Monitoring device

Abstract

To provide a monitor apparatus which can stabilize a state of a heat carrier in a cooling apparatus.SOLUTION: The present invention is directed to a monitoring apparatus monitoring abnormality of a cooling apparatus having a coolant tank for housing a first coolant for use in removing heat from an electronic device in its inside as a closed space, a dry cooler for cooling, by using air, a second coolant whose heat was exchanged with the first coolant outside the coolant tank, and a circulation pump for circulating the second coolant between the coolant tank and the dry cooler through the second coolant line. The monitoring apparatus has an acquiring unit for acquiring one or more pairs of temperature of the second coolant flowing into a heat exchanger and temperature of the second coolant flowing out from the heat exchanger, and temperature of air flowing into the heat exchanger and temperature of air flowing out from the heat exchanger, and a determination unit for, by comparing the external temperature and the optimum temperature corresponding to load of the electronic device with each of the temperatures acquired by the acquiring unit, determining whether or not there is any abnormality in either or both of the dry cooler and the circulation pump.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a monitoring device.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a cooling system that cools a primary refrigerant for cooling a server with a secondary refrigerant and cools the secondary refrigerant by heat exchange with the outside air. The temperature, liquid level, etc. (the state of the heat medium) indicated by the heat medium for cooling a server in a data center or the like needs to be managed by a control device or the like from the viewpoint of ensuring cooling efficiency.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for predicting a decrease in a refrigerant based on a measurement result by a liquid level sensor and automatically supplying the refrigerant from a refrigerant storage device to a pump cycle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the field of cooling devices for cooling servers, a technique for stabilizing the state of the heat medium is required.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a monitoring device capable of stabilizing the state of the heat medium in a cooling device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, a monitoring device according to the present disclosure includes a refrigerant tank that houses a first refrigerant for removing heat from an electronic device in an enclosed space, a dry cooler that cools a second refrigerant that has exchanged heat with the first refrigerant using air outside the refrigerant tank, and a circulation pump that circulates the second refrigerant between the refrigerant tank and the dry cooler through a second refrigerant line. The monitoring device monitors an abnormality in the cooling device, and includes an acquisition unit that acquires one or more sets of the temperature of the second refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger in the dry cooler and the temperature of the second refrigerant flowing out of the heat exchanger, and the temperature of the air flowing into the heat exchanger and the temperature of the air flowing out of the heat exchanger, and a determination unit that determines whether there is an abnormality in one or more of the dry cooler and the circulation pump by comparing the optimum temperature corresponding to the outside air temperature and the load of the electronic device with each of the temperatures acquired by the acquisition unit. When the temperature of the second refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger and the temperature of the second refrigerant flowing out of the heat exchanger are both higher than the optimum temperature, the determination unit determines that there is an abnormality in the circulation pump, and when the temperature of the second refrigerant flowing out of the heat exchanger is higher than the optimum temperature, the determination unit determines that there is an abnormality in the dry cooler.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a monitoring device that can stabilize the state of the heat medium in the cooling device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, a cooling system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] <First Embodiment> (Cooling System) The cooling system in this embodiment is a system for cooling electronic devices such as servers in a facility such as a data center. As shown in FIG. 1, the cooling system 1 in this embodiment includes a server 10 (electronic device), a cooling device 20, various sensors 40, and a monitoring device 30.

[0013] (Server) The server 10 is an information processing device that is connected by wire or the like from a device outside the cooling system 1 and processes a large amount of data transmitted from the outside. Specifically, the server 10 receives a data signal indicating a request from an external Internet user from an external device and returns a data signal indicating a response corresponding to this request to the Internet user. The server 10 generates heat by processing a large amount of data and becomes high temperature.

[0014] (Cooling Device) The cooling device 20 is a liquid immersion cooling device that cools the first refrigerant R1 for cooling the server 10 by causing the first refrigerant R1, the second refrigerant R2, and the air A as heat transfer media to exchange heat with each other. As the first refrigerant R1, for example, a special refrigerant having a boiling point in the range of 40°C to 60°C is employed. As the second refrigerant R2, for example, water (H2O) is employed. Therefore, the second refrigerant R2 in the present embodiment is in a liquid state. The cooling device 20 in the present embodiment includes a refrigerant tank 200, a dry cooler 210, a second refrigerant line 220, and a circulation pump 230.

[0015] (Refrigerant tank) The refrigerant tank 200 houses the first refrigerant R1 in a closed space and causes the first refrigerant R1 and the second refrigerant R2 to exchange heat. The refrigerant tank 200 includes a refrigerant tank body 201 that stores the primary refrigerant in a liquid state therein, and a condenser 202 that is housed in the refrigerant tank body 201 and is disposed above the liquid state primary refrigerant in the refrigerant tank body 201 on the upper side Dvu.

[0016] Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the vertical direction (the vertical direction in FIG. 1) that coincides with the direction in which gravity acts is simply referred to as the "vertical direction Dv". Also, the upper side in the vertical direction Dv (the upper side in FIG. 1) is simply referred to as the "upper side Dvu". Also, the side opposite to the upper side Dvu (the lower side in FIG. 1) is simply referred to as the "lower side Dvd". Also, the horizontal direction orthogonal to gravity is simply referred to as the "horizontal direction Dh".

[0017] The refrigerant tank body 201 includes a first tank 201a fixed to the ground, a pedestal, or the like, and a second tank 201b integrally connected to the first tank 201a from the upper side Dvu. The first tank 201a and the second tank 201b in the present embodiment have a rectangular parallelepiped shape and are formed of metal or the like. The second tank 201b is formed such that the dimension in the horizontal direction Dh is larger than that of the first tank 201a. The liquid level of the first refrigerant R1 stored in the refrigerant tank body 201 is located in the second tank 201b on the upper side Dvu relative to the first tank 201a. That is, the inside of the first tank 201a is filled with the first refrigerant R1.

[0018] Here, the server 10 is immersed in the liquid-state first refrigerant R1 in the refrigerant tank body 201. The server 10 is disposed in the first tank 201a. The server 10 evaporates the first refrigerant R1 by generating heat. By this evaporation action, latent heat of vaporization is generated, and the heat of the server 10 is taken away by the first refrigerant R1. That is, the refrigerant tank 200 cools the server 10 by latent heat of vaporization cooling. When the cooling system 1 in the present embodiment is operating normally, the temperature of the first refrigerant R1 in the refrigerant tank body 201 is maintained in a range of, for example, 40°C to 60°C. The first refrigerant R1 that has become a gaseous state (bubbles) near the server 10 moves to the upper side Dvu and merges into the atmosphere in the second tank 201b. Note that the outer surface of the device forming the outer shell of the server 10 is protected by waterproof processing or the like so as not to be immersed in water.

[0019] The condenser 202 is disposed in the second tank 201b. Specifically, the condenser 202 is fixed to the inner wall of the second tank 201b on the upper side Dvu from the liquid level of the first refrigerant R1. The condenser 202 is configured by connecting a plurality of metal tubes to each other. The condenser 202 has a condenser inlet portion 202a through which the second refrigerant R2 can be introduced from the outside, and a condenser outlet portion 202b through which the second refrigerant R2 that has flowed through the plurality of metal tubes can be discharged to the outside. The condenser outlet portion 202b is disposed on the upper side Dvu from the condenser inlet portion 202a.

[0020] Here, the interior of the condenser 202 (inside each of the plurality of metal tubes) is hermetically isolated from the interior of the refrigerant tank body 201. The second refrigerant R2 that flows into the condenser 202 from the outside through the condenser inlet 202a exchanges heat with the gaseous first refrigerant R1 through the tube wall within the condenser 202. The second refrigerant R2 that has completed the heat exchange flows out to the outside through the condenser outlet 202b. That is, within the second tank 201b, the first refrigerant R1 is cooled by the second refrigerant R2, and the second refrigerant R2 is heated by the first refrigerant R1. The gaseous first refrigerant R1 cooled by the second refrigerant R2 condenses into a liquid, moves (falls) to the lower side Dvd, and merges with the stored liquid-state first refrigerant R1. On the other hand, the second refrigerant R2 heated by the first refrigerant R1 moves upward within the condenser 202 to the upper side Dvu and flows out to the outside through the condenser outlet 202b. When the cooling system 1 in this embodiment is operating normally, the pressure of the atmosphere within the refrigerant tank body 201 is maintained, for example, within the range of 100 PaA to 500 kPaA.

[0021] (Dry cooler) The dry cooler 210 is a device that cools the second refrigerant R2 that has exchanged heat with the first refrigerant R1 using air A. That is, the dry cooler 210 causes the second refrigerant R2 and air A to exchange heat. The dry cooler 210 is arranged at a horizontal distance Dh from the refrigerant tank 200. The dry cooler 210 includes a casing 211, a fan 212, and a heat exchanger 213.

[0022] The casing 211 is fixed to the ground, a pedestal, or the like. The casing 211 has a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction Dv. An air inlet 211a through which air A can be introduced from the outside is formed at the lower end Dvd of the casing 211, and an exhaust port 211b through which the introduced air A can be discharged upward to the upper side Dvu is formed at the upper end Dvu of the casing 211. The air A that flows into the casing 211 through the air inlet 211a flows upward within the casing 211 and is then discharged to the upper side Dvu of the casing 211 through the exhaust port 211b.

[0023] The fan 212 is a blower disposed within the casing 211. When driven, the fan 212 takes in air A into the casing 211 from the outside through the air intake port 211a, and pumps the taken-in air A upward in the casing 211 toward the upper side Dvu. The fan 212 is composed of a plurality of blades 212a, a shaft portion 212b that supports the plurality of blades 212a, and a fan motor 212c connected to the shaft portion 212b. When the fan motor 212c rotates, the shaft portion 212b rotates, and the blades 212a connected to the shaft portion 212b rotate within the casing 211.

[0024] The heat exchanger 213 is disposed within the casing 211. Specifically, the heat exchanger 213 is fixed to the inner wall of the casing 211 on the upper side Dvu relative to the fan 212. The heat exchanger 213 is configured by arranging a plurality of metal tubes extending in the vertical direction Dv side by side in the horizontal direction Dh. The condenser 202 has a heat exchanger inlet portion 213a through which the second refrigerant R2 can be introduced from the outside into a part of the plurality of metal tubes, and a heat exchanger outlet portion 213b through which the second refrigerant R2 that has flowed through this part of the metal tubes can be discharged to the outside. The heat exchanger outlet portion 213b is disposed on the lower side Dvd relative to the heat exchanger inlet portion 213a. In the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the inside of the part of the plurality of metal tubes through which the second refrigerant R2 flows is referred to as the "refrigerant passage".

[0025] The refrigerant passage is hermetically isolated from the inside of the casing 211. The second refrigerant R2 flowing into the refrigerant passage from the outside through the heat exchanger inlet 213a exchanges heat with the air A flowing upward to the upper side Dvu in the casing 211 through the pipe wall in the refrigerant passage. The second refrigerant R2 that has completed the heat exchange flows out of the refrigerant passage to the outside through the heat exchanger outlet 213b. That is, the second refrigerant R2 is cooled by the air A, and the air A is heated by the second refrigerant R2. The second refrigerant R2 cooled by the air A flows to the lower side Dvd and flows out to the outside through the heat exchanger outlet 213b. On the other hand, the air A heated by the second refrigerant R2 moves to the upper side Dvu and is discharged to the outside through the exhaust port 211b. When the cooling system 1 in the present embodiment is operating normally, the temperature of the air A before heat exchange introduced into the casing 211 is maintained in the range of, for example, 0°C to 40°C, and the temperature of the air A after heat exchange discharged from the casing 211 is maintained in the range of, for example, 35°C to 55°C.

[0026] (Second refrigerant line) The second refrigerant line 220 is a pipe that allows the second refrigerant R2 to travel between the refrigerant tank 200 and the dry cooler 210. The second refrigerant line 220 is composed of a high-temperature line 221 through which the second refrigerant R2 that has completed heat exchange in the refrigerant tank 200 flows from the refrigerant tank 200 side toward the dry cooler 210 side, and a low-temperature line 222 through which the second refrigerant R2 that has completed heat exchange in the dry cooler 210 flows from the dry cooler 210 side toward the refrigerant tank 200 side. That is, the temperature of the second refrigerant R2 flowing in the high-temperature line 221 is higher than the temperature of the second refrigerant R2 flowing in the low-temperature line 222. These high-temperature line 221 and low-temperature line 222 are formed of metal or the like.

[0027] When the cooling system 1 in the present embodiment is operating normally, the temperature of the second refrigerant R2 flowing in the high-temperature line 221 is maintained in the range of, for example, 35°C to 55°C, and the temperature of the second refrigerant R2 flowing in the low-temperature line 222 is maintained in the range of, for example, 30°C to 50°C.

[0028] The high-temperature line 221 connects the condenser outlet 202b of the condenser 202 in the refrigerant tank 200 and the heat exchanger inlet 213a of the heat exchanger 213 in the dry cooler 210. The low-temperature line 222 connects the heat exchanger outlet 213b of the heat exchanger 213 in the dry cooler 210 and the condenser inlet 202a of the condenser 202 in the refrigerant tank 200. In this embodiment, a closed loop, which is the flow path of the secondary refrigerant R2, is formed by the condenser 202 of the refrigerant tank 200, the heat exchanger 213 of the dry cooler 210, and the secondary refrigerant R2.

[0029] (Circulation pump) The circulation pump 230 is a pump that circulates the secondary refrigerant R2 between the refrigerant tank 200 and the dry cooler 210 through the secondary refrigerant line 220. The circulation pump 230 is disposed midway in the low-temperature line 222 of the secondary refrigerant line 220. When driven, the circulation pump 230 pumps the secondary refrigerant R2 in the low-temperature line 222 from the dry cooler 210 side toward the refrigerant tank 200 side.

[0030] The circulation pump 230 is composed of a pump body 230a having a plurality of impellers (not shown) and a pump motor 230b connected to the pump body 230a. When the pump motor 230b rotates, the impeller in the pump body 230a is rotated. As a result, the secondary refrigerant R2 circulates in the order of the low-temperature line 222, the condenser 202, the high-temperature line 221, the heat exchanger 213, and the low-temperature line 222.

[0031] (Various sensors) The various sensors 40 measure the environmental conditions around the cooling device 20 and the conditions of various devices included in the cooling device 20. The various sensors 40 in the present embodiment are composed of an outside air temperature sensor 41, a load sensor 10a, a conductivity sensor 200a, a first refrigerant temperature sensor 200b, a first liquid level sensor 200c, an internal pressure sensor 200d, a refrigerant inlet temperature sensor 210a, a refrigerant outlet temperature sensor 210b, an air inlet temperature sensor 210c, an air outlet temperature sensor 210d, a second liquid level sensor 210e, a first current sensor 212s, and a second current sensor 230s.

[0032] The outside air temperature sensor 41 is a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the outside air. When the cooling system 1 is introduced into the server 10 room, the outside air temperature sensor 41 measures the temperature of the air A in the server 10 room. The outside air temperature sensor 41 transmits the measured outside air temperature to the monitoring device 30 outside the cooling device 20 at a predetermined timing (time interval). The outside air temperature sensor 41 is disposed, for example, in the vicinity of the dry cooler 210.

[0033] The load sensor 10a is a sensor that measures the load applied to the server 10. Specifically, the load sensor 10a measures the power consumption (kW), which is obtained by measuring the current value (A) and voltage value (V) input to the server 10, as the load applied to the server 10 (hereinafter referred to as the server 10 load). The load sensor 10a transmits a signal indicating the measured server 10 load to the monitoring device 30 at a predetermined timing. The load sensor 10a is disposed, for example, in the vicinity of the server 10 in the first refrigerant R1 in the first tank 201a. Therefore, the load sensor 10a is immersed in the first refrigerant R1.

[0034] The conductivity sensor 200a is a sensor that measures the conductivity of the first refrigerant R1 in a liquid state within the refrigerant tank body 201. The conductivity sensor 200a has a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal, and obtains the conductivity based on the magnitude of the resistance applied between them. The conductivity sensor 200a transmits a signal indicating the measured conductivity to the monitoring device 30 at a predetermined timing. The conductivity sensor 200a is disposed, for example, within the first refrigerant R1 in the first tank 201a. Therefore, the conductivity sensor 200a is immersed in the first refrigerant R1.

[0035] The first refrigerant temperature sensor 200b is a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the first refrigerant R1 in a liquid state within the refrigerant tank body 201. The first refrigerant temperature sensor 200b has a probe such as a thermocouple, for example, and measures the temperature of the first refrigerant R1 by immersing this probe in the first refrigerant R1 inside the refrigerant tank body 201. The first refrigerant temperature sensor 200b transmits a signal indicating the measured temperature of the first refrigerant R1 to the monitoring device 30 at a predetermined timing. The first refrigerant temperature sensor 200b is disposed, for example, within the refrigerant tank body 201.

[0036] The first liquid level sensor 200c is a level sensor that measures the liquid level (height of the liquid surface) of the first refrigerant R1 in a liquid state within the refrigerant tank body 201. The first liquid level sensor 200c transmits a signal indicating the measured liquid level of the first refrigerant R1 to the monitoring device 30 at a predetermined timing. The first liquid level sensor 200c is disposed, for example, within the second tank 201b.

[0037] The internal pressure sensor 200d is a pressure sensor that measures the air pressure within the refrigerant tank body 201. The internal pressure sensor 200d transmits a signal indicating the measured air pressure to the monitoring device 30 at a predetermined timing. The internal pressure sensor 200d is disposed, for example, in a space within the first tank 201a where the first refrigerant R1 is not stored.

[0038] The refrigerant inlet temperature sensor 210a is a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the second refrigerant R2 flowing from the refrigerant tank 200 side towards the dry cooler 210 side in the high-temperature line 221 of the second refrigerant line 220. That is, the refrigerant inlet temperature sensor 210a measures the temperature of the second refrigerant R2 that has completed heat exchange in the condenser 202. The refrigerant inlet temperature sensor 210a has a probe such as a thermocouple, for example, and measures the temperature of the second refrigerant R2 in the high-temperature line 221 by contacting the probe with the second refrigerant R2 flowing in the high-temperature line 221. The refrigerant inlet temperature sensor 210a transmits a signal indicating the measured temperature of the second refrigerant R2 to the monitoring device 30 at a predetermined timing. The refrigerant inlet temperature sensor 210a is disposed, for example, in the vicinity of the heat exchanger inlet portion 213a in the high-temperature line 221.

[0039] The refrigerant outlet temperature sensor 210b is a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the second refrigerant R2 flowing from the dry cooler 210 side towards the refrigerant tank 200 side in the low-temperature line 222 of the second refrigerant line 220. That is, the refrigerant inlet temperature sensor 210a measures the temperature of the second refrigerant R2 before heat exchange in the condenser 202. The refrigerant outlet temperature sensor 210b has a probe such as a thermocouple, for example, and measures the temperature of the second refrigerant R2 in the low-temperature line 222 by contacting the probe with the second refrigerant R2 flowing in the low-temperature line 222. The refrigerant outlet temperature sensor 210b transmits a signal indicating the measured temperature of the second refrigerant R2 to the monitoring device 30 at a predetermined timing. The refrigerant outlet temperature sensor 210b is disposed, for example, in the vicinity of the heat exchanger outlet portion 213b in the low-temperature line 222 on the dry cooler 210 side of the circulation pump 230.

[0040] The air inlet temperature sensor 210c is a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the air A flowing upward toward the upper side Dvu inside the casing 211 of the dry cooler 210. The air inlet temperature sensor 210c measures the temperature of the air A before it flows into the heat exchanger 213 (before heat exchange). The air inlet temperature sensor 210c has a probe such as a thermocouple, for example, and measures the temperature of the air A in the casing 211 by contacting the probe with the air A flowing in the casing 211. The air inlet temperature sensor 210c transmits a signal indicating the measured temperature of the air A before heat exchange to the monitoring device 30 at a predetermined timing. The air inlet temperature sensor 210c is disposed, for example, on the upper side Dvu inside the casing 211 and on the lower side Dvd of the heat exchanger 213.

[0041] The air outlet temperature sensor 210d is a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the air A flowing upward toward the upper side Dvu inside the casing 211 of the dry cooler 210. The air outlet temperature sensor 210d measures the temperature of the air A that has flowed out of the heat exchanger 213 (after heat exchange). The air outlet temperature sensor 210d has a probe such as a thermocouple, for example, and measures the temperature of the air A in the casing 211 by contacting the probe with the air A flowing in the casing 211. The air outlet temperature sensor 210d transmits a signal indicating the measured temperature of the air A after heat exchange to the monitoring device 30 at a predetermined timing. The air outlet temperature sensor 210d is disposed, for example, on the upper side Dvu of the heat exchanger 213 inside the casing 211.

[0042] The second liquid level sensor 210e is a level sensor that measures the liquid level (height of the liquid surface) of the second refrigerant R2 in the heat exchanger 213. The second liquid level sensor 210e transmits a signal indicating the measured liquid level of the second refrigerant R2 to the monitoring device 30 at a predetermined timing. The second liquid level sensor 210e is disposed, for example, in the refrigerant passage inside the heat exchanger 213.

[0043] The first current sensor 212s is a current sensor that measures the magnitude (current value) of the current flowing through the fan motor 212c in the fan 212. The first current sensor 212s transmits a signal indicating the measured current value to the monitoring device 30 at a predetermined timing. The first current sensor 212s is electrically connected to the fan motor 212c.

[0044] The second current sensor 230s is a current sensor that measures the magnitude (current value) of the current flowing through the pump motor 230b in the circulation pump 230. The second current sensor 230s transmits a signal indicating the measured current value to the monitoring device 30 at a predetermined timing. The second current sensor 230s is electrically connected to the pump motor 230b.

[0045] (Monitoring device) The monitoring device 30 is a device that acquires the data measured by the various sensors 40 described above and determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the equipment based on the acquired data. The monitoring device 30 is connected to the various sensors 40 described above by wire or wirelessly. As shown in FIG. 2, the monitoring device 30 includes an acquisition unit 300, a determination unit 310, a warning unit 320, and a storage unit 330.

[0046] (Acquisition unit) The acquisition unit 300 receives the signals measured by the various sensors 40 described above, and acquires the ambient state data around the cooling device 20 and the state data of the various devices included in the cooling device 20 at the same timing.

[0047] (Acquisition from the outside air temperature sensor) The acquisition unit 300 acquires the data of the temperature of the indoor air A indicated by the signal by receiving the signal transmitted from the outside air temperature sensor 41. The acquisition unit 300 sends the acquired data of the temperature of the indoor air A to the determination unit 310.

[0048] (Acquisition from the load sensor) The acquisition unit 300 acquires data on the server 10 load indicated by the signal by receiving the signal transmitted from the load sensor 10a. The acquisition unit 300 sends the acquired data on the server 10 load to the determination unit 310.

[0049] (Acquisition from the conductivity sensor) The acquisition unit 300 acquires data on the conductivity of the liquid-state first refrigerant R1 in the refrigerant tank body 201 indicated by the signal by receiving the signal transmitted from the conductivity sensor 200a. The acquisition unit 300 sends the acquired data on the conductivity of the first refrigerant R1 to the determination unit 310.

[0050] (Acquisition from the first refrigerant temperature sensor) The acquisition unit 300 acquires data on the temperature of the liquid-state first refrigerant R1 in the refrigerant tank body 201 indicated by the signal by receiving the signal transmitted from the first refrigerant temperature sensor 200b. The acquisition unit 300 sends the acquired data on the temperature of the first refrigerant R1 to the determination unit 310.

[0051] (Acquisition from the first liquid level sensor) The acquisition unit 300 acquires data on the liquid level of the liquid-state first refrigerant R1 in the refrigerant tank body 201 indicated by the signal by receiving the signal transmitted from the first liquid level sensor 200c. The acquisition unit 300 sends the acquired data on the liquid level of the first refrigerant R1 to the determination unit 310.

[0052] (Acquisition from the internal pressure sensor) The acquisition unit 300 acquires data on the air pressure in the refrigerant tank body 201 indicated by the signal by receiving the signal transmitted from the internal pressure sensor 200d. The acquisition unit 300 sends the acquired data on the air pressure in the refrigerant tank body 201 to the determination unit 310.

[0053] (Acquisition from the refrigerant inlet temperature sensor) The acquisition unit 300 receives the signal transmitted from the refrigerant inlet temperature sensor 210a, and thereby acquires the data of the temperature of the second refrigerant R2 flowing from the refrigerant tank 200 side toward the dry cooler 210 side in the high-temperature line 221 indicated by the signal. The acquisition unit 300 sends the acquired temperature of the second refrigerant R2 flowing in the high-temperature line 221 to the determination unit 310.

[0054] (Acquisition from the refrigerant outlet temperature sensor) The acquisition unit 300 receives the signal transmitted from the refrigerant outlet temperature sensor 210b, and thereby acquires the data of the temperature of the second refrigerant R2 flowing from the dry cooler 210 side toward the refrigerant tank 200 side in the low-temperature line 222 indicated by the signal. The acquisition unit 300 sends the acquired data of the temperature of the second refrigerant R2 flowing in the low-temperature line 222 to the determination unit 310.

[0055] (Acquisition from the air inlet temperature sensor) The acquisition unit 300 receives the signal transmitted from the air inlet temperature sensor 210c, and thereby acquires the data of the temperature of the air A before heat exchange in the dry cooler 210 indicated by the signal. The acquisition unit 300 sends the acquired data of the temperature of the air A before heat exchange to the determination unit 310.

[0056] (Acquisition from the air outlet temperature sensor) The acquisition unit 300 receives the signal transmitted from the air outlet temperature sensor 210d, and thereby acquires the data of the temperature of the air A after heat exchange in the dry cooler 210 indicated by the signal. The acquisition unit 300 sends the acquired data of the temperature of the air A after heat exchange to the determination unit 310.

[0057] (Acquisition from the second liquid level sensor) The acquisition unit 300 receives the signal transmitted from the second liquid level sensor 210e, and thereby acquires the data of the liquid level of the second refrigerant R2 in the heat exchanger 213 indicated by the signal. The acquisition unit 300 sends the acquired data of the liquid level of the second refrigerant R2 to the determination unit 310.

[0058] (Acquisition from the first current sensor) The acquisition unit 300 acquires data on the magnitude of the current flowing through the fan motor 212c indicated by the signal by receiving the signal transmitted from the first current sensor 212s. The acquisition unit 300 sends the acquired data on the magnitude of the current flowing through the fan motor 212c to the determination unit 310.

[0059] (Acquisition from the second current sensor) The acquisition unit 300 acquires data on the magnitude of the current flowing through the pump motor 230b indicated by the signal by receiving the signal transmitted from the second current sensor 230s. The acquisition unit 300 sends the acquired data on the magnitude of the current flowing through the pump motor 230b to the determination unit 310.

[0060] (Determination unit) The determination unit 310 performs a determination process based on the environmental state data around the cooling device 20 and the state data of various devices of the cooling device 20 received from the acquisition unit 300, and various predetermined values pre-stored in the storage unit 330. In the present embodiment, an example of the determination process by the determination unit 310 is described as a case of comparing various data received from the outside air temperature sensor 41, the load sensor 10a, the refrigerant inlet temperature sensor 210a, the refrigerant outlet temperature sensor 210b, the air inlet temperature sensor 210c, and the air outlet temperature sensor 210d with the optimum temperature included in the prediction value table pre-stored in the storage unit 330.

[0061] Here, the prediction value table stored in the storage unit 330 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the prediction value table has a plurality of combinations of the outside air temperature, a plurality of server 10 loads, and the refrigerant inlet temperature, the refrigerant outlet temperature, the air inlet temperature, and the air outlet temperature corresponding to each of these outside air temperatures and each server 10 load for each value of the outside air temperature.

[0062] These refrigerant inlet temperature, refrigerant outlet temperature, air inlet temperature, and air outlet temperature are the temperatures shown when the fan motor 212c and the pump motor 230b are driven under operating conditions obtained by inputting the outside air temperature and the server 10 load into the correspondence relationship information such as a function obtained based on conventional results and the like. Examples of the operating conditions include, for example, the rotational speed (rpm) and the like. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the refrigerant inlet temperature, refrigerant outlet temperature, air inlet temperature, and air outlet temperature corresponding to each of the outside air temperature and the server 10 load are collectively referred to as the "optimum temperature".

[0063] The determination unit 310 receives from the acquisition unit 300 the outside air temperature, the server 10 load, the temperature of the second refrigerant R2 in the high-temperature line 221, the temperature of the second refrigerant R2 in the low-temperature line 222, the temperature of the air A before heat exchange in the dry cooler 210, and the temperature of the air A after heat exchange in the dry cooler 210. When receiving these temperatures, the determination unit 310 compares these temperatures with the optimum temperature corresponding to the outside air temperature and the server 10 load, and determines whether there is an abnormality in various devices.

[0064] Specifically, the determination unit 310 compares the temperature of the second refrigerant R2 in the high-temperature line 221 with the refrigerant inlet temperature in the prediction value table. Also, the determination unit 310 compares the temperature of the second refrigerant R2 in the low-temperature line 222 with the refrigerant outlet temperature in the prediction value table. Also, the determination unit 310 compares the temperature of the air A before heat exchange in the dry cooler 210 with the air inlet temperature in the prediction value table. Also, the determination unit 310 compares the temperature of the air A after heat exchange in the dry cooler 210 with the air outlet temperature in the prediction value table.

[0065] When the temperature of the second refrigerant R2 in the high-temperature line 221 and the temperature of the second refrigerant R2 in the low-temperature line 222 are higher than the optimum temperature, the determination unit 310 determines that "there is an abnormality in the circulation pump 230". On the other hand, when the temperature of the second refrigerant R2 in the high-temperature line 221 and the temperature of the second refrigerant R2 in the low-temperature line 222 are equal to or lower than the optimum temperature, the determination unit 310 determines that "there is no abnormality in the circulation pump 230".

[0066] Further, when the temperature of the air A after heat exchange in the dry cooler 210 is higher than the optimum temperature, the determination unit 310 determines that "there is an abnormality in the fan 212". On the other hand, when the temperature of the air A after heat exchange in the dry cooler 210 is equal to or lower than the optimum temperature, the determination unit 310 determines that "there is no abnormality in the fan 212".

[0067] (Warning unit) When the determination unit 310 determines that "there is an abnormality in the circulation pump 230", the warning unit 320 transmits a signal indicating that there is an abnormality in the circulation pump 230 to an output interface (not shown) for displaying the device state used by the user of the monitoring device 30. That is, the warning unit 320 issues an alarm indicating an abnormality in the circulation pump 230 to the output interface. Further, when the determination unit 310 determines that "there is an abnormality in the fan 212", the warning unit 320 transmits a signal indicating that there is an abnormality in the fan 212 to the above output interface. That is, the warning unit 320 issues an alarm indicating an abnormality in the fan 212 to the output interface.

[0068] Examples of the output interface include terminal devices such as smartphones, tablets, and monitors disposed outside the cooling device 20. When the output interface receives a signal indicating that there is an abnormality in the circulation pump 230 from the warning unit 320, the output interface displays an alarm, which is information indicating a warning, to the user. Note that the output interface may be a speaker or the like.

[0069] Here, the users in the present embodiment can be divided into, for example, maintenance staff and supervisors. These maintenance staff and supervisors each use the above output interface.

[0070] When a maintenance staff member checks the alarm sent from the warning unit 320 through the output interface, the maintenance staff member repairs the device with the abnormality indicated by the alarm. On the other hand, when a supervisor checks the warning sent from the warning unit 320 through the output interface, the supervisor checks the abnormal mode of the device with the abnormality indicated by the warning, and for example, instructs (guides) the maintenance staff member on specific operations for the device according to the abnormal mode.

[0071] (Operation of the monitoring device) Subsequently, an example of the operation of the monitoring device 30 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 4.

[0072] The acquisition unit 300 acquires environmental condition data around the cooling device 20 and state data of various devices included in the cooling device 20 (step S1). Specifically, the acquisition unit 300 acquires the outside air temperature, the server 10 load, the temperature of the second refrigerant R2 in the high-temperature line 221, the temperature of the second refrigerant R2 in the low-temperature line 222, the temperature of the air A before heat exchange in the dry cooler 210, and the temperature of the air A after heat exchange in the dry cooler 210.

[0073] Next, the determination unit 310 determines whether there is an abnormality in various devices (step S2). Specifically, the determination unit 310 compares the temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 300 with the optimum temperature corresponding to each of the outside air temperature and the server 10 load acquired by the acquisition unit 300, and determines whether there is an abnormality in various devices.

[0074] When the determination unit 310 determines that there is no abnormality in various devices (step S2: NO), that is, when the determination unit 310 determines that "there is no abnormality in the circulation pump 230" and "there is no abnormality in the fan 212", the monitoring device 30 ends the process. On the other hand, when the determination unit 310 determines that there is an abnormality in various devices (step S2: YES), that is, when the determination unit 310 determines one or more of "there is an abnormality in the circulation pump 230" and "there is an abnormality in the fan 212", the warning unit 320 sends an alarm to the output interface used by the user (step S3).

[0075] The processes of steps S1 to S3 described above are repeatedly executed during the operation stage of the cooling system 1.

[0076] (User operation) Subsequently, an example of the user operation in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

[0077] When the warning unit 320 in the monitoring device 30 issues an alarm, the maintenance staff and supervisor who are users confirm the alarm through the output interface (step S4). Next, the supervisor instructs the maintenance staff on the operations for the equipment according to the abnormal mode (step S5). After receiving the instruction from the supervisor, the maintenance staff repairs the equipment where the abnormality has occurred (step S6).

[0078] The processes of steps S4 to S6 described above are repeatedly executed during the operation stage of the cooling system 1.

[0079] (Function and effect) According to the above-described monitoring device 30, the actual temperatures of the secondary refrigerant R2 before and after heat exchange and the actual temperatures of the air A before and after heat exchange are each compared with the optimum temperature. Thereby, the actual heat exchange efficiency of the heat medium in the dry cooler 210 can be reflected in the determination of the presence or absence of abnormalities in each of the fan 212 and the circulation pump 230. Therefore, for example, compared with the case where the actual temperatures of the heat medium before and after heat exchange in the cooling device 20 are not used for determining the presence or absence of equipment abnormalities, the decrease in the heat exchange performance of the entire cooling device 20 can be grasped at an early stage, and the fan 212 and the circulation pump 230 can be maintained at a more appropriate timing. As a result, the state of the heat medium during the operation of the cooling system 1 can be made more stable.

[0080] In addition, when the temperature of the second refrigerant R2 flowing into the heat exchanger 213 and the temperature of the second refrigerant R2 flowing out of the heat exchanger 213 are both higher than the optimum temperature, the determination unit 310 of the monitoring device 30 described above determines that there is an abnormality in the circulation pump 230. As a result, an abnormality in the circulation pump 230 can be detected at an early stage and corresponding measures such as repair can be taken. Therefore, the state of the second refrigerant R2 during the operation of the cooling system 1 can be made more stable.

[0081] In addition, when the temperature of the second refrigerant R2 flowing out of the heat exchanger 213 is higher than the optimum temperature, the determination unit 310 of the monitoring device 30 described above determines that there is an abnormality in the fan 212. As a result, an abnormality in the fan 212 can be detected at an early stage and corresponding measures such as repair can be taken. Therefore, the state of the second refrigerant R2 during the operation of the cooling system 1 can be made more stable.

[0082] <Second Embodiment> Next, the configuration of the monitoring device 30 of the cooling system 1 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the second embodiment, the configuration of the cooling device 20 is different from that of the first embodiment, and some of the functions and operations of each processing unit of the monitoring device 30 are different. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and will be described, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0083] (Cooling Device) As shown in FIG. 6, the cooling device 20 in the present embodiment includes a refrigerant tank 200, a dry cooler 210, a second refrigerant line 220, a circulation pump 230, a purification device 240, a refrigerant purification line 250, a purification pump 260, a separate tank 270, a refrigerant replenishment line 280, and a replenishment pump 290. The refrigerant tank 200, the dry cooler 210, the second refrigerant line 220, and the circulation pump 230 have the same configuration as those in the first embodiment.

[0084] (Purification Device) The purification device 240 stores the first refrigerant R1 in a liquid state independently of the refrigerant tank 200. The first refrigerant R1 is supplied to the purification device 240 from the outside. The purification device 240 uses electromagnetic force or the like to recover impurities from the supplied first refrigerant R1 and supply the first refrigerant R1 from which the impurities have been removed to the outside. The purification device 240 is arranged horizontally separated from the refrigerant tank 200 by a distance Dh.

[0085] (Refrigerant purification line) The refrigerant purification line 250 is a pipe that can allow the first refrigerant R1 to flow back and forth between the refrigerant tank 200 and the purification device 240. The refrigerant purification line 250 is composed of a first purification line 250a in which the first refrigerant R1 in a liquid state in the refrigerant tank body 201 flows from the refrigerant tank 200 side toward the purification device 240 side, and a second line in which the first refrigerant R1 in the purification device 240 flows from the purification device 240 side toward the refrigerant tank 200 side.

[0086] The first purification line 250a connects the lower part Dvd in the first tank 201a of the refrigerant tank body 201 and the upper part Dvu in the purification device 240. The second purification line 250b connects the lower part Dvd in the purification device 240 and the second tank 201b in the refrigerant tank body 201. Therefore, the first refrigerant R1 flowing through the second purification line 250b has a higher purity than the first refrigerant R1 flowing through the first purification line 250a. That is, the first refrigerant R1 flowing through the second purification line 250b contains no impurities compared to the first refrigerant R1 flowing through the first purification line 250a. These first purification line 250a and second purification line 250b are formed of metal or the like.

[0087] (Purification pump) The purification pump 260 is a pump that circulates the first refrigerant R1 between the refrigerant tank 200 and the purification device 240 through the refrigerant purification line 250. The purification pump 260 in the present embodiment is composed of, for example, a first pump 260a arranged in the middle of the first purification line 250a and a second pump 260b provided in the middle of the second purification line 250b.

[0088] The first pump 260a is driven to pump the first refrigerant R1 in the first purification line 250a from the refrigerant tank 200 side towards the purification device 240 side. The second pump 260b is driven to pump the first refrigerant R1 in the second purification line 250b from the purification device 240 side towards the refrigerant tank 200 side. As a result, the liquid-state first refrigerant R1 in the refrigerant tank body 201 circulates in the order of the first tank 201a, the first purification line 250a, the purification device 240, the second purification line 250b, and the second tank 201b.

[0089] Therefore, when the purification pump 260 is driven, impurities are removed from the first refrigerant R1 in the refrigerant tank body 201. That is, when the purification pump 260 is driven, the first refrigerant R1 in the refrigerant tank body 201 is purified.

[0090] The start, stop, and rated rotational speed (the flow rate of the first refrigerant R1 flowing in the first purification line 250a and the second purification line 250b) of the first pump 260a and the second pump 260b in this embodiment are controlled by the monitoring device 30. Specifically, the first pump 260a and the second pump 260b receive a signal indicating an instruction to start or an instruction to stop, or a signal indicating the output rotational speed from the monitoring device 30 via wired or wireless communication.

[0091] That is, the first pump 260a and the second pump 260b rotate based on the rotational speed indicated by the signal and pump the first refrigerant R1 between the refrigerant tank 200 and the purification device 240. Also, the first pump 260a and the second pump 260b transmit a signal indicating their own output rotational speed to the monitoring device 30 at a predetermined timing via wired or wireless communication.

[0092] (Separate tank) The separate tank 270 is a tank that stores the liquid-state first refrigerant R1 in a state independent of each of the refrigerant tank 200 and the purification device 240. The separate tank 270 is arranged horizontally separated from the refrigerant tank 200 and the purification device 240 by a distance Dh.

[0093] (Refrigerant filling line) The refrigerant filling line 280 is a pipe that can supply the first refrigerant R1 stored in the separate tank 270 to the refrigerant tank 200. In this embodiment, the refrigerant filling line 280 connects, for example, the lower part Dvd in the separate tank 270 and the second tank 201b of the refrigerant tank body 201. The refrigerant filling line 280 is formed of metal or the like.

[0094] (Filling pump) The filling pump 290 is a pump that can supply the first refrigerant R1 from the separate tank 270 to the refrigerant tank 200 through the refrigerant filling line 280. When the filling pump 290 is driven, it pumps the first refrigerant R1 in the refrigerant filling line 280 from the side of the separate tank 270 toward the side of the refrigerant tank 200. Therefore, when the filling pump 290 is driven, the first refrigerant R1 in the separate tank 270 replenishes the first refrigerant R1 in the refrigerant tank body 201.

[0095] In this embodiment, the start, stop, and rated rotation speed (the flow rate of the first refrigerant R1 flowing in the refrigerant filling line 280) of the filling pump 290 are controlled by the monitoring device 30. Specifically, the filling pump 290 receives a signal indicating an instruction to start, a signal indicating an instruction to stop, or a signal indicating the output rotation speed from the monitoring device 30 via wired or wireless communication.

[0096] (Monitoring device) As shown in FIG. 7, the monitoring device 30 includes an acquisition unit 300, a determination unit 310, a warning unit 320, a refrigerant purification unit 340, a refrigerant filling unit 350, and a storage unit 330. The acquisition unit 300 has the same configuration as in the first embodiment.

[0097] (Determination unit) The determination unit 310 performs determination processing based on the environmental condition data around the cooling device 20 and the state data of various devices of the cooling device 20 received from the acquisition unit 300, and various predetermined values prestored in the storage unit 330. In the present embodiment, a case where the determination unit 310 compares various data received from the conductivity sensor 200a and the first liquid level sensor 200c with a predetermined threshold value prestored in the storage unit 330 will be described as an example of the determination processing by the determination unit 310.

[0098] The determination unit 310 receives from the acquisition unit 300 the conductivity of the first refrigerant R1 in the liquid state in the refrigerant tank main body 201 and the liquid level of the first refrigerant R1 in the refrigerant tank main body 201. When receiving these, the determination unit 310 compares them with a predetermined threshold value stored in the storage unit 330 to determine whether there is an abnormality in the first refrigerant R1 in the refrigerant tank 200 and the refrigerant tank main body 201.

[0099] Specifically, the determination unit 310 compares the conductivity of the first refrigerant R1 in the refrigerant tank main body 201 with a first threshold value indicating the conductivity stored in the storage unit 330. When the conductivity of the first refrigerant R1 is higher than the first threshold value, the determination unit 310 determines that "there is an abnormality in the first refrigerant R1 in the refrigerant tank main body 201". On the other hand, when the conductivity of the first refrigerant R1 is equal to or lower than the first threshold value, the determination unit 310 determines that "there is no abnormality in the first refrigerant R1 in the refrigerant tank main body 201".

[0100] In addition, the determination unit 310 compares the liquid level of the first refrigerant R1 in the refrigerant tank main body 201 with a second threshold value indicating the liquid level of the first refrigerant R1 stored in the storage unit 330. When the liquid level of the first refrigerant R1 is lower than the second threshold value, the determination unit 310 determines that "the first refrigerant R1 is leaking from the refrigerant tank 200". On the other hand, when the liquid level of the first refrigerant R1 is equal to or higher than the second threshold value, the determination unit 310 determines that "the first refrigerant R1 is not leaking from the refrigerant tank 200".

[0101] (Warning unit) When the determination unit 310 determines that "there is an abnormality in the first refrigerant R1 in the refrigerant tank main body 201", the warning unit 320 transmits a signal indicating that there is an abnormality in the first refrigerant R1 to the output interface. That is, the warning unit 320 sends an alarm indicating an abnormality in the first refrigerant R1 to the output interface used by the user.

[0102] (Refrigerant purification unit) When the determination unit 310 determines that "there is an abnormality in the first refrigerant R1 in the refrigerant tank main body 201", the refrigerant purification unit 340 drives the purification pump 260. Specifically, the refrigerant purification unit 340 drives the purification pump 260 by sending a signal indicating an instruction to start to the purification pump 260. Here, when the refrigerant purification unit 340 drives the purification pump 260, the determination unit 310 determines that "refrigerant purification is in progress". In addition, when the refrigerant purification unit 340 is not driving the purification pump 260, the determination unit 310 determines that "refrigerant purification is not in progress".

[0103] (Refrigerant replenishment unit) When the determination unit 310 determines that "refrigerant purification is in progress" and "the first refrigerant R1 is leaking from the refrigerant tank 200", the refrigerant replenishment unit 350 drives the replenishment pump 290. Specifically, the refrigerant replenishment unit 350 drives the replenishment pump 290 by sending a signal indicating an instruction to start to the replenishment pump 290.

[0104] (Operation of the monitoring device) Subsequently, an example of the operation of the monitoring device 30 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0105] The acquisition unit 300 acquires environmental state data around the cooling device 20 and state data of various devices included in the cooling device 20 (step S10). Specifically, the acquisition unit 300 acquires the conductivity of the first refrigerant R1 in a liquid state in the refrigerant tank main body 201 and the liquid level of the first refrigerant R1 in the refrigerant tank main body 201.

[0106] Next, the determination unit 310 determines whether there is an abnormality in the device (step S11). Specifically, the determination unit 310 compares the conductivity of the first refrigerant R1 in the refrigerant tank main body 201 with the first threshold value indicating the conductivity stored in the storage unit 330, and determines whether there is an abnormality in the first refrigerant R1 in the refrigerant tank main body 201.

[0107] When the determination unit 310 determines that there is no abnormality in the device (step S11: NO), that is, when the determination unit 310 determines that "there is no abnormality in the first refrigerant R1 in the refrigerant tank main body 201", the monitoring device 30 ends the process. On the other hand, when the determination unit 310 determines that there is an abnormality in the device (step S11: YES), that is, when the determination unit 310 determines that "there is an abnormality in the first refrigerant R1 in the refrigerant tank main body 201", the warning unit 320 issues an alarm to the output interface being used by the user (step S12).

[0108] Next, the refrigerant purification unit 340 drives the purification pump 260 (step S13). Next, the acquisition unit 300 acquires the state data of the devices included in the cooling device 20 (step S14). Specifically, the acquisition unit 300 acquires the liquid level of the first refrigerant R1 in the liquid state in the refrigerant tank main body 201.

[0109] Next, the determination unit 310 determines whether there is an abnormality in the device while the refrigerant is being purified (step S15). Specifically, when it is in the state of purifying the refrigerant, the determination unit 310 compares the liquid level of the first refrigerant R1 in the liquid state in the refrigerant tank main body 201 with the second threshold value indicating the liquid level of the first refrigerant R1 stored in the storage unit 330, and determines whether the first refrigerant R1 is leaking from the refrigerant tank main body 201.

[0110] When the determination unit 310 determines that "the refrigerant is not being purified", or when the determination unit 310 determines that "the refrigerant is being purified" and "the first refrigerant R1 has not leaked from the refrigerant tank 200" (step S15: NO), the monitoring device 30 ends the process. On the other hand, when the determination unit 310 determines that "the refrigerant is being purified" and "the refrigerant has leaked from the refrigerant tank 200" (step S15: YES), the refrigerant replenishment unit 350 drives the replenishment pump 290 (step S16).

[0111] The processes from step S10 to step S16 described above are repeatedly executed during the operation stage of the cooling system 1.

[0112] (Function and effect) According to the above-described monitoring device 30, based on the conductivity of the first refrigerant R1 in the refrigerant tank 200, the purification pump 260 is driven to purify the first refrigerant R1 in the refrigerant tank 200. That is, impurities in the first refrigerant R1 are removed. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of electric leakage from the server 10 due to the influence of impurities in the first refrigerant R1. Therefore, the state of the first refrigerant R1 in the refrigerant tank 200 during the operation of the cooling system 1 can be made more stable. Further, even when the conductivity of the first refrigerant R1 in the refrigerant tank 200 increases, it is not necessary to stop the operation of the cooling device 20.

[0113] Further, the determination unit 310 of the above-described monitoring device 30 compares the liquid level of the first refrigerant R1 in the refrigerant tank body 201 with the second threshold value, and determines that the first refrigerant R1 has leaked from the refrigerant tank 200 when the liquid level is lower than the second threshold value. Thereby, an abnormality of the refrigerant tank 200 can be detected at an early stage and countermeasures such as repair can be taken.

[0114] In addition, when the liquid level of the first refrigerant R1 is lower than the second threshold value, the monitoring device 30 drives the replenishment pump 290 to replenish the first refrigerant R1 into the refrigerant tank 200. Thereby, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the heat exchange efficiency between the server 10 and the first refrigerant R1 and the heat exchange efficiency between the first refrigerant R1 and the second refrigerant R2. As a result, the state of the heat medium during the operation of the cooling system 1 can be further stabilized. Further, even when the liquid level of the first refrigerant R1 in the refrigerant tank 200 becomes low, it is not necessary to stop the operation of the cooling device 20.

[0115] (Other embodiments) As described above, the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to the configuration of each embodiment, and addition, omission, substitution, and other changes of the configuration are possible without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0116] Note that FIG. 9 is a hardware configuration diagram showing the configuration of the computer 1100 according to the present embodiment. The computer 1100 includes a processor 1110, a main memory 1120, a storage 1130, and an interface 1140.

[0117] The above-described monitoring device 30 is mounted on the computer 1100. The operations of the above-described respective processing units are stored in the storage 1130 in the form of a program. The processor 1110 reads the program from the storage 1130, expands it in the main memory 1120, and executes the above processing according to the program. Further, the processor 1110 secures a storage area corresponding to the above-described storage unit 330 in the main memory 1120 according to the program.

[0118] The program may be for realizing a part of the functions to be exhibited by the computer 1100. For example, the program may exhibit functions in combination with other programs already stored in the storage 1130 or in combination with other programs installed in other devices.

[0119] In addition to or instead of the above configuration, the computer 1100 may include a custom LSI (Large Scale Integrated Circuit) such as a PLD (Programmable Logic Device). Examples of PLDs include PAL (Programmable Array Logic), GAL (Generic Array Logic), CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device), and FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). In this case, some or all of the functions realized by the processor 1110 may be realized by the integrated circuit.

[0120] Examples of the storage 1130 include a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory, etc. The storage 1130 may be an internal medium directly connected to the bus of the computer 1100, or an external medium connected to the computer 1100 via the interface 1140 or a communication line. Also, when this program is distributed to the computer 1100 via a communication line, the computer 1100 that has received the distribution may expand the program in the main memory 1120 and execute the above processing. In the above embodiment, the storage 1130 is a non-temporary tangible storage medium.

[0121] Also, the program may be for realizing a part of the functions described above. Furthermore, the program may be a so-called difference file (difference program) that realizes the above-described functions in combination with other programs already stored in the storage 1130.

[0122] Also, in the above embodiment, the configuration in which the circulation pump 230 is arranged in the middle of the low-temperature line 222 in the second refrigerant line 220 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The circulation pump 230 may be arranged in the middle of the high-temperature line 221 in the second refrigerant line 220.

[0123] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the storage unit 330 stores the predicted value table, the first threshold value, and the second threshold value has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Instead of the configuration stored in the storage unit 330, the determination unit 310 may store the predicted value table, the first threshold value, and the second threshold value.

[0124] In addition, in the first embodiment, the case where the determination unit 310 determines whether there is an abnormality in the circulation pump 230 and whether there is an abnormality in the fan 212 has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the determination unit 310 may determine whether there is an abnormality in only one of them.

[0125] In addition, in the second embodiment, when the determination unit 310 determines that "the refrigerant is being purified" and "the first refrigerant R1 is leaking from the refrigerant tank 200", the refrigerant replenishment unit 350 drives the replenishment pump 290, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the refrigerant replenishment unit 350 may drive the replenishment pump 290 when the determination unit 310 determines that "the first refrigerant R1 is leaking from the refrigerant tank 200". At this time, the monitoring device 30 may not have the refrigerant purification unit 340. Hereinafter, a modified example of the operation of the monitoring device 30 in this case will be described with reference to FIG. 10.

[0126] The acquisition unit 300 acquires environmental state data around the cooling device 20 and state data of various devices included in the cooling device 20 (step S20). Specifically, the acquisition unit 300 acquires the liquid level of the first refrigerant R1 in a liquid state in the refrigerant tank main body 201. Next, the determination unit 310 determines whether there is an abnormality in the device (step S21). Specifically, the determination unit 310 compares the liquid level of the first refrigerant R1 in a liquid state in the refrigerant tank main body 201 with the second threshold value indicating the liquid level of the first refrigerant R1 stored in the storage unit 330, and determines whether the first refrigerant R1 is leaking from the refrigerant tank main body 201.

[0127] When the determination unit 310 determines that "the first refrigerant R1 has not leaked from the refrigerant tank 200" (step S21: NO), the monitoring device 30 ends the process. On the other hand, when the determination unit 310 determines that "the refrigerant has leaked from the refrigerant tank 200" (step S21: YES), the warning unit 320 issues an alarm to the output interface being used by the user (step S22). Next, the refrigerant replenishment unit 350 drives the replenishment pump 290 (step S23). The processes from step S20 to step S23 described above are repeatedly executed during the operation stage of the cooling system 1.

[0128] Also, the determination unit 310 of the monitoring device 30 may determine whether there is an abnormality in at least one of the fan 212 and the circulation pump 230 by comparing the current value flowing through the fan motor 212c and the current value flowing through the pump motor 230b acquired by the acquisition unit 300 with the threshold value indicating the predetermined current value stored in advance by the storage unit 330. Specifically, when the current flowing through the fan motor 212c is greater than the above threshold value, the determination unit 310 determines, for example, that "there is an abnormality in the blades 212a of the fan 212". Also, when the current flowing through the pump motor 230b is greater than the above threshold value, the determination unit 310 determines, for example, that "there is an abnormality in the impeller of the circulation pump 230". At this time, the determination unit 310 may perform the above determination process in step S2 during the operation of the monitoring device 30.

[0129] Also, regarding the determination by the determination unit 310 as to whether the first refrigerant R1 has leaked from the refrigerant tank 200, the data of the air pressure in the refrigerant tank body 201 acquired by the acquisition unit 300 from the internal pressure sensor 200d may be used. For example, when the liquid level of the first refrigerant R1 is equal to or lower than the second threshold value and the air pressure in the refrigerant tank body 201 is equal to or lower than the third threshold value stored in the storage unit 330, the determination unit 310 may determine that "the first refrigerant R1 has leaked from the refrigerant tank 200". That is, when it is confirmed that the air pressure in the refrigerant tank body 201 has not increased despite the decrease in the liquid level of the first refrigerant R1 in the liquid state in the refrigerant tank body 201, etc., the process of determining that the first refrigerant R1 has leaked from the refrigerant tank 200 may be adopted.

[0130] Also, after the maintenance staff finishes repairing the equipment, at least one of the maintenance staff and the supervisor records (stores) in the storage unit 330 of the monitoring device 30, for example, the environmental state data around the cooling device 20 acquired by the acquisition unit 300 during a failure of the equipment, the state data of various devices of the cooling device 20, and the failure mode, so as to form a database. Note that the user may also record these through an input interface or the like in a higher-level device or the like to form a database.

[0131] Hereinafter, the combination of the environmental state data around the cooling device 20, the state data of various devices of the cooling device 20, and the failure mode is referred to as a failure record. The determination unit 310 of the monitoring device 30 may adopt a process of determining whether there is an abnormality in various devices by using, for example, AI using machine learning (supervised learning) or the like, with the databaseized failure record as an input / output sample. At this time, the acquisition unit 300 in the monitoring device 30 acquires the failure record from the database of the failure records stored in the storage unit 330. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, a modification example of the operation of the user and the operation of the monitoring device 30 described in the above embodiment will be described.

[0132] (Operation of the user) When the alarm unit 320 in the monitoring device 30 issues an alarm, the maintenance staff and the supervisor who are the users confirm the alarm through the output interface (step S4). Next, the supervisor instructs the maintenance staff to perform an operation on the device corresponding to the abnormal mode (step S5). When the maintenance staff receives an instruction from the supervisor, the maintenance staff repairs the device (step S6). Next, at least one of the maintenance staff and the supervisor forms a database of the failure record (step S7). The processes from step S4 to step S7 described above are repeatedly executed during the operation stage of the cooling system 1.

[0133] (Operation of the monitoring device in the modification example of the first embodiment) As shown in FIG. 11, the acquisition unit 300 acquires environmental state data around the cooling device 20, state data of various devices included in the cooling device 20, and a failure record (step S1). Next, the determination unit 310 determines whether there is an abnormality in the various devices (step S2). When the determination unit 310 determines that there is no abnormality in the various devices (step S2: NO), the monitoring device 30 ends the process. On the other hand, when the determination unit 310 determines that there is an abnormality in the various devices (step S2: YES), the warning unit 320 issues an alarm to the output interface being used by the user (step S3). The processes from step S1 to step S3 described above are repeatedly executed during the operation stage of the cooling system 1.

[0134] (Operation of the monitoring device in a modification of the second embodiment) As shown in FIG. 12, the acquisition unit 300 acquires environmental state data around the cooling device 20, state data of various devices included in the cooling device 20, and a failure record (step S10). Next, the determination unit 310 determines whether there is an abnormality in the device (step S11). When the determination unit 310 determines that there is no abnormality in the device (step S11: NO), the monitoring device 30 ends the process. On the other hand, when the determination unit 310 determines that there is an abnormality in the device (step S11: YES), the warning unit 320 issues an alarm to the output interface being used by the user (step S12).

[0135] Next, the refrigerant purification unit 340 drives the purification pump 260 (step S13). Next, the acquisition unit 300 acquires the state data of the devices included in the cooling device 20 (step S14). Next, the determination unit 310 determines whether there is an abnormality in the devices while the refrigerant is being purified (step S15). When the determination unit 310 determines that "the refrigerant is not being purified", or when the determination unit 310 determines that "the refrigerant is being purified" and "the first refrigerant R1 is not leaking from the refrigerant tank 200" (step S15: NO), the monitoring device 30 ends the process. On the other hand, when the determination unit 310 determines that "the refrigerant is being purified" and "the refrigerant is leaking from the refrigerant tank 200" (step S15: YES), the refrigerant replenishment unit 350 drives the replenishment pump 290 (step S16). The processes from step S10 to step S16 described above are repeatedly executed at the operation stage of the cooling system 1.

[0136] In addition, the configurations of the cooling system 1 described in each embodiment do not remain independent configurations, and the components described in each embodiment may be combined as appropriate.

[0137] <Appendix> The monitoring device described in each embodiment is understood as follows, for example.

[0138] (1) The monitoring device 30 according to the first aspect includes a refrigerant tank 200 that houses a first refrigerant R1 for removing heat from an electronic device in an enclosed space, a dry cooler 210 that cools a second refrigerant R2 that has exchanged heat with the first refrigerant R1 using air A outside the refrigerant tank 200, and a circulation pump 230 that circulates the second refrigerant R2 between the refrigerant tank 200 and the dry cooler 210 through a second refrigerant line 220. The monitoring device 30 monitors an abnormality in the cooling device 20, and includes an acquisition unit 300 that acquires one or more sets of the temperature of the second refrigerant R2 flowing into the heat exchanger 213 in the dry cooler 210 and the temperature of the second refrigerant R2 flowing out of the heat exchanger 213, and the temperature of the air A flowing into the heat exchanger 213 and the temperature of the air A flowing out of the heat exchanger 213, and a determination unit 310 that determines whether there is an abnormality in one or more of the dry cooler 210 and the circulation pump 230 by comparing an optimum temperature corresponding to the outside air temperature and the load of the electronic device with each of the temperatures acquired by the acquisition unit 300.

[0139] As a result, since one or more sets of the actual temperature of the second refrigerant R2 before and after heat exchange and the actual temperature of the air A before and after heat exchange are compared with the optimum temperature, it is possible to reflect the actual heat exchange efficiency in the determination of the presence or absence of an abnormality in the dry cooler 210 and the circulation pump 230 that handle the heat medium. Therefore, for example, compared with the case where the actual temperature of the heat medium before and after heat exchange in the cooling device 20 is not used for the determination of the presence or absence of an abnormality, it is possible to grasp an early decline in the heat exchange performance of the entire cooling device 20 and perform maintenance on the device at a more appropriate timing.

[0140] (2) The monitoring device 30 according to the second aspect is the monitoring device 30 according to (1), wherein the determination unit 310 determines that there is an abnormality in the circulation pump 230 when each of the temperature of the second refrigerant R2 flowing into the heat exchanger 213 and the temperature of the second refrigerant R2 flowing out of the heat exchanger 213 is higher than the optimum temperature, and may determine that there is an abnormality in the dry cooler 210 when the temperature of the second refrigerant R2 flowing out of the heat exchanger 213 is higher than the optimum temperature.

[0141] As a result, it is possible to detect an abnormality of the device at an early stage and take measures such as repair.

[0142] (3) The monitoring device 30 according to the third aspect is the monitoring device 30 of (1) or (2), wherein the cooling device 20 further includes a purification device 240 that stores the first refrigerant R1 independently of the refrigerant tank 200, and a purification pump 260 that can replace the first refrigerant R1 in the refrigerant tank 200 and the first refrigerant R1 in the purification device 240 through a refrigerant purification line 250 when driven. The acquisition unit 300 further acquires the conductivity of the first refrigerant R1 in the refrigerant tank 200, and may further include a refrigerant purification unit 340 that drives the purification pump 260 based on the conductivity acquired by the acquisition unit 300.

[0143] As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of electric leakage from the server 10 due to the influence of impurities in the first refrigerant R1 in the refrigerant tank 200. In addition, it is not necessary to stop the cooling device 20.

[0144] (4) The monitoring device 30 according to the fourth aspect is the monitoring device 30 of any one of (1) to (3), wherein the acquisition unit 300 further acquires the liquid level of the first refrigerant R1 in the refrigerant tank 200, and the determination unit 310 may further determine whether or not the first refrigerant R1 is leaking from the refrigerant tank 200 based on the liquid level acquired by the acquisition unit 300.

[0145] As a result, it is possible to detect an abnormality of the refrigerant tank 200 at an early stage and take measures such as repair.

[0146] (5) The monitoring device 30 according to the fifth aspect is the monitoring device 30 in (4), wherein the cooling device 20 further includes a separate tank 270 that stores the first refrigerant R1 independently of the refrigerant tank 200, and a replenishment pump 290 that can supply the first refrigerant R1 from the separate tank 270 to the refrigerant tank 200 through a refrigerant replenishment line 280 when driven. When the determination unit 310 determines that the first refrigerant R1 has leaked from the refrigerant tank 200, it may further include a refrigerant replenishment unit 350 that drives the replenishment pump 290.

[0147] Thereby, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the heat exchange efficiency between the server 10 and the first refrigerant R1 and the heat exchange efficiency between the first refrigerant R1 and the second refrigerant R2. Also, there is no need to stop the cooling device 20.

[0148] (6) The monitoring device 30 according to the sixth aspect is a monitoring device 30 that monitors an abnormality of a cooling device 20 including a refrigerant tank 200 that stores a first refrigerant R1 for removing heat from an electronic device in a closed space, a dry cooler 210 that cools a second refrigerant R2 that has exchanged heat with the first refrigerant R1 using air A outside the refrigerant tank 200, a separate tank 270 that stores the first refrigerant R1 independently of the refrigerant tank 200, and a replenishment pump 290 that can supply the first refrigerant R1 from the separate tank 270 to the refrigerant tank 200 through a refrigerant replenishment line 280 when driven. The monitoring device 30 includes an acquisition unit 300 that acquires the liquid level of the first refrigerant R1 in the refrigerant tank 200, a determination unit 310 that determines whether or not the first refrigerant R1 has leaked from the refrigerant tank 200 based on the liquid level acquired by the acquisition unit 300, and a refrigerant replenishment unit 350 that drives the replenishment pump 290 when the determination unit 310 determines that the first refrigerant R1 has leaked from the refrigerant tank 200.

[0149] Thus, when the first refrigerant R1 leaks from the refrigerant tank 200, the replenishment pump 290 is driven to replenish the first refrigerant R1 into the refrigerant tank 200, so that it is possible to suppress a decrease in the heat exchange efficiency between the server 10 and the first refrigerant R1 and the heat exchange efficiency between the first refrigerant R1 and the second refrigerant R2. Further, even when the first refrigerant R1 leaks from the refrigerant tank 200, it is not necessary to stop the operation of the cooling device 20.

Explanation of Signs

[0150] 1…Cooling system 10…Server 10a…Load sensor 20…Cooling device 30…Monitoring device 40…Various sensors 41…Outside air temperature sensor 200…Refrigerant tank 200a…Conductivity sensor 200b…First refrigerant temperature sensor 200c…First liquid level sensor 200d…Internal pressure sensor 201…Refrigerant tank body 201a…First tank 201b…Second tank 202…Condenser 202a…Condenser inlet 202b…Condenser outlet 210…Dry cooler 210a…Refrigerant inlet temperature sensor 210b…Refrigerant outlet temperature sensor 210c…Air inlet temperature sensor 210d…Air outlet temperature sensor 210e…Second liquid level sensor 211…Casing 211a…Air inlet 211b…Exhaust port 212…Fan 212a…Blades 212b…Shaft 212c…Fan motor 212s…First current sensor 213…Heat exchanger 213a…Heat exchanger inlet 213b…Heat exchanger outlet 220…Second refrigerant line 221…High temperature line 222…Low temperature line 230…Circulation pump 230a…Pump body 230b…Pump motor 230s…Second current sensor 240…Purification device 250…Refrigerant purification line 250a…First purification line 250b…Second purification line 260…Purification pump 260a…First pump 260b…Second pump 270…Separate tank 280…Refrigerant replenishment line 290…Replenishment pump 300…Acquisition unit 310…Determination unit 320…Warning unit 330…Storage unit 340…Refrigerant purification unit 350…Refrigerant replenishment unit 1100…Computer 1110…Processor 1120…Main memory 1130…Storage 1140…Interface A…Air Dv…Vertical direction Dvd…Lower side Dvu…Upper side Dh…Horizontal direction R1…First refrigerant R2…Second refrigerant

Claims

1. A refrigerant tank that houses a first refrigerant for removing heat from an electronic device inside a closed space, A dry cooler that cools a second refrigerant that has exchanged heat with the first refrigerant using air outside the refrigerant tank, A circulation pump that circulates the second refrigerant between the refrigerant tank and the dry cooler through a second refrigerant line, A monitoring device that monitors abnormalities in a cooling device comprising: An acquisition unit that acquires one or more sets of the temperature of the second refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger in the dry cooler and the temperature of the second refrigerant flowing out of the heat exchanger, and the temperature of the air flowing into the heat exchanger and the temperature of the air flowing out of the heat exchanger; A determination unit that determines whether there is an abnormality in one or more of the dry cooler and the circulation pump by comparing the outside air temperature and the optimum temperature corresponding to the load of the electronic device with each of the temperatures acquired by the acquisition unit; having The determination unit determines that there is an abnormality in the circulation pump when each of the temperature of the second refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger and the temperature of the second refrigerant flowing out of the heat exchanger is higher than the optimum temperature, A monitoring device that determines that there is an abnormality in the dry cooler when the temperature of the second refrigerant flowing out of the heat exchanger is higher than the optimum temperature.

2. The cooling device A purification device that houses the first refrigerant independently of the refrigerant tank, A purification pump that, when driven, can exchange the first refrigerant in the refrigerant tank and the first refrigerant in the purification device through a refrigerant purification line, further comprising The acquisition unit further acquires the conductivity of the first refrigerant in the refrigerant tank, The monitoring device according to claim 1, further comprising a refrigerant purification unit that drives the purification pump based on the conductivity acquired by the acquisition unit.

3. The acquisition unit further acquires the liquid level of the first refrigerant in the refrigerant tank, The determination unit further determines whether the first refrigerant is leaking from the refrigerant tank based on the liquid level acquired by the acquisition unit. The monitoring device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The cooling device A separate tank that houses the first refrigerant independently of the refrigerant tank, A replenishment pump that, when driven, can supply the first refrigerant from the separate tank to the refrigerant tank through a refrigerant replenishment line, further comprising The monitoring device according to claim 2, further comprising a refrigerant replenishing unit that drives the replenishing pump when the determination unit determines that the first refrigerant has leaked from the refrigerant tank.

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