary refrigerant is drawn in and pumped out of the CDU 100 by an external pump. The CDU 100 exchanges heat between the primary refrigerant and the secondary refrigerant. For example, refrigerant liquids such as antifreeze and pure water can be used as the primary refrigerant and the secondary refrigerant. Examples of antifreeze liquids that can be used as refrigerants include an ethylene glycol aqueous solution and a propylene glycol aqueous solution. The primary refrigerant and the secondary refrigerant may be the same or different types. At least one of the primary refrigerant and the secondary refrigerant may be a gas refrigerant.

[0018] The CDU 100 is connected to flow paths FL11 and FL12. The CDU 100 draws in the primary refrigerant flowing through the flow path FL11 and pumps the primary refrigerant to the flow path FL12. The CDU 100 is also connected to flow paths FL21 and FL22. The CDU 100 pumps the secondary refrigerant to the flow path FL21 and draws in the secondary refrigerant flowing through the flow path FL22.

[0019] A low-temperature primary refrigerant flows into the CDU 100. A high-temperature secondary refrigerant also flows into the CDU 100. Inside the CDU 100, heat exchange occurs between the low-temperature primary refrigerant and the high-temperature secondary refrigerant. This causes the high-temperature secondary refrigerant to be cooled.

[0020] The cooling system 1000 includes a cooling device 1001. The cooling device 1001 cools a primary refrigerant. The cooling device 1001 may be a device installed indoors, or may be an outdoor facility such as a cooling tower. The cooling device 1001 is connected to a flow path FL11. The cooling device 1001 pumps the primary refrigerant to the CDU 100 via the flow path FL11. The cooling device 1001 is also connected to a flow path FL12. The cooling device 1001 draws the primary refrigerant from the CDU 100 via the flow path FL12.

[0021] The cooling system 1000 includes a cold plate 1002. The cold plate 1002 is connected to flow paths FL21 and FL22. The cold plate 1002 has an internal flow path. The internal flow path of the cold plate 1002 extends from a connection point with the flow path FL21 to a connection point with the flow path FL22. That is, the secondary refrigerant flows inside the cold plate 1002.

[0022] The cold plate 1002 is in thermal contact with the heat source HS. The cold plate 1002 may be in direct contact with the heat source HS or indirect contact with the heat source HS via a heat transfer member such as a heat transfer sheet.

[0023] When the cold plate 1002 and the heat source HS are in thermal contact with each other, the thermal energy of the heat source HS is transferred to the secondary refrigerant flowing inside the cold plate 1002. As a result, the heat source HS is cooled. The secondary refrigerant used to cool the heat source HS flows into the CDU 100 via the flow path FL22.

[0024] The number of heat sources HS installed in the server rack SR is not particularly limited. The number of heat sources HS installed in the server rack SR may be multiple or may be one.

[0025] When a plurality of heat sources HS are installed in the server rack SR, the same number of cold plates 1002 as the number of heat sources HS (i.e., a plurality of cold plates 1002) are installed in the server rack SR. Then, each cold plate 1002 is in thermal contact with each heat source HS.

[0026] When a plurality of heat sources HS are installed in the server rack SR, for example, a part of the flow path FL21 is configured as a distribution manifold 2001, and a part of the flow path FL22 is configured as a collection manifold 2002.

[0027] The distribution manifold 2001 has one inlet and multiple outlets. The secondary refrigerant flows into the inlet of the distribution manifold from the CDU 100. The secondary refrigerant that flows into the inlet of the distribution manifold flows out of each outlet of the distribution manifold 2001. Each outlet of the distribution manifold 2001 is connected to a different cold plate 1002. As a result, the secondary refrigerant flows into each cold plate 1002.

[0028] The collection manifold 2002 has multiple inlets and one outlet. Each inlet of the collection manifold 2002 is connected to a different cold plate 1002. The secondary refrigerant flowing out of each cold plate 1002 flows into the collection manifold 2002 through each inlet of the collection manifold 2002. The outlet of the collection manifold 2002 is connected to the CDU 100. Thus, the secondary refrigerant flowing out of each cold plate 1002 flows into the CDU 100.

[0029] 1 illustrates a case in which the number of installed cold plates 1002 (that is, the number of installed heat sources HS) is three. Also, in FIG. 1, the flow direction of each refrigerant is indicated by the direction of the arrow.

[0030] <2. Components of CDU> FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the CDU 100 according to the embodiment, as viewed from above. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the CDU 100 according to the embodiment, as viewed from below. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the inside of the CDU 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the primary flow path 1 of the CDU 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the secondary flow path 2 (inlet side) of the CDU 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the secondary flow path 2 (outlet side) of the CDU 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the heat exchanger 3 of the CDU 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the pump 4 of the CDU 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the heat exchanger 3 and the tank 5 of the CDU 100 according to the embodiment.

[0031] 5 to 7 are plan views of the inside of the CDU 100 as viewed from one side in the Z direction (i.e., from above). In Fig. 5 to 7, some of the components are omitted, and the refrigerant flow paths are indicated by dashed arrows. The direction of the arrows is the flow direction of the refrigerant.

[0032] In addition, in Fig. 5, other refrigerant flow paths are omitted in order to clearly show primary flow path 1. In Fig. 6, other refrigerant flow paths are omitted in order to clearly show the inlet side of secondary flow path 2. In Fig. 7, other refrigerant flow paths are omitted in order to clearly show the outlet side of secondary flow path 2.

[0033] The CDU 100 includes a primary flow path 1 and a secondary flow path 2. The primary flow path 1 serves as a flow path for a primary refrigerant. The secondary flow path 2 serves as a flow path for a secondary refrigerant.

[0034] The CDU 100 includes a heat exchanger 3. The heat exchanger 3 is connected to a primary flow path 1 and a secondary flow path 2. The primary refrigerant and the secondary refrigerant flow into the heat exchanger 3 and flow out from the heat exchanger 3. The heat exchanger 3 exchanges heat between the primary refrigerant and the secondary refrigerant therein. The heat exchanger 3 uses a plate type heat exchange system, for example.

[0035] The CDU 100 includes a pump 4. The pump 4 is connected to a secondary flow path 2. The pump 4 has an internal flow path. When the pump 4 is driven, the secondary refrigerant is sucked into the internal flow path of the pump 4, and the secondary refrigerant is pumped out from the internal flow path of the pump 4. This causes the secondary refrigerant to circulate between the CDU 100 and the cold plate 1002. The number of pumps 4 is not particularly limited. For example, the number of pumps 4 is two. That is, the CDU 100 includes a plurality of pumps 4.

[0036] The CDU 100 includes a tank 5. The tank 5 stores a refrigerant to be used as a secondary refrigerant. The tank 5 is connected to the secondary flow path 2. The tank 5 is capable of supplying the refrigerant to the secondary flow path 2.

[0037] The CDU 100 includes a control circuit 6 and a power supply unit 7. The CDU 100 also includes a touch screen 8.

[0038] The CDU 100 includes a housing 9. The housing 9 has an accommodation area 90. The housing 9 accommodates a primary flow path 1, a secondary flow path 2, a heat exchanger 3, a pump 4, a tank 5, a control circuit 6, a power supply unit 7, and a touch screen 8 in the accommodation area 90.

[0039] <2-1. Cabinet> The accommodation area 90 has a generally rectangular shape with the X direction as the longitudinal direction and the Y direction as the transverse direction in a plan view from the Z direction. That is, the accommodation area 90 extends in the X direction and the Y direction which intersect with each other, and has a dimension longer in the X direction than in the Y direction. The Z direction is the depth direction of the accommodation area 90. The width (depth) of the accommodation area 90 in the Z direction is smaller than each of the widths of the accommodation area 90 in the X direction and the Y direction.

[0040] The housing 9 has a plurality of panels 91-96. The plurality of panels 91-96 are made of, for example, sheet metal. The plurality of panels 91-96 surround a housing area 90. That is, the housing 9 has an area surrounded by the plurality of panels 91-96 as the housing area 90.

[0041] The panels 91 and 92 are disposed facing each other in the X direction with the accommodation area 90 in between. The panel 91 is disposed on one side in the X direction. The panel 92 is disposed on the other side in the X direction. That is, the panel 91 covers the accommodation area 90 from one side in the X direction, thereby dividing the accommodation area 90. The panel 92 covers the accommodation area 90 from the other side in the X direction, thereby dividing the accommodation area 90. The panels 91 and 92 define the width of the accommodation area 90 in the X direction. In the following description, the panel 91 may be referred to as the rear panel 91 and the panel 92 as the front panel 92 to be distinguished from the other panels constituting the housing 9.

[0042] Panels 93 and 94 are arranged facing each other in the Y direction with storage area 90 in between. Panel 93 is arranged on one side in the Y direction. Panel 94 is arranged on the other side in the Y direction. That is, panel 93 divides storage area 90 by covering it from one side in the Y direction. Panel 94 divides storage area 90 by covering it from the other side in the Y direction. Panels 93 and 94 define the width of storage area 90 in the Y direction.

[0043] Panels 95 and 96 are arranged facing each other in the Z direction with storage area 90 in between. Panel 95 is arranged on one side in the Z direction. Panel 96 is arranged on the other side in the Z direction. That is, panel 95 divides storage area 90 by covering it from one side in the Z direction. Panel 96 divides storage area 90 by covering it from the other side in the Z direction. Panels 95 and 96 define the width of storage area 90 in the Z direction. Panel 95 serves as a lid that covers storage area 90 from above. Panel 96 serves as a bottom that covers storage area 90 from below.

[0044] The housing 9 has a housing primary inlet 91A. The housing primary inlet 91A is connected to the primary flow path 1 and serves as an inlet for the primary refrigerant into the inside of the CDU 100. The housing 9 has a housing primary outlet 91B. The housing primary outlet 91B is connected to the primary flow path 1 and serves as an outlet for the primary refrigerant from the inside of the CDU 100.

[0045] The housing 9 also has a housing secondary inlet 92A. The housing secondary inlet 92A is connected to the secondary flow path 2 and serves as an inlet for the secondary refrigerant into the interior of the CDU 100. The housing 9 has a housing secondary outlet 92B. The housing secondary outlet 92B is connected to the secondary flow path 2 and serves as an outlet for the secondary refrigerant from the interior of the CDU 100.

[0046] The housing primary inlet 91A is connected to a flow path FL11 extending from the cooling device 1001. The housing primary outlet 91B is connected to a flow path FL12 extending from the cooling device 1001. Then, the primary refrigerant flows from the cooling device 1001 into the inside of the CDU 100 through the housing primary inlet 91A. The primary refrigerant flows from the inside of the CDU 100 to the cooling device 1001 through the housing primary outlet 91B.

[0047] Further, the housing secondary inlet 92A is connected to a flow path FL22 extending from the cold plate 1002. The housing secondary outlet 92B is connected to a flow path FL21 extending from the cold plate 1002. This allows the secondary refrigerant to flow from the cold plate 1002 into the inside of the CDU 100 through the housing secondary inlet 92A. The secondary refrigerant flows out from the inside of the CDU 100 to the cold plate 1002 through the housing secondary outlet 92B.

[0048] The housing primary inlet 91A, the housing primary outlet 91B, the housing secondary inlet 92A, and the housing secondary outlet 92B are disposed on the rear panel 91. For example, the rear panel 91 has four openings penetrating in the X direction. From each of the four openings, a cylindrical member with its axial direction in the X direction protrudes from the rear panel 91 to one side in the X direction beyond the rear panel 91. The housing 9 has four cylindrical members protruding from the rear panel 91 to one side in the X direction as the housing primary inlet 91A, the housing primary outlet 91B, the housing secondary inlet 92A, and the housing secondary outlet 92B, respectively.

[0049] <2-2. Primary flow path> 5, the primary flow path 1 is composed of a manifold 1M and flow path pipes 11 to 13. The internal space of the manifold 1M serves as a flow path for the primary refrigerant, and the internal spaces of the flow path pipes 11 to 13 also serve as flow paths for the primary refrigerant.

[0050] The manifold 1M has one inlet (reference number omitted) and two outlets (reference numbers omitted). The primary refrigerant flowing in from the inlet of the manifold 1M branches inside the manifold 1M and flows out from each of the two outlets of the manifold 1M.

[0051] The flow path pipe 11 is a straight pipe that extends linearly in the X direction. One end of the flow path pipe 11 in the X direction is connected to the housing primary inlet 91A. The other end of the flow path pipe 11 in the X direction is connected to the inlet of the manifold 1M. The flow path pipe 11 causes the primary refrigerant flowing in from the housing primary inlet 91A (i.e., the cooling device 1001) to flow into the inlet of the manifold 1M.

[0052] The flow passage pipe 12 has a straight pipe portion and a bent pipe portion. The straight pipe portion of the flow passage pipe 12 extends linearly in the X direction. One side of the straight pipe portion of the flow passage pipe 12 in the X direction is connected to one of the outlets of the manifold 1M. The other side of the straight pipe portion of the flow passage pipe 12 in the X direction is connected to the bent portion of the flow passage pipe 12. The bent portion of the flow passage pipe 12 is an elbow that bends the flow direction of the primary refrigerant by 90° from the X direction to the Y direction. The bent portion of the flow passage pipe 12 is connected to the heat exchanger 3 in the Y direction. The bent portion of the flow passage pipe 12 bends the primary refrigerant flowing in the X direction through the straight pipe portion of the flow passage pipe 12 by 90° in the Y direction to flow into the heat exchanger 3.

[0053] The flow passage pipe 13 is an elbow that bends the flow direction of the primary refrigerant by 90° from the Y direction to the X direction. The flow passage pipe 13 is connected to the heat exchanger 3 in the Y direction, and is connected to the housing primary outlet 91B in the X direction. The flow passage pipe 13 bends the primary refrigerant flowing from the heat exchanger 3 in the Y direction by 90° in the X direction, and flows out of the housing primary outlet 91B.

[0054] The primary flow path 1 further has a bypass pipe 14. Of the two outlets of the manifold 1M, the outlet other than the outlet connected to the flow path pipe 12 is connected to the flow path pipe 13 via the bypass pipe 14. The bypass pipe 14 circulates the primary refrigerant from the manifold 1M to the flow path pipe 13.

[0055] The passage pipe 12 is provided with a control valve V1 for controlling the flow rate of the primary refrigerant in the passage pipe 12. The bypass pipe 14 is provided with a control valve V2 for controlling the flow rate of the primary refrigerant in the bypass pipe 14. In this configuration, the inflow rate of the primary refrigerant to the heat exchanger 3 can be adjusted by controlling the opening degrees of the control valves V1 and V2.

[0056] <2-3. Secondary flow path> The secondary flow path 2 is divided into an inlet side (see FIG. 6) and an outlet side (see FIG. 7). The inlet side of the secondary flow path 2 guides the secondary refrigerant from the housing secondary inlet 92a to the heat exchanger 3, and guides the secondary refrigerant from the heat exchanger 3 to the pump 4. The outlet side of the secondary flow path 2 guides the secondary refrigerant from the pump 4 to the housing secondary outlet 92B. Below, the secondary flow path 2 will be described separately for the inlet side and the outlet side.

[0057] 6, the inlet side of the secondary flow path 2 is composed of a manifold 2MA and flow path pipes 21 to 23. The internal space of the manifold 2MA becomes a flow path for the secondary refrigerant, and the internal spaces of the flow path pipes 21 to 23 also become flow paths for the secondary refrigerant.

[0058] The manifold 2MA has one inlet (symbol omitted) and multiple outlets (symbol omitted). The number of outlets of the manifold 2MA is the same as the number of pumps 4 installed. If the number of pumps 4 installed is two, the manifold 2MA has two outlets. The secondary refrigerant that flows in from one inlet of the manifold 2MA branches inside the manifold 2MA and flows out from each of the multiple outlets of the manifold 2MA.

[0059] The flow passage pipe 21 is an elbow that bends the flow direction of the secondary refrigerant by 90° from the X direction to the Y direction. The flow passage pipe 21 is connected to the housing secondary inlet 92A in the X direction, and is connected to the heat exchanger 3 in the Y direction. The flow passage pipe 21 bends the secondary refrigerant flowing in from the housing secondary inlet 92A in the X direction by 90° in the Y direction, causing it to flow into the heat exchanger 3.

[0060] The flow passage pipe 22 is L-shaped. In other words, the flow passage pipe 22 is a crank pipe. An upstream end of the flow passage pipe 22 in the refrigerant flow direction is connected to the heat exchanger 3 in the Y direction. A downstream end of the flow passage pipe 22 in the refrigerant flow direction is connected to the inlet of the manifold 2MA in the Z direction. The flow passage pipe 22 circulates the secondary refrigerant flowing in from the heat exchanger 3 in the X direction, and then bends the secondary refrigerant 90° in the Y direction to flow into the inlet of the manifold 2MA.

[0061] One flow passage pipe 23 is assigned to each pump 4. Each flow passage pipe 23 is a straight pipe extending in the X direction. One end of each flow passage pipe 23 on one side in the X direction is connected to a different outlet of the manifold 2MA. The other end of each flow passage pipe 23 on the other side in the X direction is connected to the corresponding pump 4. Each flow passage pipe 23 causes the secondary refrigerant to flow from the manifold 2MA to the corresponding pump 4.

[0062] 7, the outlet side of the secondary flow path 2 is composed of a manifold 2MB and flow path pipes 24 and 25. The manifold 2MB has multiple inlets (reference numerals omitted) and one outlet (reference numerals omitted). The number of inlets of the manifold 2MB is the same as the number of pumps 4 installed. If the number of pumps 4 installed is two, the manifold 2MB has two inlets. The secondary refrigerants flowing in from the multiple inlets of the manifold 2MB join inside the manifold 2MB and flow out from one outlet of the manifold 2MB.

[0063] One flow passage pipe 24 is assigned to each pump 4. Each flow passage pipe 24 is a straight pipe extending linearly in the X direction. One end of each flow passage pipe 24 on one side in the X direction is connected to a different inlet of the manifold 2MB. The other end of each flow passage pipe 24 on the other side in the X direction is connected to the corresponding pump 4. Each flow passage pipe 24 flows the secondary refrigerant from the corresponding pump 4 into the manifold 2Mb.

[0064] The flow path pipe 25 is a straight pipe that extends linearly in the X direction. One end of the flow path pipe 25 in the X direction is connected to the housing secondary outlet 92B. The other end of the flow path pipe 25 in the X direction is connected to the outlet of the manifold 2MB. The flow path pipe 25 circulates the secondary refrigerant from the outlet of the manifold 2MB to the housing secondary outlet 92B. As a result, the secondary refrigerant flows out from the housing secondary outlet 92B and flows into the cooling device 1001.

[0065] <2-4.Heat exchanger> The heat exchanger 3 has a plurality of heat transfer plates (not shown) stacked in the Y direction. The Y direction is the plate thickness direction of each heat transfer plate. Each heat transfer plate has a substantially rectangular shape with the X direction as the longitudinal direction and the Z direction as the short side direction.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 8, the heat exchanger 3 has a HEX housing 30. "HEX" is an abbreviation of "HEAT EXCHANGER". The HEX housing 30 supports a stack of heat transfer plates. The HEX housing 30 may be a member including a pair of cover plates that sandwich the stack of heat transfer plates in the Y direction. The HEX housing 30 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped having six outer surfaces. The HEX housing 30 has a pair of outer surfaces parallel to the XY plane, a pair of outer surfaces parallel to the YZ plane, and a pair of outer surfaces parallel to the ZX plane. The HEX housing 30 has the X direction as its longitudinal direction.

[0067] The heat exchanger 3 has a HEX primary inlet 31A, a HEX primary outlet 31B, a HEX secondary inlet 32A, and a HEX secondary outlet 32B. The HEX primary inlet 31A is connected to the primary flow path 1 and serves as an inlet for the primary refrigerant into the heat exchanger 3. The HEX primary outlet 31B is connected to the primary flow path 1 and serves as an outlet for the primary refrigerant from the heat exchanger 3. The HEX secondary inlet 32A is connected to the secondary flow path 2 and serves as an inlet for the secondary refrigerant into the heat exchanger 3. The HEX secondary outlet 32B is connected to the secondary flow path 2 and serves as an outlet for the secondary refrigerant from the heat exchanger 3.

[0068] The HEX primary inlet 31A, the HEX primary outlet 31B, the HEX secondary inlet 32A, and the HEX secondary outlet 32B are disposed on a flow path connection surface 300. The flow path connection surface 300 is one of the outer surfaces of the HEX housing 30. That is, the HEX housing 30 has the flow path connection surface 300 on which the HEX primary inlet 31A, the HEX primary outlet 31B, the HEX secondary inlet 32A, and the HEX secondary outlet 32B are disposed.

[0069] The primary refrigerant flows into the heat exchanger 3 from the HEX primary inlet 31A, and the primary refrigerant flows out from the heat exchanger 3 through the HEX primary outlet 31B. The secondary refrigerant flows into the heat exchanger 3 from the HEX secondary inlet 32A, and the secondary refrigerant flows out from the heat exchanger 3 through the HEX secondary outlet 32B.

[0070] Inside the heat exchanger 3, the surface of each heat transfer plate becomes a flow path for the refrigerant. Here, the heat transfer plates through which the primary refrigerant flows and the heat transfer plates through which the secondary refrigerant flows are stacked alternately. This allows the heat of the high-temperature refrigerant (i.e., the secondary refrigerant) to be transferred to the heat transfer plates, and then the heat is transferred to the low-temperature refrigerant (i.e., the primary refrigerant).

[0071] <2-5.Pump> The pump 4 has a pump rotor (not shown) on an internal flow path of the pump 4. The pump rotor rotates by power from a pump motor (not shown). The secondary refrigerant is sucked and pumped out as the pump rotor rotates. The type of the pump 4 is not particularly limited. Various pumps such as a centrifugal pump, a propeller pump, a rotary pump, a gear pump, and a screw pump can be used as the pump 4.

[0072] 9, the pump 4 has a pump body 40. The pump body 40 includes a pump motor, a pump rotor, and a pump cover that covers them.

[0073] The pump 4 also has a pump inlet 40A and a pump outlet 40B. The pump inlet 40A serves as an inlet through which the secondary refrigerant flows into the interior of the pump 4. The pump outlet 40B serves as an outlet through which the secondary refrigerant flows out of the interior of the pump 4. The pump inlet 40A and the pump outlet 40B are disposed in the pump body 40.

[0074] For example, the pump cover has a rear cover 400 that covers a pump motor, a pump rotor, and the like from one side in the X direction. The rear cover 400 is plate-shaped, and the X direction is the plate thickness direction. The rear cover 400 has two openings penetrating in the X direction. From each of the two openings, a cylindrical member with the X direction as its axial direction protrudes from the rear cover 400 to one side in the X direction. The pump 4 has two cylindrical members protruding from the rear cover 400 to one side in the X direction as a pump inlet 40A and a pump outlet 40B, respectively. That is, the pump inlet 40A and the pump outlet 40B open to one side in the X direction.

[0075] The pump 4 has a pump inlet side flow path 4A and a pump outlet side flow path 4B. The pump inlet side flow path 4A connects the pump inlet 40A and the secondary flow path 2. The pump inlet side flow path 4A is connected to a flow path pipe 23 that constitutes a part of the secondary flow path 2. The pump outlet side flow path 4B connects the pump outlet 40B and the secondary flow path 2. The pump outlet side flow path 4B is connected to a flow path pipe 24 that constitutes a part of the secondary flow path 2.

[0076] For example, the flow passage pipes 23 and 24 connected to the pump inlet side flow passage 4A and the pump outlet side flow passage 4B, respectively, are coupling sockets. The pump inlet side flow passage 4A and the pump outlet side flow passage 4B are detachable from the corresponding sockets (i.e., the flow passage pipes 23 and 24).

[0077] This makes the pump 4 detachable from the housing 9 in the X direction. For example, a pump opening (reference number omitted) for enabling the pump 4 to be detached is provided in the front panel 92. The pump 4 is attached to and detached from the housing 9 through the pump opening. When the pump 4 is attached to the housing 9, a part of the pump 4, such as the handle 41, is exposed from the pump opening. The handle 41 is held by a person attaching or detaching the pump 4.

[0078] <2-6.Tank> As shown in Fig. 10, the tank 5 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped having six outer surfaces. The tank 5 has a pair of outer surfaces parallel to the XY plane, a pair of outer surfaces parallel to the YZ plane, and a pair of outer surfaces parallel to the ZX plane. The X direction is the longitudinal direction of the tank 5. The tank 5 is flatter in the Z direction than the heat exchanger 3. The tank 5 has a space therein for storing a refrigerant.

[0079] The tank 5 has a tank-side supply port (not shown) on the outer surface on the other side in the Z direction. The secondary flow path 2 has a flow path-side supply port 20 (see FIG. 6) connected to the tank-side supply port. The flow path-side supply port 20 is arranged in a flow path pipe 22. This allows the refrigerant to be supplied from the tank 5 to the secondary flow path 2 via the flow path-side supply port 20. When the flow rate of the secondary refrigerant circulating through the cooling system 1000 decreases, the refrigerant is supplied from the tank 5 to the secondary flow path 2. This allows the flow rate of the secondary refrigerant circulating through the cooling system 1000 to be maintained constant.

[0080] For example, tank 5 has an inlet 51, a liquid level confirmation window 52, ​​and an air vent valve 53. Inlet 51 is used to refill tank 5 with refrigerant. Liquid level confirmation window 52 is made of a light-transmitting material, and is used to check the internal state of tank 5. Air vent valve 53 is used to release air inside tank 5 to the outside.

[0081] <2-7. Control circuit> The control circuit 6 (see Figs. 5 to 7) is mounted on a control board 60. The circuit mounted on the control board 60 constitutes the control circuit 6. On the control board 60, a microcomputer, a memory, and the like are mounted.

[0082] Although not shown, the control circuit 6 is connected to a temperature and humidity sensor that detects the temperature and humidity inside the CDU 100, as well as to a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the primary refrigerant and a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the secondary refrigerant. The control circuit 6 also controls the pump 4 and the opening degrees of the control valves V1 and V2.

[0083] <2-8. Power supply unit> The power supply unit 7 (see Figs. 4 to 7) includes a power supply circuit. The power supply unit 7 is connected to a commercial power supply and generates a DC voltage from an AC voltage. The power supply unit 7 supplies power to power-receiving parts that operate by receiving power supply, such as the pump 4, the control circuit 6, the control valves V1 and V2, and various sensors.

[0084] For example, the power supply unit 7 has a power supply terminal on one side in the X direction. For this reason, an opening for the power supply unit is provided in the rear panel 91. The power supply terminal of the power supply unit 7 is exposed to the outside from the housing area 90 through the power supply unit opening. Note that two power supply units 7 are installed. The two power supply units 7 are stacked in the Z direction.

[0085] <2-9.Touch screen> The touch screen 8 (see FIGS. 2 and 4) is connected to the control circuit 6. The control circuit 6 causes the touch screen 8 to display various information. For example, the touch screen 8 displays the operating status of the cooling system 1000. The touch screen 8 also displays the measured values ​​of the temperature and humidity sensor and the temperature sensor. The touch screen 8 is one of the power-receiving parts that operates by receiving power from the power supply unit 7.

[0086] The front panel 92 has an opening for a touch screen (reference number omitted). The display surface of the touch screen 8 is exposed to the outside from the housing area 90 through the opening for the touch screen.

[0087] <3. Layout of the containment area> <3-1. Positional relationship between heat exchanger and pump> Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the heat exchanger 3 and the pump 4 of the CDU 100 according to the embodiment. Fig. 11 corresponds to a plan view of the accommodation area 90 as viewed from one side (upper side) in the Z direction.

[0088] In this embodiment, the entire heat exchanger 3 is located on the Y-direction side of the pump 4. That is, the entire heat exchanger 3 does not face the pump 4 in the X-direction.

[0089] Specifically, in a plan view from the Z direction, the heat exchanger 3 is disposed along a panel 93 on one side in the Y direction. Meanwhile, the pump 4 is disposed along a panel 94 on the other side in the Y direction. That is, the entire heat exchanger 3 is located on one side in the Y direction from the pump 4. Note that in FIG. 11 , the Y direction range of the area in which the heat exchanger 3 is disposed is indicated by Ra, and the Y direction range of the area in which the pump 4 is disposed is indicated by Rb. As the entire heat exchanger 3 is located on one side in the Y direction from the pump 4, the range Ra does not overlap with the range Rb.

[0090] In this embodiment, the entire heat exchanger 3 is located on one side of the pump 4 in the Y direction, so that the heat exchanger 3 does not face the pump 4 in the X direction. Specifically, the heat exchanger 3 is disposed adjacent to the panel 91 on one side of the X direction and adjacent to the panel 93 on one side of the Y direction. Therefore, it is not necessary to secure a space for disposing the pump 4 in the region of the accommodation area 90 on the other side of the heat exchanger 3 in the X direction, and the size of the heat exchanger 3 in the longitudinal direction can be increased accordingly. That is, the surface area of ​​each heat transfer plate of the heat exchanger 3 can be increased. The larger the size of the heat exchanger 3, the more points of thermal contact between the primary refrigerant and the secondary refrigerant in the heat exchanger 3 are, so that the cooling performance of the heat exchanger 3 (the performance of cooling the secondary refrigerant) is improved. As a result, the cooling performance of the CDU 100 is improved.

[0091] A plurality of pumps 4 are disposed in the accommodation region 90. The plurality of pumps 4 are arranged in the Y direction.

[0092] For this reason, in this embodiment, the entire heat exchanger 3 is located on one side in the Y direction relative to the pumps 4 on one side in the y direction among the multiple pumps 4. In other words, the entire heat exchanger 3 is located on the Y direction side relative to any of the pumps 4. In this configuration, even if there are multiple pumps 4, the size of the heat exchanger 3 can be increased. Also, by positioning the multiple pumps 4 closer to the other side in the Y direction relative to the heat exchanger 3, the piping of the primary flow path 1 and the secondary flow path 2 becomes easier.

[0093] Moreover, the pump inlet 40A and the pump outlet 40B are each a cylindrical member protruding to one side in the X direction from the pump body 40. The pump inlet side flow path 4A is connected to the pump inlet 40A in the X direction, and the pump outlet side flow path 4B is connected to the pump outlet 40B in the X direction.

[0094] In this embodiment, the pump inlet side flow path 4A and the pump outlet side flow path 4B extend in the X direction on the Y direction side of the heat exchanger 3. The pump inlet side flow path 4A extends from the pump body 40 to one side in the X direction, and the pump outlet side flow path 4B extends from the pump body 40 to one side in the X direction. This makes it easy to route the secondary flow path 2 in a region of the accommodation area 90 on one side of the pump 4 in the X direction. Also, when the pump 4 is to be attached or detached to or from the housing 9, it is necessary to move the pump 4 in the X direction, but this makes it easy to attach or detach the pump 4.

[0095] <3-2. Secondary flow path routing> 7, in the secondary flow path 2, a portion connecting the housing secondary outlet 92B and the pump outlet 40B extends in the X direction on the Y direction side (specifically, on one side in the Y direction) of the heat exchanger 3. Note that, in the secondary flow path 2, a portion connecting the housing secondary outlet 92B and the pump outlet 40B is the flow path pipe 24 and the flow path pipe 25. With this configuration, it is possible to easily obtain the secondary flow path 2 (outlet side) that reaches from the pump 4 to the housing secondary outlet 92B.

[0096] <3-3. Heat exchanger orientation> 5 to 8, in this embodiment, the flow path connection surface 300 faces the other side in the Y direction. Here, the flow path connection surface 300 is a surface having the HEX primary inlet 31A, the HEX primary outlet 31B, the HEX secondary inlet 32A, and the HEX secondary outlet 32B. That is, the HEX primary inlet 31A, the HEX primary outlet 31B, the HEX secondary inlet 32A, and the HEX secondary outlet 32B face the other side in the Y direction.

[0097] In this configuration, the primary flow path 1 can be easily connected to the heat exchanger 3 (specifically, the HEX primary inlet 31A and the HEX primary outlet 31B). Also, the secondary flow path 2 can be easily connected to the heat exchanger 3 (specifically, the HEX secondary inlet 32A and the HEX secondary outlet 32B). Also, since the heat exchanger 3 is disposed adjacent to the panels 91 and 93, the HEX primary inlet 31A, the HEX primary outlet 31B, the HEX secondary inlet 32A, and the HEX secondary outlet 32B are concentrated on the flow path connection surface 300, which makes it easier to increase the size of the heat exchanger 3.

[0098] <3-4. Location of control circuit> In this embodiment, the heat exchanger 3 and the pump 4 do not face each other in the X direction. That is, an area in the accommodation area 90 where the pump 4 does not exist is generated on the X direction side of the heat exchanger 3. Neither the primary flow path 1 nor the secondary flow path 2 is arranged in this area.

[0099] 5 to 7, in this embodiment, the control circuit 6 is disposed in an area of ​​the accommodation area 90 on the X-direction side of the heat exchanger 3. Specifically, the heat exchanger 3 is disposed on one side in the X-direction along the rear panel 91. This creates a space in which the control circuit 6 can be disposed in an area of ​​the accommodation area 90 on the other side of the heat exchanger 3 in the X-direction, and the control circuit 6 is disposed in that space.

[0100] Here, the arrangement space for the control circuit 6 is smaller than the arrangement space for the pump 4. As a result, even if the control circuit 6 is arranged in the region of the accommodation area 90 on the other side of the heat exchanger 3 in the X direction, this does not prevent the heat exchanger 3 from being enlarged in the X direction. In other words, the heat exchanger 3 can be enlarged while ensuring the arrangement space for the control circuit 6.

[0101] In this embodiment, the control circuit 6 is disposed in a region of the accommodation area 90 on the Y-direction side of the pump 4. That is, the control circuit 6 is disposed in a region of the accommodation area 90 on the other side of the heat exchanger 3 in the X-direction and on one side of the pump 4 in the Y-direction.

[0102] In this configuration, the control circuit 6 has a smaller dimension in the X direction than the pump 4. This makes it easy to arrange the control circuit 6 in a region of the accommodation area 90 on the other side of the heat exchanger 3 in the X direction and on one side of the pump 4 in the Y direction.

[0103] For example, the control board 60 is disposed so that the mounting surface of the control board 60 is perpendicular to the Z direction. However, this is not limited to this. The control board 60 may be disposed so that the mounting surface of the control board 60 is perpendicular to the X direction or the Y direction.

[0104] The arrangement space for the control circuit 6 is the space on the other side in the X direction of the heat exchanger 3 and the tank 5 and on one side in the Y direction of the pump 4, and does not include the primary flow path 1 and the secondary flow path 2. Furthermore, the arrangement space for the control circuit 6 is partitioned by a side of the heat exchanger 3 with no piping connections, a side of the tank 5 with no piping connections, and a side of the pump 4 with no piping connections. This makes it possible to prevent adverse effects on the control circuit 6 due to liquid leakage.

[0105] Furthermore, the touch screen 8 is disposed in the space on the other side of the heat exchanger 3 in the X direction. Specifically, the touch screen 8 is adjacent to the other side of the control circuit 6 in the X direction. This makes it easy to connect the touch screen 8 to the control circuit 6 without affecting the insertion and removal of the pump 4.

[0106] <3-5. Power supply unit placement> Fig. 12 is a plan view of the CDU 100 according to the embodiment, seen from one side in the X direction. In Fig. 12, the position of the heat exchanger 3 is indicated by a dashed line.

[0107] 5 to 7, in this embodiment, the power supply unit 7 is located on the Y-direction side of the heat exchanger 3 and on the X-direction side of the pump 4. This allows the power supply unit 7 to be easily disposed in the accommodation area 90 without interfering with the heat exchanger 3 and the pump 4.

[0108] In this embodiment, the heat exchanger 3 is disposed on one side in the Y direction, and the power supply unit 7 is disposed on the other side in the Y direction with a gap therebetween from the heat exchanger 3. Then, as shown in Fig. 12, the housing primary inlet 91A, the housing primary outlet 91B, the housing secondary inlet 92A, and the housing secondary outlet 92B are disposed between the heat exchanger 3 and the power supply unit 7 in the Y direction in a plan view from the X direction. This allows at least a portion of the primary flow path 1 to be routed between the heat exchanger 3 and the power supply unit 7 in the Y direction, and allows at least a portion of the secondary flow path 2 to be routed between the heat exchanger 3 and the power supply unit in the Y direction.

[0109] <3-6.Tank placement> 4 and 10, in this embodiment, the tank 5 is disposed on one side in the Z direction (i.e., the upper side) of the heat exchanger 3, with at least a portion of the tank 5 overlapping the heat exchanger 3 in the Z direction. In a plan view from the Z direction, a portion of the tank 5 protrudes from the heat exchanger 3, and the portion of the tank 5 protruding from the heat exchanger 3 is connected to the flow path pipe 22 in the Z direction. In other words, the tank 5 is connected to the secondary flow path 2 in the Z direction.

[0110] In this configuration, air bubbles in the secondary flow path 2 are easily collected in the tank 5. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of air bubbles in the secondary flow path 2. In addition, since the heat exchanger 3 and the tank 5 do not overlap in the horizontal direction, the size of the heat exchanger 3 can be easily increased.

[0111] The tank 5 is located on one side in the Z direction (i.e., the upper side) of the secondary flow path 2. A connection port between the tank 5 and the secondary flow path 2 is provided on the other side (i.e., the lower side) of the tank 5 in the Z direction. Therefore, even if the amount of refrigerant inside the tank 5 is reduced, the refrigerant can be supplied from the tank 5 to the secondary flow path 2.

[0112] <3-7. Positional relationship between the primary and secondary flow paths> FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the primary flow path 1 and the secondary flow path 2 of the CDU 100 according to the embodiment, viewed from the side opposite to the heat exchanger 3 side.

[0113] The secondary refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger 3 via the secondary flow path 2 has a higher temperature than the primary refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger 3 via the primary flow path 1. In addition, at least a part of the secondary flow path 2 overlaps with the primary flow path 1 in the Z direction. In other words, at least a part of the secondary flow path 2 is disposed in the vicinity of the primary flow path 1. For this reason, condensation may occur on the outer circumferential surface of the primary flow path 1 due to the temperature difference between the primary flow path 1 and the secondary flow path 2, and water droplets may fall from the outer circumferential surface of the primary flow path 1.

[0114] Therefore, in this embodiment, the secondary flow path 2 is located on one side in the Z direction relative to the primary flow path 1. In other words, the secondary flow path 2 is located above the primary flow path 1. In this configuration, even if water droplets fall from the outer circumferential surface of the primary flow path 1, the water droplets do not adhere to the outer circumferential surface of the secondary flow path 2. This makes it possible to suppress, for example, malfunction of a sensor disposed in the secondary flow path 2 caused by water droplets adhering to the sensor.

[0115] A leak sensor may be provided in each of the primary flow path 1 and the secondary flow path 2. This makes it possible to detect leakage in each of the primary flow path 1 and the secondary flow path 2.

[0116] <4.Other> The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. Note that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. The present invention can be implemented by adding various modifications within the scope of the gist of the invention. In addition, the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner.

[0117] The present invention can have the following configurations (1) to (11).

[0118] (1) a primary flow path for a primary refrigerant; a secondary flow path that serves as a flow path for a secondary refrigerant; a heat exchanger connected to the primary flow path and the secondary flow path; a pump connected to the secondary flow path; a housing having a storage area; The storage area extends in a first direction and a second direction that intersect with each other, and has a dimension in the first direction that is longer than the dimension in the second direction; the housing accommodates the primary flow path, the secondary flow path, the heat exchanger, and the pump in the accommodation area; A refrigerant circulation device, wherein the heat exchanger is entirely located on one side of the pump in the second direction.

[0119] (2) A plurality of the pumps are provided, The refrigerant circulation device according to (1), wherein the heat exchanger is entirely located on one side of any of the pumps in the second direction.

[0120] (3) The pump comprises: a pump inlet serving as an inlet for the secondary refrigerant; a pump outlet serving as an outlet for the secondary refrigerant; a pump inlet side flow passage connecting the pump inlet and the secondary flow passage; a pump outlet side flow passage connecting the pump outlet and the secondary flow passage, The refrigerant circulation device according to (1) or (2), wherein the pump inlet side flow path and the pump outlet side flow path extend in the first direction on a side of the heat exchanger in the second direction.

[0121] (4) The housing has a housing secondary outlet which is an outlet for the secondary refrigerant, The refrigerant circulation device according to (3), wherein a portion of the secondary flow path connecting the housing secondary outlet and the pump outlet extends in the first direction on the second direction side of the heat exchanger.

[0122] (5) The heat exchanger is entirely located on one side of the pump in the second direction, The heat exchanger includes: A HEX primary inlet connected to the primary flow path and serving as an inlet for the primary refrigerant; A HEX primary outlet connected to the primary flow path and serving as an outlet for the primary refrigerant; A HEX secondary inlet connected to the secondary flow path and serving as an inlet for the secondary refrigerant; A HEX secondary outlet connected to the secondary flow path and serving as an outlet for the secondary refrigerant; a HEX housing having a flow path connection surface in which the HEX primary inlet, the HEX primary outlet, the HEX secondary inlet, and the HEX secondary outlet are arranged; The refrigerant circulation device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the flow path connection surface faces the other side of the second direction.

[0123] (6) A control circuit is provided. the housing accommodates the control circuit in the accommodation area; The refrigerant circulation device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the control circuit is disposed in a region of the accommodation region on the first direction side of the heat exchanger.

[0124] (7) The control circuit is disposed in a region of the accommodation region on the second direction side of the pump, The refrigerant circulation device according to (6), wherein the control circuit has a smaller dimension in the first direction than the pump.

[0125] (8) A power supply unit is provided. the housing accommodates the power supply unit in the accommodation area; The refrigerant circulation device according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the power supply unit is located on the second direction side of the heat exchanger and on the first direction side of the pump.

[0126] (9) The heat exchanger is disposed on one side in the second direction, the power supply unit is disposed on the other side of the heat exchanger in the second direction at a distance from the heat exchanger, The housing includes: a housing primary inlet connected to the primary flow path and serving as an inlet for the primary refrigerant; a housing primary outlet connected to the primary flow path and serving as an outlet for the primary refrigerant; a housing secondary inlet connected to the secondary flow path and serving as an inlet for the secondary refrigerant; a housing secondary outlet connected to the secondary flow path and serving as an outlet for the secondary refrigerant; The refrigerant circulation device described in (8), wherein the housing primary inlet, the housing primary outlet, the housing secondary inlet and the housing secondary outlet are arranged between the heat exchanger and the power supply unit in the second direction.

[0127] (10) A tank for storing a refrigerant used as the secondary refrigerant, The housing accommodates the tank in the accommodation area, the tank is disposed on one side of the heat exchanger in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, and at least a portion of the tank overlaps the heat exchanger in the third direction; The refrigerant circulation device according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the tank is connected to the secondary flow path in the third direction.

[0128] (11) The secondary refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger through the secondary flow path has a temperature higher than that of the primary refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger through the primary flow path, The refrigerant circulation device according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the secondary flow path is located on one side of the primary flow path in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction. [Industrial Applicability]

[0129] The present invention can be used, for example, in a refrigerant circulation device installed in a cooling system for cooling electronic devices and electronic components. [Explanation of symbols]

[0130] 1 Primary flow path 2 Secondary flow path 3 Heat exchanger 4. Pump 4A Pump inlet side flow path 4B Pump outlet side flow path 5. Tank 6 Control Circuit 7 Power supply unit 9. Cabinet 30 HEX case 31A HEX primary entrance 31B HEX primary exit 32A HEX secondary entrance 32B HEX secondary exit 40A Pump Inlet 40B Pump outlet 90 Containment Area 91A Primary Enclosure Inlet 91B Primary enclosure exit 92A Secondary Enclosure Inlet 92B Secondary Enclosure Exit 300 Flow path connection surface

Claims

1. a primary flow path that serves as a flow path for a primary refrigerant; a secondary flow path that serves as a flow path for a secondary refrigerant; a heat exchanger connected to the primary flow path and the secondary flow path; a pump connected to the secondary flow path; a housing having a storage area; The storage area extends in a first direction and a second direction that intersect with each other, and has a dimension in the first direction that is longer than the dimension in the second direction; the housing accommodates the primary flow path, the secondary flow path, the heat exchanger, and the pump in the accommodation area; A refrigerant circulation device, wherein the heat exchanger is entirely located on one side of the pump in the second direction.

2. A plurality of the pumps are provided, The refrigerant circulation device according to claim 1 , wherein the heat exchanger is entirely located on one side of any of the pumps in the second direction.

3. The pump comprises: a pump inlet serving as an inlet for the secondary refrigerant; a pump outlet serving as an outlet for the secondary refrigerant; a pump inlet side flow passage connecting the pump inlet and the secondary flow passage; a pump outlet side flow passage connecting the pump outlet and the secondary flow passage, The refrigerant circulation device according to claim 1 , wherein the pump inlet side flow path and the pump outlet side flow path extend in the first direction on a side of the heat exchanger in the second direction.

4. The housing has a housing secondary outlet which is an outlet for the secondary refrigerant, The refrigerant circulation device according to claim 3 , wherein a portion of the secondary flow path that connects the housing secondary outlet and the pump outlet extends in the first direction on a side of the heat exchanger in the second direction.

5. the heat exchanger is entirely located on one side of the pump in the second direction, The heat exchanger includes: A HEX primary inlet connected to the primary flow path and serving as an inlet for the primary refrigerant; A HEX primary outlet connected to the primary flow path and serving as an outlet for the primary refrigerant; A HEX secondary inlet connected to the secondary flow path and serving as an inlet for the secondary refrigerant; A HEX secondary outlet connected to the secondary flow path and serving as an outlet for the secondary refrigerant; a HEX housing having a flow path connection surface in which the HEX primary inlet, the HEX primary outlet, the HEX secondary inlet, and the HEX secondary outlet are disposed; The refrigerant circulation device according to claim 1 , wherein the flow passage connection surface faces the other side of the second direction.

6. A control circuit is provided, the housing accommodates the control circuit in the accommodation area; The refrigerant circulation device according to claim 1 , wherein the control circuit is arranged in a region of the accommodation area on the first direction side of the heat exchanger.

7. The control circuit is disposed in a region of the accommodation region on the second direction side of the pump, The refrigerant circulation device according to claim 6 , wherein the control circuit has a smaller dimension in the first direction than the pump.

8. Equipped with a power supply unit, the housing accommodates the power supply unit in the accommodation area; The refrigerant circulation device according to claim 1 , wherein the power supply unit is located on the second direction side of the heat exchanger and on the first direction side of the pump.

9. The heat exchanger is disposed on one side in the second direction, the power supply unit is disposed on the other side of the heat exchanger in the second direction at a distance from the heat exchanger, The housing includes: a housing primary inlet connected to the primary flow path and serving as an inlet for the primary refrigerant; a housing primary outlet connected to the primary flow path and serving as an outlet for the primary refrigerant; a housing secondary inlet connected to the secondary flow path and serving as an inlet for the secondary refrigerant; a housing secondary outlet connected to the secondary flow path and serving as an outlet for the secondary refrigerant; The refrigerant circulation device according to claim 8 , wherein the housing primary inlet, the housing primary outlet, the housing secondary inlet and the housing secondary outlet are disposed between the heat exchanger and the power supply unit in the second direction.

10. A tank for storing a refrigerant used as the secondary refrigerant, The housing accommodates the tank in the accommodation area, the tank is disposed on one side of the heat exchanger in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, and at least a portion of the tank overlaps the heat exchanger in the third direction; The refrigerant circulation device according to claim 1 , wherein the tank is connected to the secondary flow path in the third direction.

11. the secondary refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger via the secondary flow path is at a higher temperature than the primary refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger via the primary flow path; The refrigerant circulation device according to claim 1 , wherein the secondary flow path is located on one side of the primary flow path in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Coolant distribution unit

    US20220248570A1