Liquid Immersion Cooling Platform with Local Cooling and Fluid Quality Detection

Abstract

A liquid immersion cooling system and a method of operating the system are described. The system can include a management system including a processor and memory; a tank configured to hold a thermally conductive dielectric fluid; a computer component configured to be at least partially immersed in the dielectric fluid; and a fluid circulation system having a pump and valve system. In one exemplary embodiment, the management system is configured to instruct the pump and valve system to draw the dielectric fluid from the tank, pass the dielectric fluid through a heat exchanger, and return the dielectric fluid to the tank.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 346,061, filed May 26, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This application is related to PCT Publication WO200 / 102090, filed Nov. 11, 2019, titled “Liquid Immersion Cooling Platform,” owned by TMGCore, LLC, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Field of the Disclosure The present disclosure relates to a liquid immersion cooling system adapted for a home computing device, for example, a liquid immersion cooling system including a control system for optimizing the temperature of the system.

Background Art

[0004] Conventional computing and / or server systems utilize air to cool various components of these systems. Conventional liquid - cooled or water - cooled computers utilize a flowing liquid to draw heat away from computer components, but avoid direct contact between the computer components and the liquid itself. The development of non - conductive and / or dielectric fluids enables the use of immersion cooling, where computer components and other electronic devices can be submerged in a dielectric or non - conductive liquid to draw heat directly from the components to the liquid. Immersion cooling can be used to reduce the total energy required to cool computer components and can also reduce the amount of space and equipment required for adequate cooling.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] Liquid immersion cooling systems are implemented for various computing needs. Therefore, it is beneficial to describe an immersion cooling system that can be easily adapted for local cooling of a dielectric fluid and on-demand filtration.

[0006] Advantageously, the present application relates to an exemplary immersion cooling system and a method for operating the system. In one exemplary embodiment, the system includes a management system including a processor and a memory; a tank capable of holding a thermally conductive dielectric fluid; a computer component that can be at least partially submerged in the dielectric fluid; and a fluid circulation system including a pump and valve system. In this example, the management system can instruct the pump and valve system to draw the dielectric fluid from the tank, pass the dielectric fluid through a heat exchanger, and return the dielectric fluid to the tank.

[0007] In one example, the system can include sensors, and the management system can receive sensor data from the sensors and instruct the pump and valve system based on the data. In one example, the sensor data is the fluid level in the tank. In one example, the management system can add dielectric fluid to the tank when the sensor data falls below a threshold amount. In one example, the system includes a chassis, and the computer component is disposed within the chassis. In one example, the system includes RFID tags on the chassis or the computer component. In one example, the tank includes an RFID scanner configured to transmit or receive radio frequency waves and detect the RFID tags. In one example, the management system is configured to determine an inventory of a plurality of computer components within the tank based on data detected by the RFID scanner.

[0008] In one example, the chassis further includes a fan or a pump for circulating the dielectric fluid within the chassis. In one example, the sensor data includes the tank temperature of the dielectric fluid in the tank, the chassis temperature of the dielectric fluid in the chassis, and the computer component temperature of the computer components. In one example, the management system can instruct the pump and valve system to circulate the dielectric fluid based on the tank temperature, the chassis temperature, and the computer component temperature. In one example, the fluid circulation system is configured to circulate the dielectric fluid in at least one of the following circuits: a first circuit capable of drawing the dielectric fluid from the tank and returning it to the tank; a second circuit capable of drawing the dielectric fluid from the chassis and returning it to the tank; and a third circuit capable of drawing the dielectric fluid from near the computer components and returning it to the tank.

[0009] In one example, the fluid circulation system is configured to circulate the dielectric fluid in the first, second, and third circuits when the tank temperature exceeds a first threshold value. In one example, the fluid circulation system is configured to circulate the dielectric fluid in the second circuit when the chassis temperature exceeds a second threshold value. In one example, the fluid circulation system is configured to circulate the dielectric fluid in the third circuit when the computer component temperature exceeds a third threshold value.

[0010] In one example, the system includes an overflow pan that extends under the tank. In one example, the overflow pan can collect the dielectric fluid that overflows from the tank. In one example, the system includes a fluid sensor (or a label sensor) within the overflow pan. In one example, the management sensor is configured to shut down the system when it detects an increase in the level of the dielectric fluid in the overflow tank below a threshold level of the fluid sensor.

[0011] In one example, the fluid circulation system further includes a plurality of filters, and the valve system is configured to connect or disconnect each filter to the pump. In one example, the plurality of filters includes a coarse filter, a particle filter, or an adsorption filter. In one example, the system has a sensor system including a conductivity sensor, a resistivity sensor, a permittivity sensor, a relative humidity sensor, or a pressure transducer. In one example, the management system is configured to connect or disconnect at least one of the plurality of filters based on sensor data received from the sensor system. In one example, the management system can determine a pressure difference across at least one of the plurality of filters based on sensor data received from the sensor system. In one example, the management system can determine that at least one of the plurality of filters is not operating properly based on the pressure difference.

[0012] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the subject matter claimed, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the subject matter claimed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] To describe the manner in which the above and other advantages and features can be obtained, a more specific description of the subject matter briefly described above will be made by reference to specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that these drawings show only typical embodiments and are not to be considered limiting in scope, and by using the accompanying drawings, the embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail.

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[0020] Throughout the drawings, unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals and characters are used to denote similar features, elements, components, or parts of the illustrated embodiments. Further, although the present disclosure is described herein in detail with reference to the figures, it is made in connection with exemplary embodiments and is not limited by the specific embodiments shown in the figures and the claims.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Here, to illustrate various features of the present invention, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described. The embodiments described herein are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, but rather are intended to provide examples of components, uses, and operations of the present invention.

[0022] Immersion Cooling System

[0023] In one exemplary embodiment, the immersion cooling system or container can include a bath area, a sample area, a weir (e.g., between the bath area and the sample area), a computing device, an optional robot, an optional pressure control system, and a management system. In one example, the container can be a pressure control tank maintained at atmospheric pressure (or within a range thereof) that can be cooled using a heat exchanger. In another example, the container is not pressure controlled. The computing device can be immersed in the dielectric fluid within the bath area of the container. The computing device can be connected to a network and can perform various processing and computing tasks while immersed in the dielectric fluid (or "fluid"). The container can include a lid for accessing the bath area, the computing device, and the sample area.

[0024] In one example, the heat exchanger can be a fluid-to-fluid heat exchanger. For example, the heat exchanger can receive warm dielectric fluid from the container and, at the same time, receive a cold working medium. The heat exchanger can transfer heat from the dielectric fluid to the working medium. In one example, the working medium can be transferred to a cooling device (which can be on-site or remote). In another example, the heat exchanger can be a cooling device, such as a heat sink with or without a fan, a refrigerator, a chiller, etc. In this example, since the heat exchanger can cool the dielectric fluid without the need to transfer the working medium to another facility, there may be no need to cool the working medium. In one example, the heat exchanger can be disposed within the tank. In another example, the heat exchanger can be disposed outside the tank.

[0025] In one example, the robot can lift a computing device from the bath area of the container when the lid is open. The robot can place the lifted computing device in a magazine or vehicle provided for storage of the computing device. The robot can also lift the computing device from the magazine (or vehicle) and place it at the location of the computing device lifted from the bath area. The robot can be attached to a container, vehicle, or another location. In this exemplary embodiment, the container can be a two-phase cooling system. In other exemplary embodiments, the container can be a single-phase cooling system, which may or may not have one or more of the components described above.

[0026] In one exemplary embodiment, the pump can circulate fluid within the container. For example, the pump can draw a dielectric fluid from the sample area and transfer the fluid to the bath area. The fluid can then flow over a weir and return to the sample area. The pump can circulate the fluid through, for example, a heat exchanger, filter, various pipes, and valves before transferring the fluid to the bath area. The pump can circulate the fluid upon receiving an instruction from a management system. In one example, the pump can draw the fluid from the sample area and transfer it to the bath area. In another example, the pump can draw the fluid from the bath area and transfer it to the sample area.

[0027] In one example, the management system can receive data generated by sensors included in the liquid immersion cooling system. In one example, the management system can provide an alarm and / or can shut down the container based on another appropriate action, e.g., a sensor reading. For example, the management system can adjust or control a heating element, fluid flow or temperature, pressure within the tank, fluid level, fluid purity, and / or any number of other system parameters. Such adjustments are often based on one or more sensed parameters of the liquid immersion cooling system (e.g., detected by sensors). The sensed parameters can include, for example, temperature (inside or outside of the container), pressure, fluid level (within the bath area or sample area), or power consumption of the system. In one example, the management system can instruct the tank pump and / or valve system to add a dielectric fluid to the tank when the fluid level drops below a threshold level. The dielectric fluid can be from an external tank or reservoir.

[0028] In one exemplary embodiment, the liquid immersion cooling system can be a single-phase liquid immersion cooling system. In this example, the dielectric fluid can remain in liquid form throughout the operation of the liquid immersion cooling system. This can be different from a two-phase system in which the dielectric fluid can evaporate and condense, for example, while cooling computer components.

[0029] In one example, the liquid immersion cooling system can include a tank that holds a certain amount of dielectric fluid. The tank can also be configured to hold computer components. A pump can draw dielectric fluid from the sample area and transfer it to the tank. In this exemplary embodiment, the pump can cause fluid to flow into the sample area over a weir. In one exemplary embodiment, the liquid immersion cooling system can include a bath area without a sample area. The pump can draw fluid from the bath area and transfer the fluid to, for example, a heat exchanger, a filter, and / or other components. The fluid can then be returned to the bath area, for example, after losing heat in a heat exchanger or after being cleaned by a filter. In this exemplary embodiment, it may not be necessary for the fluid to flow into the sample area over the weir, although in other embodiments, the liquid immersion cooling system can include a weir.

[0030] Figure 1 shows a liquid immersion cooling system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In this exemplary embodiment, the liquid immersion cooling system 100 can include a container 105 and a vehicle 130. The container 105 can have a tank 110 that includes a bus area 111, a sample area 112, a weir 140, a fluid 113, computer components 114, a pump 115, a filter 118, a door 116, a management system 117, and a heat exchanger 119. The computer components 114 can be immersed in the fluid 113. The vehicle 130 can include a robot 131. The robot 131 can lift the computer components 114 when the door 116 is open and place the computer components 114 on the vehicle 130. The fluid 113 can flow over the weir 140 and accumulate in the sample area 112. In one example, the pump 115 can draw the fluid 113 from the sample area 112, pass it through the filter 118 and the heat exchanger 119, and then transfer it to the bus area 111. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments can include other components or arrangements of components within the fluid transfer and circulation system not shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, such as valves, pipes, etc.

[0031] Figure 2 shows a liquid immersion cooling system 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In this exemplary embodiment, the liquid immersion cooling system 200 can include a tank 210 that includes a bus area 211, a fluid 213, computer components 214, a pump 215, a heat exchanger 219, a door 216, and a management system 217. The computer components 214 can be immersed in the fluid 213. In this exemplary embodiment, the tank 210 may not be pressure controlled, but in some other exemplary embodiments, the tank can be pressure controlled. In this exemplary embodiment, the liquid immersion cooling system can be a single-phase system, but in some other exemplary embodiments, the liquid immersion cooling system can be a two-phase system.

[0032] In this exemplary embodiment, the pump 215 can receive an instruction from the management system 217 to draw fluid from the bus area 211 and send it to a heat exchanger, for example, to maintain the temperature of the fluid 213 below a threshold temperature or to cool the computer component 214. In response, the pump 215 can draw the fluid 213 from the bus area 211 and pass the fluid 213 through the heat exchanger 219. Thereafter, the fluid 213 can be transferred back to the bus area 211. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other embodiments can include additional or fewer components for drawing the fluid 213 from the bus area 211, and these components can have different arrangements in different embodiments. For example, the heat exchanger can be arranged in front of the pump 215.

[0033] In one exemplary embodiment, the immersion cooling system 200 can include a fluid level sensor 251 and an external reservoir 250. In this exemplary embodiment, the fluid level sensor can detect the fluid level in the tank 210 and transmit the data to the management system 217. When the fluid level drops below a threshold level, the management system 217 can instruct the pump 215 to draw fluid from the external reservoir 250. In one example, when the fluid level exceeds the threshold level, the management system 217 can instruct the pump 215 to return the fluid to the external reservoir 250. In one example, the chassis can include a fluid level sensor, and the management system can instruct the pump to draw fluid from (or return fluid to) the external reservoir based on data relayed by a sensor provided within the chassis.

[0034] Local heat dissipation

[0035] In one exemplary embodiment, in addition to or instead of circulating fluid within the bus area, various devices can be provided to draw fluid from near one or more computer components (such as servers, chassis, CPUs, etc.) and transfer the fluid to a heat exchanger. In one example, each computer component can be disposed within a chassis, and the chassis can include an input for receiving a dielectric fluid and an output for transferring the fluid outside the chassis. In this example, the output of the chassis can be fluid-coupled (e.g., through hoses or pipes) to a heat exchanger or a heat sink, and optionally, there can be a pump for drawing fluid from the chassis. In this example, the computer component can heat the fluid within its vicinity or within the chassis, and the pump can draw the fluid. Since the fluid is drawn from an area close to the component generating heat, the pump can draw the warmest fluid and effectively cool the fluid.

[0036] In another example, each computer component (e.g., a CPU) can include a component for drawing fluid (e.g., an input valve, a heat sink, or a metal plate with liquid inputs and outputs). The component can be coupled to a heat exchanger using a pump and various pipes or hoses. Thus, the pump can draw warm fluid from near the computer component.

[0037] In yet another example, heat from a computer component can be transferred using heat pipes. In one example, a heat-receiving component can be disposed above or near the computer component (e.g., the heat-receiving component can be thermally coupled to the computer component). The heat-receiving component can also be coupled to various heat pipes that can transfer heat from the computer component to a heat sink or radiator disposed separately from the computer component. In this example, the heat from the computer component can be dissipated at a location where there is a heat sink or radiator.

[0038] Figure 3 shows a liquid immersion cooling system 300 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In this exemplary embodiment, the liquid immersion cooling system 300 can include a tank 310, a fluid 213, a door 316, a management system 217, a pump 215, and a heat exchanger 219. The tank 310 can further include a chassis 323 for housing computer components 314. The chassis 323 can include an input 321 and an output 322. The fluid 213 can enter the chassis 323 through, for example, the input 321 and exist in the chassis through the output 322. In this example, the output is connected to the pump 215, for example, using a pipe. The pump 215 can draw the fluid from the tank 310 and transfer it to the heat exchanger 219 to cool the fluid 213. Thereafter, the fluid can be returned to the tank 310. In this exemplary embodiment, the pump 215 can draw the fluid 213 from near the computer components 314, thereby enabling the cooling of the warmest fluid 213 in the tank 310.

[0039] In one exemplary embodiment, the chassis can include one or more secondary pumps, fans, or any other means that can improve the flow (e.g., an air stone bubbler with or without a pump) for transferring fluid inside and outside the chassis. In another example, the pump or fan can be installed on or near the computer components. For example, in the liquid immersion cooling system 300 of FIG. 3, the chassis 323 can include a secondary pump 324 that promotes the movement and / or movement of the fluid 213 within the chassis 323. The pump 324 can draw the fluid from the input 321 and / or push the fluid within the chassis 323 so that the fluid 213 moves from outside the chassis 323 to the output 322. In this example, the pump 324 can quickly move the heat generated by the computer components 314 outside the chassis 323.

[0040] In one exemplary embodiment, the immersion cooling system 300 can include an overflow pan 360. In the event of an overflow of the fluid 213, the fluid can be directed to the overflow pan 360. The overflow pan 360 can prevent the outflow of the fluid 213 onto the floor. In one example, the overflow pan 360 can include a fluid sensor 361. The fluid sensor 361 can detect the presence of the fluid 213 within the overflow pan 360. The fluid sensor 361 can transmit data to the management system 217. In one example, the fluid sensor 361 can be a continuous float level sensor, a small continuous float level sensor, a small side mount 90-degree float switch, a high level float switch, a low level float switch, a combination of high and low level float switches, an oil-water interface, an adjustable float switch, a side mount, a multi-point float switch, a visual level indicator, a submersible float switch, an optical liquid level sensor, an oil level sensor, a hydraulic sensor, a conductivity sensor, or a point level sensor.

[0041] If the fluid sensor 361 detects fluid within the overflow pan 360, the management system 217 can send a message indicating the potential for a leak in the immersion cooling system 300 to the central server. In one example, if the fluid sensor 361 detects fluid within the overflow pan 360 and the fluid level exceeds a threshold, the management system 217 can send a message indicating that the overflow pan 360 should be emptied or replaced. If the fluid level exceeds a threshold level or if the fluid level has increased beyond the threshold level over a given period, the management system can detect an active leak. In this case, in one example, the management system can shut down the operation of the immersion cooling system 300. In one example, if the management system 217 detects an active leak, the management system 217 can instruct the pump 215 to return the fluid 213 to the reservoir 250.

[0042] Figure 4 shows an exemplary computer component 414 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In this exemplary embodiment, in addition to or instead of circulating fluid within the tank, and / or in addition to or instead of circulating fluid within the chassis, the fluid can be circulated within components attached to the computer component 414. In this exemplary embodiment, the component can be a heat sink 430 that can include an input 421 and an output 422. The fluid 213 can enter the heat sink 430 from the input 421 and exit the heat sink 430 through the output 422. The fluid 213 can be drawn from the output 422, for example, by a pump and various pipes and supplied to a heat exchanger for cooling. In one example, the component attached to the computer component 414 can be an input valve or a housing having an input and an output. In one exemplary embodiment, a fan 415 can be disposed on the heat sink 430 to provide further cooling of the computer component 414. In one example, a heat spreader 416 (or a vapor chamber, a cold plate, a heat pipe or a heat sink) can be provided to transfer heat from the computer component 414 to the fluid 213.

[0043] In one example, the fluid can be drawn from near the computer component and cooled by a heat exchanger within the tank or the chassis. For example, the tank can include a primary heat exchanger within the tank (or the primary heat exchanger can be outside the tank, while the secondary heat exchanger can be inside the tank). A pump can draw the fluid from near the computer component and send it to the heat exchanger within the tank. The heat exchanger within the tank can be located, for example, near the input point within the tank for the cooled dielectric fluid.

[0044] In one exemplary embodiment, the liquid immersion cooling system can circulate fluid in various operating modes. For example, in one mode of operation, the pump can circulate the fluid within the tank. In another optional mode, the pump can circulate the fluid within one or more chassis. In this mode, the fluid can circulate within a selected number of chassis, while other chassis can be excluded from this fluid circulation. Further, in another optional mode, the pump can circulate the fluid within one or more components attached to one or more computer components. In this mode, the fluid can circulate within a selected number of computer components (or components attached to computer components), while other computer components can be excluded from this fluid circulation. In this example, the management system enables the operation of the liquid immersion cooling system in one or more of the aforementioned operating modes, for example, by switching valves between a first circuit, a second circuit, and / or a third circuit, and each circuit can direct the valve system and / or the pump to enable fluid circulation for a specific chassis and / or computer component, and / or a plurality of chassis and / or computer components. In this example, the management system can circulate the fluid within a selected group of individual chassis and / or computer components. In another example, the management system can direct the circulation of fluid within all or a plurality of chassis and / or computer components. In one example, the management system can circulate the fluid in a combination of a first circuit, a second circuit, and a third circuit.

[0045] In one example, the management system can receive sensor data indicating that one or more of the aforementioned operating modes must be activated. For example, the sensor data can include the temperature of the dielectric fluid in the tank, the temperature of one or more chassis, and the temperature of one or more computer components. When the management system detects a temperature or temperature rise that exceeds an acceptable threshold amount, the management system can instruct the pump and valve to activate one or more circuits. For example, if the temperature of the chassis rises above an acceptable temperature or the temperature of the surrounding chassis, the management system can activate the fluid circulation of that chassis to maintain the temperature of the chassis at an acceptable level. As another example, if the temperature of a computer component rises above an acceptable temperature or the temperature of the surrounding computer component, the management system can activate the fluid circulation of that computer component to maintain the temperature of the computer component at an acceptable level. In one example, when the temperature of the fluid in the tank rises above a first threshold amount, the management system can activate the fluid circulation of the entire tank. If the temperature of the fluid in the tank still rises above a second threshold, the management system can activate the fluid circulation of one or more chassis and / or one or more computer components in addition to the fluid circulation in the tank.

[0046] In one exemplary embodiment, the management system can activate a secondary pump within the chassis or attached to a computer component based on the temperature of the chassis or computer component. For example, if the temperature of the chassis or computer component exceeds a threshold, the management system can activate one or more secondary pumps to facilitate rapid heat transfer from the chassis or computer component.

[0047] FIG. 5 shows an exemplary heat transfer system 500 according to an exemplary embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, the heat transfer system 500 can include a heat receiving component 510 that can be thermally coupled to a computer component 514. The heat receiving component 510 can be a heat interface material, a heat spreader, a cold plate with or without microchannels or minichannels, a vapor chamber, or one or more combinations of the above.

[0048] The heat transfer system 500 can also include a heat pipe 515 and a heat sink 520 (or radiator 520). In this example, the heat receiving component 510 can receive heat from the computer component 514 and use the heat pipe 515 to transfer the heat to the heat sink 520. The heat sink 520 can be within a chassis that houses the computer component 514. The heat sink 520 can also be located within a tank, for example, near a fluid inlet or near a fluid outlet. The heat transfer system 500 can be used to dissipate heat generated by the computer component 514 to other locations within the tank.

[0049] In one exemplary embodiment, a liquid immersion cooling system can include one or more of the local heat dissipation systems described above. For example, the chassis can include a pump, a heat transfer system, and a radiator for dissipating heat.

[0050] RFID tag

[0051] In one exemplary embodiment, the management system and / or the secondary system can track components installed in or operating within the immersion cooling system. In this exemplary embodiment, the management system and / or the secondary system can scan the components, for example, using a robot or other scanner. In one exemplary embodiment, each trackable component, such as a chassis or computer component, can have an RFID tag. For example, the management system and / or the secondary system can transmit a radio frequency within the tank and determine which RFID tags are present within the tank. In another example, each trackable component can include a visual barcode, such as a QR code (registered trademark), and the management system and / or the secondary system can scan the visual barcode. In one example, the RFID tag can be disposed on a computer component. In another example, the RFID tag can be disposed on the chassis.

[0052] In one exemplary embodiment, the tank can move inside or outside the tank and can include a robot that can scan each trackable component within the tank. For example, the robot can move close to each trackable component and can be a gantry robot or robotic arm on a vehicle that can scan the component, for example, by transmitting or receiving an RF signal. The robot can then transmit the data to the management system. In another example, the tank can include one or more scanners within the tank. For example, each scanner can be located within the distance of another scanner. Each scanner can be configured to detect trackable components within its scan range.

[0053] In one exemplary embodiment, the management system can receive data regarding the temperature of the chassis and / or computer components. If the chassis or computer components operate above a threshold temperature for a period longer than a threshold period, the management system can infer that the chassis and / or computer components need maintenance and / or replacement. In one example, the management system can infer that the chassis and / or computer components need maintenance if, for example, the chassis and / or computer components operate below the threshold temperature, at a temperature significantly lower than the operating temperature of the chassis and / or computer components.

[0054] If the management system infers that the chassis and / or computer components need maintenance, the management system can send a message to a central server, for example, to send a service robot. The management system can also send a message if the chassis or computer components need maintenance, for example, monthly or annually, even if they are not broken. In this exemplary embodiment, the service robot can approach the tank and communicate with the management system, for example, directly or via a central server. The management system can provide data regarding the chassis and / or computer components that need maintenance. The data can include identification information (e.g., RFID tag) of the chassis or computer components and / or its location within the tank. In this exemplary embodiment, the service robot can identify a broken component, for example, by using the identification information or location information or by scanning the RFID tag of the component. The service robot can further be configured to lift the component from the tank.

[0055] Fluid filter

[0056] In one exemplary embodiment, the immersion cooling system can include one or more filters. The immersion cooling system can also include one or more sensors (e.g., a sensor system including multiple sensors) that can detect whether filtration of the fluid is desired. In one exemplary embodiment, each filter can be connected or disconnected to the fluid line by a management system in response to a request. For example, each filter can be connected or disconnected based on the reading of the sensor. On-demand (request-responsive) filtration can provide several advantages. For example, if the filter can be connected in response to a request, the pump does not need to constantly pass the dielectric liquid through all the filters. This selective connection of the filter can save electricity because a lower pressure is required to circulate the fluid within the fluid circulation system. As another example, since each filter can be separated, the pressure difference across each filter, the temperature of the filter, and / or the conductivity of the filter can be detected over time. This information can indicate whether the filter has lost its effectiveness and thus requires replacement or maintenance.

[0057] FIG. 6 shows a liquid immersion cooling system 600 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In this exemplary embodiment, the liquid immersion cooling system 600 can include a sensor system 671, a plurality of filters 672-674, and a plurality of valves 675. During operation of the system 600, the sensor system 671 can detect a condition that may require fluid filtration. For example, the sensor system 671 can detect particulates, whiskers, plasticizers, or moisture in the fluid 213. The sensor system 671 can communicate this information to the management system 217. In this example, the management system 217 can determine that it can activate or connect one or more of the filters 672-674 to improve the condition detected by the sensor system 671. Accordingly, the management system 217 can instruct one or more of the valves 675 to open and close to direct the fluid 213 in the appropriate direction. In one example, the filters can include a coarse filter, a particulate filter, an adsorption filter, and / or a water separator. In one example, the sensor system can include a conductivity sensor, a resistivity sensor, a permittivity sensor, a relative humidity sensor, and / or a pressure transducer.

[0058] In one example, when an adsorption filter (e.g., a carbon or aluminum filter) is operating sub-optimally, the conductivity of the filter can be reduced. In this example, a conductivity sensor can be used to determine that the filter requires maintenance and / or replacement. In one exemplary embodiment, the sensor system can be provided within the tank. The sensor system can be, for example, a Raman spectrometer, a humidity sensor, and / or a conductivity sensor. The sensor system in this example can trigger filtration within the tank.

[0059] In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6, the management system 217 can separate each of the filters 672-674. In one example, the management system 217 can record the pressure difference and / or temperature of each filter over time. For example, when each filter is installed, the management system can record the pressure difference and / or temperature of the filter during operation of the filter. If the pressure difference and / or temperature of the filter changes beyond a threshold amount, this can indicate that the filter is not operating as intended, e.g., that the filter is not operating properly. In this exemplary embodiment, the management system can send a message to the central server indicating that the filter needs to be replaced and / or that maintenance is required. In certain embodiments, if a particular filter is not operating properly, the management system can stop the operation of the system to prevent damage to the computer component 214. In one exemplary embodiment, if the pressure difference and / or temperature of the filter changes below another threshold amount, this can indicate that the filter is not operating as intended.

[0060] In one exemplary embodiment, the liquid immersion cooling system can include one or more filter circuits. Each filter circuit can draw fluid from the tank and circulate the fluid through one or more filters and / or other components, such as pumps, heat exchangers, sensors, and the like. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6, there are two exemplary filter circuits. One exemplary filter circuit can include filters 672-674. This filter circuit can also include various sensors such as pump 215, heat exchanger 219, and temperature and pressure sensors. The second filter circuit can include filter 681. In this exemplary embodiment, the second filter circuit can also include valve 682, various pipes, pumps, and sensors (not shown in FIG. 6). The management system 217 can operate each filter circuit individually and / or in combination with other filters. For example, the management system 217 can instruct the pump of the second circuit to draw fluid from the tank when, for example, one of filters 672-674 of the first circuit fails to operate properly or when another condition is met. By using multiple filter circuits, the liquid immersion cooling system can provide redundancy. For example, even if a filter fails, in one example, since the filters are provided in separate circuits, the system can still operate while the failed filter is being replaced.

[0061] In the foregoing specification, various embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it is apparent that various modifications and changes can be made, and additional embodiments can be implemented, without departing from the broader scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a limiting sense.

Claims

1. A management system having a processor and a memory; A tank configured to hold a thermally conductive dielectric fluid; A computer component configured to be at least partially immersed in the dielectric fluid; and A fluid circulation system having a pump and a valve system; having, The management system is configured to instruct the pump and the valve system to draw the dielectric fluid from the tank, pass the dielectric fluid through a heat exchanger, and return the dielectric fluid to the tank. System.

2. Further comprising a sensor, and the management system is configured to receive sensor data from the sensor and instruct the pump and the valve system based on the data. The system according to claim 1.

3. The sensor data is the fluid level in the tank. The system according to claim 2.

4. The management system is configured to add the dielectric fluid to the tank when the sensor data drops below a threshold amount. The system according to claim 3.

5. Further comprising a chassis, and the computer component is disposed within the chassis. The system according to claim 2.

6. Further comprising an RFID tag on the chassis or the computer component. The system according to claim 5.

7. The tank includes an RFID scanner configured to transmit or receive radio frequency waves and detect the RFID tag. The system according to claim 6.

8. The management system is configured to determine an inventory of a plurality of computer components in the tank based on data detected by the RFID scanner. The system according to claim 7.

9. The chassis further includes a heat transfer system having a heat-receiving component, a heat pipe, and a heat sink, the heat-receiving component is thermodynamically coupled to the computer component, and the heat pipe is used to transfer heat from the computer component to the heat sink. The system according to claim 5.

10. The chassis further includes a fan or a pump for circulating the dielectric fluid within the chassis. The system according to claim 5.

11. The sensor data includes the tank temperature of the dielectric fluid in the tank, the chassis temperature of the dielectric fluid in the chassis, and the computer component temperature of the computer component. The system according to claim 5.

12. The management system is configured to instruct the pump and the valve system to circulate the dielectric fluid based on the tank temperature, the chassis temperature, and the computer component temperature. The system according to claim 11.

13. The fluid circulation system includes the following circuits: A first circuit in which the dielectric fluid is drawn from the tank and returned to the tank; A second circuit in which the dielectric fluid is drawn from the chassis and returned to the tank; and A third circuit in which the dielectric fluid is drawn from near the computer component and returned to the tank. The system is configured to circulate the dielectric fluid in at least one of the above. The system according to claim 11.

14. The fluid circulation system is configured to circulate the dielectric fluid in the first circuit, the second circuit, and the third circuit when the tank temperature exceeds a first threshold value. The system according to claim 13.

15. The fluid circulation system is configured to circulate the dielectric fluid in the second circuit when the chassis temperature exceeds a second threshold value. The system according to claim 13.

16. The fluid circulation system is configured to circulate the dielectric fluid in the third circuit when the computer component temperature exceeds a third threshold value. The system according to claim 13.

17. The system further includes an overflow pan extending under the tank. The system according to claim 1.

18. The overflow pan is configured to collect the dielectric fluid overflowing from the tank. The system according to claim 17.

19. The overflow pan further includes a fluid sensor. The system according to claim 17.

20. The management sensor is configured to shut down the system when the fluid sensor detects an increase below a threshold level of the dielectric fluid level in the overflow tank. The system according to claim 19.

21. The fluid circulation system further includes a plurality of filters, and the valve system is configured to connect or disconnect each of the filters to the pump. The system according to claim 1.

22. The plurality of filters includes a coarse filter, a particle filter, or an adsorption filter. The system according to claim 21.

23. The system further includes a sensor system including a conductivity sensor, a resistivity sensor, a permittivity sensor, a relative humidity sensor, or a pressure transducer. The system according to claim 21.

24. The management system is configured to connect or disconnect at least one of the plurality of filters based on sensor data received from the sensor system. The system according to claim 23.

25. The management system is configured to determine a pressure difference across at least one of the plurality of filters based on sensor data received from the sensor system. The system according to claim 23.

26. The management system is configured to determine that at least one of the plurality of filters is not operating properly based on the pressure difference. The system according to claim 25.

27. The management system is configured to determine the conductivity across at least one of the plurality of filters based on sensor data received from the sensor system. The system according to claim 23.

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