Pump system, refrigerant circulation device and control device

Abstract

To provide a technology capable of preventing backflow of a refrigerant.SOLUTION: A pump system comprises a housing, a plurality of pumps, and a control unit. The housing has an opening, and a fluid flow path. The plurality of pumps are insertable into and removable from the housing through the opening, and are connected to a flow path when attached to the housing. When the control unit recognizes that a second pump other than a first pump among the plurality of pumps has been connected to the flow path while the first pump that is a part of the plurality of pumps is operating, it stops operation of the first pump for a specific period of time. The control unit controls supply of power to the second pump for the specific period of time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a pump system, a refrigerant circulation device, and a control device.

[0002] In a refrigerant circulation unit (hereinafter also referred to as "CDU") according to the related art, multiple pumps are connected in parallel to a refrigerant flow path. Each of the multiple pumps can be inserted into or removed from the housing of the CDU. With this configuration, in the CDU, while some pumps are operating (i.e., circulating the refrigerant), other pumps can be inserted into or removed from the housing (see Patent Document 1 below). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2023 / 059922 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the CDU of the background art, because multiple pumps are connected in parallel to the flow path, there is a risk of the refrigerant flowing backward. Specifically, when a pump is attached to a housing while the refrigerant is circulating in the CDU, there is a risk that the refrigerant circulating inside the housing will flow backward into the attached pump.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology capable of preventing backflow of refrigerant. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A pump system according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a housing, a plurality of pumps, and a control unit. The housing has an opening and a fluid flow path. The plurality of pumps are insertable into and removable from the housing through the opening, and are connected to the flow path when attached to the housing. When the control unit recognizes that a second pump other than the first pump among the plurality of pumps is connected to the flow path while a first pump that is one of the plurality of pumps is operating, the control unit stops operation of the first pump for a specific time. The control unit controls the supply of power to the second pump during the specific time.

[0007] A refrigerant circulation device according to a second aspect of the present disclosure includes the pump system described above, wherein the fluid is a refrigerant.

[0008] A control device according to a third aspect of the present disclosure is capable of controlling a plurality of pumps. The plurality of pumps are insertable and removable through openings in a housing, and when attached to the housing, are connected to a fluid flow path provided in the housing. The control device includes a stop control unit and a power supply control unit. When the stop control unit recognizes that a second pump other than the first pump among the plurality of pumps is connected to the flow path while a first pump that is one of the plurality of pumps is operating, the stop control unit stops operation of the first pump for a specific time. The power supply control unit controls the supply of power to the second pump during the specific time. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a technology capable of preventing backflow of refrigerant. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a cooling system 100. As shown in FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the CDU 1 and the pump system 13 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing pumps 19a and 19b inserted into and removed from housing 11. As shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing the operation of the CDU 1 and the pump system 13 shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the CDU 1 and pump system 13 shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the problems and effects of the CDU 1 and pump system 13 shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the CDU 1 and the pump system 13 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the main parts of the CDU 1 and the pump system 13 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the periphery of the power supply unit 16 shown in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modified example of the CDU 1 and the main parts of the pump system 13 according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0012] [Cooling system 100] 1, the cooling system 100 includes, as components, a refrigerant circulation unit (hereinafter also referred to as "CDU") 1, a distribution manifold 2, a collection manifold 3, at least one cold plate 4, a cooling device 6, and flow paths 7 and 8. These components cool at least one heat source 5 installed in a space A01.

[0013] If the cooling system 100 is provided with one cold plate 4, the cooling system 100 does not need to include the distribution manifold 2 and the collection manifold 3.

[0014] Among the components, the CDU 1, the distribution manifold 2, the collection manifold 3, and the plurality of cold plates 4 are installed in a space A01. The space A01 is, for example, a server room.

[0015] [Heat source 5, rack 9] A rack 9 is provided in the space A01. A plurality of heat sources 5 are housed in the rack 9. Each heat source 5 is typically an electronic component or an electronic device. The electronic component is a component that constitutes an electronic device, and includes, for example, a central processing unit (so-called CPU), an electrolytic capacitor, a power semiconductor module, or a printed circuit board. The electronic component operates when powered and generates heat. The electronic device is a rack-mounted server or a blade server. The electronic device may also be a projector, a personal computer, or a display.

[0016] [CDU1] The CDU 1 can be distributed on the market as a component of the cooling system 100. When distributed as the cooling system 100, the cooling device 6 and the flow paths 7 and 8 may be removed from the cooling system 100. The CDU 1 may also be distributed on the market independently. In the first embodiment, the CDU 1 is housed in, for example, a rack 9 when in use. However, this is not limiting, and the CDU 1 may also be installed outside the rack 9 when in use.

[0017] The CDU 1 includes a housing 11. The housing 11 includes an exterior body and a frame, and the exterior body separates the internal space of the CDU 1 from the external space of the CDU 1. The housing 11 has a primary inlet 11a, a primary outlet 11b, a secondary inlet 11c, and a secondary outlet 11d in the exterior body.

[0018] A low-temperature primary refrigerant C1 flows into the primary inlet 11a through the flow path 7. A high-temperature secondary refrigerant C2 flows into the secondary inlet 11c from the collection manifold 3. The CDU 1 exchanges heat between the primary refrigerant C1 (low temperature) flowing into the CDU 1 through the primary inlet 11a and the secondary refrigerant C2 (high temperature) flowing into the CDU 1 through the secondary inlet 11c using a heat exchanger 12 (see FIG. 2). As a result, within the CDU 1, thermal energy of the primary refrigerant C1 is transferred to the secondary refrigerant C2. Specifically, the temperature of the secondary refrigerant C2 is lower when it flows out of the CDU 1 than when it flows into the CDU 1. The CDU 1 pumps the low-temperature secondary refrigerant C2 from the secondary outlet 11d toward the distribution manifold 2 using a pump system 13 (see FIG. 2). The CDU 1 sends the high-temperature primary refrigerant C1 to the flow path 8 from the primary outlet 11b.

[0019] [Primary refrigerant C1, secondary refrigerant C2] The primary refrigerant C1 is a fluid such as a coolant. Examples of the coolant include antifreeze and pure water. Typical examples of antifreeze are an ethylene glycol aqueous solution and a propylene glycol aqueous solution. The secondary refrigerant C2 is a fluid of the same type as or different from the primary refrigerant C1. At least one of the primary refrigerant C1 and the secondary refrigerant C2 may be a gas refrigerant. The secondary refrigerant C2 is an example of the "fluid" or "refrigerant" in the present disclosure.

[0020] [Distribution manifold 2] In FIG. 1, the distribution manifold 2 has a common flow path 21 and a plurality of individual flow paths 22. Note that, for ease of explanation, only two individual flow paths 22 are shown in FIG. 1. Fluid can flow between the common flow path 21 and each individual flow path 22. One end T21 of the common flow path 21 is connected to the secondary outlet 11d and is used as a fluid inlet in the distribution manifold 2. One end T22a of each individual flow path 22 is connected to the common flow path 21. The other end T22b of each individual flow path 22 is used as an outlet for the secondary refrigerant C2 in the distribution manifold 2 and is individually connected to the inlet 41 of the cold plate 4. Therefore, the secondary refrigerant C2 (low temperature) that flows into the inlet (i.e., one end T21) of the distribution manifold 2 first flows within the common flow path 21, is divided into each individual flow path 22, and then flows out from each outlet (i.e., the other end T22b) of the distribution manifold 2.

[0021] In each embodiment, the term "connected" means "connected so that fluid can flow" unless there is an additional wording that explains "connected."

[0022] [Cold Plate 4] 1, each cold plate 4 is in thermal contact with at least one heat source 5. A secondary refrigerant C2 (low temperature) flows inside each cold plate 4. Specifically, each cold plate 4 is arranged to be in direct thermal contact with the heat source 5. Each cold plate 4 may be arranged to be in thermal contact with the heat source 5 via, for example, a thermally conductive sheet (not shown). In other words, the term "thermal contact" includes both the meanings of "direct thermal contact" and "indirect thermal contact."

[0023] Each cold plate 4 has an inlet 41, an outlet 42, and an internal flow path 43 for the secondary refrigerant C2. The internal flow path 43 connects the inlet 41 and the outlet 42. The secondary refrigerant C2 (low temperature) flows into the inlet 41 from the individual flow paths 22 connected to the inlet 41. The secondary refrigerant C2 flows through the internal flow path 43 to the outlet 42. Therefore, the thermal energy generated in the heat source 5 is transferred to the secondary refrigerant C2 flowing through the internal flow path 43 of the cold plate 4, which is in thermal contact with the heat source 5. As a result, the heat source 5 is cooled, and the temperature of the secondary refrigerant C2 increases. The secondary refrigerant C2 (high temperature) flows out from the outlet 42 to the individual flow paths 31 of the collection manifold 3.

[0024] [Collection Manifold 3] In FIG. 1, the collection manifold 3 has a plurality of individual flow paths 31 and a common flow path 32. For ease of explanation, only two individual flow paths 31 are shown in FIG. 1. Fluid can flow through each of the individual flow paths 31 and the common flow path 32. One end T31a of each individual flow path 31 is connected to an outlet 42 as an inlet for the fluid in the collection manifold 3. The other end T31b of each individual flow path 31 is connected to the common flow path 32. One end T32 of the common flow path 32 is used as an outlet for the fluid in the collection manifold 3 and is connected to the secondary inlet 11c. Therefore, the secondary refrigerant C2 that flows from the cold plate 4 into each inlet (i.e., one end T31a) of the collection manifold 3 joins in the common flow path 32 and flows out from one end (i.e., one end T32) of the collection manifold to the secondary inlet 11c of the CDU 1. Thus, secondary refrigerant C2 circulates through CDU 1, distribution manifold 2, cold plate 4 and collection manifold 3, in that order.

[0025] [Cooling device 6] 1, the cooling device 6 is installed, for example, outside the space A01. The cooling device 6 may be installed either indoors or outdoors. The cooling device 6 is, for example, a chiller or a cooling tower. The cooling device 6 includes an inlet 61, an outlet 62, and an internal flow path 63 for the primary refrigerant C1, a cooling unit 64, and a pump 65. The internal flow path 63 connects the inlet 61 and the outlet 62. The cooling unit 64 and the pump 65 are each inserted into the internal flow path 63.

[0026] The primary refrigerant C1 that flows into the inlet 61 flows into the cooling unit 64 through a flow path. The cooling unit 64 cools the primary refrigerant C1 that flows into the cooling unit 64. The cooling method in the cooling unit 64 may be either an air-cooling method or a water-cooling method. The primary refrigerant C1 that flows out of the cooling unit 64 flows into the pump 65 through the internal flow path 63. The pump 65 pumps the primary refrigerant C1 that flows into the pump 65 toward the outlet 62. In FIG. 1 , the pump 65 is located between the cooling unit 64 and the outlet 62 in the internal flow path 63. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the pump 65 may be located between the outlet 62 and the cooling unit 64 in the internal flow path 63.

[0027] [Detailed configuration of CDU 1 (first embodiment)] 2, the CDU 1 includes a housing 11, a heat exchanger 12, and a pump system 13. The housing 11 may be regarded as a component of the pump system 13.

[0028] [Heat exchanger 12] The heat exchanger 12 is, for example, a plate-type heat exchanger, and is mounted on a frame or the like of the housing 11. The heat exchanger 12 has a plurality of heat transfer plates (i.e., a stack of heat transfer plates) 12a stacked in the same direction, an inlet 12b, an outlet 12c, and a flow path 12d for the primary refrigerant C1, and an inlet 12e, an outlet 12f, and a flow path 12g for the secondary refrigerant C2. Therefore, the flow paths 12d and 12g are arranged inside the housing 11.

[0029] In each embodiment, the term "install" means "fixing an object to a specific location."

[0030] The inlets 12b and 12e and the outlets 12c and 12f are located at, for example, one end of the stack 12a. A flow path 12d is formed in the stack 12a, and allows the primary refrigerant C1 to flow from the inlet 12b to the outlet 12c. A flow path 12g is formed in the stack 12a, and allows the secondary refrigerant C2 to flow from the inlet 12e to the outlet 12f.

[0031] The primary refrigerant C1 flows from inlet 12b into flow path 12d in stack 12a and flows through flow path 12d in stack 12a toward outlet 12c. The secondary refrigerant C2 flows from inlet 12e into flow path 12g in stack 12a and flows through flow path 12g in stack 12a toward outlet 12f.

[0032] Furthermore, within the laminate 12a, the high-temperature secondary refrigerant C2 and the low-temperature primary refrigerant C1 flow through the flow paths 12d and 12g while being physically isolated from each other. Each heat transfer plate constituting the laminate 12a is made of a material with a relatively low heat transfer resistance. Therefore, within the laminate 12a, heat exchange occurs between the primary refrigerant C1 (low temperature) and the secondary refrigerant C2 (high temperature). That is, the heat exchanger 12 exchanges heat between the primary refrigerant C1 and the secondary refrigerant C2. As a result of the heat exchange, the thermal energy of the secondary refrigerant C2 is transferred to the primary refrigerant C1. That is, the secondary refrigerant C2 is at a lower temperature when it flows out of the outlet 12f than when it flows into the inlet 12e.

[0033] [Pump System 13] In addition to the housing 11, the pump system 13 includes a primary flow path 14, a secondary flow path 15, a power supply unit 16, an operation display unit 17, a main body control unit 18, pumps 19a and 19b, and transmission paths 23 and 24. The pumps 19a and 19b are examples of the "plurality of pumps" of the present disclosure.

[0034] [Primary flow path 14] The primary flow path 14 is installed inside the housing 11. The primary flow path 14 is a piping for the primary refrigerant C1 in the CDU 1. The primary flow path 14 is mainly composed of pipes 14a and 14b, the inlet 12b, the flow path 12d, and the outlet 12c described above.

[0035] Pipe 14a connects primary inlet 11a and inlet 12b. Pipe 14b connects outlet 12c and primary outlet 11b. Note that primary flow path 14 may include a joint or a valve in addition to pipes 14a and 14b.

[0036] [Secondary flow path 15] The secondary flow path 15 is provided in the housing 11 and the pumps 19a and 19b. That is, the housing 11 has the secondary flow path 15. The secondary flow path 15 is an example of a "fluid flow path" in the present disclosure. The secondary flow path 15 is a piping for the secondary refrigerant C2 in the CDU 1. The secondary flow path 15 is mainly composed of pipes 15a to 15k, tee fittings 15A and 15B, coupling sockets 15C to 15F, coupling plugs 15G to 15J, pump stators 15K and 15L, and the aforementioned inlet 12e, flow path 12g, and outlet 12f.

[0037] Each of the tee fittings 15A, 15B has a first connection port, a second connection port, and a third connection port, which are connected to each other by a flow path to allow fluid to flow therethrough.

[0038] In the first embodiment, the coupling is a joint for connecting pipes. The sockets 15C to 15F have, for example, the same specifications as one another. The plugs 15G to 15J have, for example, the same specifications as one another. The sockets 15C to 15F are detachably connected to the plugs 15G to 15J, respectively. The sockets 15C to 15F each have a valve that opens when the plugs 15G to 15J are attached. The valves close when the plugs 15G to 15J are removed from the sockets 15C to 15F, respectively.

[0039] [Pumps 19a, 19b] Pumps 19a and 19b can also be connected to the secondary flow path 15. Two pumps 19a and 19b are shown in Fig. 2. However, any number of pumps may be used.

[0040] Pump 19a includes, as its components, plugs 15G and 15H, pipes 15d and 15e, pump stator 15K, pump control unit 191a, and a pump rotor and pump motor (not shown). Pump stator 15K has an inlet, an outlet, and a cavity (not shown). In pump 19a, the pump rotor is supported within the cavity. The pump rotor can be rotated by driving force generated by the pump motor under the control of pump control unit 191a. As the pump rotor rotates, fluid flows into the cavity through the inlet of pump stator 15K and is pumped out through the outlet of pump stator 15K.

[0041] The pump control unit 191a includes electronic circuits such as a microcomputer and a memory (not shown), etc. In the pump control unit 191a, the microcomputer controls the operation of the pump motor in accordance with a program stored in the memory.

[0042] Pump 19b includes, as its components, plugs 15I and 15J, pipes 15h and 15i, pump stator 15L, pump control section 191b, and a pump rotor and pump motor (not shown). Pump 19b is similar to pump 19a in terms of its components. Therefore, a detailed description of pump 19b will be omitted.

[0043] [Details of secondary flow path 15] Pipe 15a connects secondary inlet 11c and inlet 12e. Pipe 15b connects outlet 12f and the first connecting port of tee fitting 15A. Pipe 15c connects the second connecting port of tee fitting 15A and socket 15C. Pipe 15d connects plug 15G and the suction port of pump stator 15K. Pipe 15e connects the discharge port of pump stator 15K and plug 15H. Pipe 15f connects socket 15D and the first connecting port of tee fitting 15B.

[0044] Pipe 15g connects the third connection port of tee fitting 15A to socket 15E. Pipe 15h connects plug 15I to the suction port of pump stator 15L. Pipe 15i connects the discharge port of pump stator 15L to plug 15J. In this way, pumps 19a and 19b are connected to secondary flow path 15. Pipe 15j connects socket 15F to the second connection port of tee fitting 15B.

[0045] The pipe 15k connects the third connection port of the tee joint 15B to the secondary outlet 11d.

[0046] [Power Supply Unit 16] The power supply unit 16 is installed within the housing 11 or is detachable from the housing 11. The power supply unit 16 includes a power supply circuit and the like. An AC voltage is supplied to the power supply unit 16 from an external power source. The external power source is, for example, a commercial power source or an uninterruptible power supply. The power supply unit 16 generates two types of DC voltages, namely, a first DC voltage and a second DC voltage, from the supplied AC voltage. The first DC voltage is higher than the second DC voltage. The first DC voltage is supplied to, for example, pumps 19a and 19b. The second DC voltage is supplied to, for example, the main body control unit 18 and pump control units 191a and 191b.

[0047] [Operation display section 17] The operation display unit 17 is, for example, a touch screen. The touch screen includes a display and a touch sensor. The operation display unit 17 displays various images under the control of the main body control unit 18.

[0048] [Main unit control unit 18] The main body control unit 18 is an integrated circuit including electronic circuits such as a microcomputer and a memory (not shown). The main body control unit 18 is an example of a "control device" in the present disclosure. Each microcomputer controls the components of the CDU 1 and the pump system 13 according to a program stored in the memory.

[0049] [Transmission paths 23, 24] Transmission path 23 has cables 23a and 23b and connectors 23c and 23d as its components. Cable 23a connects an input / output terminal of main body control unit 18 to connector 23c. Cable 23b connects an input / output terminal of pump control unit 191a to connector 23d. Connectors 23c and 23d are detachable from each other, and electrically connect and disconnect cables 23a and 23b from each other.

[0050] The transmission path 24 includes cables 24a and 24b and connectors 24c and 24d as its components. The components of the transmission path 24 are similar to those of the transmission path 23. Therefore, a detailed description of the transmission path 24 will be omitted.

[0051] [Details of the housing 11 and pumps 19a and 19b] 3, the housing 11 has openings 111a and 111b as an example of the "opening" of the present disclosure. In the first embodiment, the housing 11 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The openings 111a and 111b are formed side by side on the exterior body of the housing 11. Storage spaces 112a and 112b extend in the first direction D01 from the openings 111a and 111b toward the inside of the housing 11. The storage spaces 112a and 112b are shaped so as to be able to accommodate the pumps 19a and 19b, respectively.

[0052] The housing 11 has partition walls 113a and 113b that divide the storage spaces 112a and 112b. The partition walls 113a and 113b extend substantially parallel to the first direction D01. The partition walls 113a and 113b are provided with guide rails (not shown) that can guide the pumps 19a and 19b in the first direction D01 and a second direction D02 that is the opposite direction to the first direction D01. The sockets 15C and 15D and the connector 23c are located at the back of the storage space 112a in the first direction D01 as viewed from the opening 111a. The sockets 15E and 15F and the connector 24c are located at the back of the storage space 112b in the first direction D01 as viewed from the opening 111b.

[0053] The pumps 19a and 19b can be inserted into and removed from the housing 11 through the openings 111a and 111b. The pumps 19a and 19b are connected to the secondary flow path 15 when attached to the housing 11.

[0054] Pumps 19a and 19b further include housings 192a and 192b. Housings 192a and 192b have substantially the same rectangular parallelepiped shape. Housing 192a has plugs 15G and 15H and a connector 23d on a surface that becomes an end in the first direction D01 when pump 19a is inserted or removed. Housing 192b has plugs 15I and 15J and a connector 24d on a surface that becomes an end in the first direction D01 when pump 19b is inserted or removed. Note that plugs 15G and 15I are not shown in FIG. 3 due to the viewing direction.

[0055] More specifically, when the housings 192a and 192b are attached to the housing 11, an external force applied by an operator moves the housings 192a and 192b from the openings 111a and 111b toward the interior of the accommodation spaces 112a and 112b in the first direction D01. During this time, the housings 192a and 192b are guided by the guide rails of the partition walls 113a and 113b. When the housing 192a reaches the interiormost position in the accommodation space 112a in the first direction D01, the plugs 15G and 15H are connected to the sockets 15C and 15D. Almost simultaneously, the connectors 23c and 23d connect the cables 23a and 23b to each other. When the housing 192b reaches the interiormost position in the accommodation space 112b in the first direction D01, the plugs 15I and 15J are connected to the sockets 15E and 15F. At approximately the same time, connectors 24c and 24d connect cables 24a and 24b to each other, thereby enabling pumps 19a and 19b to take in secondary refrigerant C2 from the upstream side of secondary flow path 15 and pump the secondary refrigerant C2 to the downstream side.

[0056] On the other hand, when removing the housings 192a and 192b from the housing spaces 112a and 112b, the housings 192a and 192b move in the second direction D02 through the openings 111a and 111b and toward the outside of the housing 11 due to an external force applied by an operator.

[0057] [Pump System 13 Operation] Hereinafter, the operation of the pump system 13 when the pumps 19a and 19b are attached will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0058] In the pump system 13, with the pumps 19a and 19b attached to the housing 11, an operator turns on the main power supply of the CDU 1. After the main power supply is turned on, the power supply unit 16 starts supplying DC voltage to each component of the CDU 1. Thereafter, the main body control unit 18 sends a command (hereinafter also referred to as a "start command") to each of the pump control units 191a and 191b to start the operation of the pumps 19a and 19b.

[0059] In response to receiving a start command, the pump control units 191a and 191b start the operation of the pumps 19a and 19b. Specifically, the pump control units 191a and 191b output PWM signals Sa and Sb (see FIG. 4) pulse-width modulated at a predetermined duty ratio to the pump motors of the pumps 19a and 19b. As a result, the pump motors of the pumps 19a and 19b generate power to rotate the pump rotors. As a result, the secondary refrigerant C2 flows into the CDU 1 from the secondary inlet 11c, flows through the secondary flow path 15, and flows out from the secondary outlet 11d. The primary refrigerant C1, which is pumped from the cooling device 6 (see FIG. 1), flows into the primary inlet 11a of the CDU 1. The primary refrigerant C1 flows through the primary flow path 14 and flows out from the primary outlet 11b.

[0060] In the pump system 13, when the main power supply of the CDU 1 is turned off by an operator, the main body control unit 18 sends a command (hereinafter also referred to as a "stop command") to each of the pump control units 191a, 191b to stop the operation of the pumps 19a, 19b.

[0061] In response to receiving the stop command, the pump control units 191a and 191b stop the operation of the pumps 19a and 19b. Specifically, the pump control units 191a and 191b stop outputting the PWM signals Sa and Sb (see FIG. 4) to the pump motors of the pumps 19a and 19b.

[0062] Incidentally, a malfunction may occur in one of the multiple pumps 19a, 19b during operation of the CDU 1. When an operator recognizes the malfunction, he or she performs a predetermined operation (hereinafter also referred to as a "first specific operation") on the operation and display unit 17 in order to replace the malfunctioning pump.

[0063] The main body control unit 18 receives a first specific operation by the operator through the operation display unit 17 (step S101 in FIG. 5). Receipt of the first specific operation triggers the main body control unit 18 to display a dialog box for replacing the malfunctioning pump (hereinafter also referred to as a "replacement start image") on the operation display unit 17 (step S101).

[0064] The display of the replacement start image prompts the operator to specify the pump to be replaced. The operator specifies the pump to be replaced from among the plurality of pumps 19a, 19b using operation display unit 17. In the following description, it is assumed that the pump to be replaced is pump 19b.

[0065] Next, the main body control unit 18 accepts designation of the pump 19b to be replaced through the operation display unit 17 (step S102). Triggered by the acceptance of the designation, the main body control unit 18 transmits a stop command to the pump control unit 191b to stop operation of the pump 19b to be replaced (step S102).

[0066] The pump control unit 191b, triggered by receiving the stop command, stops transmitting the PWM signal Sb and stops the operation of the pump 19b (step S103, see time T01 in FIG. 4). The pump 19a continues to operate even after time T01. In other words, even if a malfunction occurs in one of the multiple pumps 19a, 19b, the operation of the CDU 1 does not stop. In other words, the availability of the CDU 1 does not decrease.

[0067] The stop of operation of pump 19b reduces the refrigerant flow rate in secondary flow path 15. To compensate for the reduced refrigerant flow rate, main body control unit 18 preferably transmits a command to pump control unit 191a to increase the discharge rate of a pump other than pump 19b (i.e., pump 19a). Triggered by receiving the command, pump control unit 191a transmits a PWM signal Sa with a larger duty ratio, thereby increasing the discharge rate of pump 19a.

[0068] After pump 19b has stopped operating, the worker removes pump 19b from housing 11. This disconnects plugs 15I and 15J from sockets 15E and 15F, and disconnects connector 24d from connector 24c. In addition, the power supply from power supply unit 16 to pump 19b is also stopped (see time T02 in FIG. 4).

[0069] Thereafter, the worker inserts a new pump 19b, which is different from the replaced pump 19b, into the accommodation space 112b through the opening 111b (see time T03 in FIG. 4). In the new pump 19b, the plugs 15I and 15J are eventually connected to the sockets 15E and 15F. Almost simultaneously, in the new pump 19b, the connectors 24c and 24d are electrically connected to each other, and as a result, the cable 24b and the cable 24a on the housing 11 side are interconnected. In addition, the power supply unit 16 starts supplying power to the new pump 19b.

[0070] Here, when plugs 15I and 15J of the new pump 19b are connected to sockets 15E and 15F, the valves of sockets 15E and 15F open. The new pump 19b does not contain secondary refrigerant C2. Therefore, when the new pump 19b is attached to the housing 11, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 6, while pump 19a is running, the secondary refrigerant C2 is pumped by pump 19a from socket 15D of the secondary flow path 15 to pipe 15f. As a result, in the new pump 19b, the secondary refrigerant C2 flows back from socket 15F to plug 15J. This reduces the pressure of the secondary refrigerant C2 in the secondary flow path 15, degrading the cooling performance of the CDU 1.

[0071] Therefore, in the first embodiment, after executing step S102, that is, when the main body control unit 18 recognizes that a new pump 19b other than the pump 19a has been connected to the secondary flow path 15 while the pump 19a, which is one of the multiple pumps 19a and 19b, is in operation, the main body control unit 18 starts measuring a predetermined waiting time Tw (see FIG. 4) (step S103). The pump 19a is an example of a "first pump" in the present disclosure, and the pump 19b is an example of a "second pump" in the present disclosure.

[0072] In addition, in step S103, the main body control unit 18 recognizes that the new pump 19b is connected to the secondary flow path 15 because the connector 24d of the new pump 19b is electrically connected to the connector 24c on the housing 11 side.

[0073] The waiting time Tw is determined through experiments and simulations during the development stage of the CDU 1. Generally, an operator may push the new pump 19b into the housing 11 while shaking it to ensure that the connector 24d and plugs 15I and 15J of the new pump 19b are securely inserted into the connector 24c and sockets 15E and 15F. As a result, the connectors 24c and 24d may repeatedly be electrically connected and electrically disconnected. In the first embodiment, the waiting time Tw is set so that step S106 and subsequent steps are executed with the connectors 24c and 24d electrically connected.

[0074] After the standby time Tw (see FIG. 4) has elapsed, the main body control unit 18 causes the pump control unit 191a to stop the operation of the pump 19a for a specific time Ts (see FIG. 4) and controls the power supply to the new pump 19b during the specific time Ts (steps S104 to S106 in FIG. 5). In this embodiment, the main body control unit 18 stops the operation of the pump 19a after recognizing that the new pump 19b has been connected to the secondary flow path 15. Therefore, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 6, the flow of the secondary refrigerant C2 through the secondary flow path 15 is temporarily stopped, which makes it possible to reduce the secondary refrigerant C2 from flowing back from the socket 15F side into the plug 15J of the new pump 19b. As a result, a decrease in the cooling performance of the CDU 1 is suppressed.

[0075] Furthermore, stopping the operation of the pump 19a after the waiting time Tw has elapsed further reduces the deterioration of the cooling performance of the CDU 1 compared to not providing the waiting time Tw, because if the waiting time Tw is not provided, the main body control unit 18 is more likely to repeatedly start and stop the specific time Ts due to repeated electrical connection and disconnection of the connectors 24c and 24d when attaching a new pump 19b to the housing 11.

[0076] The specific time Ts is determined through experiments and simulations during the development stage of the CDU 1. More specifically, in the new pump 19b, a certain amount of time (hereinafter also referred to as the "required time") is required from the start of power supply until the power becomes stable. The specific time Ts is the required time plus a margin.

[0077] Specifically, in step S104, the main body control unit 18, triggered by the lapse of the standby time Tw (see FIG. 4), transmits a stop command to the pump control unit 191a to stop the operation of the pump 19a, and starts timing the specific time Ts (see time T04 in FIG. 4). In response to receiving the stop command, the pump control unit 191a stops the operation of the pump 19a.

[0078] In step S105, the main body control unit 18 controls the power supply to the new pump 19b. Specifically, the main body control unit 18 starts the power supply to the new pump 19b.

[0079] In step S106, when the power supplied to the new pump 19b is stabilized, the main body control unit 18 restarts the stopped pump 19a. This shortens the time that the operation of the pump 19a is stopped. In this embodiment, the main body control unit 18 transmits a start command to the pump control unit 191a in response to the lapse of the specific time Ts (see time T05 in FIG. 4). The pump control unit 191a, triggered by receiving the start command, restarts outputting the PWM signal Sa (see FIG. 4) to the pump motor of the pump 19a. This restarts the operation of the pump 19a.

[0080] In the first embodiment, in step S106, the power supplied to the new pump 19b is deemed to have stabilized after the specific time Ts has elapsed, and therefore there is no need to monitor the power supplied to the new pump 19b. Note that instead of restarting the stopped pump 19a after the specific time Ts has elapsed, the main body control unit 18 may monitor the power supplied to the new pump 19b, and when the monitoring result indicates that the power has stabilized, restart the stopped pump 19a.

[0081] After step S106, that is, after the power supplied to the new pump 19b has stabilized, the main body control unit 18 operates the new pump 19b (steps S107 to S109), thereby ensuring that the new pump 19b operates.

[0082] More specifically, in step S107, the main body control unit 18 displays an operation start image on the operation display unit 17. The operation start image is a dialogue for allowing the operator to specify whether or not it is OK to start the operation of the new pump 19b.

[0083] When the operation start image is displayed, the operator operates the operation display unit 17 to specify whether or not it is OK to start the operation of the new pump 19b.

[0084] When the operator operates the operation display unit 17 to specify that it is OK to start operation of the pump 19b (Yes in step S108), the main body control unit 18 transmits a start command to the pump control unit 191b (step S109, see time T06 in FIG. 4). In response to receiving the start command, the pump control unit 191b starts operation of the pump 19b. In the first embodiment, the operation start image prompts the operator to operate, so the operator can easily recognize the timing when the pump 19b is ready to operate.

[0085] The main body control unit 18 may operate both the pumps 19a and 19b in step S106 without executing steps S107 to S109.

[0086] [Detailed configuration of CDU 1 (second embodiment)] As shown in FIG. 7, the CDU 1 of the second embodiment differs from the CDU 1 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 2) in that the pump system 13 further includes control valves 51A, 51B, a temperature sensor 52, and a flow rate sensor 53, which are examples of the "plurality of components" of the present disclosure.

[0087] The control valves 51A and 51B are located, for example, midway through the pipes 15f and 15j of the secondary flow path 15. The opening degrees of the control valves 51A and 51B are controlled by the main body control unit 18, thereby adjusting the flow rate of the secondary refrigerant C2 in the pipes 15f and 15j.

[0088] The temperature sensor 52 is located, for example, in the pipe 15k of the secondary flow path 15, and outputs to the main body control unit 18 information indicating the temperature of the secondary refrigerant C2 flowing in the pipe 15k (hereinafter also referred to as "temperature information").

[0089] The flow rate sensor 53 is located, for example, in the pipe 15k of the secondary flow path 15, and outputs to the main body control unit 18 information indicating the flow rate of the secondary refrigerant C2 flowing in the pipe 15k (hereinafter also referred to as "flow rate information").

[0090] In addition to the temperature sensor 52 and the flow rate sensor 53, one pressure sensor may be disposed midway along each of the pipes 15f and 15j of the secondary flow path 15. The two pressure sensors detect the pressure of the secondary refrigerant 2C pumped by the pumps 19a and 19b located upstream of the respective pressure sensors.

[0091] The main body control unit 18 adjusts the opening degree of each of the control valves 51A and 51B based on, for example, at least one of the temperature information and the flow rate information.

[0092] The control valves 51A, 51B, the temperature sensor 52, and the flow rate sensor 53 operate on a DC voltage (i.e., power) supplied from the power supply unit 16. In the second embodiment, the pump system 13 further includes a common substrate 54, a plurality of individual substrates 55A to 55D, and a plurality of first electric wires 56A to 56D, as shown in FIG.

[0093] A first wiring 541 for power transmission is formed on the common substrate 54. In detail, a terminal block 542 and a plurality of connectors 543A to 543D are further mounted on the common substrate 54. An electric wire 161 extending from the power supply unit 16 is connected to the terminal block 542. The first wiring 541 is formed on the common substrate 54 by printing or the like, and electrically connects the terminal block 542 to each of the connectors 543A to 543D. Each of the connectors 543A to 543D is sometimes called a board-to-board connector, and is electrically connected to one of the individual substrates 55A to 55D by inserting one of the individual substrates 55A to 55D into it.

[0094] Each of the individual substrates 55A to 55D is electrically connected to the first wiring 541. Second wiring 552 for power transmission is formed on each of the individual substrates 55A to 55D. More specifically, connectors 553 and 554 are further mounted on each of the individual substrates 55A to 55D. Each connector 553 is sometimes called a board-to-board connector, and is electrically connected to the connectors 543A to 543D by being inserted into the connectors 543A to 543D of the common substrate 54. The second wiring 552 is formed on the individual substrates 55A to 55D by printing or the like, and electrically connects the connectors 553 and 554. Therefore, by inserting each connector 553 into one of the connectors 543A to 543D of the common substrate 54, the second wiring 552 is electrically connected to the first wiring 541.

[0095] The first electric wires 56A to 56D are for power transmission and are electrically connected to the second wirings 552. The first electric wires 56A to 56D electrically connect the connectors 554 on the individual boards 55A to 55D to the control valves 51A and 51B, the temperature sensor 52, and the flow rate sensor 53 (i.e., the "plurality of components" in the present disclosure).

[0096] In the second embodiment, the DC voltage of the power supply unit 16 is supplied to multiple components (control valves 51A and 51B, temperature sensor 52, and flow sensor 53) via the common board 54 and individual boards 55A to 55D. This reduces the total length of the cord-like power lines for supplying power to multiple components inside the housing 11. Furthermore, because the total length of the cord-like power lines is reduced, it becomes easier to assemble multiple components inside the CDU 1 and pump system 13.

[0097] 8, the pump system 13 further includes second electric wires 555A and 555B for transmitting electric power. The second electric wires 555A and 555B electrically connect the power supply unit 16 to the connectors 23c and 24c. The connectors 23c and 24c are examples of the "first connector" of the present disclosure.

[0098] Furthermore, the pump 19a further includes a pump board 193A as a component, in addition to the connector 23d and the cable 23b.

[0099] In the second embodiment, cable 23b is, for example, a flat cable that bundles a communication line and a power line. Connector 23d is an example of a "second connector" of the present disclosure, and cable 23b is an example of a "pump wire" of the present disclosure. Connector 23d is electrically connected to connector 23c when pump 19a is attached to housing 11 (see FIG. 7), thereby connecting second wire 555A and the power line of cable 23b.

[0100] The pump board 193A is installed in the housing 192a (see FIG. 3) and is electrically connected to the cable 23b. The pump board 193A also has a pump control unit 191a mounted thereon. The pump control unit 191a receives power from the power supply unit 16 via the power line of the cable 23b. With this configuration, the pump board 193A can be moved from the inside to the outside of the accommodation space 112a through the opening 111a by inserting or removing the pump 19a.

[0101] Pump 19b further includes a pump board 193B as a component, in addition to connector 24d and cable 24b. Pump 19b is similar to pump 19a in terms of components. Therefore, detailed description of pump 19b will be omitted.

[0102] In the second embodiment, the DC voltage of the power supply unit 16 is applied to the pump 19a via connectors 23c and 23d, and to the pump 19b via connectors 24c and 24d. In other words, the DC voltage is applied to the pumps 19a and 19b by attaching the pumps 19a and 19b to the housing 11. This makes it possible to provide a user-friendly pump system 13.

[0103] As described above, the power supply unit 16 generates a DC voltage from an AC voltage supplied from an external power supply. The power supply unit 16 supplies the generated DC voltage (i.e., power) to the first wiring 541.

[0104] 9, the power supply unit 16 has a casing 162 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The casing 162 houses the above-mentioned power supply circuit and the like. The common board 54 is indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 9. The common board 54 is also shown in perspective to make the power supply unit 16 easier to see. The common board 54 is arranged along one surface 163 of the substantially rectangular parallelepiped casing 162 within the housing 11. This allows the length of the electric wires 161 leading from the power supply unit 16 to the common board 54 to be shortened.

[0105] [Variations] In the second embodiment, the connectors 554 on the individual boards 55A to 55D are electrically connected to the control valves 51A and 51B, the temperature sensor 52, and the flow rate sensor 53 by the first electric wires 56A to 56D. However, this is not limiting, and as shown in Fig. 10, instead of the individual board 55A and the control valve 51Atp being electrically connected by the first electric wire 56A, the main body control unit 18 may be mounted on the individual board 55A, and the second wiring 552 may electrically connect the connectors 553 and the main body control unit 18.

[0106] In addition, in FIG. 10, the control valves 51A, 51B, the temperature sensor 52, and the flow rate sensor 53 may be electrically connected to the first wiring 541 of the common substrate 54, either via individual substrates or without via individual substrates.

[0107] The embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the components disclosed in the above embodiments can be modified as appropriate. For example, some of the components shown in one embodiment may be added to the components of another embodiment, or some of the components shown in one embodiment may be deleted from the embodiment.

[0108] Furthermore, the drawings mainly show each component in a schematic manner to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each component shown in the drawings may differ from the actual configuration due to the convenience of creating the drawings. Furthermore, the configuration of each component shown in the above embodiment is an example and is not particularly limited, and it goes without saying that various modifications are possible within a scope that does not substantially deviate from the effects of the present disclosure.

[0109] The present technology can also employ the following configuration.

[0110] (1) a housing having an opening and a fluid flow path; a plurality of pumps that are insertable into and removable from the housing through the opening and are connected to the flow path by being attached to the housing; Control unit and Equipped with The control unit When it is recognized that a second pump other than the first pump among the plurality of pumps is connected to the flow path during operation of a first pump that is one of the plurality of pumps, the operation of the first pump is stopped for a specific time; A pump system that controls the supply of power to the second pump during the specified time period.

[0111] (2) The pump system described in (1), wherein when the control unit recognizes that the second pump is connected to the flow path, it stops operation of the first pump for the specified time after a predetermined waiting time has elapsed.

[0112] (3) The pump system described in (1) or (2), wherein the control unit restarts the stopped first pump when the power supplied to the second pump becomes stable.

[0113] (4) A pump system according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the control unit operates the second pump after the power supplied to the second pump has stabilized.

[0114] (5) The power supply system further includes an operation display unit that displays a screen for allowing a user to specify, by operation, whether or not to start operation of the second pump after the power supplied to the second pump has stabilized; A pump system described in any one of (1) to (4), wherein the control unit operates the second pump when the user operation specifies that the second pump may start operating.

[0115] (6) a common substrate on which a first wiring for power transmission is formed; a plurality of individual substrates on which second wiring for power transmission is formed and which are electrically connected to the first wiring; a plurality of first electric wires for power transmission electrically connected to the plurality of second wirings; A plurality of components connected to the plurality of first electric wires The pump system according to any one of (1) to (5), further comprising:

[0116] (7) a second electric wire for transmitting electric power; a first connector electrically connected to the second electric wire; The pump a second connector that is electrically connected to the first connector when the pump is attached to the housing; a pump electric wire that is an electric wire for power transmission and is electrically connected to the second connector; a pump board that is a board electrically connected to the pump electric wire; The pump system according to (6), comprising:

[0117] (8) The device further includes a power supply unit having a casing and supplying power to the first wiring. The pump system according to (6) or (7), wherein the common substrate is arranged along a surface of the casing.

[0118] (9) A pump system according to any one of (1) to (8), The fluid is a refrigerant.

[0119] (10) A control device that can be inserted into and removed from a housing through an opening, and that can control a plurality of pumps connected to fluid flow paths provided in the housing by being attached to the housing, a stop control unit that stops operation of a first pump that is one of the plurality of pumps for a specific time when it recognizes that a second pump other than the first pump among the plurality of pumps is connected to the flow path during operation of the first pump that is one of the plurality of pumps; and a power supply control unit that controls the supply of power to the second pump during the specified time period; A control device comprising: [Industrial Applicability]

[0120] The technology disclosed herein is suitable for refrigerant circulation devices and the like, and has industrial applicability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0121] 1: Refrigerant circulation device 11: Housing 13: Pump system 14: Primary flow path 15: Secondary flow path (flow path) 16: Power supply unit 161:Electric wire 162: Casing 17: Operation display section 18: Main body control unit (control unit, control device) 19a, 19b: Pump (multiple pumps, first pump, second pump) 23,24: Transmission line 23b, 24b: Cable (pump wire) 23c, 24c: Connector (first connector) 23d, 24d: Connector (second connector) 193A, 193B: Pump board 54: Common board 541: First wiring 55A~55D: Individual boards 552:Second wiring 56A~56D: First electric wire 555A, 555B: Second wire

Claims

1. a housing having an opening and a fluid flow path; a plurality of pumps that are insertable into and removable from the housing through the opening and are connected to the flow path by being attached to the housing; Control unit and Equipped with The control unit When it is recognized that a second pump other than the first pump among the plurality of pumps is connected to the flow path during operation of a first pump that is one of the plurality of pumps, the operation of the first pump is stopped for a specific time; A pump system that controls the supply of power to the second pump during the specified time period.

2. 2. The pump system according to claim 1, wherein when the control unit recognizes that the second pump is connected to the flow path, the control unit stops operation of the first pump for the specified time after a predetermined waiting time has elapsed.

3. The pump system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit restarts the stopped first pump when the power supplied to the second pump becomes stable.

4. The pump system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit operates the second pump after the power supplied to the second pump becomes stable.

5. an operation display unit that displays a screen for allowing a user to specify, by a user operation, whether or not to start operation of the second pump after the power supplied to the second pump has stabilized; The pump system according to claim 4 , wherein the control unit operates the second pump when the user operation specifies that the second pump may be started.

6. a common substrate on which a first wiring for power transmission is formed; a plurality of individual substrates on which second wiring for power transmission is formed and which are electrically connected to the first wiring; a plurality of first electric wires for power transmission electrically connected to the plurality of second wirings; a plurality of components connected to the plurality of first electric wires; The pump system of claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

7. a second electric wire for transmitting power; a first connector electrically connected to the second electric wire; The pump a second connector that is electrically connected to the first connector when the pump is attached to the housing; a pump electric wire that is an electric wire for power transmission and is electrically connected to the second connector; a pump board that is a board electrically connected to the pump electric wire; The pump system of claim 6 , comprising:

8. a power supply unit having a casing and configured to supply power to the first wiring; The pump system according to claim 6 , wherein the common substrate is disposed along a surface of the casing.

9. A pump system according to claim 1 or 2, The fluid is a refrigerant.

10. A control device that can be inserted into and removed from a housing through an opening, and that can control a plurality of pumps connected to fluid flow paths provided in the housing by being attached to the housing, a stop control unit that stops operation of a first pump that is one of the plurality of pumps for a specific time when it recognizes that a second pump other than the first pump among the plurality of pumps is connected to the flow path during operation of the first pump that is one of the plurality of pumps; and a power supply control unit that controls the supply of power to the second pump during the specified time period; A control device comprising:

Images